Frequently Asked Questions

When are you leaving?
July 31st at 11:30am

Why Peru?
I wanted to go to a Latin American country to volunteer. I researched several different volunteer opportunities. I decided the best fit was Hogar de Esperanza because I would work closely with underprivileged children and it is a non-denominational Christian organization.

Do you know Spanish?
Un poco. I took Spanish in high school and college. I even participated in a language exchange program in college. I understand more than I can say but I am not fluent. I know the basics (Como estas, buenas dias, donde esta el bano, etc.). A friend gave me the Rosetta Stone language software so I've been working on that so I'll be refreshed when I leave.

How long will you be there?
A year. I didn't want my stay to feel like a semester abroad or a vacation. After a year, I believe the orphanage will feel like a second home. I want to be there long enough to make an impact and to be impacted.

How much do you need to raise?
$5,000

How much have you raised?
$934 (as of 4/9/10)

How many children live at the orphanage?
About 48.

What exactly will you be doing at the orphanage?
I'll be a "casita assistant". Which means I'll be assisting the "madre tutora" with duties at one of the four houses at the orphanage and covering the madre’s vacation days. I'll be helping with things like washing clothes, cleaning the house, helping the kids get ready for school, meal times, tutoring, devotions, etc. Basically, I'll be an assistant mom :)

Will you be in a remote village in the Andes?
No. Trujillo is the 3rd largest city in Peru. The orphanage is located outside the main city, so it is somewhat secluded. Most of my time will be spent with the kids there.

Is it a missions trip?
In a sense. I don't think of it as a missions trip. I think the term "missions" has a lot of connotations attached to it that don't apply to my trip. I'm simply volunteering at an orphanage and will have opportunities to share the Gospel explicitly and in common everyday things. I think missions has traditionally been associated with "saving souls" which would be great to do but it is not my priority in going on the trip. My only "missions" goal is to share Jesus and see Jesus working in the lives of the precious orphans at Hogar de Esperanza.

Please leave a comment with any other questions you might have and I'll add them to the list.