Cusco Costello

Rum-Springa Break!

2012-01-28T15:31:00.002-05:00

My to-do list is mounting. However, after a week of 5am - 12am workdays, I am taking this opportunity to watch "Amish on Break," a National Geographic program about five Amish teenagers spending four weeks in the U.K, taking their first airplane ride, seeing their first ocean, and entering their first nightclub!

"Just to hear their hoof beats makes me excited."

For those who have known me in pre-adolescence, you know about my infatuation with literature centering around children with cancer, and Amish people. In my childhood, I was an avid reader of two authors: Beverly Lewis and Lurlene McDaniel. I'm going to bypass a discussion of Lurlene McDaniel, because there's just too much to say.

What I am anticipating.

So, as a measure of accountability, and an update to the interweb, here's the Saturday to-do:

GAA - Finish 6th grade portfolios. {1 down, 3 to go!}
IEP - updates...
Lesson Plans
IRB application - UGA - revisions
IRB application - Cobb - do!
Research proposal - Updates
Literature Review - Write it.
Talk with la jefa.
Clean apartment!

That may be a fair amount of acronyms for you newbs, but the world of special education, well, it's all acronymns. Exaplantory links are provided.

But for now, I'm going to keep watching this show about Amish people. At 4 o'clock, I'm digging deep.

So happy Saturday to you all! May it be more engaging than mine (so far).

P.S. Sorry that this is a personal post, and has nothing to do with anything autism (I mean, it all has to do with autism, but nothing news worthy). I CANNOT wait to divulge some of the plans we've got going for July!

rumi

2012-01-22T15:52:00.001-05:00

when someone asks what there is to do, light the candle in their hand. - rumi

I have been asked by a few kind souls what they can do to help "The Peru Project," which is now the Peru outreach of the Global Autism Project (woo!). I love people who see a need -- like the marginalized in Peru -- and respond. For now, I will light the candle in your hand. Look around for the marginalized here in the States. Your neighbors, friends, and family are dealing with autism. Reach out to them, provide respite, a listening ear, and a lack of judgment.

Also... stay tuned! I am very excited about some volunteer opportunities with the Global Autism Project this summer... on the ground and in Peru!

Picnik

2012-01-21T23:56:00.000-05:00

Oh no! (Oh yes.) Picnik is dunzo, and shuttin' down on April 19th. Until then, however, ALL premium services are free! So, I'm taking a quick break from a hopeful literature review to Picnik some Peru pics. Such a fun website!

A little reminder.

Viva!

joy.

Doris, la Mama de Arturo

2012-01-10T21:06:00.001-05:00

A part of the interview with Arturo's mom that struck me...

"They treat him like, what is autism? What is this thing? Get rid of it. But, what will be? They lack the education. Sincerely, they are just lacking the education. But everything is normal now. I go through my world, do my work, I’m here with my kids, sometimes I just forget. Whatever they say, and whatever they don’t say, I leave at the door. It won’t influence me. I am aware I have a special needs child. We love him and accept him as he is. He is my son."

Sap, today

2012-01-09T20:58:00.000-05:00

I am in the middle of a long layover in Lima.

I said some hello's and goodbye's today. I met Marianela to go to Arturo's at 8:15. His mom served us "ponche," which upon further examination, may be punch made from lima beans? or peas? Needless to say, I sipped it slowly.

"Family photo"

You may remember Arturo's story from last year. What a change! Last year, his feet were burnt so that he would not escape the house. This year, he is urged to go out in the streets, as he has found a way to earn money. He had 30 soles in his money belt today and mom was planning to take him to buy some shoes! While I am so impressed by Arturo's ability to figure out how to survive (taking out trash at restaurants, carrying things for strangers), I also worry about him. His mom did tell us that Arturo is antisocial in public, that is, he is bothered and may push or shove if you talk to him in the wrong manner. She also told us that he comes home at 12 or 1 in the morning. A social worker recently urged her to get him off of the street, so a friend is going to teach him how to make thatched roofs! Very cool.

He is a MAN! Can't believe how much he grew.

While we sat with Arturo, I noticed the biggest changes. He was attending to the conversation in bits and pieces, and stayed the entire time I was there. He even chased us to the door when we left! I am so proud to see these changes in Arturo, however insignificant they may seem to others.

Marianela kept me on a strict schedule today, so we went straight from Arturo's to a nearby plaza to say farewell to Vivian and her family. Dressed in her "Sunday best," Vivian not only sat next to me, but grabbed my hand. So much sweetness. My heart breaks that right now I cannot give the family more than my love. I have big dreams for Vivian, and the Global Autism Project may even have a plan, but I just cannot promise anything yet. I left a jacket and some vitamins with Vivian's mom.

I gave Marianela some awesome picture cards by Different Roads to Learning, and gave her a brief (very brief) intro to discrete trial training. She was SO excited, and promised to take pictures. Goodbye's with Nela came too soon (after she came to my rescue in a lavenderia mess... and recovered my favorite orange sweater!). She has been my shepherd all week, and my booking agent the last few days! She has the most curious mind I've ever known, and I am so grateful that she is at San Martin.

Then onto my last Cuzco appointment with Tim DeWinter. Tim is the director of Projects Abroad - Peru. I came to know him during my volunteer placement with Projects Abroad in Cusco, over 2 years ago. What I have come to find is that Tim is an incredibly influential man in Cuzco. Everyone knows Tim! He is a founding member of the Regional Network of Education for the Cusco region and has some major sway that will help April 2nd come to fruition in a very cool way! Details to follow...

Big lump in my throat when I was at the Cuzco airport. The Pisco Sour before I left probably didn't help. But I went outside to catch my breath and take one last gander at the mountains before going through security. Am I leaving too soon? I think one of the hardest parts for me was that I was here to organize and plan this round. I did not have real time with the kids, and spent most of my time "working." I guess I feel like I didn't do much this trip, as it was all - well maybe some day, we can...

But I'm sitting in the Lima airport now, trying to get ready for tomorrow! Reading school emails makes me a little bit more excited to make a difference for those kiddos. And maybe have a dance party in the process. Return to life tomorrow, including grad school, teaching, and maybe making some of these Peru dreams come true...

Sunday best

little love.

Last meal in Cusco: Crawfish & trout cerviche with choclo and sweet potato.

As inspired by Ron & Carol Johnson on my very first trip to Peru... I'm Lima on a jetplane.

Sap, tomorrow.

2012-01-08T21:13:00.002-05:00

I decided in an effort to decrease the amount of sappy farewell sentiments, I would make a collection of things I miss and remind myself why I absolutely, positively, love home.

Flushing toilet paper.

Singing... in the shower, car, and while jumping on my bed.

controlled air/ heat.
it's sofa king cold.

specifically, mass texts.

obvi.

driving.


washing my face. no running water after 10pm. no hot water in the sink, ever. also, this is what i look like when i wash my face.

** I obviously miss my friends and family. See you soon!

Pisac

2012-01-08T19:23:00.001-05:00

I realized today that I was a bit jaded by the mountains around Cuzco. My first time in Cuzco, I woke up praising the Lord everyday for such beauty. Upon this realization, I headed to the Pisac market in the Sacred Valley. It is a gorgeous spot removed from the city. Plus, if you've been to Cuzco with me before, you know how I feel about the empanadas...

The trip to Pisac cured my jaded attitude, and I was a little renewed by Cuzco's hills when I returned. Planned on going to Vivian and Shakira's when I returned this afternoon, but lo and behold, no answer...

Pictures from the day in Pisac:

yes yes yes

mountains around Pisac

more Pisac

choclo con queso

at least raining Sundays look a little majestic here!

Tomorrow's schedule is PACKED. My last day in Cuzco, and I assure you it will not be spent getting a s/. 20 massage!

8:00 Meet Marianela to go on home visits
8:30 Arturo's house
9:30 Meet with Vivian in the plaza
11:00 Meet with Tim DeWinter, head of Projects Abroad - Peru
lunch/ shower/ airport
4:30 Fly to Lima!
8:00 Meeting at Dunkin Donuts in the Lima airport with Mapy Chavez, BCBA, PhD from Columbia University that opened this center in Lima.
12:00 am ... back to the States!

"May God punish you for not buying a finger puppet."

2012-01-07T22:03:00.003-05:00

This post is dedicated to the kid who smited me in the Plaza de Armas today.

We tried to go to Vivian's today, but no one was home! A bummer too, since it isn't close. Here in Cuzco, if someone doesn't show for a coffee date, you go to their house, and then their parents' house. If they don't look home, you just yell their name for a while. Here is a picture of Marianela yelling for Vivi's fam.

"Viviiii? Senora?"

Vivian's dog protected us while we waited. But, also didn't like it when we knocked on the door. He's a tricky one to figure out. But a great watch dog in a not so great part of town!

After Vivian's house, we should a few quick videos of me talking about Cuzco in front of the Ministry of Ed. I laughed throughout most of it!

Anecdote: A man in the Convento asked me what I was doing alone in Cuzco. I told him, and he said, "but I don't think we have autism here."

Here are some other things I did and saw today:

A very pretty balcony.

Lunch @ Real McCoy: Roast chicken, with gravy and stuffing on a baguette.

Finally asked someone else to take a picture of me. (@ Plaza de Armas)

... but still perfecting my self portrait skills. (@ Ministry of Ed)

One of my all time favorite places. (@ Museum, Convento de la Merced)

I've got one hand in my pocket.

Watched dusk fall on the balcony of Norton's.

Tomorrow:

Home visits to Shakira and Vivian
Vids @ San Martin and around town

Wait. What?

2012-01-07T11:03:00.000-05:00

My translating skills for the night are SHOT. I just want to find some sort of English speaking bunker to hide out in! I had tea, cake, and pizza at a gathering tonight held at Marusia's house for some of the teachers for San Martin. I really, really wanted to make a punny joke about how 4/6 teachers' names started with "mar" (Marianela, Marusia, Maria, Maria Luis). Here's how it would have gone:

"So you're all from the coast?"
"No, why?"
"Because your names all start with mar!"

... mar means ocean in Spanish.

After 5 hours of chatting, drinking tea, eating cake, (and then) eating pizza, my conversation skills were shot! But it felt so good to be "hanging out" with this group of women. A living room dance party! Just what I needed.

Here's one part of our conversation worth noting:
The teachers asked me what we do with kids when they've gotten older but are still in school. At the present moment, if they fit the niche of high-functioning enough to handle it, and low-functioning enough to need it, we have the transition academy where they do on site training for job skills. Otherwise, they are now staying in the access classes (science, math, social studies, language arts) until they are 22 years old, or drop out of school. Knowing that at San Martin, kids go into carpentry, the bakery, a sewing class, or mechanics class, I was embarrassed. They asked me why they would need science for 22 years? I shrugged. There are some things that are dismal no matter where you are.

Before I left, Profe Maria gave a little speech about my place in heaven. I cried a little. It ended with, "and may you marry whoever you please!"

Tomorrow's agenda:

Visits to Vivian and Shakira
Revisit the ministry of education
Shoot some vids

Until we meet again, revel in these things.

"Being Retarded"

2012-01-06T15:32:00.003-05:00

Sharing this blog entry a professor had shared on facebook... Love it.

"Being Retarded"

Kevin

2012-01-05T19:07:00.004-05:00

Today was a splendid day. I had a little time to enjoy the scenery and catch up on the caucuses...

I met with the director of Abrazos, along with one of their therapists that works with Vivian. It was an awesome opportunity to plan a little for next summer, as well as collaborate on interventions for Vivian.

I finished transcribing all of my interviews thus far, and typing up my notes to send of to the "jefa."

And then I called my mom. So wonderful to laugh about the candidates with her again. Wish we could've watched the Daily Show together!

Right smack dab in the Plaza de Armas.

I've got a Pachacuteq on my head, but don't call me a Pachacuteqhead.

View from San Blas last night.

Also, in case you liked my "Traveling Whoa's" post, I think you'll like this...

Camino Nuevo & The Ministry of Education

2012-01-04T15:51:00.002-05:00

Today has been the best. I asked a few of you to pray for less no's and more yes's... and my friends, your prayers are effective.

This morning I went to see Camino Nuevo, the only private school that serves special education in Cuzco. Mercedes, one of the directors, showed me around each room and told me how each class functions. Very similar to TEACCH. They also have a room dedicated to functional communication using PECS and other symbols, which is very cool. I was thrilled to hear they have a sex education curriculum and CBI for students, as this is something hard to navigate even in the States. Overall, I am so impressed with Camino Nuevo and their efforts towards maximizing the capacity of Cuzco to serve.

This afternoon, Marianela had set up an appointment with the director of special education for the city of Cuzco. He sat behind his ministry desk, very important in his suit, but welcomed my efforts dearly. He asked for us to continue reaching out, and what's more, asked us to hold training sessions for all of special educators in Cuzco and many in the Sacred Valley as well. We discussed April 2nd, World Autism Awareness Day, and made some loose plans for collaboration. Overall, it was a meeting full of yes's and please's!

Tonight, I met with Clorinda who runs a project for special education in 3 rural provinces in the district of Cuzco. We met with Marianela and sipped coffee and chatted for a long while. One of her greatest strengths is that she is also a lawyer! Once I found this out, I started to ask her about some laws I have heard of that may provide financial assistance to families of kids with disabilities (like SSI). She was not only aware of those laws, but has agreed Marianela to seek assistance for Vivian and Shakira! She is looking not only for financial support, but for sustainable work that can be done in the house that may be more lucrative than washing clothes. We're hoping for raising guinea pigs! So great. We've also agreed to collaborate more about April 2nd, and see how her project can be a part!

In the 3 rural provinces that Clorinda works in, there are only 3 children diagnosed with autism. She said there are many, many more not diagnosed, but probably some whose autism is masked by another disability as well. In the US, where 1 in every 110 is diagnosed, it is hard to believe on 3 in so much area have been diagnosed. Hmph.

Stopped by a bar near my hostel last night for the 60's cover band night. Loved it. A little Clapton, a little Beatles, it was time well spent.

Looking forward to tomorrow:

Home visit to Arturo
Follow up meeting with Abrazos
Transcribing interviews and notes

La Shakira and lo demas

2012-01-03T23:59:00.000-05:00

I am nestling down for a long, cold night. And by nestling down, I mean NESTLEing down with a "Princesa" chocolate bar, often my vice abroad.

Today was jam packed! I had a meeting with the director of Abrazos, a quick lunch, then headed to the home of Shakira, another former student. I was thrilled to see the progress my girl, Shakira, has made. She is growing rapidly, hitting puberty head on, and dealing with in quite well.

What most impressed me about Shakira was her improvement in communication. She brings a cup when she needs water, shows mom a plate when she is hungry, but is even starting to speak! She has vocal immitation skills, and while she has been non-verbal until recently, she has started to associate mama, papa, and profa with the people around her, and call them by name! This is indescribably cool to see.

Another thing that definitely caught me off guard was Shakira's functional skills. Many of the children I know from Cuzco have acquried stellar survival skills... how to get money from a restaurant by taking out their trash, how to peel a potato. How to peel a potato! I couldn't believe it when Shakira grabbed a big knife and little by little, took the skin off of the potato... and then another! She continued to peel the potatoes until she was interrupted with another task. I told her mom that see, there is hope, that Shakira can work and be of value to the family.

I realize I am just a sounding gong and a repeated sentiment, but I am taken so aback by the attitudes towards autism that I have encountered in Cuzco. Today Shakira's father told me that black magic plays a part in autism. The devil, evil, black magic, it is all real, and all manifested in Shakira. I desperately wanted to shake him and sing, "Who says?!" but then I thought better and listened and desperately tried to understand his perspective.

That's the thing, you see, regardless of how you see things... there will always be a more subjective side, a misunderstood side, that perhaps you would take if your circumstances had been different.

Who are you gringa, and what do you think you're doing?

Tomorrow's agenda:

Meeting with co-founder/ director of Camino Nuevo/ Manos Unidas
Meetings with friends of Marianela, possibly including the director of special education for the city of Cuzco!

La Vivian

2012-01-02T18:42:00.002-05:00

I went to Vivian's house today to touch base. Here are the highlights:

- Vivian's mom recounted their story for me so that I could film it as an interview. It is lengthy, and I've just finished transcribing it! But good to have her words so real.

- We also discussed the culture of Cuzco when it comes to autism. She echoed something that is difficult in the states as well... children with down syndrome, you can see the disability. They are immediately marked as needing extra care. Children with autism though, people will just see as crazy, or animalistic. She said that there is much discrimination in town, and even in their neighborhood, where people know Vivian so well. They recognize she is autistic, but since they know so little, it does not keep them from being ill with her for running, or not responding when they call her, "Chica, chiquita!"

- The most surprising cultural marker was something she said during the story of their life. A woman approached her who had a child like Vivian. She had given up her child when she was unable to care for it, but the child had since disappeared. Vivian's mother feels strongly that the child was most likely killed for its organs. This brought me so much sadness that I made my hostel owner listen to it as well, to make sure I had not heard it wrong. Regardless of whether it was a perception, or a stated truth, the fact that it could be supposed thwarted me.

There is so much more sadness to their story, and after spending the last few hours transcribing it, I don't think I wish to recount more. Instead, I'll leave you with some photos of this glorious child, la Vivian.

The view of Cuzco from the street about Vivian's house

Vivian's house

A happy girl.

Camera-curious.

Beautiful.

Tomorrow's agenda includes:

Construction of PECS for Vivian's house
Meeting with Abrazos
Home visit to Shakira

Note:
- I am thrilled to be working in this environment. While my heart is heavy with sadness, my mind is alive with what more there is to do, and how necessary the work is. Please pray for Vivian's family, to have always have enough, and to always feel supported, even if it is just by a gringa back in the states.

Tomorrow, tomorrow

2012-01-01T21:56:00.002-05:00

Outkast

Just had a wonderful conversation with Molly Ola Pinney, the founder and CEO of Global Autism Project. We've hammered out a little more detail of this trip... because as Outkast famously said, "You can plan a pretty picnic but you can't predict the weather." Whatever itinerary was conceived before the trip will have to be adjusted to the way things are. My main focus of this trip is reaching out to the families of kids with autism through home visits, and touching base with organizations already on the ground in Cuzco.

It can never be said that there is no one here in Cuzco trying. One of my largest goals is to unite those who are fighting the marginalization of those with disabilities by holding advocacy events together and promoting each others cause. I'm very excited to touch base with Abrazos, Manos Unidas, and Projects Abroad, to see what can happen for these children on a community level.

"our" current logo

I am thrilled to be working with the Global Autism Project. I met with Molly years ago before I had even been to Peru or had any training in autism, and told a good friend that this-- right now-- is my dream job. What affirmation for this project to be supported by such a successful and powerful organization!

So, with a grateful heart and much anticipation for home visits tomorrow, I retire.

That was a lie. I am not going to sleep quite yet... because the best mother in the whole world purchased Catching Fire on her kindle that I can read from my netbook here. Thanks, mom!

Sunday Blues

2012-01-01T20:23:00.004-05:00

No construction at the hostel today... I slept in! I worked for a few minutes on a proposal, then got the homesick blues. I never considered the challenge of traveling alone. I went to the Real McCoy, a British pub in Cuzco that is often home to many out of place travelers. After a failed attempt at a baked potato, I soldiered on to walk the city and pass some time.

I returned home feeling unfulfilled by my attempts to cheer up. I miss my family, friends, and iPhone! After I spoke with my mom though, I rallied for dinner and tried another favorite pub. This one, Norton's, a biker bar that plays NFL on Sundays! I indulged in a truly American meal... a burger, fries, and margarita! If nothing else, tequila can ease those traveling blues.

So, with nothing else to report, here are pictures from today...

View from the balcony of Norton's

That's what you eat when you miss the States.

Our image abroad

NYE in the Plaza de Armas

2012-01-01T12:58:00.001-05:00

Last night was wonderful. My traveling alone anxieties had a hold on me, until I decided to buck up like Carrie Bradshaw in Paris. Bought the bottle of champagne at San Pedro yesterday afternoon, then went to the roof to open it around 8. I absolutely could not get the bottle open. So, lo and behold, the construction workers and hostel owners were on the roof as well and opened it for me. We all shared the bottle and talked about NYE. When I told them I bought the champagne at San Pedro, one commented, "She's more Cusquenan than you!" ... which made me inexplicably happy.

Went to the Plaza de Armas, where 1000's of people gathered to ring in the new year. A cumbia band played familiar songs (well, familiar to Peruvians), and I joined forces with 3 Australians, a Columbian, and a Mexican for the duration of the night. Lots of laughs, loud music, dancing, and a good few Cusquenanas, and it was midnight. We were shocked to find the fireworks begin a full 10 minutes before midnight, but they continued on well past midnight. Rain storm struck at 12:30, which is when I went back to my hostel to "get my jacket," which really meant, "go to bed."

Much to my dismay, either there was no yellow undie run this year, or I couldn't see it from my place in the plaza. I did, however, snag a few good photos & videos of the celebrations.

Our spot by the fountain in the Plaza de Armas.

The confetti means the New Year has come!

More unmonitored, too close for comfort, fireworks than I've ever seen!


No, I don't know the guy behind me.

New Year's Eve in Cuzco

2011-12-31T16:26:00.001-05:00

Since Peruvians take New Year's Eve quite seriously, there was little to be done today in the city. I ate lunch at a great hole-in-the-wall pizzeria (pizza, garlic bread, and coca cola for s/. 10.00... or approx $3.75!), then headed to Mercado San Pedro.

I've never seen the market more crowded, with people lining the streets selling yellow flowers, barley, beans, and a whole host of other yellow products that should give luck for the new year. I grabbed some cheap champagne, fruit, cheese, and lucky barley... as well as some stylin' NYE glasses.

What they said would cure an altitude headache.

What actually cured my altitude headache.

Mercado San Pedro

Ready for NYE!

I've had an update on the underoo's tradition. In fact, people do put on yellow undies just as the clock strikes midnight. However, in the main plaza where tourista and Cusquenan alike gather, they put the undies on over the clothes... and then run 4 laps.

I do also want to give a shout out to a few folks who have donated since I've been here.Thank you! Your kindness does not go unnoticed, even if it is anonymous.

Some Boy to Love.

2011-12-30T19:40:00.001-05:00

I went to the Molino this evening; it is my favorite black market in the world. They had a bootleg of Queen's greatest hits, including "Some Boy to Love" and I liked it.

I arrived in Cuzco at 8:15 after a tortuous layover in Lima. At first, I scoffed at these kids for shirking safety for sleep. But I ended up joining them between 3:40-4:30 for a catnap.

Today's highlights:

Mass at the Cathedral
3 hour nap
Porridge at Real McCoy
Walking walking the city, down to Ttio where San Martin is, and further down to the Molino.
About to go see Nela, my dear friend that I work with at San Martin! So very happy.

It is imperative to lay low in Cuzco your first day (altitude). I only sort of did.

Merry Christmas! Nativity in the Plaza de Armas.

A super huge nativity scene outside of Q'oricancha

View from the roof of my hostel.

Porridge! If you've been to Cuzco with me, you know I could live off of this stuff.

Those brown crispy things are guinea pigs. Dinner at the Molino? Pass.

Just like the guide books said!

Traveling Whoa's

2011-12-30T02:14:00.000-05:00

Great Success.

You're right, I said "whoa's" not "woes." Because mostly, I enjoy travel. I am not thrilled about sitting in the Lima airport for 7 hours willing my eyes to stay open (I'm here during sleeping times, from 12:00a- 7:00a.), but I am thrilled about watching people and learning things. International travel is the best because you can play the "What country are they from?" game. My European friends in Cuzco were much better at it... but I can always spot the Brits. Usually the Americans too, because they do douchey things like sit in the Lima food court and play John Mayer songs on their guitars at 2:30am.

I tried to take a picture of myself that was like, "oh man, I'm so tired, look at how haggard I look," so we could all laugh about it. It wasn't funny to look at though. Here's what you get instead.

Same eyes, at least.

Sat next to French Canadian Brian Williams on the flight + delay from Houston to Lima. We laughed a lot and traded stories. For those of you who know me personally, you know that I love Brian Williams. Not in a, "Man, he delivers the news well," kind of way; more like, "I love him," kind of way. I was happy with my doppleganger seat mate, and hope we cross paths again. And then get married.

so schexy.

Also, international wifi is funny. Check out what they expected me to type for authentication on facebook...

Yes, because I have a Hebrew keyboard.

Thank you for bearing (grr!) with my while I try to pass the time and stay awake. Here's what else I'll be doing until I run out of wifi time...

Hungover Owls

ANIMALS TALKING IN ALL CAPS

Zoo Borns

Let's Be Friends

(Clearly, I have decided I am not capable of higher level thinking right now. Animal pictures it is.)

See you in Cuzco!

Who says?

2011-12-29T10:51:00.002-05:00

I'm sitting at Sojourner's Cafe in the Atlanta airport, enjoying coffee and a bagel, and their free wifi. I'm finally starting to get butterflies (the good ones) about this trip. My flight leaves in 45 minutes. Woo!

I thought I'd share with you my affection for Selena Gomez. See, I am a special ed teacher. My students love all things Disney (esp. Shake It Up & Big Time Rush) and I sometimes make them mixes of their favorite jams for classroom decompression. One of my favorites is Selena Gomez's "Who Says?" ... I'm posting some lyrics below. Can you imagine though, a room full of the most precious special ed children singing, "Who says you're not perfect?" It's heart-wrenchingly beautiful. Sojourner's Cafe just induldged me with this gem, and it reminds me of why I'm going to Cuzco: to teach the city that people with autism are perfect, have value, and can touch the sky.

It's advocacy, bitches. Selena style.

"It's like a work of art

That never gets to see the light.

Keep you beneath the stars,

Won't let you touch the sky.

You've got every right

To a beautiful life.

Who says you're not perfect?

Who says you're not worth it?"

Continue to support the trip financially here:

bloglazy. blazy.

2011-12-28T09:23:00.003-05:00

Making the final preparations for this trip is hard. Muy hard. I've got to finish an IRB application (or two), write up the proposal to be given to the director of Projects Abroad/ Ministry of Education in Cuzco, make my sub plans, do my laundry, drink some coffee, etc.

So, while as a blogger I should've been posting all about the warmth of the holidays and how beautiful the season is... I didn't have time! I'm running around like a maniac, hoping to make it to the airport tomorrow.

One resounding question is whether people can still donate and have the funds be available to me during the trip. Yes. And I would love that. Let me tell you why:

Firstgiving, our funds-funneler, reset their servers this week. The total shown for fundraising now shows the fees taken out as well. So, while I thought I had broken $2000... I was really $69 short. We raised $1931, $1723 went to airfare, $160 went to hostel, which leaves me with... $48 for food, baggage fees, etc.

I just received an email from Orbitz that AT LEAST one of my flight carriers charges for baggage. At least? I'm taking 3 different carriers! Ah!

So, before I get to security, I'll be in the hole. If you'd like to donate, whether for the first time or again-again, you can do so here:

Damn it All

2011-12-23T17:40:00.001-05:00

"damn everything that is grim, dull,

motionless, unrisking, inward turning,

damn everything that won’t get into the

circle, that won’t enjoy, that won’t throw

its heart into the tension, surprise, fear

and delight of the circus, the round

world, the full existence" - ee cummings

Yellow Undies/ Packing List.

2011-12-16T19:29:00.001-05:00

A semester of grad school flew by without much bother. Mostly, because I wasn't doing much. I was knee deep in a new school, surfing through GAA, and continuing this project of precedence. Now, we're at the end of the semester and I'm a stressin'. An IEP this week, GAA check-off next week, a research proposal due to IRB last MONTH, and oh, hey... a trip to Peru in 2 weeks! I'm a habitual list maker and live by post-it notes. After some research, I added one more important post-it:

Of all the googling I do, my favorite search thus far has been a leisurely one for Peruvian New Year's Eve traditions. A resounding tradition is that of wearing brand new yellow underwear on NYE. This website claims it must be put on right before midnight! And if this website is accurate, I'll be eating grapes under a table, throwing lentils, hiding potatoes, and walking around with coins in my shoes and beans in my pockets on New Years in Peru! All of these seem much more manageable than the American tradition of the perfect New Year's kiss...

So here's to my packing list... rain shoes and yellow undies!

Homegrown PECS

2011-12-10T13:48:00.001-05:00

I am a teacher. And regardless of intent, our school is riddled with motivational posters. These are indeed the same posters which hung in your classrooms in middle school... they don't change. One of my favorite posters is "If you fail to plan, plan to fail." There are 19 days until my departure for Cuzco, and now that funds are locked down, it's time to plan.

The mission of the Peru Project is to use training and education of service providers to change a system of purposeful marginalization. And in this mindset, it's the little things that become big. In the past, the Peru Project (Soles for Soles) has helped to provide shoes, socks, and medication to students in Cuzco. In order to create sustainable change, however, our focus has shifted. Instead of bringing down supplies, educational or otherwise, I will be creating my supplies there. We've determined that PECS is a fine place to start training on home visits. PECS will allow parents & siblings to see that these severe behaviors are the manifestation of need. Creating the PECS cards and boards in Cuzco will allow the service providers/ care givers to see the potential in the rugged. There is no true need for Boardmaker (but don't tell that to my admin team). Here is what I am envisioning...

Vivian goes crazy for the plastic bag that bread comes in. Using an index card (or even piece of cardboard!) from the Mega and a plastic bag from any hole-in-the-wall bodega, Vivian can have a picture symbol to exchange when she'd like access to this bag. Teacher Vivi to ask, even if it's by throwing this cardboard square, will open some doors.

Ever made some creative picture symbols? Send me some homegrown communication strategies! I'd love to bring them with me.