Peruvian Adventure 2012: Alysson & Loryber, Papaya, Markets, Festivals & Kausay Wasi Clinic

My friends, have no fear. I am still alive and kicking. It has just been a mind-blowing few weeks to say the least. Let’s pick up where I left off. So Alysson and Loryber came back to Coya, where I am living, after a 2-3 weeks in the north of Peru in rainforest up north.

Alysson and Loryber I got to know via the internet randomly (or maybe not so randomly some would say). They own a retreat center way up the mountain from the main road in Qoya/Coya (they spell it both ways-the Quechuan influence here gives way to the Qoya spelling, but I will use Coya from now on). She is in her mid 40s, an accomplished Viola player who has seen the likes of Carnegie Hall and has studied with some of the best. She is a true musician. She majored in physics in school and speaks flawless Spanish. She is originally from England, but moved to various places since 20 years old. She is a true healer and Shamaness. Loryber is from the Shipibo tribe and never left the selva since until he met Alysson. He comes from a long line of healers in the rainforest and has such a quiet strong energy. Here, there is a large focus on balancing the feminine and masculine energies, which he does very well. He wouldn’t hurt a fly, but he could take down an army. Such great energy and wisdom. Their center is called Sacred Dimension and their website is here: http://www.sacreddimension.com/english/index.html

I found out they got married just that week that they came back in a medicine ceremony, specifically an Ayahuasca ceremony with the leader of the tribe. To be married with Ayahuasca here is considered a most sacred marriage. It is a marriage that expands beyond various dimensions and worlds. Beautiful. They spent their time in the selva making their own Ayahuasca. When I asked them why they didn’t just bring the supplies back their home in Coya and cook there, they said they wanted the energy of the rainforest in their ayahuasca as well as the energy from their marriage ceremony to be in their special ayahuasca. It is quite a process, which I did not realize. They had to live in a little shack with very little water and food for the time they were there stirring their ayahuasca every 15 minutes over a fire, which they had to tend to as well.

I have been eating only organic, local food and I love it. I am so grateful for that opportunity and I am realizing how much food really affects me, to support me or not serve me as well as I’d like.

I ended up doing some work for Alysson and learning lots from the many metaphysical books she has.

I also ended up attending the town festival for the Virgin Asunta in the town. Lots of beer there (though I just had one for the time being), music, and traditional costumes.

I also went to check out the Kausay Wasi clinic, founded by a past Peace Corps director and participant. Amazing. It is one of the only ones in the area, and it is well stocked. I started volunteering when there was a general surgery team there. I got to watch some cholecystectomies and help with post op care.

I will volunteer there for the next 3 weeks as a nurse and learn more about how the Peruvian healthcare system works. If you want to find out more about the clinic or send a donation, please do! They help the poorest of the poor and really do the work they say they do! www.kausaywasi.org.

Until the next time!

Below are some photos from the clinic including the sterilizer, operating room, crash cart (which I am working on), and some hospital beds.