Home Sweet Home.

Hey loves.

If you haven't figured it out by now, I'm home.

My time in Peru was an amazing, eye-opening, challenging, and growing experience and I couldn't be more thankful. The traveling was amazing, the work was overall rewarding, and I was able to come out of it with a decent amount of Spanish, but by far, my favorite thing about my trip was my home-stay family. They were my family for 9 weeks and still are. I feel connected. And they were amazing. By the 7th or 8th week of my trip I was ready to be home, but the challenge was expected. God taught me a lot in this time and it definitely gave me room to grow.

I want to thank you all for your prayer and support. You are all amazing. And it was definitely felt.

For now, this is the end. I am no longer a gringa. I am home.

=]

Las estrellas.

Thursday, on our way to Cusco, Lara pointed out that the Big Dipper is upside down here. It's pretty cool to think about. I mean, we see the same stars, in the same formation, but from a totally different point of view. The complete opposite actually.

It's kinda like life here. I mean, past all the cultural differences, past a lot of the shuffled up priorities - the base of life is the same.

They are more offended when a person leaves food on their plate than they are when called "negro" or "gordo". They place more importance on their personal lives, than customer service or business. Peruvians live in a culture where kids aren't hushed and order isn't common.

But, in all reality, we are the same. We experience the same joy and love, the same hurt and pain. The same broken relationships and the same exciting adventures or experiences.

Coming here I honestly thought that I would fall in love with their slow-paced, family oriented, chill culture, but really, I haven't. I mean, it's sweet, but it has just as many flaws as our own. Through the awesomely unique and eye-opening relationships I've been building here, I've had quite a few good conversations.

I've realized: it's the same stars, the same formation, we just have a different view.

Andale!

Real. Super. Quick.

1. Track is going well, except the kids need more discipline.
2. With the kids at Kanchay Wasi started a literacy program which is pretty exciting.
3. Thursday night I kinda went to a Peruvian boyband concert, it was packed and we watched from outside.
4. I pet a monkey the other day, in the street.
5. My parasites should be dead now. Yes, I had parasites. 2 of them actually.
6. Saturday I went to Cusco and hung out with my mom and her family, I feel really connected.
7. I've had some sweet conversations lately in Spanish, relationships are really being built.
8. I love it here.
9. But I'm a bit homesick and I will definitely be ready to be back.
10. With that, I probably miss you.

11. I almost forgot, yesterday, I ate soup with a chicken tallon in it. And yes, I made myself try it. Interesting for sure.
12. I'll be trying to update again soon.
13. Tomorrow, is the 2nd biggest fiesta in South America annually, and I'm going to be there.

14. Estoy a punto de practicar!
15. CHOW!

Saturday was fun! A whole lot more fun than I expected it to be at least. I had to wake up early (Friday is usually my sleep-in day) and head over to the stadium to prepare the track for tomorrow's meet. It's a dirt track so we had to mark the lanes with "yeso" (powdered chalk-ish stuff). It took forever! For about half the time I had the help of two other awesome volunteers and Julio, one of the ProPeru staffers. We messed around a bit and it was fun to joke around with the kids. I acted like I was gonna throw chalk at one of them and he replied with something along the lines of "then I'd look like you" (because he'd be white...haha). It sounded better in spanish. Lol.

The last thing we had to do Friday was dig up all the grass around the shotput/discus pit. We did a bit but the ground was really hard and Lucillo and Hector decided they had a better idea. They started lighting it on fire! It spread pretty quick becuase it was mostly dead, dry grass, and then we got to stomp it out. My flip-flops are pretty black. It was fun though, nothing we'd really do in the states.

I feel like I've really been building some relationships these past 2 weeks, even though it's been a lot of fun and games. This week I've really felt pretty good about what I'm doing here. Like I'm getting somewhere with it all. And I felt pretty accomplished today when we were done with the track on Friday. It looked good. And it is our track. And our first meet there.

The meet on Saturday was pretty cool. I got to do a bunch of coaching before, during, and after the races and it felt good. I hung out with the girls quite a bit and I loved it. Our kids did pretty well. =] I left at "refreshment time" around 1for lunch and returned a little after 2 to find the place completely cleared out! I guess they actually ended at 1 and decided to continue on Sunday.

I unfortunately missed the end of the track meet on Sunday because we had a trip to some small "pueblo" with ProPeru. I got to know some of the new volunteers a bit better though which was pretty cool.

After returning Sunday, mid-day, a few of us "oldies" decided to go to Cusco for dinner. We hit up this little bar where I enjoyed an amazing smoothie and we sat around and talked for awhile. We totally splurged on dinner at this delicious restaurant called Incan Grill. It was definitely a good decision. I tried Alpaca (in the llama family) and loved it and was convinced to spend even more money on one of the best desserts I think I've ever had. It was really cool just to be there.

This week's been good. Monday we had 3 kids show up for morning practice and afternoon practice was cancelled. Probably the worst thing you can do after a meet, but the kids here need to spend more time with their families, working and stuff. I was told that the meet took up a lot of time and they kinda had to make it up in their homes. Yesterday, Josh and I got to ran practice ourselves. I really wanted to make them do a ladder but we decided to be nice and just ran some normal races. It was pretty awesome. During the afternoon practice I was really missing my camera. We were practicing high jump with these little middle schoolers and it was hilarious. To practice approaches and jumping I was standing on top of our "mat" (bags of wood-chips and a couple thin mattresses) with my hands up and they had to touch them. Halfway through practice the school who owned the mattresses came to get them and we practiced jumping by holding my hoodie in front of the bags and when they jumped over (or through) it, Hector would catch them/cushion their fall. It was pretty entertaining. I'm really not sure how he made it out of practice without any injuries.

...to be continued...

I was doing so well with this too. For like a whole month! But I managed to get behind once again. Leave it to me to get busy.

Hmm...last week and this week we've had food! Well, bread, a slice of ham, and some amazing fruit smoothie at least. They go and get it in the morning because I have class right after practice but then for the afternoons I get to get it and prepare it all. It's a bit of work but I like having a little bit more responsibility. The high jump we had last week was definitely not cool. Lol. It was like 5-6 bags of mulch-ish type of stuff and some wood, dangerously nailed together. It was horrible. Luckily, they just practiced run-ups so I didn't have to freak out too much, but when Hector (the coach) jumped, I could barely watch. Yikes. More kids have been coming and I'm pretty excited. Especially with the afternoon group. I really like it. We have a meet on Saturday and I'm the volunteer-coordinator for it. Yes! Lol, it should be interesting. But then again, what here hasn't been? =]

This past weekend was full of dropped plans for me. It was all me though. I was invited to go to Cusco Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night and bailed last minute on both of the last two. It would of been fun, I just wasn't feeling the tiny group that was going both times. It was good though. Friday night I ended up hanging out at this little Peruvian bar with one other gringo and like 6 Peruvians. It was awesome! I really didn't talk a whole lot but I felt oh-so-accomplished by just being there and being able to understand the majority of the conversation. It was a lot of concentrating for a relaxing night out.

Saturday morning I went to Cusco with my family. We split up as they headed off to shop for Vale's bday party and I went travel-agency hopping. I was pretty excited once again. I left them from probably 10 minutes away from the plaza and found it all by myself, spent about 3 hours walking around Cusco, and then returned to them for the ride home. It was a pretty cool sense of accomplishment. Just that I could be in this huge, spanish-speaking city, by myself, and be confident. I was so relaxed. =] It was sweet.

Saturday night, after deciding not to go to Cusco, I went and hung out with Aja at her family's bar. We sat around a little outdoor fire and talked. I met some girl from Scotland and another from the Dominican Republic and a bunch of us just sat around and talked in a huge mix of Spanish and English. It was a good night.

Sunday was Vale´s bday party. I was up at a decent time and helped out pretty much all day. As the party was starting quite slowly I was helping this random Peruvian guy put up balloons and decorate and we got to talking. He talked about his family in the states and where he's lived and lived now and about 10-15 minutes into our conversation he was like, "I'll be right back, I gotta go turn into a clown." Yeah, he was the party clown. Lol. The party was definitely interesting. This crazy clown included the adults a lot and I had to get up and take part in a singing contest and dancing in the middle of the circle twice. I'm glad we don't have many clowns in the states. It was really fun though, and really different. Vale is so stinkin spoiled, lol.

Sunday also happened to me my dad's birthday and my 6 month anniversary with Jon. As much as I would've loved to spend more time talking with both of them, I think it was really good that I was so busy. It helped me from being too incredibly homesick. I think I'm doing a lot better now. Although I still do miss the states a lot!

This week something around 25 new volunteers have come in. It's an overwhelming amount! I haven't really gotten to know any of them yet, but some of them seem really cool. We're still supposed to get a group from Duke of like 15-20. They're definitely not getting the same experience that we did. I have 4 new volunteers spread out throughout my programs and it'll be pretty sweet getting to know them. It's weird though seeing the difference between our baby group and their gigantic one.

But, I've run out of time once again. Chow for now. =]

Music of the Heart

Okay, okay, cheesy title, I know. But it was the first thing that came to mind when I was thinking about this blog post, and I think it fits.

I brought my iPod here with me, but because I was in such a hurry and my portable drive wasn't working, I only have a few songs on it. Some of my favorite worship songs, a few upbeat, fun songs, and a few mellow, somewhat meaningful songs. I used it for the second time last night, not because I don't love music, but because I have barely any battery left, it lacks a variety of songs, and most importantly, because I feel like a jerk using it around Peruvians. I sat in my bed and just listened. I let it take me back to church, SpringHill, YoungLife, home, just comfort really. I remembered the meaning I first got out of many of the songs and the excitement and energy I have felt every time I hear them once again. It's really cool how much feeling a simple song can dig up or uncover.

The other day, Vale was singing a song, "...No voy a dudar, voy a confiar en Dios..." ("I'm not going to doubt, I'm going to trust in God"). It made me smile. It's really the only lines I could pick out of the song, but it really hit me. I needed it. That simple reminder, from a 5 year old girl, in another culture, another language, another country. So comforting. It was like a hint of familiarity in this world full of differences. Once again, music, a simple song (not even a song, a line from a song), reinforced so many things, quieted so many doubts and feelings, and refocused my thoughts.

It's just another one of those things, one of those gifts from God, that is so unbelievably powerful. And of course it comes, exactly when you need it the most.

The other mini-insight I gained from this, or more so was reminded of in this, is the fact that God is everywhere. He penetrates language barriers, cultural differences, time, and distance. I trust in the same God as believers all over the world. The same unchanging, all-powerful, infinitely loving Lord. I read the same Bible and feel the same love.

It's pretty cool.

Hey guys! I finally feel like I'm getting back on track a little. Finally posted my pictures, caught up on my sleep, and hopefully getting my blog back up to date now.

Last week was tiring. I'm still sick on and off and I've been pretty dead tired since Machu Pichu last Monday. We're still messing around with the Municipality about the food and drinks for the track kids and hopefully it's going somewhere; we'll find out this week. I helped write up a new document and did some calling/running around. I'm getting to know the kids in both Kanchay Wasi and track a bit better and they make me laugh a lot. It's non-stop joking around with the kids from track and they are quite entertaining. Hector didn't show up for practice again on Thursday and this time I really wasn't feeling it. Practice didn't go as well as the last time he left me alone, but it definitely worked out alright.

On Wednesday night Tiffany and I hosted trivia night at the Muse which was a lot of fun. We included in there some fun categories including Disney, quotes, and Boy Bands and it seemed like everyone enjoyed it. I felt like we really got to know some people from the other two volunteer groups by doing it which was really cool. We also got free dinner which was a huge bonus. I ordered a super-hamburger. I'm getting pretty sick of the loads of potatoes and rice here and I definitely enjoy having a meal that I'm not forced to overeat.

Thursday night I stayed in and had a couple really good conversations with Marta (the mom). It was really cool. And I found out we're not getting another volunteer in the house so I have my family all to myself for my last month. Yes! Marta and Jose went out a bit later and I felt pretty good about that because I don't think they get to do it very often. It made me smile.

Friday night a bunch of us went out to eat for a kind of good-bye dinner for 2 of the other volunteers. They just so happen to be the two I went to Machu Pichu with, so that kinda stinks, but it's okay. I was brave and got this combination platter with a bunch of different things on it. I tried cow heart (and actually liked it)! Unfortunately, I chickened out on the cuy (guinea pig). I just couldn't do it with its four little paws cleanched together, waiting for me. I had some stuffed pepper thing which was pretty fun too. It made me cry when I had a biteful of the seeds. Not like tear-up either, like tears streaming down my face crying. The rest of the table got a kick out of it.

That night four of us headed to Cusco for the night where we started the night off at a Hookah bar. I still haven't tried it. It was fun though and I got to know the other girls pretty well. We danced quite a bit until around 4 when we stopped at some little sandwhich place. It was fun but definitely more mellow than the last time in Cusco.

I woke up around 9 the next morning in time to meet my family at some little plaza about a 10 minute walk away from my hostal. There Marta and Vale picked me up and we did a little bit of running around before we met Jose and his mom's house. It was a mini-family reunion with Jose's sister and Marta's brother and girlfriend. I helped make the food, played with their puppy, and just hung out for awhile. It was really cool. A bit uncomfortable, but for the most part it was awesome.

Sunday I went to church with Marta and Vale. It's pretty hard to understand the pastor, but I caught on that we were studying Job and so I picked up quite a bit from context. It was cool. And somewhat what I needed. =]

We also went to the Peruvian circus on Sunday night. Haha. They had a tiger, a monkey, and a duck. But the tiger never came out. We sat like 10 feet away from the ring so I was pretty excited. The clowns were kinda funny, kinda weird, really spanish, lol. I could understand quite a bit but I think I probably missed some of the jokes. They were joking about smoking marijuana at one point and I think that one caught me off guard a bit. There were also some acrobats and a dancer. One of the acrobats actually saw me on the street today and stopped me to talk for a minute. It entertained me probably more than it should of. This guy is probably like 5'2" or so, super-built, and pretty good at swinging himself around and floating through the air. I don't know, just the idea of meeting and talking to a Peruvian circus man made me laugh at least half way to the ProPeru house.

On a similar note, walking home from spanish class yesterday, Aja and I spotted this monkey running from roof to roof. A monkey! And no, it wasn't the same monkey as the circus one. It was this little spider-monkey looking thing. We like stopped some little girl and told her to look and she was pretty darn non-chalant about it. But then we turned the corner, and a couple other Peruvians seemed a bit interested. That made us feel better. We asked some guy whose reaction was probably in between the two and he's like, aw, yeah, that's totally normal. That's Franco. From what I understand, monkeys in Uru aren't normal, but Franco is. He's like a pet or something. Anyway, another entertaining moment/thought.

Ummm, the rest of the week has been pretty chill. We're supposed to have food on Thursday for the track kids. We'll see how true that is. We're also supposed to have a high jump which would be pretty exciting.

I've been pretty homesick this week: just missing the states in general and really being there with and for people I care about. It's been alright though, I'm sticking it through! Yesterday I met "mi primo" here, which just so happens to be the one in a previous blog post. The chef who's travelled around a bunch. He's back in Uru/Cusco for now and seemed like a lot of fun. His friend from the states also just moved in below me. It was a bit of a surprise when I returned home after class and there was a white guy messing with the door. They both seem pretty cool though. Today I also felt a lot better. I really felt like I was getting somewhere in my spanish class today and later I ran into Nicia (our young empleada) and that circus guy. I practiced a bit with both of them. =] And I really like my family. A lot. I'm really feeling pretty comfortable with Marta and Jose now.

But, it's time to eat. Sorry, no crazy insights this week, just trying to catch up. Next time. =]

Chow!

"Bread to the garlic"

Wow guys. Prepare yourselves, this one is going to be long.

I'm gonna start with last week. Things definitely picked up a bit.

Thursday afternoon I went to practice and a whole bunch of kids showed up, like 25. About 10 of them were new, mostly girls I think. We waited like 20 mins or so, no Hector, once again. So I started em up. We ran a warm-up, did stretches, still no Hector. He didn't end up coming! I ran an hour-long practice, with 25 kids (about 10-13 yrs old), in spanish, with no help. It was super-challenging, super-crazy, but pretty darn cool. It was not completely smooth or fault-free by any means, but I did it, and I was pretty happy with myself. They listened, for the most part, and it was really fun to actually be in that position. Although, I do hope Hector starts showing up on a more regular basis.

That night most of the volunteers went to Cusco but a few of us stayed in Urubamba and just hung out. I have been sick on and off all week once again, so we just went to the bar/cafe-ish place and chilled. It was nice and relaxing.

I convinced one of them to go with me to my track meet on Friday morning and I met up with her around 7:45 am. We went and it was definitely interesting. I talked to some of the kids a bit and kinda just walked around until abou 8:20-8:30-ish. Then they started this hardcore opening. My other coach, Lucillo, told me and Steph (the other volunteer) to come sit in the front with the other coaches and all the kids faced us, standing, while each team was introduced. Steph snuck out about 15 minutes later for work before I was introduced by one of the other coaches in front of everyone. It was a bit intimidating. They said they were excited because we were having an international competition, because I was there. Lol. I heard "ProPeru" like 3 more times during the opening, but honestly, I had no idea what was going on. All I know is a couple of my kids kept smiling at me. I was only able to stay for 1 race - the 100 m dash because Marta asked me to be home for something Vale had going on (all I knew was she was dressed like a frog when I left). The race was interesting, mainly because it was on the edge of the soccer field, in the grass. Half the kids didn't even wear shoes. It was fun though.

I rushed home around 10 just in time to catch the kindergarden parade that Vale was in. It was so stinkin cute! They were all dressed up as animals and were marching to the plaza. I was actually asked to help hold the banner for a little while, so I got to be in the kindergarden parade with the kids and their moms. It was quite entertaining!

I cannot remember what I did that night but the next morning we had a mini-project digging holes for trees and some school. It was a bit hard but it wasn't too bad I guess. After lunch with my family and a bit of relaxing, Tiffany (volunteer), Julio (ProPeru staff), and I took a trip to Cusco. We walked around a ton, learned a lot, did some shopping and headed back for the night.



Sunday we had a day trip to Moray-Maras. Moray is another set of sweet ruins. It goes into the ground and was used for experimentions with plants I guess. It was probably one of my favorites and we had a lot of fun. Maras is salt mines! They were also super-sweet. It is just a group of a million little pools. I guess you fill them with water and it draws up salt which can be scraped out when a bit more dry. Really really interesting.

On our way home, down the mountain we got into an interesting situation with another van/combi. We came head to head with them and actually ended up having to go in reverse on the side of the mountain. It was a little nerve-racking and I have no idea how they made it work.

After dinner I packed for Machu Pichu and headed back to the ProPeru house for some jewelry-making lessons. I actually got to make my own ring - welding at all! It was pretty sweet!

Stephanie, Tiffany and I ran out of there as quick as possible and caught a moto to take us to the bus station. There we grabbed a combi to Ollantaytambo where we had a quick (disgusting) pizza and hopped on the train. We took the train to Aguas Calientes and arrived there around 8 pm. It's a pretty cool town, amazingly touristy, with a sweet river running down the center. We were quickly found by some hostal workers and managed to bargain our way down to 60 soles for the night, for a nice, 3 bed room. It was pretty funny when we all realized we were complaining about paying less than $10/person for the night. I don't know what I'm gonna do when I get home! We went to bed around 8:30 or 9 after talking for a few because we wanted to beat the sunrise the next morning.

Monday morning we woke up and were out of the hostal by 4:30. We bought our tickets and some morning tea and made it on the first bus up to Machu Pichu at 5:30. This was all in hopes of catching the sunrise at the Sun Gate, but it was unfortunately pouring down rain until about 8. Needless to say, no sunrise. We skipped the Sun Gate and after wandering around in the fog for a few we headed over to Waynu Pichu, the steep climb right behind the ruins. It was a pain, especially in soaking wet jeans, but it was worth it, without a doubt. The fog somewhat cleared on and off but we waited at the top for about two and a half hours so we could really see the ruins. And what an amazing, awarding sight it was. After fighting through the challenging hike up, and patiently, hopefully waiting for the weather to improve, I wouldn't have changed a thing. The view of the mountains, the valley, the river and the ruins was breathtaking.





We hiked back down and after a bit of contemplation, decided to take this other hike to the Gran Cavernas. It just kept going down! We went straight from the top of the mountain, down into the valley. The caves were pretty cool, but definitely not worth the hour long hike to get there. While there we found out that it was also known as the Temple of the Moon that we were warned not to go to. The walk back up was horrible! Once back at the actual ruins we just walked around a lot. To end that part of our trip we found a comfortable rock with an unbeatable view and just sat there and admired everything for a little over half an hour. I knew it'd be pretty, but I definitely underestimated it.

Once back in Aguas Calientes we ate dinner, not once, but twice (we were hungry!) and sipped some watered down Sangria (which I found out I don't like). Our second restuarant actually ended up being right across from the first when we got sucked in by this cute little boy who served us. We didn't realize we were supporting child labor until it was pointed out to us by the next gringos who couldn't turn him down. Our food took forever but we had quite a bit of fun with the bilingual menu while we waited. Some of the fun translations included, but were not limited to, "Pan al ajo" as "Bread to the garlic" and "Trucho a lo macho" as "Trout to the man thing". The effort was appreciated. =]

We finished eating and walked around for a while until our train left at 9. We all passed out on the way home and caught an expensive taxi back to Urubamba around 11. It was a pretty amazing trip.

I still have this week to update you guys on, but it's time for lunch now. Sorry about the delay and I'm working on pictures.

Later friends!

Smooth sailing...

Hey guys! Everything's been somewhat chill this week. Nothing too crazy to update you on. But...

My morning track program's been going. I talked to a couple more of the kids today but I still feel like one of them more than a coach. That coach is just so stinkin hard to understand! They have a meet tomorrow morning that I may go to but I'm not entirely sure yet. A bunch of the volunteers went to Cusco today for some "huge fiesta" (like there aren't fiestas everywhere, every weekend) but I have track practice at 4 so I didn't go. I'm still debating on whether I'm gonna go after track or not. It's sweet and fun and crazy, but it'd only be for the night. I was trying to get info from this track coach about the meet and I guess it's gonna be like a bunch of different things, like every competition you can imagine there. I told him I'd see him either tomorrow or Monday and he replied, "Hasta lunes (See you Monday)." Haha. *Hint hint* ? If I can get someone else to come with me I'll probably show up, but otherwise...not so sure.

The afternoon one's a lot sweeter. I actually am one of the coaches and I talk to the kids a decent amount. They asked to count out stretches in english last practice and it made me smile. But, last practice was a bit interesting. The coach didn't show up for awhile so after like 15-20 minutes of the kids playing "futbol", I decided to start practice without him. We just did a short warm-up run (all the kids did it, haha) and then began stretches. He showed up at the end of stretches and announced that we weren't having practice because we were marching up to the Municipality (city council-ish) and demanding the snack and drinks that were promised to us by them. Haha. I was a bit nervous, not gonna lie. I asked him a few questions, and then decided I really had no other choice but to join him. We (kids included) jogged up there, probably like a 10 minute jog, and probably 10 kids came in with us while the rest waited outside. *Quick side-note: On the way in, this like 10 year old girl grabbed my hand. It was probably one of the most comforting feelings I've had since I've been here. It's so weird how such a small, innocent gesture, from such a little, unknowing kid can mean so much. But anyway, we went and hung out in the secretaries office/room and Hector talked to the secretary while I pretended to understand everything she said. We really didn't get very far but I guess it's supposed to be straightened out either today or next Monday. We'll see.

One thing I've really noticed this week, through talking to the kids and Hector (the afternoon coach), is how much we take for granted. Surprise surprise, huh? I think this is the typical, cliche lesson one learns when visiting an underdeveloped country, but I felt it was worth mentioning once more. As I'm walking home from track practice today, I was talking with this girl. I live about 10 minutes from the track, college-walk pace. She lives an hour and a half. I mean, her walk is a bit slower, but still. She wakes up at 6 am, in the dark, in the cold, and walks to the stadium where we have track practice for an hour and 15 minutes. Then she walks home afterwards and makes it just in time for school. And, as crazy as this sounds, it's not uncommon. That's why Hector is pushing so much for food and drinks. The majority of the kids walk about an hour to the track straight from school and make it home in time for dinner. And this is track. Who really likes track anyway?! I cannot count the amount of times I complained about practice after school, when I had to walk outside. And then get in my car when I was done and drive home. Coming to this hour-long-ish practice, with untrained coaches, no equipment, and a rough, rock-filled, dirt track must be an opportunity that they think quite highly of if they are walking a total of 2-3 hours for it. And do you hear any complaints? No. At least I haven't picked up on them, lol. The only reason I know, is because I asked. The little girl that grabbed my hand at the Municipality told me she lived close, about a 45 minute walk, close.

Hmmm...

My Visa calls me a tourist...

So, I'm back. From an amazing weekend. I got home yesterday before dinner and was able to talk with Martha a bit. She's upset, and still a bit sick, but she seems pretty strong to me. It sucks though. The whole not understanding part. She is an amazing woman and an amazing mother. But God knows what he's doing. And I will continue to trust in Him alone.

This weekend us volunteers got the chance to live up to that tourist stamp we all have on our visas. Saturday morning we left for Ollantaytambo where we checked out some pretty sweet ruins, did a bit of hiking/walking, and learned a whole bunch about the amazing history and culture here. These people were crazy genius! We came back to Urubamba for lunch and then headed out to Saqsaywaman, another set of ruins. They had quite a bit there including an amazing view of Cusco, a gigantic statue of Jesus who overlooks the city, and these sweet natural slides! If you haven't heard me say it enough, it's all just so gorgeous!

On our way from Urubamba to Cusco I seriously got mad at my camera. I know, it sounds ridiculous, but I just wanted it to do more. It wasn't capturing all that I was seeing and feeling. It wasn't capturing even half of it. The pictures don't do the place justice. I know, so cliche. But oh-so-true. I want to somehow put my experiences, feelings, amazing views, etc, in my pocket and bring them home for you. I want to share them. I was telling Jon, the things I'm seeing and witnessing right now are things that I don't want to share with those here. They're too intense. I feel like my heart is forced to open up and be passionate here and I want to share it with those who already know, or even have part of my heart, for those who aren't just new friends. It's one of those experiences that makes your heart and soul just want to explode out of your body. Constantly.

Just being surrounded by all those gigantic, majestic mountains does something to a person. I think it's different for everyone. I was sitting there, above the ruins in Pisac, and just looking out off of this perfect rock. I realized that in all this amazingness, I am content. Looking at these enormous, God-created moutains in front of me, I did not have the desire to conquer them. I did not want to see more, or do more. I wanted to somehow tuck myself up into the side of the mountain and just be safe. Secure. It's hard to explain really. I wanted to be beneath it, but next to it at the same time. As close as I could get. I wanted to accept it's greatness and be okay with just that. Just being near it. And protected by it. Just knowing it is there and it is beyond comprehension. It really relates quite a bit to my relationship with God. I just want to accept that He is there, and He is taking care of me. I desire to know more, and be closer, but I don't often have the desire to understand Him. And although I know that it is possible to conquer a mountain, and impossible to do the same with God, I think my feelings about the two are quite similar. I just want to be there, as close as possible, taken care of by something too great to understand.

I get this weird feeling being here. It's impossible to understand, impossible to explain. I feel more whole than I have ever felt, in peace, looking out at the mountains. And yet at the same time, I think I have more desire than I have ever had. There's this constant fight in my mind of complete satisfaction, and complete yearning. It reminds me of one of my favorite verses: "However, as it is written: "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him" (1 Cor 2:9) I think, looking out at the mountains, I can see what God has created for us, and in that I know everything is good. Everything will be right. And yet, at the same time, it reminds me that there is more out there for us. More than we can ever imagine.

Anyway. Lot's of thoughts this weekend. We also spent Saturday night in Cusco and it was a blast. We went to 3 different discotecas and danced until like 4:15 am. I haven't danced like that in forever. Salsa and merengue was the style until like 2, and then the US style dancing started up. I had a lot of fun with the other volunteers and met a few Peruvians and some other travellers.

My legs are killing me now. Not only from the dancing, but the hiking as well.

But all-in-all, it was a great weekend. And I'm looking forward to a bunch more.

Hasta luego amigos.

Hey friends. I have a bit of a prayer request.

My mom here (Martha) has been in the hospital in Cusco since yesterday morning and I just found out that she lost the baby. From what I understood she won't be able to get pregnant again either. I've only known her for about 2 weeks now and I have already seen her incredible desire for another child and a larger family. She's been trying for at least 3 years now. It's heart-breaking on many different levels. She does believe in God, I'm just hoping she is able to trust Him through this.

I'll be praying extra hard over my summer verse this week, not only for me, but for my family (both here and in the states) as well:
"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." (Proverbs 3:5-6)

I ask that you take a second and do the same.

Thanks loves.

¡Escapó mi cuy!

So, yesterday on the bus ride to Arin, where Kanchay Wasi is, Aja (another awesome volunteer) pointed out to me this lady that had a box full of chicks. Then, before we got a look at what was in her husband's box, this traditionally-dressed guy started yelling "¡Escapó mi cuy! ¡Escapó mi cuy! ¡Baja!" (which is, for those of you none-spanish speakers, "My guinea pig escaped! My guinea pig escaped! Stop!"). Everybody was boarding the bus and this guy was on the ground searching for 2 guinea between everybody's feet. Aja and I were dying. There were a couple smiles scattered throughout the bus, but for the most part, aside from us gringas cracking-up, it seemed to be taken as pretty normal. I think that made it even funnier. To fill you guys in a bit, guinea pig is a delicacy here. I haven't had it, but I've heard it's amazing. But. That experience pretty much made my day.

Ohhh yeah. And mine and Chris's dinner on Tuesday (we had quite a bit of help) turned out amazing. =] We were excited. Some chicken-ish salad, soup, and some veggies. Totally Peruvian dish.

My little track thing has been going alright but a few things have happened that could have been better. There's supposed to be practice in the mornings at 8 and afternoons at 3, with different kids. The morning one's have been small, because of the fiesta, and Monday and Tuesday, I went to the track for the afternoon one's and no-one showed up, not even the trainer. I talked to Sarah (staff) about it and she gave Hector (trainer) a call, and he said they moved practice. Different stadium, an hour later. Haha. I'm going today and we'll see how that goes. He obviously didn't miss me too much. Hmm.

THEN. Today. The morning one's been sweet but today, a ton more kids showed up since the fiesta is over. Like, it's been around 5 kids, and today it was like 20-25 or something. I was kind of excited and I was talking to Lucillo, the morning coach (who I still can't understand) and I guess he said he was going to grab something. I think I kinda got that part. I have this problem of just saying "si" a lot, even when I don't really understand, and I did it with him. So he left. For like 20 minutes. I really didn't know when he was coming back but one of the girls told me soon. I tried to get the kids to do a few warm-up laps and some stretching and about a third of them did it with me. The kids I have seen a few times, and a couple others. It sucked. Lol. I felt like one of those substitute teachers that no-one listened to. It's totally understandable though. I mean, I'm a gringa, who half of them have never seen, and I speak little, broken spanish. I was so helpless. Once Lucillo got back I laughed with him about how the kids didn't care to listen, and then it was fine. We ran. I think I gained a little respect by kicking their butts in some sprinting. I still can't do anything longer than 200 without breathing pretty hard. It's pathetic. Then they messed around with the shot-put and jumping. I was showing some kid how to shot-put which was really funny because I've never done it. But it got better. I hope eventually I can gain their respect.

Later, at my Spanish class we wanted to do class outside. We had to set up this tent/canopy thing over the table so we didn't die in the sun and it was hilarious. There were 3 spanish speakers and two of us volunteers trying to put it up. It was really confusing and kept falling all over and it was just really funny. A lot of laughing.

Now, I have to go eat. My family is going to the clinic in Cusco to check out Martha's baby problems and something with Vale too, I didn't quite catch on. I have to go to my aunt's (?) restaurant to eat by myself. I'm not supposed to pay but I'm really not sure how it'll work out because of the language stuff and I've only met that family once-ish. Should be fun.

Gotta go for now though. Hasta luego!

So, I'm feeling better! Thanks for all the comments and prayers!

The parade/fiesta last weekend was pretty crazy. It's really cool to see the passion so many Peruvians have for their culture. Music and marching in the streets from 4:30 am (!) until after I fell asleep. Crazy costumes, intense energy, expressive dances!

But, for the most part, everything here is settling in and becoming pretty normal. I feel like I've been here forever. I'm now able to see things from a more average, settled point of view. It's definitely still quite freakin' amazing, but not everything is as crazy new and overwhelming now. I can see the people here as normal people, with similar thoughts, emotions, and dreams as anywhere else.

My mom here (Martha) just found out she is 2 months pregnant which is super-exciting! She was unfortunately pretty sick the last couple days, so seeing her worry about the baby and stuff was a bit hard. I've been trying to help her as much as possible. I also got to meet her sister and brother-in-law and two of their kids. I totally felt a bit like family, and I had a good conversation with her brother-in-law which was pretty exciting. I also found out Jose (the dad of the family) has like a month-long vacation right now, so I've been getting to know him a bit better which has been fun. He's really funny but he slurs his words together a lot so it's kinda hard to understand him.

I've noticed that with some people here I can have a halfway decent conversation, without really much thinking in English at all (which is amazing!), and with others, I can't understand more than a couple words. It's weird. It totally depends on their vocabulary, pronunciation, and how fast they talk. It's kinda frustrating sometimes, but it's really cool when I can have those good convos.

The one I had with my uncle (?) here definitely got me thinking. One of his son's is a chef and has travelled and lived in many different parts of the world including a couple different states, a couple different countries in Europe, and various parts of Latin America. I asked him what his son thought about the different places he lived and how they compared and he pretty much told me doesn't like the states, but loved the majority of the other places he has lived. He said, according to his son, the US has a really obvious competitive nature, one that requires longer hours, more work, less relationships. I said that I assumed it was very similar in Europe because it has that western society, full of technology, etc and he said his son would disagree. He described Europe as a mix between the two cultures with the technology and advancements of the US, but the love of relationships, late nights, and down time like Latin America.

It kinda brought up a lot of questions. I'd love any input!

When you have this knowledge of different cultures, pros and cons, likes and dislikes, what do you do with it?

Do you go big and move? (I'm not planning on it, don't worry!) Do you try to live in the culture that you believe has the best overall way of life?

Do you just try to bring the parts of other cultures you like, back into your own country? Is this even possible to do for a lasting amount of time? Or do you eventually just get sucked back into it all? All the busy-ness, all the competition, etc.

Would you ever want to live/raise a family in a country that you did not grow up in?

Is it even possible to throw yourself into another culture, or would you always be "the gringo"? Without family or friends already there, would it ever really be your culture?

I journalled about a lot more, but I'm a bit scattered now. My questions were better, I swear. I'll update later this week for sure.

For now, I have to go cook! A peruvian dish! For 20 volunteers/staff here. =] We went to the market earlier and it was crazy to actually shop here. Here's that picture of the market I promised you.


Chow amigos!

Estoy enferma.

So, last night was my first "not-so-good" night.





After working with the adorable kids at Kanchay Wasi (which is amazing), I went to the internet cafe to attempt to use Skype again. I finally got it working and made a couple phone calls, messed around online a bit, hung out with another volunteer and headed back to my house at 7:30-ish. I could've sworn that Marta said she'd be cooking late, around 8 or 9 because she had a lot to do, but she had dinner ready at 7. Ugh. Miscommunication is pretty easy with my lack of spanish. But...I was late, and she was a bit offended. It's fine, but I felt really really bad. I guess she had went looking for me and everything.

It's okay though. But then. She had made a brocolli omelette for dinner. For those of you who know me, I can't eat a ton of egg. It was choked down. And it was really really hard to do. But I did it. Because I had already offended her once that night, and I didn't want to do it again.

I got to bed super-early because for some reason I was pretty tired and I woke up around 4 after a pretty crappy nightmare (I don't normally dream either). And then I realized I felt like crap. I was up on and off until about 7:30 this morning and I still feel pretty sick.

I've been hanging out with the other volunteers, painting furniture for some classroom which has been fun and I've been feeling okay on and off. I just hope it doesn't last too long.

About half of them are going on a hike up the mountain which I'm missing because I'm not sure I could make it. =/ I'll probably go back and sleep, stuff down another meal, and hopefully go out with everyone later.

Disclaimer: I never get sick, so I'm a total baby when I do. I'm really fine.

And! I have some gigantic party/parade to look forward to tomorrow. =]

Later loves.

Really quick.

A few things I really like here:

1. I don't have to really make decisions at a restaurant, they only have a few meals and they usually have a strong specialty.
2. They don't use ice! Everything is room temperature or hot. They think it makes you sick.
3. Of course the mountains.
4. They (at least my mom here) use(s) a lot of pet names.

=]

Hay luz.

Hola a todos! Thank you for reading, and caring, and being amazing.

My experience here is completely overwhelming with each new experience, each confused communication, and each different view.

I had a couple insights today that I wanted to share, maybe get some opinions on. They´re things I don´t want to forget about when I get back to the states.

The first one I´ve been thinking about really since I´ve been here. Everything is so personal. My homestay family didn´t have an address written on their sheet that I got, not because it wasn´t known, but because it wasn´t needed. Some have addresses, some don´t. But really, everyone knows where they live. It´s unnecessary to add the extra numbers on there because here, all you need is a name. And I mean, it´s not a big town, but it´s definitely not small either (take it from me, who continues to get lost). It´s crazy to think about. Half the time in the states you don´t know the name of your neighbor. Everything is so business-y, so professional. It´s cool here, I already feel welcomed and I haven´t even been here a week. But even more than I feel welcomed, I want to be like them. I want to be part of that community.

The second thing I´ve been thinking about really hit me this morning on my walk to the track. I´ve seen it a million times, but I just started really thinking about it. On the top of maybe half the houses/stores here is a cross. From it hangs (or leans) a variety of things that may include 2 empty beer bottles, a small ladder, and 2 toy pigs. I really have no idea what this means, but just the idea of it had me thinking. I mean, I feel like we (or Christians) completely separate our lives depending on the activity. We don´t often mix alcohol and Jesus. Or food and Jesus. Or animals and Jesus. Or really a whole lot that´s not obviously "glorifying Him", with Him. I think it´s definitely something that can be looked at a little deeper. Our whole lives need to be with Him, in Him, of Him. He doesn´t want part of us. He wants us to give up everything - our love, our fears, our sins, our passions, our time. I´m most likely totally off on the actual significance of this one, but the point remains - Jesus wants your whole life, not just the good parts.

Eh, just some thoughts. Comments are lovely. =D

Tan abrumadora.

Hola chicitos! If you have this address, chances are, I like you quite a bit, and I care about your opinion. I've been dying to share my experiences with you, but my phone/computer time is a bit low so I'm starting this blog. I'm really not sure how often I'll be able to update it, but I'm hoping it'll do for now. I'd love to hear your thoughts, opinions, stories about your summer, etc.

I'm going to try to keep my spanish to a minimum, but sometimes it just feels necessary - living in a completely spanish-speaking environment and all. =]

In our orientation here we talked about some different stages one goes through with an experience abroad, and if it is all true, I'm definitely in the enamored (Steph, I hope you noticed that word) stage. I love everything here right now. Well, exept for the fact that we cannot pet the millions of stray, flea-carrying, biting dogs on the streets.



It's honestly like a scene from a movie. Mountains are the backdrop to every scene, music is constantly playing in the streets, people are walking everywhere. It's freakin gorgeous! The houses and buildings are seriously just as you would imagine, only better. They're old, made of stones or bricks and there are small walls surrounding most of them that line up to the streets. My homestay house is on top of one of the millions of chicken resturaunts near the center of the city.

My homestay is amazing. The house is tiny, but I have my own bedroom and bathroom. I live with Martha (the mom), Jose (I think is his name, the dad), and their 5 year old daughter Vale(ria).




She's the cutest thing alive; I just wish I could understand her more! I hung out with her for like 2-3 hours yesterday, just playing, messing around and it was pretty amazing, despite the incredible language barrier. We listened to one of her alphabet tapes which I think was harder for me than it was for her. =] She loved the cabbage patch doll, the coloring packet, and the bubbles I got her and actually walked into the kitchen today "breast-feeding" the doll (probably the weirdest thing I've seen). It's not only her though, her mom is amazing too. She is unbelievably patient with me and laughs a lot, which is quite necessary. She pronounces my name "Kesley" and it makes me smile. She´s called me "mi amor" a couple times, which she calls her daughter and I really feel welcomed. She wakes me up in the mornings, provides me with a hot shower and amazing food, and pretty much tends to all my needs.

The ProPeru house is pretty amazing and my fears and doubts have pretty much disappeared. It's somewhat unorganized, but it kinda has to be here. I've realized the people really have very little sense of time and walk extremely slow. If my white skin, American clothing, crazy tall figure, English accent and sunglasses don't give me away, my fast walk definitely does. If you say you're meeting someone at 5, don't expect them there until about 5:30 or 6. They also have a million random festivals and holidays and pretty much close work or whatever when they want. My afternoon track practices are actually cancelled this week because the kids need to practice dances for a fiesta of some saint this weekend. There's been music and dancing and crazy hikes all week.

My "work" has gone pretty sweet so far; it's definitely interesting. My first day of work I met with Sarah (ProPeru staff), Hector and Lucillo (the track trainers), and the mayor (yes, the mayor). It was a meeting to talk about finances and it was completely overwhelming, but in a good way I think. I can understand about 50% of what Sarah and the mayor said, but maybe 10-15% of what the trainers said. Oh my goodness. A meeting, with the 4 of them talking back and forth - it was crazy! I´ve been to both track practices (one in the morning and one at 3) and it´s interesting. The running is sooo much harder right now. It´s kinda hard because I feel like I know so much that I am unable to share because of the language thing. Hopefully it´ll come sooner than later. Today will be my first day at Kanchay Wasi which I guess is a women and children´s shelter to help fight domestic abuse. I heard it´s crazy unorganized but we´ll see. The language thing is kicking my butt, like I expected. It´s interesting for sure though!

I´ve had 2 spanish classes so far and that´s pretty fun too. They´re one on one so hopefully I´ll pick it up. I guess I´m at the bottom of the intermediate stage right now. Today I learned the difference between quierer, encantar, gustar, amar and enamorar. I also learned that Jon isn´t "mi novio" but he is my "enamorado". I guess "novio" is like practically fiance stage or something. ¡Ay! If I got everything correct in class, I "quiero" him. (So I guess you were right with your rough translation). It pretty much means that I really really really like him, but not yet "amo" him. I miss him quite a bit.

I miss a lot of people here, but it´s the kind of miss that´s more like "I want to share everything with you" miss. I think of a lot of you quite often. The music, the mountains, the kids, the animals - every situation reminds me of someone and makes me wish they were with me. It´s hard not to be able to send a quick message or a quick phone call to you guys.

Enough with the sappy stuff. My flight was also pretty great - the views were amazing, pictures don´t give them justice (but I'm gonna try anyway.



The only rough part was staying awake in the Lima airport from 11-4 am to wait to check my luggage. I didn´t get the nap I was hoping for. It´s all good though! I had an hour long drive from Cusco to Urabamba with Eduardo who only speaks Spanish so I got to practice a bit on my way here. It´s been pretty cool. I can get across a point I´m trying to make and somewhat hold a conversation, as long as the person is talking slowly and pronunciating well. It´s a million times harder when they´re not talking to me or it´s on tv or something.

But, I think this is enough for my first post. Hopefully I´ll be back on soon!

Keep me in your prayers, por favor.