Throughout sixteen years working in Q’ero communities, we continually reflect on the future of the beautiful Q’ero culture. Will Q’ero culture and wisdom be eroded by the encroachment of cell phones, roads, employment, public education, and migration to cities? There are reasons to have hope that the deeper gifts of Q’ero culture and spirituality will persevere in spite of rapid changes.

The mountains called me back to Q'eros, and once again my heart prepared to trek the well-worn path of service in the remote Q’ero regions of Peru. The love I’ve developed for this challenging service-based travel is grounded in the excitement I feel while watching the Q’ero children explore educational experiences for the first time.

Today the 2019 HWF expedition team entered the remote Q’ero territories. For the next 10 days the small team will meet with Q'ero village elders, discuss joint projects, and provide training and services in three remote villages in the Andes Mountains of Peru.HWF board member Stacy Christensen (with hat) leads the expedition again this year, with a focus on service to Q’ero children and their families.

Heart Walk Foundation hired obstetrician Karina Bello Pacco, and nurse Briggite Ivone Benavente Arape to serve Q’ero villagers in their remote Andean region for 2018. These two brave and dedicated women endure deprivations, hardships and risks to their safety so they can provide basic medical care to Q’ero villagers.