La Vivian

I went to Vivian's house today to touch base. Here are the highlights:

- Vivian's mom recounted their story for me so that I could film it as an interview. It is lengthy, and I've just finished transcribing it! But good to have her words so real.

- We also discussed the culture of Cuzco when it comes to autism. She echoed something that is difficult in the states as well... children with down syndrome, you can see the disability. They are immediately marked as needing extra care. Children with autism though, people will just see as crazy, or animalistic. She said that there is much discrimination in town, and even in their neighborhood, where people know Vivian so well. They recognize she is autistic, but since they know so little, it does not keep them from being ill with her for running, or not responding when they call her, "Chica, chiquita!"

- The most surprising cultural marker was something she said during the story of their life. A woman approached her who had a child like Vivian. She had given up her child when she was unable to care for it, but the child had since disappeared. Vivian's mother feels strongly that the child was most likely killed for its organs. This brought me so much sadness that I made my hostel owner listen to it as well, to make sure I had not heard it wrong. Regardless of whether it was a perception, or a stated truth, the fact that it could be supposed thwarted me.

There is so much more sadness to their story, and after spending the last few hours transcribing it, I don't think I wish to recount more. Instead, I'll leave you with some photos of this glorious child, la Vivian.

The view of Cuzco from the street about Vivian's house

Vivian's house

A happy girl.

Camera-curious.

Beautiful.

Tomorrow's agenda includes:

• Construction of PECS for Vivian's house
• Meeting with Abrazos 
• Home visit to Shakira

Note:
- I am thrilled to be working in this environment. While my heart is heavy with sadness, my mind is alive with what more there is to do, and how necessary the work is. Please pray for Vivian's family, to have always have enough, and to always feel supported, even if it is just by a gringa back in the states.