June 24th Initial Entry

Somehow our very first blog entry did not post so I’m reposting it now, this was written on June 24, sorry that it is out of order.

Tomorrow the BOYANCI crew arrives in Peru. We are a group of 10 volunteers all from the US. The trip participants (Kevin, Thomas, Roma, Sarah, David, Alene, Amy, Erika and Vanessa) will all also hopefully post entries about their experiences. It will be a first time visit for 8 of the 10 volunteers (Vanessa and I have been before). Keep track of us via this blog or from the link on our website.

The week begins with some fun tourist activities and then we begin the volunteer work which is the real purpose of the trip. We will be teaching in schools in a shantytown called Pachacutec and at night volunteering in orphanages in Callao. The schools and orphanages were built and are run by Coprodeli. Coprodeli is a non-profit run by Padre Miguel and supported by Coprodeli US which conducts fundraising and applies for grants to help support the amazing work that Coprodeli does to help develop the most impoverished areas of Peru. Learn more about Coprodeli’s great work on the "Be Uplifting" tab at www.boyanciwine.com or go to Coprodeli’s site directly at www.coprodeliusa.org.

Coprodeli owns a house in a poor area of Callao that serves as a dormitory for its volunteers. The house sleeps 14 and while quite Spartan it does provide the basics (electricity, running water sometimes hot, single beds 2 and 3 to a room and a kitchen). The volunteer house is walking distance to the orphanages which makes it very convenient and allowed us to make additional unplanned visits to the orphanages. The volunteer house is about an hour drive from Pachacutec and we will leave bright and early each day to drive out to Pachacutec to teach in the schools for 8 hours and then return to Callao and bring dinner to the orphanages and play with the kids there. Gotta go get on a plane.

Cheers,

Tom
BOYANCI Wine

Looking Back on an Unforgetable Experience

It was not hard to feel both exhilaration and heart break when I saw the extreme poverty of Pachacutec. The unbelievable conditions left me numb, and feeling small about the trivial complaints that we all have about inconveniences we experience in our lives of plenty. But I felt a sense of exhilaration watching teachers in the Coprodeli schools I visited, their incredible dedication and love for the children of Pachacutec. I find myself thinking daily about those children, deprived of the most basic necessities of life, and what their world will turn out to be 20 years from now. And how do they feel when they look at a TV and see the glamour and wealth spewing out as if is the normal life style of a world far removed from them? The children in the orphanages that I visited were animated, warm, and inquisitive….despite their modest surroundings. I felt honored to have been part of their life for a night, to be so fully accepted by these children.

This experience has left an indelible mark on me. The trip to Macchu Picchu and the trek up the steep mountain to the top of Waynu Picchu was the most physically demanding experience I have ever had. To be 9,000 feet up, peering at Incan ruins far below was breathtaking. And having my children there at the top, cheering my late arrival was unforgettable. But as remarkable as Macchu Picchu was, for me Peru will always be about the children and need for more volunteers and funding for the important work of Coprodeli.

Thomas Steffanci (aka Papa Tomas)

Sweet Lizbeth

What a feeling to walk into a classroom full of kids and immediately notice a 9 year old girl’s stoic face. None the less it was a happy face, but one that had seen much more pain then it ever should have. Her name is Lizbeth. She is part of an after school program for "at risk" kids that Coprodeli runs out of their schools. These kids go to public school but come to Coprodeli centers before and after their regular public school day and Coprodeli teachers and volunteers (like us) teach classes, play and provide some counseling. The center we volunteered at yesterday was in an extremely poor area of Callao not far from the volunteer dorm where we are staying. All these sweet kids have a story, but Lizbeth's touched me most.
We split the 30 kids into two groups and my group of 3 volunteers explained the activity we had planned for the kids.

From the very beginning of our activity Lizbeth did not leave my side. Since she spoke no English and I no Hablo Esponal we conversed through a translator. Lizbeth slowly began to tell her story. She was alone, literally. Her dad passed away and her mom was no where to be found. I gathered that she might have some distant family who she gets to see once in a while. As she continued to decorate the picture frame we provided she continued with the her story. The entire time she had a big smile on her face. She has no other siblings to her knowledge. Lizbeth has been coming to this after school program for about 5 years. She is surprisingly social and obviously well liked by her fellow students.

She then began to ask about my life. Do I have any siblings? Kids? (After I answered no to the kids she asked about my boyfriend.) Where is my house? What I do? Asked about where my parents were? She asked if I have ever met President Obama. Why am I visiting here? She stops working on her frame to turn to me and give me a huge hug. I felt my heart swell and my eyes welled up. She asked why "I are you sad, do you not like my picture frame decoration?” God bless her, she does not ever realize how heart breaking her situation is.

Lizbeth is in charge of the school library and she gave me a tour. She keeps all the book shelves in perfect order. For those of you who know me, you can only imagine my further adoration for this girl! "Do you have a library?" Do you visit it?" She asked.

This was her life. She seemed content, then again she knows nothing else and more importantly has not much of a choice. This is a safe place for her. She looks adorable in her little navy blue v-neck sweater and skirt. Her hair is in a perfect pulled back pony tail.

Our activity involved taking individual photos of each child and then having the kids decorate the picture frames with markers, feathers and lots of other stuff. All the kids loved it! Most of these kids have never had a printed photo of their own sweet faces. I took 3 photos for Lizbeth: one by herself, one of her and me and one with Tom and me. She patiently waited as her photos printed. She put the one of the 3 of us into her frame. Her other two photos we put away into a little note book she had. Our three names went on the frames. The smile on her face never went away. She continued to ask questions......we played and each time I looked at her I teared up. Time to say goodbye came way too soon and all the kids ran up to give hugs and kisses to the volunteers. Lisbeth never left my side. As we were walking out she just stood there looking, certainly wondering and most importantly still smiling. She ran up to me one more time to give a last big hug, I held back my full cry as I know she did not understand and I did not want to upset her.....she has one more question....... CAN YOU STAY LONGER? I so wish I could have said yes.

We got into our cab and waved goodbye.....as we pulled away my tears flowed uncontrollably. I had no Kleenex which back home would have bothered me……….here my typical trivial worries did not register. All I could think about was this beautiful little girl, all alone in the world but still somehow able to smile through it all. She will stay in my thoughts for a long time to come. I have the Director’s email address so I can keep up with my dear Lizbeth.
Roma Obracaj

If anyone knows poverty...

This summer, I, Erica Salinas, have the honor of being a Coprodeli USA graduate intern. When the chance arose to visit the actual work sites of Coprodeli Peru, I knew it was an opportunity that I could not pass up. In the USA office I read about microenterprises, schools, at-risk-youth outreach, health clinics and all these other non-profit buzzwords. It all sounds good, but every nonprofit’s mission sounds good. Having now walked through Pachacutec, visited the orphanages, seen the women and children waiting in line for flu shots, I can now say with absolute certainty that Coprodeli makes a difference.

Coprodeli is unique. It didn’t adopt a service (e.g. education or health), it adopted a community. The staff and volunteers know the people, understand their needs, feel their pain, and even live next door to them. Engineers have left the private sector to work for Coprodeli. They now design homes, not houses; plan communities, not impersonal cities.

I had the opportunity today to meet with Rafael, head of the incubusiness department of Coprodeli. With vibrant words, he described the energy and ingenuity of Coprodeli’s sponsored entreprenuers. He knew every hurdle they face to become government recognized businesses and shares their vision of a successful and sustainable industrial park in Pachacutec. The people of Pachacutec are inspired to do their best and Coprodeli enables their success.

As a graduate student, I frequently feel like I live in poverty as well. I look to my family for support and appreciate everything they do for me. On this trip, I had the pleasure of meeting the “family” that supports Coprodeli. BOYANCI co-founders Tom Steffanci and Kevin Boyer not only invigorate pallates with their wine, but energize the people of Pachacutec and Ica and in every community Coprodeli works. While I have donated my time, they have donated their hands, hearts, and profits. That’s hard to top. I am proud to be part of the Coprodeli family.

Erica Salinas
CSR Graduate Intern
Coprodeli USA

Inspiring Volunteers

As Executive Director of Coprodeli USA,I have the privilege of returning to Peru several times each year with our volunteer groups. We now offer four service trips annually to visit our Coprodeli facilities, providing an opportunity individuals to witness, experience, and share the heart and soul of this organization. BOYANCI co-founders Tom Steffanci and Kevin Boyer organized 8 of their friends and family to spend one week in our schools, orphanages, and outreach centers. Each group has its own dynamic and from the get-go, the BOYANCI team's cohesiveness, generosity, and enthusiastic spirit were radiant. Their appreciation for the work Coprodeli does and for those doing the work was most impressive. Each night following our activities the group re-hashed the day and immediately started asking "what can we do to help?" These are do-ers, the kind of people who take initiative to make something happen - and don't stop. Volunteers become ambassadors to the cause, spreading the word, sharing their pictures, engaging and motivating others to get involved. We have a huge appreciation for our volunteers who take the time to come down and give of themselves...and keep coming back. Today, Tom had the opportunity to visit a home for which he replaced the roof last year. To see first hand the impact of $600 was a rewarding and unforgettable exeperience - and one that I hope he continues to share.

I thank our BOYANCI volunteers for sharing the gift of themselves. On behalf of those at Coprodeli, I hope to see you again in Peru - we await with open arms.

Vanessa Keating
Executive Director
COPRODELI USA

Panchecutec....Desperate Poverty!

Buenas Tardes, mi llamo Sarah Meneo, and I am one of the attendees on the BOYANCI / Coprodeli Peru trip. Yesterday our day began with an outreach mission in Panchecutec, a small town outside of Callao, Peru. This town, 5 square miles is only 9 years old. The Peru government promised it's poor, free land on this plot resulting in a population of 120,000 chasing a dream. A glorified "arparthied." Once these people arrived, the government departed. Only 2 miles from the ocean, and only yards from a resovoir there is no running water or plumbing and nothering but dirt streets. This shanty town consists of dessert-like sand, cardboard structures, hundreds of stray dogs, foul scents and very hopeful people.

We walked for miles with Coprodeli volunteers to survey the needs of the poorest of poor and here are a couple of my most moving experiences...

Visit #1 - Maria-Sanchez.....This woman inflicted such emotion for me that it took every ounce of strength to not break down crying in her presence. She is a 42 y.o. mother of 7 whose husband left her for another woman 2 years ago. She appeared to be at least 65. Her oldest son, 20, has a heart condition and eventhough there was a chance that he could receive free medical care, they can not afford transportation to journey the 3 miles to get it, and in his condition he cannot walk there. The younger boys ages 5 - 12 were home and kicking around a torn filthy soccer ball on the dirt floor of the "house". There were no shoes to be found, only a small pile of old broken toys they had found around town. They went to school last year but when the school changed the uniforms, Maria could not afford them so the boys formal education has ended. Their "home" was only canvas walls tied to large branches draped across a wooden frame. The only furniture was a 3 person bench which the family sat on when it rained so that the mud from below would not surround them. Maria broke down in tears while telling us that she doesn't have money to eat every day. Maria is my new project, for $250 US her children will have uniforms and supplies for 1 year and she will have food enough for at least minimal meals. $250 - I've spent that on 1 pair of jeans!! For the same money a family of 8 can get one step closer to the dream that was so fresh in their hearts only 9 short years ago. With Maria's children in school she can take her laundry business outside the home and create a future for her family. Coprodeli has listed her as a high-priority and will begin assisting her with food and medical care. The appreciation in her eyes resembled a child on Christmas morning. PRICELESS!

Visit #2 - Carlos...At our first house, we were greeted by an 11 year boy who was home alone. His mother is single, as were most of th women we came in contact with and his 2 younger brothers were at school. Each morning he got his siblings ready for school, fed the family's 3 chickens which lived inside the house and then he waited for his mother to return. The "house" ( I use that term losely) was made of cardboard walls 6 X 5 feet with a straw fence wall, no roof and an open fire in the center which served as their kitchen. The family lived on 1 meal of rice and potatoes per day and all slept in 1 bed which was foam and covered with canvas. Uncomparable poverty yet Carlos could not be happier to have visitors. He was sharing his breakfast of dehydrated vegetables with the chickens. These meals are provided by US Aide in partnership with Copredeli and are so appreciated by the locals who rely on them for their survival. The toilet is a hole in the the ground in back of the shack covered on 1 side with an old towel. The stench was almost unbearable!

The work that Copredeli is doing in this area is surreal, this is the hope that these people so desperately need. I pray that none of us will ever have to experience the hardship that is "Panchecutec." I urge you all to contribute to Copredeli or at the very least make yourself aware of this amazing group and put their values to work in your own life, I know my very charmed life has a whole new meaning after experiencing these amazing people. http://www.copredeliusa.org/

The Coprodeli Boys Orphanage

The developing world is unpredictable. Yesterday we thought we would be in Pachacutec, a shantytown about 40 miles from Lima. That was before the transportation strike which basicly shut the country down. Add to that an electricity outage and the day was off to an interesting start. Not disuaded, we made the best of it and had an amazing day.

We spent the day at both the boys and girls orphanages in Callao, very near the Coproldeli volunteer house where we are staying. Callao is a rough neighborhood on the outskirts of Lima. It is difficult to get cabs to come here out of fear of being robbed but Coprodeli has never had any problems, good Karma I guess. Both orphanges are within walking distance of the volunteer house so we were not dependant on transportation.

We spent 3 hours at the boys orphanage. We split the 25 boys into two groups and Kevin and my group taught the same programs and lesson plans that we had planned for the schools. We then did the same at the girls orphanage in the afternoon and came back to the boys orphanage and brought dinner last night.

Rather than blather on about all that we did and saw I would rather take a minute and talk about what we experienced. In this terribly poor area of Lima these orphanages have created a surprisingly positive and warm environment. The kids must follow a strict schedule and they do so without complaint. The women that single handedly looks after this montly crew is Edisa, a 60 year old saint of women with a soft spoken voice. Make no mistake Edisa means business. She does not ask twice and the boys don't mess with her. Having done volunteer work in south-side Chicago schools with similar aged boys, I'm shocked at how much better behaved these boys are. Is it cultural, is it the regimen, is it the fact that these boys must get along and help eachother or live in chaos? I'm not sure but it is moving to witness. It is inspiring. This orhanage on a shoe-string budget manages to feed and cloth these kids and most importantly show them love.

We had a hell of a lot of fun with them too. After our classroom activities we stayed and played soccer with them on a tiny piece of cement behind the orphanage. The cracked cement and tight space didn't slow them down. The trounced us with a smile and didn't seem to mind that their field was smaller than most Americans garages.

Kevin asked Edisa what we could do to help her. What could we do for her personally. She responded quickly, "just help my kids". Money is very tight she only has $100 per month to feed 25 kids and if she had $50 more a month they could eat Chicken (like the meal we brought) twice a week. Obviously we will take care of that but the more amazing thing is that all this over-worked, underpaid women wants is to better help her kids. Now that is what a real hero looks like. We were honored and moved to see her in action.

Cheers,

Tom and Kevin