The Peru Gazette

By John T. Ryan

Peru residents Dr. Tracy Orkin and her daughter Alice Robinson were two of the eight Peru residents who made the recent Mission of Hope trip to Nicaragua. This was the second mission trip for Alice, a senior at Peru Central, while this was her mother’s first trip. As Alice said, “It was a reversal in roles; I was telling my mom what to expect.”  Alice explained that last year had been such an amazing experience and she had made so many friends that she wanted to return this year. Alice said the Mission of Hope experience has even helped her choose a college major.  She hopes to major in either Spanish or nursing.

Alice’s mom Dr. Tracy Orkin is a family practice physician in Plattsburgh. Tracy explained, “This was my first trip. The Mission of Hope had identified a long-term need for pap smears.” While Dr. Orkin looked forward to making the trip with Alice, she left home viewing the trip from a professional perspective – she was going to give medical assistance. She came home with a different perspective. She made many new friends. She helped deliver food to people who showed immense gratitude. She had learned about a different culture.  Most importantly, she learned something about herself. Describing herself as a “Type A” personality: someone who is constantly on the go and who rarely slows down Dr. Orkin said, “I was so relaxed by the time I left. The clutter in your life tends to go away. You’re able to see what’s important in your life.”

There was one other part of the February 15^th through February 24^th mission trip that was especially memorable. Dr. Orkin explained , “It was also great seeing our sponsored child. She came running up and gave me a little gift. I don’t speak Spanish, but we still seemed able to communicate.” Almost 500 Nicaraguan students are being sponsored through the Mission of Hope sponsorship program. For $250, a sponsor can pay for a child’s year of school tuition, books, uniforms and daily lunch.  Many missioners have become sponsors including Tracy Orkin and her daughter Alice.

Dr. Tracy Orkin found time to take several very beautiful photographs of her mission experience. I hope you will take a few minutes to view them.