Most of you know my husband, Andrew, and I love to travel. You probably also know that the reason my career has centered on working with or for non-profit organizations is because I sincerely hope to see healing in the world and to be part of what God is doing in making all things new and whole. What you may not know is that I've been looking for ways to bring those two things together. As part of the Trek for Hope Peru, I'll get a chance to do exactly that!
Food for the Hungry (who is sponsoring the Trek for Hope) already works in San Juan de Lurigancho, Peru, one of the largest neighborhoods in Lima. One of the things they have discovered while working there is that about 80% (an estimate) of the families living in the neighborhood experience conflict and violence in their homes. They say it is one of "the most critical issues" the families they serve deal with. This breaks my heart! Especially when I think of the women and children who may not know how to use their voices to speak out or ask for help.
As part of the Trek, I will get to go to the Oikos schools FH has started in San Jan de Lurigancho. These schools provide a safe place where the kids - and their parents - can learn to cope with the violence in their homes and their friends' homes, heal from what they have seen and experienced, and even work to prevent more conflict in the future. I'm really looking forward to visiting the schools and meeting some of the children and families.
Of course, there's the part where you can help, too. The team of trekkers is working to raise money to support the work the schools already do and even expand the program. Would you consider giving to this project? My trip is already paid for, so what you give will go to the work FH is doing with these families!
Thank you so much for your help and your support!
Tessa
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