Why did you decide to volunteer with IVHQ in Peru?
Kristine: I spent a majority of my senior year of college researching various organizations with volunteer programs. The problem I continually faced was the high expenses - that's until I found IVHQ. The program fees for IVHQ were so much more affordable, especially considering I was going for 6 months.
I loved that IVHQ partnered with non-profits in the country rather than establishing new non-profits. Prior to signing up, the staff was very helpful in answering all my questions, calming any nerves I had, and proving that they were going to be supportive. All those factors combined, led me to signing up to go to Peru. I was seeking a Spanish speaking country and Peru just happened to be one I hadn't traveled to yet.
Describe your day to day activities as a volunteer.
Kristine: Most mornings I would wake up at 7:20. I wouldn't bother showering and would just go to breakfast in the dining room. The volunteers all stay in one house (which is at the house of the woman who runs the non-profit). Volunteers would stagger into breakfast all the way up until 8 when we would typically go out the door to our various projects.
I had three different projects during the week - I wanted to experience it all! Mondays I would go to the orphanage in walking distance of the house. I worked with girls ages 7ish to 13. During their summer we would color, jump rope, make bracelets, play Jenga, sing, and everything in between. After some time with the girls, I spent an hour with toddlers. I would play with them outside (which involved a lot of chasing), help them get ready for lunch and school, and then would help feed them. After lunch, the volunteers would all return to the volunteer house. We would eat lunch together and then have the afternoon free. I took advantage of Spanish lessons the first month I was there. That helped me brush up on my forgotten Spanish grammer. It was nice having Monday afternoons free to explore Lima.
Tuesday mornings, would start out earlier; leaving by 7:45. The volunteers all would eat breakfast and take a combi to Pachacutec (about an hour outside of Lima). There I taught English at a public school. We spent the morning at the school and occasionally spent the afternoons on a project (i.e. painting a house, mixing cement etc.) I fell in love with Pachacutec and the children there. Tuesday afternoons, the girl volunteers would go to a girls prevention home. We were responsible to teach English but always had additional time to do activities with the girls. The girls were typically adolescents so nail polish, dancing, and bracelets were always a hit.
Wednesdays I would go to a special needs orphanage in Lima. The toddlers and younger children, some with severe disabilities, would need assistance with feeding and therapy time. I participated in therapy sessions with some of the children and used the time to play with the babies. Thursdays were always the same as Tuesdays and Fridays as Mondays.
How has this experience helped you grow personally and professionally?
Kristine: My experience in Peru and with IVHQ changed my life completely. I went down to Peru a recent graduate with a social work degree and found something that excited my soul and consistently made me smile. The culture and country grabbed hold of my heart and almost a year out, I still miss Peru everyday. I am currently in graduate school getting my masters in social work and my experiences in Peru have impacted all my daily interactions. I have a greater sense of what poverty is since I spent weeks in Pachacutec where many don't have running water. As a social worker and as a member of the human race, my compassion and love for others has only grown due to my life experiences in Peru. I can't wait for the next opportunity to travel and see the world. I just want to love others and that's exactly what I was blessed to be able to do through the program.