Mizque: Chirimolle Pampa

Last Monday morning, we left for Mizque with a team from First Presbyterian Church of Bellevue, Washington. We first visited Incallajta, Incan ruins about 4 hours south east of the city of Cochabamba. The ruins were very interesting, but are less frequented than Machu Picchu and less taken care of as well. This area was the easternmost section of the extremely vast Incan Empire. The biggest building was 80m by 25m (263 ft by 82 ft). During the time of the Incas, this huge building had a roof which was supported by huge columns, however, today the roof and columns are no longer standing. Outside of this building, there is a large boulder, which functioned as a platform. And, close by, a rock used for for sacrifices that still functions today. Every June, the members of this community sacrifice a llama in the exact spot the INcas used to make sacrifices to their gods. These ruins have largely been ignored despite the amazing history and information the remnants hold about the Incan Empire. Until recently, treasure hunters would visit the site hoping to unearth amazing riches. So, many of the buildings and structures that were left were destroyed and ruined.

After a very long trip from the ruins to Mizque, we finally arrived and headed straight to lunch. We had sopa de mani (peanut soup), which was delicious! Then, it was back to the hotel for a rest and clean up. Around 8:30 we headed back to the market for dinner--silpancho, one of my favorite Bolivian dishes! After dinner, we headed back to the hotel to play Cacho, a Bolivian dice game and drink Chuflys, a typical Bolivian drink with Singani (Bolivian alcohol made from grapes), lime, and ginger ale! My favorite Bolivian refreshment!

Tuesday, we visited a new community, Chirimolle Pampa, which is about 40 minutes from the town of Mizque. The team from Bellevue donated the money to fix the daycare and kitchen areas. Before we arrived, the community had the walls thatched and cemented, and when we arrived our job was to paint both areas. While about half the group painted, the other half of us took pictures of the kids, got to know them, and played games. They loved the parachute games, especially when we added balls and candy! The kids in this community are so beautiful and were very welcoming. Unlike other communities Ninos con Valor has visited, the children of Chirimolle Pampa did not have an orange-tint to their hair, a sign of malnutrition. We were all very happy about that! I enjoyed taking pictures of them because they got so excited to see their faces on the camera screen! These are the moments that make me incredibly thankful for this amazing experience!

After painting and playing, we gathered in their common area. The dirigente, or chief, explained that because of a serious lack of water and resources, many people have moved north. The community has been growing smaller and smaller. However, much of what he said was lost on us because he was speaking Quechua. But, we understood that he was explaining the harsh situation the community is in, as well as thanking us for all that we have done! We presented the community with plates and silverware, toys and puzzles, pots and pans, art and school supplies, mattresses and shelves donated by Orkney Helping Hands to equip the daycare and kitchen area. The people were extremely grateful! Then, a few of the little kids danced the Saya and another traditional dance. To show their appreciation, the community served us lunch and refrescos. Despite being leery of eating it, I ate as much as I could, not wanting to offend anyone.

After lunch, we hung out with the people of the community. One of the team members was given directions on how to spin wool by hand! It was wonderful to see the women of the community bonding with the team member and showing her their skill! After a bit, we said goodbye. The woman leader of the community thanked us for all the help and asked us to please return. She explained that the closest schools are more than a hour away, and many of the older kids make this trek in order to attend school. But, this is too far for the little ones, so the daycare will help them educate the littler ones. She expressed her concern about the lack of water, something we all wished we could help with. As our truck pulled away, two girls ran behind it waving and waving. That was a lasting image for me!

Trips to Mizque are always a highlight of my time here. I enjoy going to the communities and getting to know the people--seeing the smiles of the children and hearing their laughter puts everything into perspective!

For photos, please visit: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.640532151595.2123257.32402725&l=94c39bbd95&type=1