we're sliding along in chocolate brown waters , raising leaf shaped paddles.The narrow canoe fits around our bodies like a kayak.A long way off , something roars from inside the thick green wall of trees and vines lining the river banks.Two periscope eyes and a long snout rise to the surface and fall with a low rumble.River otters squeak , birds call , monkeys hoot from time to time.In the background a string section of buzzing insects.We've come to a place where Mother Nature is definitely in charge , a new perspective.

Locals wave to us as their canoes ease by on either side.Black almond eyes are framed by copper skin and raven hair.Amazonians manage pretty well from gardening and a little hunting and fishing on the side.Lots of qualitytime left for spending with family and friends.It was only when outsiders came on the scene that life has become more difficult.

From the first encounters 500 years ago , but most especially in the last 30 years or so , jungle people have suffered greatly.Wave after wave of foreign diseases , new economic systems , and developement schemes invade their territory.This has left with many more reasons to get sick , and fewer ways to earn a living.without any health care available nearby , people most often make the long river trip to the nearest hospital to die.Competition from agribusiness , mining and logging companies destroy the environment that is the source of their livlihood , so they are left without gardens to grow food ,wood for shelter , and other basic needs.

We hope to help local humanitarian aid organizations build a health clinic and job training center for the people of Amazonian , Peru.Come with us , won't you ?Do a little good , and in exchange let some warm human smiles and Mother Nature herself get right in your face.Up close and personal , she's quite a lady.