Laura, Hunt, Wyatt and the children from the Orphanage in Peru

I got this e-mail a few weeks ago from my little sister, Laura, who was asking for donations of (used or new) school supplies, sporting equipment, clothing, and shoes. Her mission: travel to Peru and help an impoverished orphanage.

Laura, accompanied by two of her sons, Wyatt and Hunt, travelled to South America to this rural village, in the mountains of Peru. Never having been to Peru or South America for that matter, is a brave step, especially for such an amazing cause!

This is an e-mail she sent me this morning:

“This trip has been absolutely amazing. Some of the most beautiful country  I’ve ever seen. We’ve spent the last 3 days at the orphanage getting to know the kids and paint 8 different bedrooms. It’s just Hunt, Wyatt, me and Steve Dyer.

The 4 of us started painting these rooms, a simple coat of paint and the kids would come in and ooh and aah. Then all the orphans came and helped us paint, they were so excited. From ages 2 and up.

Wyatt and Hunt gave them some soccer balls, which they acted like it was a brand new XBOX game. Everyday we show up, the kids come running out with huge smiles and huge hugs. It absolutely tugs at your heart. I did not see one orphan fight with another. Wyatt told one of the kids the place was beautiful and he wished he could live there.

They have nothing, but they are so happy.

Steve told Hunt and Wyatt that he doesn’t always enjoy the kids that come on these mission trips, and that he has really enjoyed both boys immensely. He loves talking to them, and loves listening to them speak Spanish to the kids. I’ve never been so proud.
We are absolutely exhausted, we come back covered in dirt and paint, and have to take a freezing cold shower, there’s no hot water. But we laugh the whole time (kinda) and keep talking about how lucky we are and how we are looking forward to a warm, comfy bed, heat, and hot water.

It’s weird, the 3 of us have had nothing to fight about. Hunt and Wyatt have never gotten along so well. I am blessed to have my sweet supportive husband, to allow us to take this trip, it was quite expensive, so this counts as our summer vacation. We wouldn’t trade it for the world. Harebear (Harry, her husband) I know you’ve been a nervous wreck, we are safe and humbled. I love you so much!

Tomorrow we will drive to Cusco, then wake up and visit Machu Pichu. Then we head home. There’s so much more to tell, but that will be over a huge glass of wine very soon.

Love and miss you all!”

Needless to say I was crying after I read it! I salute the four of you for your efforts!