Pacific Ocean

I have been in Peru for over five weeks now! Others have said, and I agree: days drag, but the weeks fly.  I suspect that soon the days will fly as well, as I leave for a week in Ancash on Saturday for Field Based Training. We, essentially, shadow volunteers to see how things work at their sites from working with the municipalities to classroom work.  We will each facilitate a few classes on our trips.  (I had my 3^rd class facilitation today!). Whoda thought I would be teaching young people about decision making, values, healthy lifestyles, discrimination and so much more?  Even before I left and would tell people that I will be doing youth development in Peru, I did not realize how much time I would spend with children, logically. 

BUT, I have loved teaching and working with the kids here.  Signing autographs, getting hugs in the middle of teaching, and conversing with people on my Spanish level isn’t so bad!  On Mondays, two other trainees (Betty and Casey) and I have arranged for a “youth group” to work and play together in order to learn about the importance of leadership in sports and good sportsmanship. While my group has wonderful ideas on team building activities, it is hard to persuade a group of 12-17 year old boys to play ants on a log or discuss sportsmanship, especially when our location is on the canchita (soccer court).  Though our sessions have not gone to plan, I love Monday nights at the cancha.  Playing with these energetic boys is so fun; I have missed soccer so much, and I am grateful for the willingness of these boys to include me! My two soccer tricks have won me some street cred, so that’s cool.

Until yesterday, the anticipation felt by all was overwhelming—we just wanted to know—coast or sierra, coast or sierra!  And finally, we do!  I will be spending the next two years of my life in the mountains of Peru!  I, along with seven others, will be in Quechua speaking sites.  So, when I get back from FBT I will begin my Quechua classes.  While there will be Quechua spoken in my site, Spanish is still the predominant language.  It will be great to learn both!

Random other note--last weekend, I went to Lima, with my follow trainee and friend, Nanda.  The city of Lima is about a 45-minute drive or a 2-hour combi ride. It was a typical grey and cloudy day in Lima.  When we arrived in the early afternoon it was hot, but as we made our way to the beach the air cooled and my hair frizzed. It was my first time seeing the Pacific Ocean, and it was wonderful.  Though it was foggy, it was still beautiful, as the day passed and the lights of the city came on, it became more and more beautiful especially as we ate at a restaurant on a cliff overlooking the beach.  The sounds of the waves were accentuated by the design of the outside patio; the company and the atmosphere made for a great experience in Lima. 

Another fun fact about my life…It is super dusty here and I have boogers the color of coal.  Just a blob of information—it is harder than it seems to write a blog.  Also, I finally have some pictures to share.  A few shots of the view from my room and of my neighborhood!