We went in expecting 8 to 10 people to join us, but instead found an auditorium full of over fifty members of the community--motivated, energetic people who have a rich history of working together to improve the town. Well, actually, the auditorium was pretty much empty until 10:00am when someone from outside called for us to watch the raising of the Peruvian flag in the square. A color guard of 5 police officers presented and raised the flag, and played the national anthem which the small crowd sang exuberantly with hands on their hearts. And then we headed into the auditorium, which grew full with engaged citizens.
They told us what they were most concerned about--poor water quality, inadequate nutrition for their kids, even small practical things like a lack of emergency first aid supplies to treat injuries from accidents. But they aren't looking for charity; they are looking for a partner.
The night before the conference I lost sleep for two reasons: One is that I couldn't shake the excitement from the thought that our long standing goal to expand the mission to the countryside was just hours away from being realized. But the second is that I was nervous that we would not be able to deliver everything we would like to promise. By the end of the meeting, however, I realized that the people of Quinua are not interested in riding along--they want to push the cart. They want Ayacucho Mission to be a resource for them, providing treatment, helping study the causes and solutions to health problems, and supporting their efforts. We are only a few steps into this partnership, but as the community leaders applauded with contagious pride that made my eyes well up a little, I can see we have lots to look forward to working together.
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