All the planning, all the hard work finally paid off. Today was our last day at the Casa. Needless to say it was hard to leave and say goodbye. On our final day we were able to complete the project we started on the first day. The dining room was completely transformed, it looked remarkable and the smile on Raquel’s face made the room complete.
Aside from the painting, Maddie, Emily, and I went to the market with one of the mothers. The market consisted of many different stalls selling fresh vegetables, fruits, and various assortments of grains. The hustle and bustle of the streets was an exquisite site. The interaction between the customer and the vendor was unlike anything I had ever seen before; it seemed a lot more personal and friendly.
After the market, Maddie, Raise, and I helped out in the kitchen. Even through the language barriers, at least for me, I had a fun time. The women have finally opened up a little and are extremely gregarious; always laughing and making others laugh. The work in the kitchen required chopping, washing, or peeling the vegetables. Basically we helped out any which way we could. As much fun as it was, our time in the kitchen did not last very long. Our attention was needed in the dining room.
At one point we were all helping out in the dining room, including Raquel’s husband Sergio. When the painting was coming to its final stages and not as many people were required I snuck away to the nursery to see the little ones for the last time.
The children in the nursery range from newborns to about three years old. All of them are extraordinary and unbelievably adorable. Their innocence touches your heart. With all the chaos of the day, it is easy to forget what these women have been through. The fact of the matter is that at such a young age these women have experienced more harsh times than some of us ever will in our entire lifetime. The women of Casa de Mantay are children themselves. The youngest girl there is thirteen with a 1 ½ year old son. It does not matter where you grow up; at that age it is difficult for anyone to raise a child. The women are stripped of their childhood and forced to grow up faster in order to provide a brighter future for their children.
So on my last day at the casa I finally understood what this experience was about. For me, helping out at Casa de Mantay was an amazing opportunity to give back, an experience of a lifetime and a time to gain innumerable knowledge about another culture. I never realized that I would be the one getting a valuable gift in return.
Aside from the painting, Maddie, Emily, and I went to the market with one of the mothers. The market consisted of many different stalls selling fresh vegetables, fruits, and various assortments of grains. The hustle and bustle of the streets was an exquisite site. The interaction between the customer and the vendor was unlike anything I had ever seen before; it seemed a lot more personal and friendly.
After the market, Maddie, Raise, and I helped out in the kitchen. Even through the language barriers, at least for me, I had a fun time. The women have finally opened up a little and are extremely gregarious; always laughing and making others laugh. The work in the kitchen required chopping, washing, or peeling the vegetables. Basically we helped out any which way we could. As much fun as it was, our time in the kitchen did not last very long. Our attention was needed in the dining room.
At one point we were all helping out in the dining room, including Raquel’s husband Sergio. When the painting was coming to its final stages and not as many people were required I snuck away to the nursery to see the little ones for the last time.
The children in the nursery range from newborns to about three years old. All of them are extraordinary and unbelievably adorable. Their innocence touches your heart. With all the chaos of the day, it is easy to forget what these women have been through. The fact of the matter is that at such a young age these women have experienced more harsh times than some of us ever will in our entire lifetime. The women of Casa de Mantay are children themselves. The youngest girl there is thirteen with a 1 ½ year old son. It does not matter where you grow up; at that age it is difficult for anyone to raise a child. The women are stripped of their childhood and forced to grow up faster in order to provide a brighter future for their children.
So on my last day at the casa I finally understood what this experience was about. For me, helping out at Casa de Mantay was an amazing opportunity to give back, an experience of a lifetime and a time to gain innumerable knowledge about another culture. I never realized that I would be the one getting a valuable gift in return.
Therefore, on my last day sitting here over looking Cuzco I knew my life had changed. This is it, this is life. It is happening at this very moment. Life is not about waiting or struggling for that life changing opportunity, one that supposedly will make life better and actually worth living. Life is constantly moving along, for better or for worse there no sense in abandoning it. The mother’s of the Casa taught me just this. So whether they know it or not these women are an inspiration to everyone around the world. From the struggle of daily challenges to life altering circumstances the women of Casa de Mantay remind you that it is this exact love of life, which is easily forgettable, that makes it all worth the while.
-Priya
-Priya
Today was the day all of our efforts came together at the casa. We all worked hard to complete the dining room and as usual I spent hours in the nursery. It was so hard to say goodbye to all the mothers and the children and although there was a heavy language barrier our help demonstrated a common understanding of how much we care about them.
It was amazing how our efforts to help improve different aspects of the casa as well as lending a helping hand led so quickly to many trusting friendships. It seemed as though we were actually a part of the casa and not just there to offer a few days of help.
Looking back at the days, it still feels unreal that we had a chance to have this unforgettable experience. Not only did we build friendships with the people of the casa, but also with one another. This was a great opportunity to work with Bryant students that I would otherwise not have the chance to get to know. We are all walking away with several new friends and a new appreciation of all that we have and all that we are capable to give.
- Megha
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