The Shared Table 16: 2011

A GLIMPSE OF THE ANDES

Before I finished my time on the edge of Lima, I made an effort to visit Cajamarca in the north of Peru because a number of the people living in our area were from there. At first glance, one can only wonder why these people left such lovely country to go to live in dustbowls on the edge of Lima. However, beneath colourful and exotic images of children and locals in their traditional dress exists very real poverty. For this reason, and because of good educational opportunities, many families sacrifice the quiet beauty of the Andes for the harsh reality of the barrios of Lima, hoping for a better future. It is a hard decision for many, and a tough commitment they take on.

The wild beauty of Cajamarca.

The lovely face of provincial Peru, which is also an expression of extreme poverty.

These children sang me a song in their local dialect. So beautiful, yet in reality they were simply begging for their existence - a coin is donated for their effort.

A typical sight in the Plaza of Cajamarca, northern Peru.

THE VEGIE GARDEN

The Vegetable Garden of Cangallo continues to flourish with the assistance of Andres, and the dedication of Senora Trinidad. During 2010 an even greater emphasis was placed upon the mothers' responsibility for the upkeep of the garden.

End of year gathering of the co ordinators of the children's kitchens, held up in the Vegie Garden of Cangallo. Celebrating a good year's work, and generally enjoying the atmosphere of the garden.

Lucy and Trini makes a note of a few jobs that Andres needs to check on in the Vegie Garden.

Senora Trinidad, who helped to inspire the concept of The Shared Table, and who helped to secure the land which is now the Vegie Garden at Cangallo, with her daughter Lucinda.

At last - the pineapples are on their way!
They have been a long time coming. During the last year, with growing confidence, the women have been trying their hand at different produce with very good results.

THE VALLEY

Development continues up in the valley of Jicamarca as hundreds of families continue to take up blocks of land to begin the hard slog of building a home from literally nothing. Their faith in God, themselves and their future is always evident as seen in the names of their newly established communities, and their annual devotions which are celebrated with dignity and enthusiasm.

The new settlement (invasion) "Villa Esperanza" - Village of Hope!

Beginning from literally nothing - and only a crow bar.

The Lord of Miracles - the image of the crucified Christ, who is the patron of this settlement. The locals have celebrated the inauguration of this settlement and join in the procession, believing that Jesus, who also knows suffering and self sacrifice, will accompany them in in theirs.

The leader of the band.

A group of women begin preparing the food to be shared after the community procession.

A HARSH REALITY

All families who benefit from The Shared Table are very poor. Some, however, live in desperate situations where the children are exposed to extremely harsh conditions. Marcelina and her family of Pedregal Alto are just one example. Marcelina herself suffers from very poor health and has no work. Her husband does odd jobs. The Shared Table has eased the immense anxiety that accompanies the responsibility of feeding their children.

A very basic, one roomed wooden house with a tin roof and drirt floor. This is how 90% of families live in the valley of Jicamarca.

Inside the house.

Incredibly, the desperate reality breeds more courage and determination than grief and despair. One never ceases to marvel at the resilience of these people in the face of great odds.

A typical afternoon working bee in the barrio. Local women clearing ground for the construction of a simple community centre which will be made of wood panels. Their husbands will finish off the project the next Sunday morning, the only morning they have free from their weekly work.

THE KITCHENS

The Children's Kitchens all continue to operate under the supervision of the Parish Social Worker, Lucia Cuentas and her team. They send their heartfelt thanks to all our supporters and wish everyone a peaceful and happy year throughout 2011.

Just to prove that men are also involved in the children's kitchens when they can be.

Some of the lovely ladies of El Trebol, happy working in their simple kitchen, and keen to send their regards to all who support their families throught The Shared Table.