Well after close to 8 months on the road, I've finally made it to Trujillo, in the North West of Peru, and met with the people of the Bruce Organisation.

Must admit, it was, and still is a great moment for me. I've never raised that much money before without really knowing first hand who the people were, and what kind of job they really did. I went in blind, found 2 years ago the Bruce Org online, read about it, talked to Bruce a bit on the phone, had a good vibe, and told them I would raise money for them... all that based on a gut feeling. It could have been a disaster, it could have gone all wrong, could have ended up being a fraud... but it didn't.

I've been here a bit more than a week now, living with the volunteers, witnessing the work that is being done, giving a hand in the schools and I mus say that I'm amazed by what is done, and saddened that I couldn't, and can't do more. But here is what I saw...

I saw amazing kids, doing what kids to, laugh, play... and learn. Most of them don't go to school, their parents can't afford to pay for material, fees, uniforms. They have to work and earn money, selling chiklets, shinning shoes, begging. The Bruce Org gives them a chance to catch up on the schoolwork, and eventually be able to rejoin the national school system. I've visited 3 schools so far, having in attendance between 10 and 30 kids aged 6 to 15. Each school is basic, a room, a yard, a toilet, no more. They go in the morning for 3 hours, where a native teacher, social workers and volunteers help them in any way they can. A snack is provided, and toothbrushing is well enforced!!! Kids laugh a lot, but are also craving affection, giving hugs, and just happy to get a high five or a tap on the back.

I saw amazing volunteers, coming from different countries, occupations and age. They work hard, every day going to the most dangerous neighberhoods trying to recruit kids to join the school, teaching, convincing parents to let them come... At the moment 3 dentists from England are volunteering 6 days a week, none stop, offering dental care to the kids, parents and to those who can't afford it. Later this year, a few doctors will come, and I'm sure that they will be in great demand.

I saw poverty, to a level that I never experienced before. Trujillo is surrounded by desert, and the poorest areas are right in it. Sand, sand, sand, and rocks. In the middle of that you have basic houses, some of them consisting of 4 wooden poles surrounded by tarps, held up together by rope. No electricity, no running water, sleeping on the ground...and it's cold here.

I saw the school that is sponsored by your donations. Again, a room, a toilet, a yard, a bit of furniture. It's situated in Alto Trujillo, one of the poorest and most dangerous place in Peru. The money will pay for a teacher, snacks, material and rent. We're having a ceremony later on today, a plaque with the the following will be in front of the school: In loving memory of Joanne Chapman, Daughter, Sister, Wife, Mother, Friend. We Will Never Forget...

And that my friends is all thanks to you. Thank you for all of you who've donated money in the last few years. I can assure you that every penny will be well spent. Thank you for trusting me and believing in the cause. Thank you to all who helped along the way in small and big ways: organising events, building websites, designing logos and encouraging me. Thank you for making this possible, to allow my mother's name to be associated to a good cause, and somehow live longer in memories... and the future of the kids. In short THANK YOU, THIS IS YOUR WORK!!

But, it's not over. A lot of work still needs to be done. For my part it is my responsability to keep money coming, and make sure that the work continues to be done. How I will do that I don't know, but for the moment, all I can do is ask you, if you haven't done so and feel like it, to donate. You can do it on the website at www.transamericatrek.org. There's a First Giving widget where you can make safe and secure donations with your credit card. Anything helps, and I can vouch that all of it goes to the kids! Go see the pics on the website to get a good view...

Over the last 10 years, the Bruce Org has been fighting the government for them to admit that close to 20% of the kids in Peru do not attend school. I am a great believer that education is the key to fight poverty, criminality, extremism and ignorance. An educated kid will have far less chances to follow the wrong path in life and more chances to make the right choices.

Again, hope all is good with you guys, and send news when u can, always appreciated!!!

Cheers

JF