Mission and Vision

Sembradores de Semillas strives to connect volunteers to God through spiritual and community relationships by working and living alongside marginalized populations of Sabandia, Arequipa, Peru.

The Sabandia district is home to 40% of families living in poverty. As a former resident and second mayor in the district, Maria witnessed the needs of these families and their children first hand. In addition to limited educational and career opportunities, families also face poor nutrition. These factors negatively impact the lives of children. While the Catholic Church of Sabandia remains as a positive force for these children, the need for additional support is still very much needed. These children will benefit from Sembradores de Semillas trips immeasurably as an example of living the faith of God with love and compassion. By planting spiritual and community seeds for the future, we aim to share the love of God in service of others.

Objectives: Faith, Education, and Connection

Faith

Throughout each service trip, one goal is to guide 8 - 10 high school volunteers in deepening their faith and spirituality through reflection, prayer, and group activities. Sembradores de Semillas upholds imago dei, which states that every person is made in the image of God. Sembradores de Semillas also upholds the human dignity of every single participant. Prayer, discussion, and reflection are central program elements. While Sembradores de Semillas is a faith-based program rooted in Gospel values and Catholic principles, all faith backgrounds are welcome to participate and deepen their personal faith and spirituality.

Education

In the months leading up to each 12-day trip, Sembradores de Semillas will lead engaging and thought provoking meetings that will assist volunteers in understanding the culture and history of Arequipa, Peru, with a special focus on the Sabandia district. These discussion-based meetings, which will take place once per month in person or virtually, will equip volunteers with a deeper understanding of the communities where they will live, work and serve prior to their trip. The educational commitment of Sembradores de Semillas is centered around the goal of building self-awareness and empathy for others.

Connection

Through team-building activities, group discussions, and service projects, Sembradores de Semillas invites each group of volunteers to live out their faith by discovering God's presence in the lives of those they encounter within their service group, in the community of Sabandia.

Long Range Goal

Sembradores de Semillas hopes to develop a long-lasting relationship with Parroquia Nuestra Señora de Sabandia and to assist the parish with their needs. We look forward to our partnership and supporting the Sabandia community together.

Tentative Work Schedule and Work Locations

Service projects will take place throughout the Sabandia community. For your reference, a proposed schedule is below (subject to change):

Monday - Friday Schedule

7:15 AM – wakeup
7:30 AM – prayer - breakfast
9:00 AM – worksite arrival
12:00 PM – lunch on site
3:00 PM – workday ends
4:00 PM – prayer - dinner
5:30 – Reflection / Check-in time
6:30 – 9:30 PM – free time at lodging site
9:30 PM – quiet time
10:00 PM – quiet time
Saturday – excursion ( TBA ) followed by shopping
Sunday – Mass – followed by breakfast