While in Huancayo Peru, we stayed with a lovely family on a
farm in a very rural area high up in the Andes. The farm had been in their
family for many generations and aside from farming, they also in the last ten
years added sewing of school uniforms to their work load. Three generations
lived and worked the farm and family business. The family was up very early
every morning and retired long after the sun set behind the mountains. Our room
was small with a lumpy mattress and musty pillows. The blanket was heavy wool
that made it impossible to move once it covered you. The bathroom which
consisted of a toilet, sink and shower (with no hot water) was a five minute
walk down a tree lined path. On most days we ate meals with our new familia. Meals
which usually consisted of boiled potatoes, rice and vegetables all mixed
together in a large pot served with a homemade roll. Sometimes breakfast
consisted of the leftovers from the dinner the night before reheated and served
with coffee. When we arrived we gave our hostess a nice set of dish towels and
pot holders and our host a carved pocket knife. They were visibly moved by our
generosity. Each morning and evening our new family greeted us with a big smile
and a hug always inquiring about our day. On the day we left, the entire family
woke up very early to see us off. Together they handed us a beautiful hand
woven blanket and gave us one last hug. As I said my final goodbye to my host
Antonio, he reached over and with a tear in his eye blessed my forehead with
the sign of the cross. He told us to return soon and always know from this day
forward we are familia!
