September 2007:
"In September 2007 as a member of Airline Ambassadors, I had the pleasure of working with Shannon DeWitt, Momma DeWitt, American Airlines: Victor, Cindy Morrison, Patricia Mogilnicki and Dr. Souza providing aide to the Peruvian earthquake victims.
This involved delivering donations of clothes, toys and medical supplies for the people in the villages of Central and Southern Peru. I met some very wonderful volunteers as well as the villagers that were all very welcoming.
The first day in Lima was spent in meetings with Shannon and Wendy Appelstein (our Peruvian contact) organizing the project. The following evening was spent on portioning and setting up the loads that were to be transported with me to the village of Canete. The bus ride was approximately 4 hours (it took this long because of “required” stops by local law enforcement to inspect who and what were being transported). The road was straight and secure. It was evident where the earthquake was most destructive. Despite all the destruction around, few people suffered injury or death due to the actual time of the earthquake. Along the road buildings had become piled rubble or the roofs collapsed to the ground, leaving solitary walls standing. In other areas the road was disrupted by a chasm large enough for a car to fall through.
Once I arrived to Canete, I was graciously invited by the workers of Sociedad de Beneficencia Publica de Canete (local social services group) to eat lunch. I ate with local people in the temporary “kitchen” set up outside. The kitchen ceiling of the SPBC building had collapsed leaving it out of commission. Shortly after lunch I got to work with my new friends ~ inventory and catalog the donations.
 Canete is a small village that was not as badly affected but did receive a reminder of Mother Nature's power. Most of the streets were left untouched however, there were buildings here and there that could not stand up to the earthquake and after shocks. Some building ceilings caved in or walls crumpled. Most homes did not have heating or cooling units and water had to be heated for bathing. And yet I never heard anyone complain. The people were cheery and positive ~ typically in good spirits.
In the following days we drove to more remote villages (Santa Rosa, Carmen Alto, and Montejato) bringing donations and interaction with locals. This was the most rewarding part of our trip, as we got to know people and meet their whole family clan. Generations living together taking care of each other and usually in one room adobe buildings.
In the village of Montejato Dr. Souza, a local nurse and myself saw patients. We listened to common health issues and distributed medication and care as necessary. These communities are like one big family. They all cook together and eat together. Hence, when one came in with a health complaint, they all seem to have the same symptoms. Family planning, health and hygiene education were the biggest problems we faced. We did what we could with the time we had.
I have learned from this experience that when humans are faced with difficulties, they will most often combine their efforts for mutual survival. I hope to be able to return some day to visit the friends I made during my stay and further the endeavors we have started."
Please read a note written to Southwest crewmembers, who participated in another 2007 Peru Mission, from
a member of the Santa Rosa Community:
(English Version).
(Spanish Version).
Back to Stories From The Field |
