Hey!

It’s hot!!!!! Muy Calor!! My Spanish has had to improve and fast!! I went to Peru nearly 10 years ago and learned a bit there, took a couple of months Spanish module at Uni…. and now here!!

It’s been an incredible experience.  We visited some families and we thought it was maybe invading their privacy, but, not at all. One of the things I have realized here is how materially poor people are so isolated.  Even when they are in such an over-crowded area, they have no-one but their family to turn to.  They have no government help with anything – no health care, no benefits. They never have visitors outside of family members. Our visit to their home was so special to them.  Saul, one of the founders of Armonia is teaching us that by just giving money to poor people, that is helpful to their material needs, but coming to someone’s house shows that we care for THEM as people.

We’re just sound-checking for our concert in the Theatre, and I’ve loads of time to kill – the sound guys have been here from 8 in the morning! It’s been a little stressful for some of the musicians here – they are used to plans not changing… and everything changes from one minute to the next here.  Who would take a trip across the world with 15 emotional creatives!! We’re all a bit sensitive!!!! Funny though.

This concert is to raise awareness of the work of Armonia amongst the council and the government here – as well as raise money for the project.  The local people are also welcome to come.

Here’s my vblog from the last couple of days….

Still haven’t had a chance to re-type my notes yet…. will publish them soon :)

Hope this finds you well! Once again, thank you so much for everyone who sponsored me to come here. I was hoping to learn some important principals about empowering people who are poor – not just materially poor, but educationally poor, socially poor and so isolated.  I am learning so much that I will be able to take into advocacy work for the rest of my life. So thank you.

With love,

Hannah x

Hi!

Hope this finds you well.  Here’s my latest video blog…

I have loads of notes and will try and make them a little more readable before putting them on my blog.  I have learnt some amazing principals and been challenged about my values – this is really going to change my thinking for ever – and I’m not being dramatic!! I’m sooooooo enjoying myself!

Much love,

Hannah x