Edith:  Cusco, Perú

PeaceBikers Tad and Frank got the priviledge of spending Christmas 2000 with the Ccala Ferro family.  During this time we got to know the kids of the family.  They were excited about being interviewed by PeaceBike and would love to get letter and email.  They cannot check email more than once a week because of the expense but you can still send them an email.  Remember that they speak Spanish and so you may want to find someone to translate your letter or go to translator.go.com.

Edith Ccala Ferro, Age 15

PeaceBike:  Hi Edith.  Let`s start with a very fun and easy question like...what is you favorite food?
Edith:  That is easy.  My favorite food is papas a la huancaina( A layer of lettuce, the potatoes, covered with a spicey peanut sauce and slices of hard-boiled egg).

PeaceBike:  What kind of things do you do in those rare moments when you are not studying or at school?  Because I know you study a lot.
Edith:  Well, when I do have free time I play checkers, cards, and I also like to play jacks with my girlfriends.  Some of my friends and I also go and visit hospitals.  In the Bible it says to visit people who are sick and we also like to do this.  Sometimes we volunteer in the hospitals and sometimes we bring fruit to kids who are sick.

PeaceBike:  Wow, I am really impressed.  I am glad you told me about that because I see that as a great example for other young people to follow.  What are your favorite places in Cusco?  Where would you take a PeaceBike Pal if they came to visit you?
Edith:  I would take them to visit Saksaywaman, to the Coluseum.  Two places that I would like to go with a friend but have never been to are the beach and Machu Picchu!  Those two places would be a lot of fun!!!

PeaceBike:  Do you have any questions for the readers of this interview.  So that they can write you a letter. (Hint, hint..)
Edith:  Yes.  Where do you live?  How old are you?  What is your school like?  What is your life like?  What do you do for fun?

PeaceBike: Great. That should get them writing.  Edith, how are you a peacemaker?  What do you do to help make more peace?
Edith:  One very important thing for me is going to church and learning about my faith.  For this reason I often invite my friends to come to church with me.  I want to be an example to my friends.  A lot of times when we are going to church we have good talks and that helps everyone.

PeaceBike: Have you ever had any challenges in your life?  What have you done during these times?
Edith:  For a while I was getting bad grades.  My schoolwork was a real challenge.  Thankfully, my friends and my older sister helped me a lot.  I learned that whenever I have a tough challenge that all I need to do is ask those around me for help and usually they can help me in some way.

PeaceBike:  Edith, do you have any idea what you want to do for a career?  I know that you have lots of time to think about it but I was just curious.
Edith:  Actually, I want to be a lawyer.  I want to help the poor and protect their rights.  A lot of times in Perú the poor get taken advantage of because they do not know their own rights.  I want to help them learn their rights.

PeaceBike:  If you could travel anywhere in the world where would you go?
Edith:  I would like to visit Venezuela because one of my favorite singers comes from there.  I would also like to visit Brazil. 

PeaceBike:  Sounds like fun!  Any final message for your PeaceBike Pals?
Edith:  Yes.  Continue to follow your dreams, study hard, and make sure to ask people for help when you need it.  And also please write to me!!  I would love a letter in Spanish or English and please send photos!

You can send Edith a letter at:

Sabina Ferro & Genaro Ccala
Portal Comercio 145
Cusco, Perú

Or email Edith via his sister`s email at lizbeth_cusco@yahoo.com Write in the subject line PeaceBike email a Edith.

Interview done December 25, 2000.
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