Warm Welcomes

 Sofia Meador - Safont, a University of Texas rising sophomore, steps into a new season of life as a classroom assistant at the San Antonio School. Her blog reflects on the initial nervousness of change but her fear being blanketed by a welcoming culture - 

Immersing yourself into a culture unlike your own or anything you have ever experienced is a nerve-racking task to take on. Coming to the Quispicanchi for the first time, I was unsure of what my daily life was actually going to look like, so I was naturally a bit nervous.

The first day Comunidad 3 arrived, we went on a tour of Andahuaylillas and were instantly greeted as we passed through the community. We were met with such enthusiasm as we visited each small store or market. Each person we met was eager to know our name, take care of our needs, and make sure we were feeling welcomed to Andahuaylillas. The women of the parish, taking motherly care, have been constantly reminding me to put my jacket on so I don’t get sick. And they assure me that if I do, they will bring me tea to keep me feeling healthy; having only known me for six days, they treat me as a part of their family. The small Peruvian customs, such as always saying “buen día” or “buenas tardes” every time you pass someone in the street that has guided me in seeing the beauty in stepping out of the comfort of my own culture and into a new one. 

But the warmth this community gives does not stop there, these practices of authentic community are also present in the youth of Quispicanchi. As we began to greet the teachers, on our first day of visiting the San Antonio School that serves students living with intellectual and developmental disabilities, the kids heard we had arrived and excitement filled the air. Immediately, the cafeteria erupted with laughter and cheers. As we walked in, the kids jumped up from their chairs and came running to greet us with big hugs. Kid after kid, hug after hug, the feeling of being so welcomed in space before even being known was breathtaking. I could truly see the beauty of contentment and freedom in each of the children. Through their eagerness to share their hearts, their challenges, and their snacks, each of the students I have come to know expresses the kindness of Quispicanchi well.

My afternoons in the parish of Andahuaylillas consist of similar attitudes with each kid I have met. After only a week, I have begun to form relationships with the students in Andahuaylillas. This overwhelming sense of community has been incredibly special to me because some of my friends already recognize me in the street and say things like “ciao profe” as we walk past. Although the afternoons involve guiding them through their homework, a large portion is spent playing with the kids. Seeing their faces when I learn their favorite game or spend hours turning the jump rope for them makes the leap into a new culture less intimidating. Their curiosity to learn about me, my family, my background, and even pick up some English is heartwarming. It is the little moments spent with the people in this town that have made me so content with my decision to immerse myself in this different environment to learn from their different perspectives and experiences.

While I’ve barely started my time here this summer, I am continuously learning about the beauty of the culture and people of Quispicanchi, each with their unique expression of love. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to accompany the friends and work of the Quispicanchi Project, to experience a culture unique from my own, and to immerse myself within the intimate community of Andahuaylillas. I am happy to say that I have been continuously amazed by the kindness and love each member of the Andahuaylillas community has shown to me and my companions, making this transition of lifestyle and new experience less daunting. I hope that my presence and actions here will touch each person that crosses my path, but it will never match the impact they have already had on me.