Saturday, June 15, 2013

Papas Para Los Papás (Potatoes for the Fathers)


We are ridiculously bad in Spanish, but we were proud of ourselves for coining the phrase above. Today, Saturday, was a HUGE celebration in honor of Fathers Day. Held in an outdoor gathering space, the entire school community assembled at 9am for a pageant of Peruvian dance and music. The theme introduced by Sr. Monica stressed that becoming a father is easy to, but being a father takes great love and commitment.  (The sisters have noted that the poverty in Peru combined with the chauvinistic culture has not led to faithful fathers.)
Sr. Matilde and two teachers saying opening remarks.

With that introduction, the fathers were all invited to the front for a blessing, a plate-sized gold pin being awarded to one man who was the Father of the Year for this year, and a sprinkling rite. (They seem to have a connection to sprinkling rites here.)

The dads being blessed and sprinkled with holy water.
Sr. Matilde told us the parents mostly rented costumes for this, dance being an important and typical way of celebrating in Peru. We were so impressed with the intricate movements and footwork of the children of all ages in their beautiful, traditional dress.
















After the pageant, the sisters held their annual fund raiser, a meal consisting of a large cut of barbecued beef, and a side of a sweet and a yellow potato, with some Peruvian sauces. We volunteered to help serve, but the sisters had lots of help from mothers of their students, and we were too many cooks in the kitchen, especially with the language barrier.


Meals were assembled and sold for 8 soles (equivalent to $3.00). Each school family was required to purchase 5 meals. After the event was over, Sr. Monica told us they were now going to package meals for those families who didn't show, as the sisters wished the families to receive something for their mandated participation. We told the sisters to allow us to help with clean up, but it is 5pm and so far, nothing from them. We believe the sisters are exhausted, and are looking forward to relaxing this evening, with Saturday being the one day of the week that the sisters don't catch a moto to downtown Paita for 7pm Mass.

3 comments:

  1. You guys are missed back here in the states. I don't think I'm cut out for this single parent thing. Take care - we love you! Roy

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    1. Yes you are very good at it! They do keep one on one's toes though!

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  2. Hola Mujeres! You're probably learning a little Spanish out of sheer necessity, and you'll be surprised at how much you bring back, even with such a short trip. I hope you can try anticuchos. These are small chunks of marinated meat on skewers, and the most popular are made of COW'S HEART! I tried them when I was there, and they told me afterwards what they were! Don't worry, they have other types of meat, too! Also, see if you can try alfahorcitos, small round cookies with caramel filling...YUM! Sarah, you'll have to tell me all about your trip when you return, and I'll bring pictures. Thanks to all of you for bringing your kindness to these children of Peru. You are all in my prayers. ~Peggy, SMV

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