Joy’s Peru Blog

ALMOST THERE…

02-07-2008

Former Birmingham PR girl Joy Stefanicki has left her glamorous job in New York to help victims in a Peruvian city which was 80% flattened in last year’s earthquake . And now her destination is almost in sight.

Almost there...

The packing has started in earnest! My NY life is now in bags and boxes ready to be disbursed across various friendly shoe-box sized apartments in Manhattan. I'm very lucky to have friends prepared to help me out on that - thanks soo much guys!

I've got my directions to Pisco all ready - a simple 5 hour cab, bus, cab ride from Lima by all accounts. Copies of my passport: check, travel insurance: check, currency: no check I'm afraid - lets not talk about US banking and the ability to get foreign currency together in less than a week...

I've packed and unpacked my backpack twice and have finally managed to limit the need for an extra piece of luggage - yes, believe it or not one bag for two months.

I've finally managed to accept that I won't be taking my hair dryer or beloved straighteners with me. I'm sure the other volunteers and locals won't mind having to look at a hair 'style' more at home on someone just out of shock therapy...Can you say 'white girl with afro?!' It hurts but I'm thinking of the kids! :)

I've been reading lots about the situation in Pisco and am itching to get out there and make a difference - Its nine months since the Earthquake flattened 80% of the city and things are really getting done now although, it seems from my reading that where there is success, there is also the inevitable frustration of time and money hindering the ability to take things to the next level. I'm known for being a little emotional so I'm preparing myself for a few teary moments.

I'm a little nervous. Its been a long time since I've slept in a dormitory and had dirt under my nails - festival experience doesn't count - I've always been pretty good at getting dirty at those ;) Those of you at Glasto (as I type!) I hope you're having fun but really? Jay Z? Mr Eavis sold out a bit there don't you think?? - I digress...

I am most looking forward to really understanding the entire process around disaster relief. It seems to me that every which way we look these days the universe is giving us warnings from one end of the earth to the other. I just hope we are learning as we go and taking heed.

I'm also selfishly looking forward to that feeling of being totally exhausted after a long day - but lying in bed entirely satisfied with that which has been done.

A few of you have mentioned trouble with the donation button - I'm looking into this and will update you soon - all funds can be accessed from Peru so a little delay won't stop the money getting out there. All donations are HUGELY welcomed and I can't wait to show you exactly what is being done with it.

Thanks so much for reading, spread the word and come back soon - next time I may just be eating Llama....

To see joy’s previous blog, click here see link here