I asked Confirmation youth here in our parish (14-18 years old) to answer a few questions about themselves in order to begin an interchange with Confirmation youth from my former parish in Corvallis, Oregon. In this entry I have posted their responses to the question of what they know about the US, and in the previous entry I share what they like and dislike about Peru.
What do you know about the United States?
That it is a globalized country and is very developed as much in technology as in its people.
That is is a very big country, with a lot of people with charitable spirits.
Well, it is a country that is very developed in all aspects.
nothing
It is a country that is considered the greatest world power that has an excellent government that helps the country advance more and more each day.
I know that it was the first country to develop and libertate itself in all aspects in respect to the 13 colonies, and that this stimulated Latin America to be free. There is acid rain there and it is polluted; in truth I know a lot of other things also.
That it is very beautiful, very well organized, and has a good government.
Well, I just know that there a lot differences between the United States and Peru.
That it is very populated, developed, orderly, nice, and has big universities and casinos.
That it is a very developed country with the most opportunity of any country in the world.
Well, I only know that it is nice there. I have an uncle who lives there in the United States.
That it is a very developed country, technological, but like all countries has defect; but very beautiful.
That it`s a very nice country, the majority speak English but like latin features and customs, the same as we like their features and customs, and that it is a very developed country.
That it is a very modern country with a lot of technology, and with many nice people.
It is a very big country that has a lot of work and opportunities,, and there is a lot of technology.
Well, that it is a developed country and that the things there are good in comparison to the things in Peru.
It`s a country, considered the biggest world power, that has an excellent government that helps the country move forward each day
It is very beautiful and calm, there are many pretty things.
That it is a very developed country, it has a lot of riches, it is very beautiful, and it is very big.
That it is a very beautiful country, orderly and very clean. In addition it is very beautiful and that there are many beaches and casinos there.
That it was a world power and that currently it has been surpassed by Japan.
The United States is a country of many qualities (riches, poverty, good wellbeing); mostly I hear that it is a country that is very advanced, full of free people, work can be found, it has a good government, very civilized country and very developed. Although sometimes Peruvians there are a little discriminated against and treated poorly, but only in their work.
That it is one of the biggest countries in economic development, it’s another life. My dream is to be able to step on a soccer field there.
That it is big, beautiful, full of hard-working people, but they don`t have time for God.
That it is one of the most important countries in the world and that it has an economy that is very stable. That it supports many Latin American countries.
That it is a great world power, that it participated in World War II, that it had a rivalry with the Soviet Union, in the 90`s its economy was very good.
That it is a very nice country, they speak English, the people that live in the United States are kind and good.
I don`t know anything.
nothing
That it is an underdeveloped country, with a lot of technology and it offers jobs.
That it is a very developed country.
That it is a very developed country, very nice, big, and its language is English
I think it is an important country where there is work, and I think it is a country that is very far ahead.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Peruvian youth: What do you like/dislike about Peru?
As I mentioned in my previous entry, I asked Confirmation youth (14-18 years old) to answer a few questions about themselves in order to begin an interchange with Confirmation youth from my former parish in Corvallis, Oregon. Below I share their responses to a couple of the questions:
What do you like about your country?
I haven´t visited every part, but it´s a country very rich in natural resources, architecture, its people.
Well, almost nothing.
That we have many riches to share and our people.
The traditional food, the groups of people and dancing
It`s people, customs, cities like Mancora, Lima, etc.
I like the customs.
I like the archeological sites
I like all things we grow here and our cultures.
I like the tourist places.
I like its landscapes, its museums of the great cultures that it had, Cuzco (Machu Picchu).
I like it`s tourist and recreation sites.
I like its people, their way of treating others.
I like the landscapes, the food, and the people.
It has places for recreation, tourist sites, and good food.
What I like about my country is that Peru is the only country that has such a diversity of cultures, beautiful places, etc.
That it has a variety of tourist attractions.
I like its mysteries.
I like the people.
I like our food.
Well, about my country, I like the beaches (Mancora), its museums (like the Lord of Sipàn), the ruins of Machu Picchu (Cusco), and all that is related to the Incan culture.
I like Machu Picchu since it is a wonder that is in our country.
I like its people, its recreation centers, everything there is here.
Almost nothing
I like that Peruvians are hardworkers.
I like the tourist sites that exist.
Machu Picchu and Cuzco.
What I like about this country is Machu Picchu.
What I like are its tourist sites, beautiful places to visit, and the food.
I like the food and dancing.
I like the climate and Peruvian food.
The great riches that we have, like for example, Machu Picchu, and the food is delicious.
What changes would you like to see in Peru?
In truth, a lot more work, opportunities, and that poverty stops.
I would like that the governors change so that the people might be able to change.
That it would be cleaner and that we would take better care of our riches.
I would like there to be no corruption, violence, etc.
I wish that the politics were more clean, just, and not corrupt.
I would like to change the social and economic aspects, and the politics of the whole government
I would like it if there were no more crime and delinquency.
I wish that there were no gangs.
I would like there to be more order in Peru so that there could be more development and progress and also that there wouldn`t be so much gang activity.
I would like to see all the change that is possible.
I would like there to be no deliquency or crime, and that the people here would change.
I would change the pollution and the bad leaders of the state (presidents).
I don`t like the crime and delinquency, the pollution.
I would to see the following changes: no crime or delinquency, no gangs, no poverty, etc.
I would like it to be more united, respectful, and that people would say no to injustice and corruption.
I would like to see my country more united and that there wouldn`t be people who are indifferent to the needs of others.
I would like the politics to change
I wish it would be more calm and with a lot of peace.
I would like there to be more work opportunities that jobs would pay well.
I would like there to be no gangs, for it to be cleaner so that it could develop more.
What I would like to see changed is that foreigners aren`t taken advantage of and that they treat them in a friendly way.
I would make changes in the form of government, in that they would do a little more of what we as citizens do in order that Peru could grow more.
Perhaps if there were social changes or improvements in politics.
I would like that there would be nobody in gangs and that that everyone would know how to read.
I would like to see more opportunity for Peruvians and foreigners to visit the tourist sites
I would like there to be no poverty.
I would like to change the president.
The changes that should happen are that there should be more organizations that take care of the natural environment.
more work and help for the most needy
I would like to see changes in the conduct of our citizens, that they would have more love for their country an take care of and value it, not make it dirtier.
I would like to see less poverty and environmental pollution.
What do you like about your country?
I haven´t visited every part, but it´s a country very rich in natural resources, architecture, its people.
Well, almost nothing.
That we have many riches to share and our people.
The traditional food, the groups of people and dancing
It`s people, customs, cities like Mancora, Lima, etc.
I like the customs.
I like the archeological sites
I like all things we grow here and our cultures.
I like the tourist places.
I like its landscapes, its museums of the great cultures that it had, Cuzco (Machu Picchu).
I like it`s tourist and recreation sites.
I like its people, their way of treating others.
I like the landscapes, the food, and the people.
It has places for recreation, tourist sites, and good food.
What I like about my country is that Peru is the only country that has such a diversity of cultures, beautiful places, etc.
That it has a variety of tourist attractions.
I like its mysteries.
I like the people.
I like our food.
Well, about my country, I like the beaches (Mancora), its museums (like the Lord of Sipàn), the ruins of Machu Picchu (Cusco), and all that is related to the Incan culture.
I like Machu Picchu since it is a wonder that is in our country.
I like its people, its recreation centers, everything there is here.
Almost nothing
I like that Peruvians are hardworkers.
I like the tourist sites that exist.
Machu Picchu and Cuzco.
What I like about this country is Machu Picchu.
What I like are its tourist sites, beautiful places to visit, and the food.
I like the food and dancing.
I like the climate and Peruvian food.
The great riches that we have, like for example, Machu Picchu, and the food is delicious.
What changes would you like to see in Peru?
In truth, a lot more work, opportunities, and that poverty stops.
I would like that the governors change so that the people might be able to change.
That it would be cleaner and that we would take better care of our riches.
I would like there to be no corruption, violence, etc.
I wish that the politics were more clean, just, and not corrupt.
I would like to change the social and economic aspects, and the politics of the whole government
I would like it if there were no more crime and delinquency.
I wish that there were no gangs.
I would like there to be more order in Peru so that there could be more development and progress and also that there wouldn`t be so much gang activity.
I would like to see all the change that is possible.
I would like there to be no deliquency or crime, and that the people here would change.
I would change the pollution and the bad leaders of the state (presidents).
I don`t like the crime and delinquency, the pollution.
I would to see the following changes: no crime or delinquency, no gangs, no poverty, etc.
I would like it to be more united, respectful, and that people would say no to injustice and corruption.
I would like to see my country more united and that there wouldn`t be people who are indifferent to the needs of others.
I would like the politics to change
I wish it would be more calm and with a lot of peace.
I would like there to be more work opportunities that jobs would pay well.
I would like there to be no gangs, for it to be cleaner so that it could develop more.
What I would like to see changed is that foreigners aren`t taken advantage of and that they treat them in a friendly way.
I would make changes in the form of government, in that they would do a little more of what we as citizens do in order that Peru could grow more.
Perhaps if there were social changes or improvements in politics.
I would like that there would be nobody in gangs and that that everyone would know how to read.
I would like to see more opportunity for Peruvians and foreigners to visit the tourist sites
I would like there to be no poverty.
I would like to change the president.
The changes that should happen are that there should be more organizations that take care of the natural environment.
more work and help for the most needy
I would like to see changes in the conduct of our citizens, that they would have more love for their country an take care of and value it, not make it dirtier.
I would like to see less poverty and environmental pollution.
Un Halloween Peruano
Greetings! Some snapshots of events since my entry on October 30:
HALLOWEEN/DIA DE LA CANCIÒN CRIOLLA
Although the US customs of Halloween (costumes, mostly) have made small inroads here, the primary celebration on October 31 is Criolla (Peruvian Spanish) Music day, in which this style of music -- usually slow-tempo, with a lot of intricate guitar work and a cajòn drum (which is a box you sit on an hit with your hands) -- is celebrated. Also, the fact that the following day, November 1, is a national holiday due to being All Saints Day gives more reason to celebrate late into the night (Peruvians don`t need much push in that area). Our choir planned a social event, though in typical style the nature of our outing was in doubt until the day before, when we decided to have a party in the house of Alex (a friend of mine and a member of the choir) instead of braving the crowds at the karaoke places or discotecas. At the designated meeting time of 9:00, a couple people besides myself were present, but by 10:00 a few of the guys were there and they began an impromptu concert in the street outside the house where we rehearse while we were waiting for others. With two guitars and a cajòn they played and sang out on the sidewalk for nearly and hour, me enjoying the live and unique concert and appreciating their substantial guitar skills, wishing I could somehow record such a Peruvian moment. At around 11:00, we walked with instruments to Alex`s where the show continued -- mixed in with CD recordings -- until around 2:00 am. At this point I called it quits and walked home with my friend Roger, but Julie, Jane, and Courtney stayed dancing until nearly 5:00. In typical fashion for our choir (unlike the usual case of US parish choirs, ours is predominantly guys) we were about 10 guys and the only girls were my housemates. A memorable night all in all.
CONFIRMATION GROUP
We are nearing the close of this year`s confirmation program, with the ceremony coming up on November 23. Their initial offerings in the Corvallis-Chimbote interchange have been translated and sent, and in my next entry I plan to share a few of their responses that might interest you. Our one-night retreat took place last weekend, November 8-9, and though was organized a bit last-minute for my taste, the two-man team who led the retreat (a part-time job for them) did a solid job -- they have a gift for being crazy, goofy, funny, prayerful, and powerful at the appropriate moments. On Saturday night we had a bonfire at the retreat center just on the edge of town, with lots of music and singing. For at least a half-hour the girls and guys traded turns singing songs to each other: first `guy hate girl and girl hate guy` songs and then love songs. Then, just general singing to religious and popular music. Par for the course, I didn`t get much sleep. On Sunday morning, youth were presented with letters their parents had written ahead of time and at the closing their parents entered the room for a pre-planned but surprise (for the youth) visit, which for many was a powerful moment of reconciliation.
GENERAL REFLECTIONS
I`ve been missing home a little more recently, the season of fall seems to be when I notice the lack of beloved seasonal rites the most: birthdays, football, fall colors, Thanksgiving, etc. Summer is not here yet, so -- knowing this year the heat that will inevitably come -- I am doing my best to appreciate and savor the still-cool mornings and refreshing breezes. It strikes me that despite the distinctly slower pace of life here compared with the US, it is still quite easy to become involved in the day-to-day of the local community and personal relationships to leave undone efforts to build wider networks or projects for societal change. The gospel today is about the kingdom being among us, and this is a good reminder -- God is already working here. My role isn`t to start from scratch but to notice where the spirit is moving and to nurture/encourage/build on this. Not every moment or every day in any place, ministry, etc. will be gratifying or fulfilling, but if I look attentively I will find small moments to savor. Some of these moments come from the slow but steady progress in the area of guitar playing as I continue my twice weekly lessons with Roger, who is also becoming a good friend. We have changed the time and day so that now Courtney can join Roberto and I in the group. When we are all three practicing different strums, etc, at the same time the sound is a bit discordant, but a joyful one. Yesterday was Julie`s 22nd birthday, and I helped the celebration by preparing a US-style cake from scratch and, with Roberto`s help, a homemade ceviche lunch. Saturday evening the youth council has planned a Festival de la Risa (Festival of Laughter), with several parish groups preparing and rehearsing short comedic skits or routines to share. Also this weekend, Fr. Carlos has arranged for a seminar on parenting, obliging confirmation parents to attend two mornings and one afternoon. It would never work to add an obligatory gathering like that with two weeks notice in a US parish.
Anyway, I`ll sign off. Have a blessed day -- may you savor the small joys.
HALLOWEEN/DIA DE LA CANCIÒN CRIOLLA
Although the US customs of Halloween (costumes, mostly) have made small inroads here, the primary celebration on October 31 is Criolla (Peruvian Spanish) Music day, in which this style of music -- usually slow-tempo, with a lot of intricate guitar work and a cajòn drum (which is a box you sit on an hit with your hands) -- is celebrated. Also, the fact that the following day, November 1, is a national holiday due to being All Saints Day gives more reason to celebrate late into the night (Peruvians don`t need much push in that area). Our choir planned a social event, though in typical style the nature of our outing was in doubt until the day before, when we decided to have a party in the house of Alex (a friend of mine and a member of the choir) instead of braving the crowds at the karaoke places or discotecas. At the designated meeting time of 9:00, a couple people besides myself were present, but by 10:00 a few of the guys were there and they began an impromptu concert in the street outside the house where we rehearse while we were waiting for others. With two guitars and a cajòn they played and sang out on the sidewalk for nearly and hour, me enjoying the live and unique concert and appreciating their substantial guitar skills, wishing I could somehow record such a Peruvian moment. At around 11:00, we walked with instruments to Alex`s where the show continued -- mixed in with CD recordings -- until around 2:00 am. At this point I called it quits and walked home with my friend Roger, but Julie, Jane, and Courtney stayed dancing until nearly 5:00. In typical fashion for our choir (unlike the usual case of US parish choirs, ours is predominantly guys) we were about 10 guys and the only girls were my housemates. A memorable night all in all.
CONFIRMATION GROUP
We are nearing the close of this year`s confirmation program, with the ceremony coming up on November 23. Their initial offerings in the Corvallis-Chimbote interchange have been translated and sent, and in my next entry I plan to share a few of their responses that might interest you. Our one-night retreat took place last weekend, November 8-9, and though was organized a bit last-minute for my taste, the two-man team who led the retreat (a part-time job for them) did a solid job -- they have a gift for being crazy, goofy, funny, prayerful, and powerful at the appropriate moments. On Saturday night we had a bonfire at the retreat center just on the edge of town, with lots of music and singing. For at least a half-hour the girls and guys traded turns singing songs to each other: first `guy hate girl and girl hate guy` songs and then love songs. Then, just general singing to religious and popular music. Par for the course, I didn`t get much sleep. On Sunday morning, youth were presented with letters their parents had written ahead of time and at the closing their parents entered the room for a pre-planned but surprise (for the youth) visit, which for many was a powerful moment of reconciliation.
GENERAL REFLECTIONS
I`ve been missing home a little more recently, the season of fall seems to be when I notice the lack of beloved seasonal rites the most: birthdays, football, fall colors, Thanksgiving, etc. Summer is not here yet, so -- knowing this year the heat that will inevitably come -- I am doing my best to appreciate and savor the still-cool mornings and refreshing breezes. It strikes me that despite the distinctly slower pace of life here compared with the US, it is still quite easy to become involved in the day-to-day of the local community and personal relationships to leave undone efforts to build wider networks or projects for societal change. The gospel today is about the kingdom being among us, and this is a good reminder -- God is already working here. My role isn`t to start from scratch but to notice where the spirit is moving and to nurture/encourage/build on this. Not every moment or every day in any place, ministry, etc. will be gratifying or fulfilling, but if I look attentively I will find small moments to savor. Some of these moments come from the slow but steady progress in the area of guitar playing as I continue my twice weekly lessons with Roger, who is also becoming a good friend. We have changed the time and day so that now Courtney can join Roberto and I in the group. When we are all three practicing different strums, etc, at the same time the sound is a bit discordant, but a joyful one. Yesterday was Julie`s 22nd birthday, and I helped the celebration by preparing a US-style cake from scratch and, with Roberto`s help, a homemade ceviche lunch. Saturday evening the youth council has planned a Festival de la Risa (Festival of Laughter), with several parish groups preparing and rehearsing short comedic skits or routines to share. Also this weekend, Fr. Carlos has arranged for a seminar on parenting, obliging confirmation parents to attend two mornings and one afternoon. It would never work to add an obligatory gathering like that with two weeks notice in a US parish.
Anyway, I`ll sign off. Have a blessed day -- may you savor the small joys.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
