Looks like the weather is going to be pretty nice in Lima for my three months of training. After that, the weather will depend on where I am posted. If I'm in the Andes in central Peru, then the days are warm (the sun is really strong), but the afternoons are really rainy and cold. If I'm in northern Peru, near Ecuador, then it will be mostly warm. My contacts tell me you can buy anything you need in Lima. Lima has a mall just like the states called Jockey Plaza, with prices that are a bit higher. That certainly reassures me on the pressures of packing.

In my search for information of travelling to Peru, it looks like I'll need a hiker's backpack and rolling duffle bag for packing. Most of the advice I've received says that I should be able to carry all I bring. How in the world do you pack for 2 years and be able to carry it on your back?

My contact in Peru says that she is about 35 minutes from the city of Huaraz where she has access to email and phones. I guess that's better than NO access, right?

Hello, everyone. News from Peru -- I will be eating a lot of rice, potatoes, and guinea pig! What is a guinea pig, anyway? Probably tastes like chicken, right? She said to bring a good sleeping bag, too...

I received a current Peace Corps Peru Volunteer's email address from the Peru desk at HQ. I sent her a message today. Maybe I'll get some good info about what is in store for me!

The Peru Desk at Peace Corps Headquarters called to let me know that my departure date has changed... I'm leaving March 16, 2004. Definitely, a bummer. I want to leave today!!

Hello! As you probably already know or heard, I've joined the Peace Corps. And I'm extremely excited to be going to Peru, February 2004. It has been an arduous and often-times frustrating application process. I've actually been working on this endeavor since March 2002, prior to my college graduation. But it is only now in the last couple of weeks, that I've received information of my placement.

I will venture to Lima, Peru on February 20, 2004 for 3 months of intensive training as a Youth Development Facilitator. As the third group of Volunteers to re-enter Peru in more than 28 years, it will be challenging because of the lack of local knowledge of Peace Corps' mission and role in a community. I will serve in Peace Corps Peru for 2 years.

They (Peace Corps Staff) tell me that Peru is a beautiful and diverse country, about the size of Alaska. 60 percent of the population is under the age 25. Peru suffers from extreme poverty, low levels of education, and massive urban migration. I will be working with a high-risk population to primarily carry out educational activities. I will probably be working with local schools, health centers, and non-governmental agencies to strengthen education, life skills, and employability. I will probably be placed in a rural community and live with a family during my entire service. This policy exists so volunteers can fully integrate into the community and to enhance safety. I will more than likely have electricity and running water.

Thank you for your continued thoughts, prayers, and support. When the time comes, please feel free to visit me in South America!!

My hope for this website is to keep friends and family updated about my plans of serving as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Peru.