Volunteers Blog

The partnership between Oregon Institute of Technology Dental Hygiene and People of Peru Project, working in association with Iquitos Dental College, was a huge success. Both sides learned from each other and made some great friendships.  Viki Points, Professor OIT



What great people in a great culture to come and help. I have experienced something that I will never forget. Smiles here are abundant and I will be taking them home with me.  Sierra Vanover, Fall River Mills, CA



I didn't know what to expect before coming here. Everything I experienced went above and beyond my expectations. I met amazing people that helped to create memories that I will never forget.
Ashley Kiek OIT


I had a gerat time here in Iquitos, I don't want to leave. I met some amazing people, and made lifelong friends.  Nadine Arkens  Oregon Institute of Technology.

 


 

I just want to thank you so much for all the work you put into the Waterman team excursion to Cusco and Lake Titicaca.  We had a terrific time.  Everyone you had picked to help us was very nice, and very efficient.  We loved the hotel in Cusco.

The guides were very knowledgeable, and were really excited about their people and culture. 
Again, thank you for all your help in planning our trip. You did a great job.
Pia Soule Mission coordinator
Florida Hospital Waterman


 
Hello to all,
Thank you so much for the great experience we had over the past 2 weeks at People of Peru Project. 
Thanks again for making this such a good experience.
Look forward to returning in July.
 Dianne - TN

We are so grateful for the opportunity to come and serve here in Peru. I’ve never been on a mission trip that worked out so well. People of Peru Project are great and they really make sure that your group is cared for and has the best trip possible.  As a group leader, I appreciate so much the opportunities my students have had to connect with the people. I hope and pray that they are finding a passion for mission ministry, but also that they are growing spiritually. We are definitely going to be reluctant to leave, even our rain-soaked tents, bug bites and the noisy parrots that wake us up each morning. Thank you so much to everyone who made this trip possible. God bless.
Jason Mustard, older, Dir. Marketing & Recruitment at MBA
 Peru is AMAZING! The people here are the nicest and happiest people you’ll ever meet, especially the kids! I’m going to be so sad to have to leave them! You come here to help a culture in need, yet you leave getting so much out of it yourself! I wouldn’t trade this experience for the world!

Hillary Rollins

 

This trip, so far, has been super awesome! I have learned so much in the short amount of time we’ve been here. Not to mention, I am brushing up on my Spanish. The people here are amazingly sweet.  When I decided to come on this trip, I had all these cool things I thought I could teach them but when I got here, they taught me more things than I could ever learn anywhere else. I am so glad and blessed that I came on this trip and I hope I have been a blessing in these people and these kids life as they have been in mine.I have been having a blast here in Peru. The people are so warm and welcoming to us. Everything that we do here is beneficial. I really feel like I am helping people while forming friendships. The Vacation Bible School programs have really helped us form connections with the kids. The kids here are so lively and fun to hang out with. The language barrier was a little intimidating at first, but now after 5 days I am comfortable with at least attempting to speak Spanish. The cooks here at our home-stead are superheroes. Their food is healthy and delicious. I really love the experience I have been having here in Peru.  The spontaneous rain showers are so refreshing too!

Selena Diaz

 

 

My trip to beautiful Peru has been amazing. I have fallen in love with the people, the culture, and the platanos fritas. Every moment here has been tons of fun. From working to spending time in the city to hanging out with the children, all of this experience has been unforgettable. I’ll cherish the memories we’ve created here.Dear Paul,

Katrina and I would like to thank you for your hospitality. Our experience here has certainly been enriched by your kindness and willingness to spend time with us during what was a busy day for you. We feel that your efforts have resulted in an exceptional organization, and we hope that you will consider this high praise - not simply lip service - in light of our significant experience with development around the world. To say the least, we have been a bit inspired by your success.
Dave and Katrina Berg, CO



Hello! This is Sarah, I was with the Madison Academy group that came to help last week and I feel like this work is my calling. I still feel the need so badly to be there and to help ! Tell everyone I said hola, te extrano mucho!! I had so much fun with everyone, especially Jimmy and the other translators, they are all such a joy to be around. I have fallen in love with Iquitos. I'm back now and it feels so strange to be in my house, and having things that I really don't need. Doing the Mission Trip really opened my eyes. Thank you so much! If there is anything I can do, please let me know!
-Sarah Purcell --TN

 

 


 


Sarah Thomas

 

 

 


The time I was in Peru change my life quite a bit, the people I saw in poor conditions really touch my heart and I'm willing to go back just to help them. I had a great time helping people even though we had limited time and I wish I could go back soon. This is a great life experience!
Joel--Glendale,

 

CAThe trip to Peru was a life touching experience for me, I met so many people in need. I had a great time making animal balloons for the kids and assisting the Dentist.  I hope that you step out in faith and take a journey that you can not pre-imagine. You will be amazed how God will provide and yes, he will provide the money for you to go. All he needs is for you to say I am ready.

Sondra George--St. Maries, ID


For more than fifty years I have enjoyed a ministry of service here in the United States but I could never have imagined the need, opportunities or reward of laboring in a developing country.  It was after my retirement and the involvement with the project in Iquitos, Peru, that opened my eyes and my heart to new and challenging possibilities. It has been a wonderful privilege to work with and for these gentle and deserving people. There can be no greater joy than helping others who are unable to help themselves.  I recommend this type of service to anyone who wants an exciting and rewarding experience.  LaVern Opp - Nampa, Idaho

 

Jeff Rogers--Dayton, OH


It made me realize how truly greedy and ungrateful I really am. The kids touched my heart.
Tim--WI


This was a truly unique trip. This trip taught me the importance of  "being present" before doing something. Overall Score.... an 11 out of 10. It was a wonderful trip. I hope to return some time. If not you will still have a strong advocate state side for People of Peru Project.
Pastor Eric---Boise, ID


Thanks for the great life experience.
Anne---Denver, CO


Thank you. This was an experience of a life time!
Julie Houston---St. Marie's, Idaho


The time I have spent here has truly been the best in my life. My life has been changed. Thanks for giving your life to this project. 
Christina--Isaquah. WA


What an incredible trip in so many ways. We enjoyed spending time with you and your family. We will be back!
Steve, Kim, Andrew, Madiline & Emily---Denver, CO


Fantastic Experience!
Alex and Kitty


The impact of my experiences in Peru have been huge. They were big enough for me to return two more times after my initial trip. Many people touched my life during all of my trips. Old friends and new friends alike showed me that family, friends and God are the most important things in life.
Thank you!
Melissa Falconer
Cheney, WA

This trip to Peru was my first and it was amazing. I am definitely changed in ways that are difficult to put into a few words. My view of the world has broadened and my empathy for people has grown. I feel blessed on many levels in my life and I was honored to be able to give something back.This will not be my last trip...I promise you that!
Amy Slusher   RN


As an anesthesiologist ,I have given time and expertise in countries
such  as New Guinea, Pakistan, Ethiopia, Santa Dominica, Nigeria and other places. I always come away feeling satisfied that we have impacted positively for the long term not only the patient, but their families and villages. Many of the patients were obviously difficult surgeries and were
not able to pay for their care and maybe not get the type of care we provided.
Over all it was a gratifying experience.  Dr. J

The Peru trip was a truly eye opening experience for me, someone who had never done anything like this before.  It really made me see how blessed we are.  It was a wonderful experience getting to contribute to the big impact that we had on peoples lives. Meeting many dedicated neat people and making new friends was another added benefit. L. Elenburg


I had a wonderful experience with the Kettering team and appreciated the help of  the translators from People of Peru Project.   My first Medical Mission trip and felt like I truly made a difference.  I am looking forward to going again.  Thanks Paul for  helping me learn about the people and the mission.     Shirley Williams   Gentry, Arkansas

 

 


 


I loved it! I have never seen a culture that is more loving.  I enjoyed helping the dentist and playing with the kids.
Michelle--Boise, ID

 


 

 


Just a note to say I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Peru.  The trip was very moving to me.  I am planning for another trip next September with the people that I work with at the hospital.  Looking forward to working with you again.