A journey of unexpected transformation
A Missionary's Shift: From Lima to Andean Aid
I had arrived in Peru at the end of 2019. I went there with a mission to serve and get involved in missionary work. Unfortunately, the Pandemic ‘Covid Virus’ hit the start of the next year, and I was forced to leave the capital of Lima. The country came to a stand-still as I found myself in the Andes mountains in the city Cusco. In hindsight, this was the greatest blessing in disguise. I started working at the only soup kitchen open to feed the homeless during this time. Through the manager of this organization, I was introduced to the village way up in the mountains one-day, these people needed dire necessities and a majority of children suffered from malnutrition.
Simple communal kitchen becomes a beacon of hope in the high-altitude Quechua villages
A Tale of Community and Resilience
This is when I first noticed that hundreds of people would be gathered around ‘four poles’ with some leaves on the top for covering. Taking into consideration, there is little oxygen spare at this altitude and these people live in harsh weather conditions. I was surprised to see the two small pots trying to manage the gigantic task of feeding all these Quechua villagers. Of course, if it rains, the open fire dies out and everyone leaves home. Including the young children and infants, which I would say make up 40% of the population. Community kitchen is part of the culture in these regions. Many of the people gathering here don’t have the necessities at home to cook for themselves. And it’s customary to share with your neighbor what you have, even if it is not much. I quickly got involved to take supplies up to the village that might be needed.
Combining ancient Inka techniques with modern technology
Adobe Kitchen Project in the Andes
This is when I had the idea to build a kitchen made up of ‘adobe’. This clay has been used in structures for thousands of years by the Inka people South America. It is renowned for being a stronghold against earthquakes in the region, its suits well with the relentless weather conditions of the area. The area set aside by the community for the development is around 300 meters wide and 100 meters broad. The space for the kitchen designated by the committee is on two different platforms. The vision is to build the kitchen on two platforms (double story), with a European design. The kitchen will be run by state-of-the-art equipment including ‘starlink’ satellite to monitor all the operations digitally. Power will be supplied by four methods that we have built an educational platform around in the setup and implementation of these structures. Namely Geothermal power, hydro, solar and magnetic. All the different stages of construction will be recorded and safety pre-cautions are of absolute importance. There will be different sections designated with mesh net, where different age groups get involved with the unique assembling of the parts. Supervising the entire project will be a priority as we try to collect as much data for the future. We are very excited to involve volunteers after the construction of the kitchen. To get involved practically with everyday difficulties that these humble people experience.
The experience and culture in Peru is a one of a kind adventure waiting for you!
This is our Pioneer project, and we are excited to share our dream in person with you, enjoy Peruvian hospitality together. And live unforgettable moments.
Gallery
