Lima, Peru: May 7th, 2010.

Today we were invited to the Mother's Day celebration at the school, which started off with a speech by the principal about how important family was and how very thankful they were to have us. There was a problem with the contractor and the classrooms were not going to be painted in time for school to start on Monday, so we took on that job as well as working on the bathrooms. Everyone was incredibly grateful to us which they let us know by accepting us full out into their community celebration.

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All the children and mothers gathered in the community hall, and after the speeches each grade took a turn doing a dance they had learned starting with the three year olds. It was incredibly adorable and everyone had their cameras out clicking away. After each grade had finished their dances we were called up to the front and had a toast with all the mothers which we were then paired up with by the principal. The music started playing and everyone started dancing to the spicy Peruvian tunes, it was like nothing I had ever seen before. The next song brought the children to the dance floor and everyone was holding hands, smiling, laughing and having a great time. I think they may have been laughing at the crazy moves we brought to the dance floor, but it was awesome none the less.

After we finished dancing everyone was served this delicious meal, and when it was done we took pictures with everybody, I actually felt like kind of a celebrity. The celebrations ended with tons of hugs, kisses and thank you's, and I left with this overwhelming feeling that I am still trying to figure out because it was like nothing I had ever felt before.

Heather Ling
DWC Participant,
Student Experience - Lima, Peru, 2010.