Visiting Colegio Miramar

(by Maddie B., July 2) After attending thirty minutes of class at Santa Ursula, we boarded the bus to go to another Ursuline school called Colegio San Jose de Mirarmar. Upon arriving at the school, we were greeted by a Sr. Antonieta. Sister soon invited us to see the school library which serves only children who can read so it is a form of motivation to learn the necessary skill. Through the school tour, it was evident that these children were not as economically fortunate as most of us. However, the smiles on each and every face appeared more genuine than any I had ever seen; it is moments like these when one reevaluates the materialistic view of happiness that sometimes we ignorantly believe. Even though these children may have only one meal at school to eat and the doctor that visits the convent is their only source of medical attention, receiving the opportunity to go to school and to play with other children helps balance  the difficulties experienced in their lives.

After our tour, we broke into groups of two or three people and were each assigned to a different classroom. I was assigned to a classroom of 5 year olds who spoke no English, making Spanish the only way of communication, or so I thought. In the beginning of the visit, silence echoed. But then I met Diana, a cute little girl who found my lack of knowledge of Spanish humorous. With her assistance, I found a way to communicate with her by using the few Spanish words I know and also by movements. By making a funny face I was able to provoke laughter from her, causing a chain reaction among the children. By the end of our visit, I had made dozens of new friends who rushed to give me hugs and who wouldn't let go when I said "adios."

Maddie chats with a Miramar student

Nikki enjoys building block houses with the young children

Rebecca and friends

Then, while enjoying cookies and refreshments provided by the nuns, we brought in our two gifts from Ursuline Dallas; an Ursuline Serviam plaque and a donation from our Global Market sales. Their reaction to the gifts was beyond precious, and their graciousness admirable. It warmed all of our hearts. Additionally, they reciprocated with a book containing pictures of important events at Colegio San Jose de Mirarmar. All in all, this experience brought to our attention a part of Peru that had not yet been seen, one containing difficult and potentially tragic truths as well as hope for the future.

Ms. Kane, Sr. Antonieta and Ms. Maritza, principal at Colegio Miramar

More is yet to come and time alone will reveal what more is in store for us in
Peru. I am beyond excited to experience it all!