A heartfelt gift from Peruvian friends is a reminder that our impact reaches beyond the hours we spend on the volunteer projects themselves.
On our Machu Picchu Volunteer Trip, we visit the village of Chinchero and love to spend time with the artisans of Qori Puskay women’s weaving center. The center was founded by Guillermina Huarhua who is a skilled artisan from the Andes who is working to preserve and honor her Incan culture and traditions. The Chinchero textiles created by the women of the Qori Puskay are beautiful works of art in the Andean tradition. Visiting the center is one of the experiences that helps volunteers begin to understand the local culture and our projects. On our November 2024 Trip, volunteer leader Millie Flores-Roman was in for a surprise. As Millie recalls:
“I thought it would be a regular visit, but Juliana and Guillermina had other plans. Guillermina called for the volunteers to make an announcement, and Juliana proceeded to present me with an oil painting of me. Although the painting took me by surprise, her words moved me more. Juliana said she was trying to figure out how to show her appreciation for the help provided not only by ConservationVIP by continuing to support them for many years, but also for the support I provided during the difficult times of the pandemic. I helped them develop their online sales through a website, marketing ideas through WhatsApp, and continuing to encourage them when she calls me with a question.”
“Since I first met the Ccorimanya family, headed by Guillermina and her daughter Juliana, I became very fond of them. They have continued to excel, and what I admire the most is that with the bit of free time they have left after all their work, they also devote themselves to guiding and empowering other women to seek development. Juliana is almost ready to graduate in Computer Engineering and has just begun a second degree in fine arts at the Diego Quispe University in Cuzco. They deserve all my respect.”
Machu Picchu is one of the greatest cultural heritage sites in the world. The spirit of the people who built this amazing site lives on in wonderful people like Guillermina and Juliana. We are incredibly grateful to have the opportunity to volunteer and contribute to Machu Picchu and this community. Thank you for having us.
Millie Flores-Roman is one of our Public Lands heroes. She served in the U.S. National Park Service for 28 years. She is a historian and World Heritage cultural resource specialist. You can learn more about Millie on our People Page. Did you retire from a Public Lands career? Are you looking for your next chapter? Join us. Get Involved!Would you like to have a life changing experience on a conservation service trip to Machu Picchu? Join us to Travel with Purpose to Machu Picchu!
Millie, thank you for your tireless support for Machu Picchu Sanctuary and the people who make our trip there so special. Alas, I do not have Juliana’s talent, but if I did, I would paint you with angel wings!
Millie, thank you for your tireless support for Machu Picchu Sanctuary and the people who make our trip there so special. Alas, I do not have Juliana’s talent, but if I did, I would paint you with angel wings!