How do you like my Peruvian hat? You’ll never guess where I found it. I was so excited to discover a Peruvian booth at the annual Sunfest here in little London this weekend. Of course I had to don that hat, at my friend’s insistence. Instantly, I was transported to my beloved Peru. Such marvellous memories of my trip to Chincha, Peru with Sr. Anne last February, flooded my mind and heart. It seemed like it was just yesterday that I was packing to head out for that distant land. What a wonderful opportunity it was to visit my beloved Peru! Even though it wasn’t in the same area where I had worked for many years.
The wait at the airport in Toronto was long, but well worth the wait. We were so anxious to be on our way. It was not one of my most ‘memorable’ flights, but it was soon forgotten. As I stepped onto Peruvian soil, my heart soared. I was home. Visiting with our only two Peruvian sisters, Maria and Gloria, was such a gift. Getting to know them better, seeing how wonderful and dedicated these women are to the poor people, was really a delightful experience. Meeting many of the people to whom they minister, especially those still suffering from the aftermath of the earthquake, was a real eye opener. I was particularly keen to meet the dedicated Associates of our community. They are scattered far and wide in what is an extremely wide spread parish. In order to visit them all, Sr. Maria drove us in the sister’s truck along roads which frequently were mere dirt roads. When they were within walking distance, we were accompanied by two of the Associates, Elizabeth and her daughter, Elizabeth. What delightful women! Meeting and enjoying the company of some of the sisters’ family members was an added bonus. In true Peruvian style, we received a warm welcome and delightful hospitality. One of the things that stands out for me, is a picnic in the convent garden. Scrumptious hot food in big pots had lovingly been prepared. Sadly, though, there were no Pisco Sours. You don’t know what they are? Let me tell you. Pisco is a Peruvian liquor made from white grapes, to which you add lime juice, sugar water, egg whites, ice cubes – and blend. Hard to explain the exhilarating taste of this uniquely Peruvian drink. Hope you get to try it some time.
The two weeks flew by, with no time to miss Canada. Happy memories continue to linger, as became evident when I donned that ‘magic’ Peruvian hat. Now I wonder why I didn’t buy it. Oh well, maybe at next year’s Sunfest I’ll go looking for that hat and maybe, just maybe the magic will happen again.
Loretta Hagen, CSJ