Farewell Hogar San Pedro...

Already 5 weeks have passed since we first set foot in the Hogar San Pedro. So many things have happened, so many good memories. The 2 last days at the Hogar were no different, or even, they can definitely qualify as the grand finale.

Yesterday morning, one of the patients at the Hogar San Pedro, Fortunato, got married. It was absolutely amazing! Him and his wife looked gorgeous and most of the patients at the Hogar attended the wedding. The sun was shining, the patients were all dressed up, the employees too: what a great experience. We were also so happy for Fortunato, a charming young man! The wedding was followed by a great lunch at the Hogar with the married coupled, their 2 children and their family. As volunteers, we decided to help out with the service in the kitchen and we ended up working really hard, to make sure that everything was nice... The organization of everything was a little chaotic, but in the end, we got to taste a bit of Pachamanca, and Papas a la Huancaina, the food that was served to all.

After everyone was finished with the chocolate cake, there was music, and most of the patients were dancing. Later on, since yesterday was the 30th anniversary date at the Hogar San Pedro, there were activities for the staff and patients: many small games where we all laughed and ran around! We are very sad to be missing the official 30th anniversary celebration with over 350 guests, which will be taking place on Saturday... We were sure it would be on the 5th, but then when we found out, it was too late to change our flights to Cuzco...

Today was also a great day at the Hogar San Pedro. In the morning, after a packing sprint, we all went to the nearby municipal healthcare center, where we
were shown around and got a chance to shadow a pediatrician and a gynecologist for a little while. We were also explained the Peruvian healthcare system in great depth by a very sympathetic doctor whom we had met at the medical campaign on Tuesday. It was awesome to see a bit more of the rural Peruvian reality.

Finally, this afternoon was a very emotional one... After giving away gifts and clothing to some of the patients and staff, we starting taking our last pictures and saying our last goodbyes. It is so sad to be leaving this wonderful and peaceful place. We got so attached to the patients and employees: it will definitely be hard not to come back...

So I guess this marks the end of the official MSAHI 2009 experience... we are now heading off for a bit of travelling: Machu Picchu, Cuzco, Puno, Lake Titicaca, Arequipa, Cañon country and Lima. We are also hoping to spend a day with a doctor who has become our friend to finish our trip on a medical note... More pictures yet to come!