The Sucasari Village is made up from a group of people called the Maijuna. There cultural and moral traditions are exhibited through their willingness to invite others into their lives. While they have endured discrimination for the color of their skin and ethnic traditions, these people are proud of who they are and what they have accomplished and bring their prejudices toward them to an end. The minute we stepped out of the boat they welcomed us with open arms. We learned more living life simply and kindly in that day and a half than we have learned in our seventeen years in the United States.
They taught us about kindness. We were welcomed into a home and the family treated us as if we had known them for years. They were willing to invite 12 loud and obnoxious girls into their home and cooked a meal for us.
They taught us helpfulness and patience. The women and children assisted us ‘shuck’ palm leaves and were easygoing as we sluggishly made progress. (Some of the children made us bracelets out of the leaves.)
They taught us generosity. Each family had made a traditional Peruvian dish for us to eat for lunch. They took the fish they caught and the plants they harvested to make us a delicious meal.
They taught us gratitude. The Maijuna people were content and enjoyed the simplicity of their lives. They were thankful for their land, family, and traditions. And lastly, they taught us about friendship. The children became our greatest friends when we first exchanged smiles. The language barrier had no effect on the lifelong friendships that were built in our brief time together. We appreciate every moment we shared with the Sucasari village and thank them for teaching us many important lessons.
The Maijuna, an indigenous group of the northeastern Peruvian Amazon, live in one of the most biologically rich regions of the world.
They taught us gratitude.
MARCH 2018
5
z - In Search of the Sustainable Soul
My biggest fear going into this experience was the language barrier and missing out on being able to connect with the people there. I learned you don’t need to know the language in order to create a friendship. I have never experienced a happier time in my life, every aspect of the experience brings you pure joy even in the little unplanned moments. I have never been more grateful to be able to be given this opportunity it is truly a week I'll never forget.
- Rebekah L '19
Maijuna
and the Village of Sucasari
by Caroline S