Yesterday, 19 Remotes hopped on a bus and headed to the Azul Wasi orphanage, just outside of Cusco. Azul Wasi is a non profit home for at-risk children and teens that were abandoned on the streets of Cusco. We brought lunch and ate with the kids; cleaned up the greenhouse & planted veggies and fruits; did arts and crafts with the kids; played futbol together; etc. Also, we donated our fundraiser $ for the kids to buy warm winter clothes. Special thanks to Arestia, Max, Kirsten, Sam & Travis for organizing this awesome event.
The thing that struck me about this orphanage was how loving and warm the kids were! I’ve volunteered at orphanages and children’s homes before, but often the kids are a bit standoffish. Not the kids of Azul Wasi! They greet you with big hugs, and they are all very warm and sweet! They genuinely seemed really happy to have us there, and welcomed us with open arms. I think this is a testament to Alcides, the warm father figure who runs the home and creates a beautiful environment for them to learn and grow.
Alcides, introducing us to the home, and each of the kids.
I hope that our work in the greenhouse proves fruitful for the kids! I hope that they use the $ we donated wisely. And, I hope that the kids get more support from other groups like ours.
When I return to Cusco, I will do my best to return to Azul Wasi.