May the blessings of Christmas be with you – may Christ’s peace and love

bring new hope to our lives, and may we share that hope with all we meet.

This year has been a challenging one for me with the diagnosis of breast cancer, the subsequent mastectomy, followed by five months of chemotherapy. I have felt the support of so many of you during this time, and I want to thank you for all your prayers and loving care for me. Thank God, I am now well again, and was able to return to Peru in mid September.

My “new look” in the wig

On my return to Peru, there were so many signs of life all around, in the midst of the ever-present economic poverty of the people. I noticed afresh the sharp contrast between the way of life in Australia and here in Peru. It is just so hard for the families here to make ends meet- and yet they have a great sense of hope and solidarity that is a challenge to me.

The Women’s House at Candela is now in its sixth year and has made considerable progress in helping so many women learn new skills and develop their self-esteem. A dedicated group of 12 volunteer women have the responsibility of organizing and running the house on a day to day basis. This year there were 21 different classes in a wide range of skills, and as well, each week there were sessions on aspects of health, human rights, personal development etc. It is just so good to see the women coming alive! One of their favorite gospel passages is from Luke 13, 10-14 where Jesus cures a woman who had been bent over for 18 years. The women here can identify easily with this woman, and they know what it is to be oppressed and “bent over” in a society that does not value the poor. What they find here in the house is a chance to “stand tall” again, regaining their strength and dignity.

Some of the women showing their products, and others in their classes

The women are always excited when there is an order to go to Australia or elsewhere- They know that through the work of their hands, they can now sell their goods and in this way provide for their family, so they are very grateful for all who have helped in selling goods for them, because it is a dignified way for them to care for their families.

One of the new programmes this year has been the “Heifer” project which is funded through international donations. The idea is to give the families five animals- here it has been guinea pigs, which are regarded as a good local food source. After the guinea pigs multiply, the family then gives the number that they have received to another family, and so the programme continues. The families have also received help in setting up recycling projects – learning how to make compost and then using it in their little gardens to grow vegetables, and food for the guinea pigs- There is still no running water here in Candela, so it is a challenge to grow these crops, but it is great to see the pride of the families as they show us their animals and gardens.

Another project that has been introduced this year is the machine-knitting programme that is being developed across both our women’s houses, with the possibility of selling their goods through contacts in USA. There is still a way to go for the products to be of export quality but it is a challenging prospect for the women to learn these new skills and then teach others.

Anna and Gregoria at the knitting machines

The medical centre at Candela has expanded this year with the inclusion of dental services three times a week, equally at the Corn Hill Women’s House. Up till now, the level of care for teeth has been very low, but with the talks given by the dentist and health promoters at the local schools, as well as the availability of dental service at an affordable price, it means that the dental health of the population is improving.

In addition there are regular campaigns for eyes, pediatric attention, and specialist services of dermatology and gynecology. The health service is enhanced by a group of 25 health promoters who give their time and talents voluntarily to help the community. In addition, there are the volunteers from the medical dispensaries in both areas who attend the community with medicines at cost price.

Another programme that has started this year is the nutrition project, whereby 50 malnourished children are being helped, by having regular medical checks, and a nourishing meal each day. In addition, their mothers are learning how to cook a balanced diet, and are encouraged to participate in the women’s houses to learn new skills so as to provide for their families.

Some of the mothers with the children in the nutrition programme

For all of these programmes, we are grateful to the donors who are helping to make the lives of the people here so much better. As one of the women said to me recently, “ Our dreams are beginning to come to reality- our lives are changing for the better, and we can feel God’s presence with us.”

In a tangible way, this can be seen in the local chapel, where there is a wonderful

group of dedicated lay catechists – teenagers, and parents, who help in the training

programmes for Baptism, First Communion and Confirmation and three weeks out

of four, lead the Sunday liturgy.

At this time of Christmas, then, I give thanks for all that has happened during 2005, and ask God’s blessings of peace and joy for each of you and your families. The photo at the beginning of this letter is from our children’s house as they celebrated Christmas in their own special way. May we learn from the children to value the simple things of life as God’s gifts to us, and to share them in a way that brings life, hope and happiness to others.

Wishing you every blessing

With my love and prayers

Tricia