We both had an amazing week at PSF! I cannot describe how great a group of people are working with this organization from all corners of the globe. Ashley and I worked on a few different projects throughout the week, so I will tell you a bit about my experience.

We arrived late Sunday night and got right to work Monday morning after a delicious breakfast prepared on the volunteer residence by Carolina. Each morning, there is a volunteer meeting in which you can select the project you would like to work on that day. This day, I chose a separate project from Ashley. Along with five other volunteers, I traveled a bit down the coastline to dig the initial trench for what is quickly becoming a house. We kicked but the first day and almost completed the trench. By the way, there are no machines available, only good ole elbow grease. We used pick axes and shovels to hack through hardened dirt, large rocks, and old concrete. The family whose house it will be provided us with an excellent lunch of rice, fish, and salad. It was great getting to know each volunteer as you work pretty closely with them each day. Many names to remember!

Tuesday, Ashley and I worked together with a large group of twenty other volunteers to pour a concrete roof for a large housing group. Again, the only machines available were two cement mixers (the hand driven kind). This means that since the piles of rock, sand, and bags of concrete were on the ground near one cornere of the building and the portion of roof being poured that day was on the opposite, volunteers poured the wet cement into five gallon buckets, passed them onto other volunteers standing on scaffolding, who in turn passed the buckets up to other volunteers standing on the partially existing roof. The volunteers on the roof then carried the cement-filled buckets about 60 yards to the corner being poured. The whole process took around five hours and everyone was quite exhausted and cement covered by the end of the day.

Afterwards, I helped out in what was deemed the iron works in the backyard of the volunteer residence bending and forming rebar beams that would become frames for bathrooms in an outlying community with no other bathroom infrastructure. We all enjoyed a nice cold beer afterwards as both projects together made for a very long day!

Wednesday, Ashley and I decided to try a different project refereed to as The Dirt Pile. The dirt pile is actually a two year old pile of dirt, grass, rocks, and trash that had hardened and interwound itself quite well. This means that instead of shoveling away dirt as was first expected, we spent the day pick axing away at a pile that seemed never to move. The pile of dirt was being moved so a prefabricated housing unit could be put in its place. We finished on a high note, deemed the Power Hour by one of our fellow volunteers in which we cleared quite a bit of rubble-dirt.

Thursday I went back out to the same place as the first day, but for the next step in the project. The trench had been finished and we were building rebar frames for the intial portion of the house. All in all, I bent about 154 rebar cuplings and the rest of the crew assembled four large rebar pillars. It was nice to be able to see the next step in the project and feel like we were making real progress. The family again provided a very nice lunch for us. It is great to see members of the family that can come out and help and this was one of the best families for that. Their direct involvement makes you want to help that much more and makes the day go by a little quicker.

Friday, I got a different view of the inner workings of the organization as I went out with Roger (Dragon Fly) and Jim to do assessments for future projects to see if they are viable and necessary. This basically consisted of us walking around the neighborhood, stopping by some previously identified locations. Examples of projects requested are a concrete walkway to a house, leveling and laying concrete for a play area at a local school, clearing rubble still left from the quake, and others. One special thing we got to do was meet a community of people with disabilities – yes I did say community. Here in Peru, people with disablities are not very well liked and not treated with respect. After the earthquake, they were more or less forced to the outskirts of town with no water access and no land ownership. We went to see where they lived and there is not a place in the U.S. that could compare. The community, if you can call it that, is located on a small portion of government land that is basically a pot-holed desert. They have no water or restroom access or means of trash removal. They are just downwind of a fish processing plant (not the kind of fish you eat, the bits that go into low grade dog food) so you can imagine how it smelled. Their dwellings were built of pieces of scrap that were lashed together to create makeshift walls with open air ceilings. When they leave for the day to go to work or to go into town to get food, their places are raided and cots or other belongings are stolen. Each family who lives there has at least one person with a disability. To give you an example of how the people are treated, our taxi from town to their living area was supposed to be 10 soles (that was what they originally said), but when the taxi drivers showed up and saw who we were going with, they doubled the price to 20 soles each. We let them have it (verbally) for that, but there is not much you can do in Peru at the current moment. What is the most interesting, however, is that the community is beginning a more cohesive group to push for more rights, better opportunities, and more safety. More to come a little later in the week…

Saturday morning both Ashley and I went back to the dirt pile and our group kicked (pardon my french) its ass! We picked and hauled for all we were worth and soon the pile was no longer. That afternoon we assembled a small group of volunteers (two native speakers and two others) during our off hours and went back to meet the community with disabilities. We had arranged the day before to meet at a community meeting hall so Ash and I could offer physical therapy advice and whatever else we could do. The day turned out to be perfect. We set up two stations (ash, a translator, and another volunteer, and the same with mine) and had families or individuals come to us as they came in. We met people with everything from Down Syndrome to Arthritis, and from Amputations to paralysis. After 3 1-2 hours, we saw everyone and they were thrilled to have us.

It was an amazing week overall and I only wish we had more time to comitt to the project as it is well worth while. If you have any ambition to volunteer abroad, check out the information on our Links page! They are also in great need of money and resources and you can be assured that they all go to very good use! www.piscosinfronteras.org.

Hola Amigos! We have just finished our week long volunteer experience with in Pisco, Peru (coastal city) with the organization Pisco Sin Fronteras. We were blown away by the people and the experience in general.  It is amazing what a can be done with limited supplies but limitless energy. We decided that this entry needs both of our inputs  so please enjoy stories from both of us.

We arrived in Pisco after a 18 hour bus ride from Cusco feeling a little shaky and bus sick (those dang switchbacks are killer!). We really didn´t know what to expect except that there was work to be done all throughout the city since the earthquake hit in 2007. Before the earthquake, the city was doing OK but it still was not considered one of the wealthier places in Peru. After the earthquake, the city was devastated and it would not have started to recover without the help of many different volunteer organizations like PSF.

Just to give you a quick background to what happened in Pisco since many people only vaguely remember seeing it on the news….The 2007 Peru earthquakewas an earthquake measuring 8.0 on the moment magnitude scale and hit the central coast on Wednesday August 15, 2007. The earthquake was quickly followed by a tsunami and many tremors. The damage done was unimaginable, totaling 80% of the city and killing over 600 people. One of the biggest tragedies was the hundred people who were killed while in church when the entire roof collapsed. Their houses made of adobe mud crumbled and left many injured.

So, Pisco Sin Fronteras was born when a local Peruvian Harold (current director) spent twelve months volunteering with Hands on Disaster Relief and Burners Without Borders, two organisations which preceded PSF.  He then created PSF to continue to help his community.

So we arrived at PSF headquarters in the heart of Pisco and felt immediately at home. People are free to come and go as they please, some volunteering for a day and others for a year. We met Dragonfly (a fellow Chicagoan) and were told to get ready to get dirty. We got to choose from two different residences that PSF owns that were both some kind of business before the quake. Any available space was used for something and every room had as many bunk beds a possible shoved in them. They both are rustic, but are safe and with roofs. We were excited to be a part of this little travelers community with people from all over the world. On a good day, PSF will have around 40 volunteers. There are many stories of people coming just to try it out for a week and staying 3 months or longer! The veteran staff is proof that the work was addictive and the people amazing. We were ready to go bright and early Monday morning.

Everyone eats breakfast together and you are expected to be ready to go at 8am for the morning meeting. After a quick introduction and head count, we got to hear about all the different jobs we could choose from for the day. A few choices included cement pouring, dirt removal for a house, trench digging, teaching english, and site assessment. Its up to each person what they would like to do. You simply raise your hand and bam! you are ready to go. The energy of 40 people sitting around and fighting to go to work on certain jobs is contagious. On the first day, I counted people from 12 different countries sitting around the table, eager and willing to put in a hard days work.

My first day was with a team of 8 people doing a cement our. We arrived on the site to  be greeted by a family of 7 living in a single room in their unfinished house. There was only 2 beds. We were pouring their roof with the help of their brother and dad. What we provided was two key things, manpower and a cement mixer. The family had ordered rocks, cement, and sand so all we had to do was show up. Soon we were hard at work, mixing the cement and then filling buckets to haul up to the people on the roof. If you wanted to learn, someone was there to teach you. I learned how to fix the overworkd PSF mixer in the first 15 min! Soon after we began I started getting the technique down so I didnt hurt my forearms from the bucket pressing into them when I had to get the cement from the mixer. Bucket by bucket we hauled and poured, not breaking so the cement wouldnt set in the wrong place.  The deal the family makes with PSF is in exchange for a full days work, if possible, the family feeds us lunch. After lunch, we got back to work. I cant tell you how much respect I have for anyone in the construction industry. After a 7 hour day of hard labor, I fully understood for the first time the need for a cold beer after work! In total, it took 30 bags (100lbs each) of cement to fill the roof. The family was ecstatic and so were we.

I wont go over each days work but I did participate on two different days in a 20 person roof pour which took about 6 hours to complete. We had two cement mixers that ran constantly and a huge assembly line of worker ants. It was thrilling to work with so many people and have so much fun doing so. After working with the cement so much I feel I could see myself wanting to do some of it back home. I also collected algae for a composting and fertilizer project, removed the biggest pile of dirt/weeds/garbage for 2 days, and worked with a small community of special needs people.

The last project Jason and I had the chance to work on was brand new to PSF. Just before we came our friend Dragonfly came into contact with a small community within Pisco that was truly forgotten. Jason will give details of their living situation.  We were asked to meet with some of the community members, all of which had a disability or someone in their family with a disability. Armed with fluent Spanish speakers, we showed up at an empty town hall room and were told to make the best of what we could.

The people in the community were told that some experts from the US were coming in to help them with their problems. We each set up a table with chairs and began to see people as they filed in with hope in their eyes. The variety of their problems were shocking. My first person had her daughter with her and at first asked me why her daughter forgot things. After talking with the mother and daughter for a few more minutes, the real questions began to come out. The daughter had a mental disability and the mother had no idea what to do. She complained that she acted younger than her age and didnt know her math well. She then revealed that she wasnt actually her mother so she didnt know what the real mother did to make her like this. I had to hold back tears as I had my translator explain to the mother about disabilities and how she could help her daughter. I then talked to the daughter about her likes and dislikes only to discover that she loved make-up and hair. Her eyes lit up and she said she often cut peoples hair for 1 sole (35 cents) because she couldnt count any higher with money. We quickly problem solved that her mother could write down the prices and work on counting money. The biggest thing we did was assure the mother that her daughter was special in a good way and to keep treating her like every other 18 year old. Then we reassured the daughter that she was very smart and to keep working on peoples hair because she loved it.

I saw 4 more people that day. Two had to do with children having disabilities like developmental delay, a speech impediment, and a brain injury, and all the parents were struggling not knowing what to do. It was pure education for all parties involved. I had a few people who mistook me for a dr. , asking me questions about their kidney stones and blood pressure! But most questions were easy enough to answer and I even gave out some physical therapy advice. By far my favorite person was the 69 year old women who had what looked like hip displasia on the one side which made her one leg about 2 inches shorter than the other. She came walking over with a cane and in 3 inch heels! After taking off her shoes her gait improved so much but she acted shocked. She was so grateful for the exercises she insisted I write my name so she could put it in her prayers. When the two hours were up, we saw between the two of us 10 people and their families. We left smiling and on cloud 9.

The week quickly flew by, and before we knew it we were saying goodbye to all the friends we had made. We ended the hard week with drinking Pisco sours, singing by the campfire and then dancing till 3 am at the local disco tech. All I know is that after one week at PSF, we will never be the same.

Jason wants to write about our exciting ride on the bus so I will leave it to him to convey the ride. After arriving in Cusco, which is by far the most popular destination for tourists, we met our good friends Mike and Lauren for dinner. Lauren and Mike are from Houston, Texas and both just graduated from Texas A&M (congrats). They volunteered with us in Huancayo and just happen to be in Cusco the same time as us. So we have been enjoying their company and humor for the past two days.

We will write more specific details about our adventures in Cusco later but for now we wanted to let everyone know we will be heading out tomorrow for a 7 day trek called the Vilcabamba Trail which is less used trek to get to Machu Picchu. We are so excited to do the hike ourselves and not have to pay tons for the classic Inca trail hike which has 500 people a day on it. We will be back on the 17th, heading to Pisco for our last volunteering site in Peru. Wish us luck! -Ash

After a few e-mails, phone calls, and our post, the response was overwhelming with your generosity. Many of you that we contacted had already given a donation to our trip but did not hesitate to help us again. We decided to try and buy as many supplies in Peru as possible and have the things not available here shipped.

Jason and I had the challenge of deciding what would be most useful for the special needs center. We knew that coming in with tons of art supplies would be great, but wouldn’t last for that long. We decided to focus on the most unsanitary thing we worked with everyday. The mats and therapy tables in the physical therapy room were horrible. We have described them before but again, these mats were rotting, moldy and never cleaned. We estimate the mats to be at least 15 years old. Many of the students have fungus and parasites so laying them down on these mats everyday was spreading everything around. The university students had one box of gloves that they used for working the worse cases of fungus. We knew that the mats would greatly improve the quality of therapy for the students and university students.

We had some shopping to do, but we didn’t know where to start. Everything here is a mom and pop store, so finding what you need can be a guessing game. We went to an area of town on Puno street that had medical supplies. We figured we would start where they would know what a therapy mat was. After about 5 places, we came across one place that actually knew what we were talking about. We described what we wanted and the owner told us he would make the mats because they don’t just sell them. After talking over a price, we placed our order and crossed our fingers that we had just communicated exactly what we needed.

Next, we wanted to buy gloves and rubbing alcohol. While we were talking prices with another store owner, I spotted a therapy table that looked like it was straight out of the 1950´s. As I looked closer, I realized that it could move to sit up and the leg portion put down. The therapy room only had fixed tables and so right then and there, we saw the many possibilities for the new table. We tried it out and loved that it moved to give support where it was needed. We quickly added that to our list of things to buy. We walked out of the store feeling great that what we were buying items that would last and make therapy safer.

Lastly, we had many different people back in the states collecting money, buying supplies and printing off helpful documents. We looked everywhere in Peru but could not find exercise bands used for physical therapy. Jason contacted his old physical therapist Mike at Athletico and with no questions asked, told us we could pick up the box of supplies ASAP. Next, we wanted sensory toys for the kids to use. We could find some sensory stuff in Peru, but nothing like what we were used to in the states. We contacted our old work WDSRA (Western DuPage Special Recreation Association) and asked if there was anything lying around that we could use. In less than 24 hours, our good friends at WDSRA had e-mailed us valuable documents and collected money to go out and buy brand new sensory toys. 76 of them to be exact, on top of balls and other recreation equipment that the kids would love. Once again, we were in awe at the continuing support and generosity from everyone at WDSRA.

Then came the hardest part. Getting them to Peru. Thanks to my Padre Tom Summers for ¨being in the area¨ of Hoffman Estates and Carol Stream, we were able to pick up the items two days after our initial e-mail. Also, thanks to my Madre Cindy, the after school project is getting a huge box of art supplies and projects that they are going to love. Thanks to Alsterda Construction, the boxes were mailed express and dated to arrive on July 3rd.

Well….I sit here on July 4th and we have no boxes. I was told that it’s very typical for things to take much longer than expected to arrive, even with insurance and express mailings. So, we have come up with a solution. Jason and I are technically finished volunteering and have two bus tickets to Lima for July 5th. We will then be in Cuzco for two weeks, hiking the Inca Trail but, we have decided to back track back to Huancayo after the trail to be here to deliver the boxes of supplies to the school. There is no way we are missing the opportunity to see all our friends and family’s hard work light up the eyes of the kids.

So fear not, we will be here for the delivery of the supplies. Our Expand Peru Director is on high alert for the boxes and will hold them for us. We are so excited to return to Huancayo and see our kids once last time.

As for the mats, therapy table, gloves, alcohol and a box full of toys we purchased………Delivered and already in use by the students!

We picked up the mats yesterday and brought them to the school. They are beautiful and exactly what we ordered. When we brought the supplies in there were shrieks of joy from the university students. We plan to spend the day we return teaching the university students how to use the therapy bands and other supplies appropriately so they can continue after we leave.

We want to give a HUGE thanks to so many people for making all of this possible in such a short time. First and foremost, our parents. Tom & Tracy for your selfless donation and support always amazes us. Tom & Cindy Summers, for dropping everything to make sure that our donations were collected and mailed. I know you are busy taking care of our dogs and life in general but thank you for being so involved in everything. The staff of WDSRA. What can I say, we wouldn’t be here doing what we are doing without you. From day 1 you have been there for us and we can’t say thank you enough. We are spreading the magic of recreation because of you. We miss you all so much. Last but not least, Mike Zubliek of Athletico. Your donation will go a long way in not only helping the children live better and stronger lives, but in teaching therapy students new techniques.

New Update!
We have now left Huancayo with plans to return at the end of the month to give the 4 packages a chance to get there. We will keep you all updated on their progress. -Ash

Some of the simple resources that we use everyday in the States do not even translate in Spanish… for example, sensory toy. Things like Therabands and weighted therapy balls are not in the therapy vocabulary. The mats they use to lay the kids on for physical therapy are no less than a decade old and full of mildew, with no cover. Can you imagine your child lying on something that has never been washed and has had literally hundreds of other children on it? Saliva, feces, dirt, spilled food, just to name a few things that have been previously wiped on the mats. Did I mention that EVERY child in the center has stomach parasites?

We both had a day today that really opened our eyes. First, we began the day with our host mother providing us with breakfast only to find out that she has not even slept because she has been working through the night. I should preface that with the fact that I am pretty sure they cannot consistently afford to keep toilet paper and dish soap in the house, yet they are gracious enough to feed strangers on top of their own five children. Really makes you think about your own situation, doesn´t it?

The next realization came when I was working with one of my students/patients in physical therapy. I took off his shoes and his feet were so contorted and his big toes were so smashed that I don´t  know how he manages to walk, even with his walker. This could have all been prevented with simple medical braces that are very common in the States. His family has no means of purchasing such a device and does not even know of its exsistence. He is such a blast to work with and is very intelligent. If only he had half the resources we have in the States, he could probably walk with only a cane and maybe with no assistance at all! As it is though, he can barely pull his feet through to walk with his walker, because they are so contorted.

Third wake up call of the day came with one of Ashley´s more difficult patients…behaviorally. He is a small child that is very cute and fun to work with, but will throw some outrageous tantrums to seek attention. Today though, he did not even have enough energy to act excited (or to throw a tantrum for that matter). When Ashley greeted him outside, he simply slipped his hand into hers and weakly pulled her towards the therapy room. Upon sitting down on a mat (in Ashley´s lap) he began to half draw, half sleep. You could see the fresh wounds on the top of his head (mostly likely from being beaten) and his perma-scars by his eyes. He had obviously had a very bad night and was so tired from it that he fell asleep in Ashley´s arms.

As over 50% of Peru is below poverty line, it only exacerbates the risk for an already highly-abused population of people with disabilities. This is, however, precisely the reason we chose the special education project in Peru. We are currently trying to implement a behavioral plan for the students at the center by teaching the teachers and therapists techniques to promote positive behavior. In the long run, the plan will allow the students to function in a more structured environment and will maybe, just maybe, keep them off the streets (or out of jail) in a few years. This is proving to be quite a challenge.

Our other large initiative we are currently working on is trying to get resources for this desperately under-resourced center. Luckily, we have help! The great people at the Western DuPage Special Recreation Association in Carol Stream, IL and my former physical therapist Mike Zublick of Athletico in Hoffman Estates, IL have made contributions of much needed supplies, information, and money. Both of our parents have made generous contributions of supplies and money as have various friends.

With this support, we will be providing the center with new (and clean) therapy mats, sensory toys, therapy bands/balls, basic medical supplies, and other much-needed items. If you would like to find out how you can help with this project, simply leave a comment with your contact info or email us directly!

- Jason