Living in Peru : your everyday companion

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Shame no one reads that. I do care what you do good job but I think you should be helping out your own country before another one. I mean I can go on a website and write stuff about you but I won't do that. You think Peru is bad, YOU KNOW nothing. Why don't you go to serra leone or a country where there is real problems. Every country has homeless people and people with AIDS.. Your not a missionairy or a hero. You want to be praised for what your doing by everyone when you should be doing this to get nothing in return except satisfaction that your helping someone out. If your not going to help out a third world country (which i think peru doesnt classify as), then at least help out America. Adios Amigo, Justin

This discussion is most interesting to me in that I also am down here in Lima and have been for some time. I can see both sides of the issue and I agree that America reflects much as a decadent society and yes, there are good and bad situations all over the world, there always have been and there always will be. I agree that my 8 children are spoiled, comparatively speaking and most things are relative. And I also have held that a people should clean up their own back yard rather than than concentrating on someone else's. Frankly, I have fallen in love with Peru because I see such shortcomings in the US, a falling away from those early values which offered such strength and stability in the past. I see much need here, not only for improvement in the standards of living which will come over time, but also in the need for education and investment therein. The Internet, cell phones and MacDonalds are making a positive impact in expanding the vision of young minds and providing opportunities here not available years ago. I always wondered why, in America, you see so many foreign born professionals and more Spanish speaking immigrants coming daily. I wondered why they desired to leave their homeland amounting to a brain drain, but after living here for awhile, I began to understand. I have seen many Peruvians with tearful eyes upon leaving the US Embassy, visa rejection slip in hand. I am sure the same is found at the other embassies here. I am thankful to the Peruvian people for having allowed me to share and participate in their culture, their history and vision. I have been enriched by it. The same question was asked of me, why invest your time in Peru when here is such a need back home. Peru, like my own country, must move forward with their sovereign agenda, whatever that may be, but hopefully to the benefit of all citizens with considerable emphasis on quality of opportunity. The children, regardless where they are, represent our future and therein is where our long term investment and vision should be. I can certainly understand a National,s sensitivity over suggestions and observations made or offered by a foreigner. I guess, for me personally, if the situation were reversed, I would welcome a similar discussion if only to consider the merits for my own edification and possible benefit to my countrymen. America shamefully has involved itself in the affairs of others at great expense to its own citizens and resulting in substantial harm to others. Hopefully that will change as we all become more involved with our citizenship responsibilities, especially at home, while at the same time being empathetic to the needs of our neighbors, Peru being one of them.

I am an american woman who became an exchange student to Chile in 1976 for one year, so I do understand dennis and Blanca in the absolute culture shock that one experiences between any south american culture and the us culture. The us culture is HUGELY wasteful and the southern cultures seem so uncontaminated with greed and narsicism that it brings you back in time to when things were "good". Justin Mackler is unfortunately responding as if personally attacked by these nice people who are only trying to do some good in their lives. I remember living in Chillan, and there being one person with elephantitus living at each church there. There were people with goiters walking the streets. When I returned to San Jose, ca, I was keenly aware of all the food I had ever wasted, all the waste in my high school, and I longed for the homey dances at my friend's homes in Chillan. I had gotten used to a thimbleful of red wine with my meals, and when I returned home I was berated for being an alcoholic and threatened with being thrown on the street if I did not participate in counselling sessions and abstain from all alcohol. Believe me, neither society is perfect, but after years of trying to make my way here in the us, i still dream of melding the best of both worlds and living in the southern hemisphere. Just as many dream of going north. Dennis and blanca's transportation plan seems a bit much, but let them try and they will soon learn their limits. No need to be nasty.

Dear Dennis and Blanca, Before I respond to Justin's comments. Let me say, how pround my husand and I are of the good works you both are doing. We are working on ways to try to get toys, books, and clothing for the children with cancer. All parents only want what is best for their children. It doesn't matter what part of the world they they live in ,or how little, or much money they have. And yes, we do support many organizations in the United States that provide for the needy, the sick, and those less fortunate. Not because we want to be considered "A HERO", or "A Missionary". But because we believe it is the right thing to do. What better to do than to help out a country where you live part time ,and where your wife has roots for generations. Keep up the good works and deeds. There is no amount of money equal to the feeling one gets from the knowledge that a person(s)life has been improved by the good deeds of another. Response to Justin Mackler's letter Shakespeare says it best," Sharper than a serpents tooth is an ungrateful child." I feel very sorry for your son. What a shameful,spoiled, uncaring individual your son has turned out to be. Since Justin has made many suggestions where you should go ,and since he feels the need to be a patriot.(as Americans we are) I suggest that he enlist in the army and serve his country in Iraq. Then I might believe his covictions. But to stay home, do nothing, and demean the hard work of others shows great insight into the personality and character of Justin. Most children would be proud of what his/her parent(s) is doing to help the needest. Easy to sit back in comfort and make rude retorts. YOU ARE OWED AN APOLOGY FROM YOUR SON!

Dennis - I understand why you write about what you do...you do not seek praise, but rather to bring awareness, to let others know the joy we experience, the fulfillment we gain when we do unselfishly for others. Justin - the politically correct term is "developing nation," not third-world country, for future reference, and Peru is definitely still in development. Your father knows a great deal more than you give him credit for...he successfully identified Lima as a different entity than the rest of Peru, just as Beverly Hills is in no way indicative of the rest of America...not everyone makes this distinction so easily, yet it is true. Also, Justin, I derive from your response that your father has a past you feel may disqualify him from being a good person now...guess what, so do I, and I'll bet most everyone on this site and beyond do as well. I am also quite certain none of us care...your fathers efforts are noble today, despite what took place yesterday. If I were you I'd be thankful for the acknowledgment your father offers you...it's more than many children get!!

Your comments hit close to home. My former life in the US was fairly luxurious and I had a great career in a fashion-related industry. Ten years ago I came to Peru's jungle region on a volunteer trip that really opened my eyes. In 2004 I abandoned corporate America, moved to Iquitos, and I founded the first DOMESTIC animal welfare charity in the region). Not only do I deal with critics that think I should be doing my work in the US, I also deal with numerous critics that say I should dedicate myself to people, not animals. I can only respond that each person must respond to his or her individual passion. I do not have the financial resources to live and fund a non-profit group in the US. I do not have the skills to work with children, who require much more specialized training to deal with their developing personalities. The USA has a large network of charitable and governmental organizations helping those who are less fortunate. Peru lacks this infrastructure. Iquitos claims to be the Eco-Tourism capital of the world but, up until 2 years ago, one had to step over dying dogs and cats to get anywhere. The situation tugged at my heart, and nobody was doing anything about it. So I followed my heart, and I am doing WHAT I CAN. There are many people in Iquitos that also need assistance, but my work with animals encompasses many public health issues. The top ten most rapidly spreading diseases in the developing world are caused by cross-contamination between humans and animals. Additionally, violence towards animals is VERY closely linked to violence against humans, and domestic violence in an alarming problem here. The educational programs of Amazon Community Animal Rescue, Education & Safety teach sensitivity to animals, the environment, and the world. Justin's comments are an insult to the many people working for the betterment of all living beings. Sincerely, Molly Mednikow

Forgive me for taking away from the subject at hand for a moment, if you can...I would like to address the work Molly is doing in Iquitos. Actually, I would like to attest to the good she is doing and the progress she is making. While I don't know first hand what Iquitos was like prior to Molly's involvement I do know what it's like now. I had the pleasure of meeting Molly this past September while in Iquitos to participate in the Amazon River Raft Race, and I was taken aback with her story. Her sentiments are right on regarding doing WHAT WE CAN. I am also involved in charitable work, in Arequipa, and often times I am left feeling as though I'm not doing enough. I look around and compare what I'm doing to what needs to be done...is my contribution even noticed? Then, I remind myself (and my wife, and my children) that as long as we are doing WHAT WE CAN, whatever that may be, then we are doing enough. If we choose not to do that which we are capable of then we are failing in our duties. To all of those doing what they can to better society, no matter where they are, good job!! To those of you who are not, what's keeping you? And, to those of you criticizing rather than contributing, we're not listening!!

BRAVO! To all volunteers, thank you for making this WORLD a better place, no matter how small your contributions are and where you help. Help should never be restricted by borders. Helping people (or animals) requires unselfishness, a quality that is harder to find each passing day in this globalized, money driven world. I salute all unselfish people!

"You make your own dream. That's the Beatles' story, isn't it? That's Yoko's story . That's what I'm saying now. Produce your own dream. If you want to save Peru, go save Peru. It's quite possible to do anything, but not to put it on the leaders and the parking meters. Don't expect Jimmy Carter or Ronald Reagan or John Lennon or Yoko Ono or Bob Dylan or Jesus Christ to come and do it for you. You have to do it yourself. That's what the great masters and mistresses have been saying ever since time began. They can point the way, leave signposts and little instructions in various books that are now called holy and worshipped for the cover of the book and not for what it says, but the instructions are all there for all to see, have always been and always will be. There's nothing new under the sun. All the roads lead to Rome. And people cannot provide it for you. I can't wake you up. You can wake you up. I can't cure you. You can cure you."

Quote: John Lennon

I believe there is great value in knowledge transfer to less developed societies like that in Peru. Transportation assistance to the elderly or handicapped is a perfect example. Making the effort to transmit even common sense ideas can make a huge difference in Peru while providing little benefit to communities in the USA that already know about them. An it doesn't take a lot of money either.

Dear Dennis and Blanca, I too have heard similar ironical, though more understanding, comments from my children regarding my work as a teacher of English to the women prisoners at Santa Monica prison in Chorrillos. My eldest daughter recently complained that I never supervised my granchildren's homework, but I did have time to go there. What she knows, but does not mention, is that when I do go see my grandchildren, they barely get up from watching TV to say hello. Instead, my students (approx. 30) are eager to learn, motivated, and enthusiastic about learning a second language. Plus, I love them dearly as cherished friends, they´re fun to be with, and incredibly affectionate. So, Dennis and Blanca, pls keep up the good work, don't expect reassurance from your children now, I assure you someday they will understand and perhaps even accompany you! Love, Leo

Dennis Mackler, shame on you!!!!!!!! I know you personally for over 40 years, does everyone know that Bianca is your second wife who is at least 25 years younger then you. You have a lot of money which im sure she married you for. Your children need a father which you have been absent for quiet a while. Why dont you get the (..expletive deleted..) off your self serving (..expletive deleted..) and help and guide your own children that are struggling in the world instead of calling them spoiled.... It all cames down to one thing and you know this better then anyone I have ever met......MONEY! please help your own blood your children get good jobs and find their way in the world.

Dennis you put your son on this website so everyone will make mean comments someone wants him to go to Iraq and get killed your a rotten father. I'm glad I didn't have a horrible selfish father like you. You still have a chance to do the right thing with your own children which you are not involved with.(.. expletive deleted..)

Dear LIP readers and commenters,

we here at LivinginPeru.com always favor to hear both sides of a story. But this is turning into a very personal confrontation resulting in verbal insults which we do not tolerate.

If this topic continues drifting in an area that has very little to do with the main topic of volunteering in Peru, then I suggest to take this battle where it belongs: your own personal weblog or even better, a personal phone call or visit.

We hope you understand our concerns.

Wolfy (LivinginPeru.com)

Thanks Harold!!!  

How could you call our children spoiled.you dont even know them.we divorced when Justin was only six years old.You never had the kids one night or one weekend the whole time.Youve never been to a school conference or any of his basketball or tennis matches.you moved to flordia when they still young so you could play tennis.You never spent any time with your kids at all.Justin is not spoiled he is the nicest kid I know.If you would have taken the time to know our children you would see how great they really turned out.What your doing in peru is great it shows a change in your character.But your family should come first.You hurt justin very badly.he needed a father growing up.Now you trash him on the internet.You can still take the time to get to know him.He picked a college ten minutes away from your home and you moved away again.Come home and be his father