What I learned from Christmas in Huancavelica, Peru

For many of us, having a bathroom in our homes is so normal that we don't even think about it. Getting up, brushing our teeth, taking a hot shower, using body wash, or taking a pill to relieve an uncomfortable headache are all common daily habits. However, for the people of Sachaorco, Huancavelica, Peru, and many other rural areas of the country (which make up 68% of Peru's population), these habits are often an unattainable luxury. Not only because they live in clay huts without plumbing, but also because family income is often insufficient to cover the cost of personal hygiene products.

Nevertheless, adversity does not stop these people. Back in September, when I was in Sachaorco, some mothers shared with me, with wisdom and simplicity, that they used medicinal herbs to make their own toiletries. Witnessing how they adapted so creatively and resiliently to their circumstances in order to care for themselves and their families left me speechless. However, I couldn’t help but notice that some of these homemade products were not quite getting the job done.

Shocked by these realities and inspired by the strength of these people, a team from Make a Miracle’s headquarters in Lima made the 16-hour car ride to Sachaorco this December with a clear purpose: to deliver baskets containing soap, shampoo, and first aid kits to help families better manage their health and well-being.

More than 80 families received these baskets. As many elderly people expressed their thanks for the gift, I was struck by the universal language of gratitude. Peru has two predominant languages, Spanish and Quechua. In regions like Huancavelica, many elderly people only speak Quechua. As a Spanish speaker, I couldn’t understand a word they were saying, but their smiles and hugs communicated everything I needed to know.

One word they kept repeating that left a lasting impression on me was “Añay.” When I asked about its meaning, I discovered that it not only conveys gratitude, but also expresses a deep emotion, a mysticism, a connection between human beings. We have no word like this in Spanish. It perfectly encapsulates how people from two different countries (the U.S. and Peru) came together to offer these gifts to those in need in Huancavelica.

A mother approached us with a sincere smile and confessed, “Thank you very much for this great help, especially during this rainy season. The mud is everywhere, and my children, who always go out to play in the fields, end up with dirty clothes every day. It is difficult for me to buy detergent or soaps to clean them, so having these products is a blessing for my whole family.” Her words reflected not only gratitude but also a deep humility that deeply touched me.

Witnessing so much love, steadfastness, and gratitude filled my heart with joy. Although we had a long trip back, I am sure that each of us carried in our hearts the satisfaction of having made a difference in the lives of these families.