April 27, 2004
We took a feildtrip to Lima today to see the National Museum then had lunch at a ceviche place. All and all it was a good time -- great to get out of the training center for a little while.
April 25, 2004
Celebrated first thing this morning -- cold shower, finally! I went to Lima today with a friend. What a great day… Jockey Plaza (mall in Lima) should be sitting in downtown Atlanta. It’s a beautiful mall, with department stores, Payless Shoes, complete with a Starbucks. Yep, I couldn’t believe it either. I was in reverse culture shock when I walked in the place; I just couldn’t believe I was still in Peru. I had a French Vanilla Cappuccino, shopped, bought, ate a turkey sandwich, and had a great time feeling like an American (at least for a few hours!)
April 24, 2004
I haven’t slept this much in months. I have been able to sleep 12 hours a night here in CBT, must be my great sleeping bag. We helped make signs for the festival this morning. As we were walking down the street to the festival, a camera crew from the National TV station stopped us for an interview. I know…crazy! So, here I was talking in Spanish to a reporter with a TV camera in my face! Supposedly, it will be on TV in the morning. Just goes to show, Gringos are news here. The festival was hopping, tons of people from all over Peru head to the mountains for the annual festival. I had some great river fish for lunch and some chocolate cake for dessert. On the bus ride home, I got into a fascinating conversation with one of the school teachers from CBT. We talked about gender roles, psychology, marriage, and the differences in US and Peru. During our next visit to CBT, we are going to have a meeting with the teachers. I got home to find no water here… 4 days now without a bath.
April 23, 2004
I’m back at CBT. I’m staying with another trainee´s family (they couldn’t find another home stay) and I have to say it’s pretty bad. I can’t find an ounce of privacy anywhere. There are 10 kids in this family with a mom, plus me and the other trainee. The entire home has dirt floor and most of it is outside. There is a bathroom with a flush toilet, no shower, a sink in the “family” area, a wood burning stove for cooking. All I’ve managed to do is wash my face in the sink and brush my teeth a couple of times. There are two rooms in which everyone sleeps. We each have our own bed, and I only counted 4 others, so I’m not sure what the rest of the family is going to do. We’ve done 4 presentations at the schools and I believe they went well. We did self esteem activities and played a few games. All the kids know us now, so it’s cool when we venture outside. We immediately have kids holding our hands and generally crawling all over us! I am having some major stomach pain, probably shouldn’t have eaten that lettuce at lunch. It has been pretty cold here. We’ve taken several walks with the kids—to the cemetery, to the river, and just around town. I’ve even chatted with the kids about littering and self esteem. I am so ready to head to home for a bath! I haven’t been eating very well, just a lot of bread. The trip to the cemetery was interesting. Some of the graves were open. One of the kids, said that there are grave robbers looking for gold teeth and such. She also said it’s bad luck to look in the open graves. I saw my first pen of guinea pigs waiting to be cooked for supper. They were very fat and furry. Everyone was preparing the guinea pigs for this weekend’s Festival of the Chirimoya (native fruit of Peru).
April 20, 2004
What a day! I’ve already cried 2 times today. Homesickness, stress, and general bad-dayness will do that to you I guess. After my cry, I felt extremely better and I’ve made a resolution to run. Regular exercise is great for stress and it makes me feel good and I’ve been out of the habit sense heading to Peru. My friends here have really been there for me. I have to say they are some pretty great people. We vent with each other and we all have our days where we get upset. PC tells us it’s normal and to expect it, but the lows are not very fun! The highs definitely make up for them though and that is what gets me through. I led a team building activity today with my training group and it went well. As usual, I continue to learn things about myself and about others.
Crazy sights in Peru—women breastfeeding in public (leaves nothing to the imagination), everyone urinates in public (no need to find a tree/bush/hiding space), and they believe a cold/flu is caused from eating too many cold foods like ice cream.
April 19, 2004
I had another interview with the APCD today for my site placement. I believe it went well, I just told him the truth -- I would prefer a warm climate, an urban area, with modern amenities like water, lights, and internet. He said he had 2 places in mind for me, one in Trujillo working with the YMCA and one in Piura working with kids who are likely to be into drugs/gangs. I told him the site in Trujillo sounded more like me, so we’ll see. Heading to CBT again soon and I have to live with another family. I hope it’s ok! I played Frisbee with kids in the community today; most of the kids knew me from my session in their school. I am getting very anxious to get to my site, get to know my community, make friends, and settle in. Got a little homesick tonight -- I would like to just come home for about 6 hours, take a hot shower, see my loved ones, eat some great veggies, and head back out again.
April 18, 2004
I went to Lima today! It was a great time. We went to the beach just south of Lima. We walked and swam. I was definitely hesitant to get in the ocean (polution), but everyone was in the water and I didn’t want to seen weird…so I swam too. We ate lunch in a restaurant, which I could tell was a big thing for the family. It was absolutely scrumptious -- Roasted chicken, with fried potatoes, and salad. With a dressing, that was almost ranch. I couldn’t believe my luck. I have not been eating lettuce, since PCMO says it hard to clean properly and you are likely to get sick…but I did eat some of this salad and boy was it yummy! After lunch, we toured downtown. The downtown district is very Spanish colonial, mustard yellow paint, statues, museums, and park benches. I even saw a Pizza Hut, a Burger King, and a KFC. There for a second I thought I was back in the states! I had a very culturally faux pas moment. We visited a church which was very ornate with a golden altar. I didn’t hear the man say it, but my family said that he said we ought to be ashamed for coming to church in our street clothes. Then I crossed my legs while we were sitting and he was so embarrassed he left the service. Little did I know, you’re not to cross your legs in church! So, my whole family has laughed and laughed at me. I also experienced my first earthquake. It lasted for about 30 seconds and the people in the streets went crazy, screaming and running around. Nothing was damaged, but it was an experience.
April 17, 2004
Today’s Saturday but I had to go to school. What a bummer. We had language classes and a session on exactly what we will be doing as Youth Development Volunteers. I have another presentation next Tuesday and I’m also leading a team building session. (Thanks Niyelo!) So I´ll be doing homework this weekend. My mom taught me how to cook a Peruvian dish today. I had told her I am interested in learning, so she let me help out. It’s called Ahi de la Gallina...Chicken Spice...a chicken dish with red pepper and a bread like pudding. Interesting, different, and tasty!
April 16, 2004
We went to a shanty town area outside of Lima to work with an afternoon program for kids who work or don’t go to school. This is what they consider an urban youth project. Child labor is common, as is drug use, gangs, and violence. The kids were 6-12 years old. I had a blast! The program is from 3:00-5:00 in the afternoons and focuses on motivation and self esteem. We played games with the kids, sang songs, and mostly just acted like idiots! It was so fun. The kids were a little timid at first with all the Gringos but warmed up quickly and before I left I had to get a ton of kisses. If I were to be so lucky to be placed in a site like that program! I finally pin-pointed why I think this culture is so loving and great. They share absolutely everything. It is so beautiful really. That’s the meaning behind sharing the food I think. If anyone has anything, it is shared...completely. No matter how poor, everything is shared. It is so neat.
April 15, 2004
Getting to class this morning was an adventure in itself. The combi’s (public transportation) have decided to strike and protest. That means I had to cram into a taxi with 6 other Peruvians for a 10 minute ride to class. Most people couldn’t get to work or school because of the strike.
I went to a local school to do an activity on self esteem with a 5th grade class. Boy, was I stressed. There were 34 kids in one classroom. The activity was fun with lots of drawing and chatting. I don’t know what I would have done without the teacher. He was great and helped keep the kids in line and on task. At the end of the activity, it was neat to hear the kids tell me that they had never thought about stuff like “why I am important” or “who inspires me” before. So, even though it was stressful, I felt like I accomplished something.
I did a “Niyelo” activity with my language class, they thought it was cool. So, I’ve been asked to lead a session on Trust next week. Yeah! I’m excited.
April 14, 2004
Time is flying by! I’m in my forth week and I can’t believe it. Class has definitely been busy. I gave a presentation about Trujillo (a city in Peru) to the whole staff today. In Spanish! I feel good about it. I feel like the trainers throw so much info. at us and we never have time to work 100% on anything. I realize they only have 3 months to get us prepared for 2 years, but hey, it´s tough. I worked in our garden with the others this afternoon. We have learned how to make a bed, transplant, and water. I have enough more bug bites now. I look like a “Survivor” off the TV show. I have red spots all over me.
April 12, 2004
I’m not ready for another week of class! Alas, it’s here. This is my 4th week of PC training. Time is creeping by, I feel like I have been here for months. I bought a great pair of sandals. This guy in Chosica makes them by hand. He told me he studied shoe making in London for 2 years, so he speaks some English.
People eat/drink after each a lot here. In the market, if you want to try a salsa, just stick your finger in it. At meal times, anyone’s food is fair game. If you didn’t finish something, it’s almost rude to not offer it to someone else. And they don’t mind to pick up your fork to eat with either. They never eat at all with their fingers, always with silverware. That’s a problem for me, since I am used to eating chicken with my fingers! Drinks are passed around with pleasure. Somebody holds the bottle, and pours a small amount, drinks it. Then passes the glass, bottle, and somebody else does the same thing with just a small amount. It makes me want to pass around cups for everyone to use. But, no, they just need one. Nobody seems at all concerned about germs.
Gender roles are much defined here. Boys hang out with the boys and girls with the girls. Friends of the opposite seem to not exist. The kids in the town seem to be able to run around where they please, all hours of the day. They play at night in the park and are very trusting. Yet, it is seen as “bad” for a women, teen to walk by herself after dark. The ironies continue…
April 10, 2004
I got up early this morning to kick start the festival here. We hung the signs the kids had made about protecting the environment and not littering. We also marched in the parade along side the mayor. It was quite an honor. They announced our project over the loud speaker. So, all and all our project was a big success. I found a new friend. I never did quite get her name (some names here are impossible!), but she hung out with me all day. She was 11 years old and lived close to the town park. That’s common here with the kids, they are so curious about me. The Festival was fun—lots of booths of fruits, sweets, jewelry, clothing, and Panchamanca. Panchamanca is a Peruvian specialty. They dig a hole in the ground, put in chicken, corn, potatoes, and onions. Then they cover the whole thing with hot coals and dirt. Cooks for about an hour and ta-da an excellent dish! My family had a restaurant in our house for the weekend’s festivities. Many people come in from Lima to celebrate the Holy Week and to get away from the city.
I am working on a good farmer’s tan. The sun here is so bright, strong.
April 09, 2004
Mom’s Birthday. I’m thinking about you! Happy Birthday & I love you. I volunteered at another orphanage today; all girls, 31 in total, mostly older girls in adolescence. It was a little uncomfortable at first. They were watching TV and stopped to greet us all with a kiss. They were very sweet, just a little shy at first. We toured their home, which was very big and very clean. They had 3 big dogs that were ferocious. A 6-year-old was terribly scared of them. She was my fast friend. In fact, she cried when I told her I had to leave. I could tell she was absolutely starving for attention. They all need so much love.
After I got back home, nothing much was going on. My “mom” said that the priest had visited the house and brought holy water. I think it is a tradition in the town, for the Father to visit and bless each house during Holy Week
Friday, April 09, 2004
April 09, 2004
Mom’s Birthday. I’m thinking about you! Happy Birthday & I love you.
April 08, 2004
I visited the Children’s Home today. The children in the home are in need of medical care and have been abandoned by their family. It is somewhat of an orphanage too. There are children there with physical and mental problems. Many of the babies (there were about 15) have suffered extreme malnourishment, neglect, and/or abuse. Many babies were lethargic and unresponsive, very sad. Many of the older kids had obvious deformities. They were missing appendages, were in wheelchairs, or bedridden. The home was very comfortable with a pretty outside play area; it’s ran by an American doctor from Florida. He’s been here for 30+ years. I have to say this has been my most meaningful experience yet. We walked in the doors and were immediately swarmed by kids. They wanted hugs and to play. Some of the older kids (18-22 years old) were a little bit more stand-offish, but once I sat down and talked with them, they warmed right up. I spent time holding the babies, helping feed them, and playing games with the kids. The saddest part was leaving, when they wanted to know when you would be back.
My group of Noah and Jim got started on our community youth project. We met with the youth, about 15-20 in all, and made signs about not littering for this weekends festivities. It is Holy Week and The Avocado Festival. That means groves of people are coming into town to escape from the city. People see this community as a rural area for relaxing/vacation/and getting away. With all these people, they bring trash and more than likely with toss it into the streets. We’ve also been invited to march the parade on Saturday for our efforts.
Holy Week around here is a HUGE deal--hence the Catholic influence. Schools and businesses close Thursday - Monday.
April 05, 2004
A volunteer from Piura visited us at training today. She is in an “extreme” poverty site. She doesn’t have electricity and also has a very little water. She described Piura as very hot, yet with wonderful people. I’m either going to Piura or Trujillo… can I really live like that? House evaluations are being done today. That means one of my professors does a home visit to make sure my living situation is working out properly. Kinda scary! They ask my family about how I’m interacting, Spanish fluency, etc. Hope I do ok. Some stuff about culture around here—flip-flops are considered house shoes here. It is highly inappropriate to wear them out in public. What a shame, right? My food always contains rice and potatoes. Peru’s national dish is guinea pig. And no, I have not tried it yet. They also have a raw fish dish, called Ceviche. Everyone greets each other with a kiss on the cheek. I like it. Peruvians are very into physical contact. Not uncommon to see friends holding hands/arms, hanging on each other. That means the kids are always climbing all over you! Clothing is very dressy. Men always wear button up shirts. Women wear skirts and pants, button up shirts. My mom told me she told my professor the truth that I was doing great. Relief. The community doctor had dinner with us tonight. Interesting conversation, about the need for cultural diversity, US politics, helping those less fortunate and education. I comprehended almost everything!
April 04, 2004
Slept till 9:00, that’s late for me. I rearranged my room, really feeling at home here now. Made my first trip to town alone today. Freedom! I spent some time in the internet café, did some shopping (for a mirror, shirt, and tangerines). I found this really cool guy who hand-makes sandals out of leather—ordered a pair at $28 soles, that’s $8 US, can’t beat that. I ate a churro, which was absolutely amazing. Think hot donut, rolled in sugar, with a fresh apple stuffing. It was scrumptious. On the bus home, I encountered an American man who lives here. He said he and his wife have been here for 14 years and they work for the Baptist Mission. He invited me over. I’ll have to check it out. I needed some me time today, did me good!
April 03, 2004
Took a hike to the waterfall today, how beautiful! All and all it’s been a good trip. I certainly appreciate my little room here. I am learning that home can be any place you lay your head. As long as you give yourself time to adjust, you will be fine. I’m working on 3 weeks from home, odd hat it’s been that long. As times it seems so short, at others so long. I am learning so much here—what it truly means to be a minority, to be of a different religion, learning Spanish. I feel so “wanted” here. The people of Peru are so welcoming and generous. Finally made it home at 5:00. The 2:00 bus didn’t leave until 3:30, that’s how it goes.
April 02, 2004
Day #2 at CBT. What to say? It’s a pretty boring place. Tranquilo, as they say. A farmer’s wife’s work is never done. This woman just keeps working all day! I just watched a kid running with a curved blade, not good. As for our project here, I think we are on the way. We went to the school and scheduled 4 presentations about self esteem. We’ve got some work to do. Learning to live without modern conveniences has a positive side—you learn it doesn’t take money/things to be happy and people like you for you, not what you have or have not. It’s a real challenge to be hygienic. My fingernails are always dirty and my clothes look like I’ve been in a dust storm. Very few Peruvians wear glasses. Sad really, that they are too poor to afford things like vision care. Just heard a burro. They use them as pack animals to bring their products in from the field. Sounds like he’s dying! Since there are no telephones in this town to communicate with each other, they use a load speaker that is located in the steeple of the church. At times, it plays music and also makes announcements. I visited the medical post with my mom. There’s one lady doctor that does everything – secretary, pharmacist, etc. Dogs freely roam around the examining rooms. There are posters on the walls about parasites and the necessity of having a proper bathroom. I played soccer with the kids in the town center today. I think we have done a good job of integrating with our families and meeting with the kids. I am working on a good farmer’s tan. Sun is bright up here! The town is having a special mass service tonight. I explained to my mother that I am not Catholic, but Christian and would like to attend the service. The service was not unlike services I’m used to. A few children read bible verses and everyone sang a hymn. The most interesting part of the night occurred right after the service. The older women of the church came up to us and asked if we would like to carry a statue of the virgin. (After the service, there was to be a processional). Obviously, the women of the church were asking us because it would be an honor. We had to say no because we were not Catholic. How odd to ask complete strangers/foreigners to carry something as important to them as the virgin.
April 01, 2004
Holy smoke! I’m definitely isolated here, about 3 hours north of Lima. I am staying with a really nice old couple. They are in their sixties and all their kids live in Lima, so it’s just me and them. Talk about stilted conversations. I think my living arrangements here are above those of my group members. I am here with 3 other girls and I was lucky to be placed in my home. I have a nice clean bed with a flush toilet and shower. My friends didn’t fare so well. Emily doesn’t have a shower, has dirt floors, and she’s sharing a room with 3 other people. The worst thing I can say about my family is that there are no children in the home. So, the “youth” development part will have to start outside my family somewhere. Tomorrow we are going over to the school to see about doing a presentation for them. I think I figured out my trend in anxiety provoking situations. It’s the first night thing—my first night in Miami was a shocker, so was my first night in Peru, and now here. Maybe with practice it’ll get easier. A little about this town—it’s a small pueblo of about 800 people, high in the foothills of the Andes. I was a little altitude sick when we arrived. The road is treacherous! It looks like a donkey trail, no kidding. I can’t believe a bus can make it up here. Buses run at 5:00 am, 2:00 pm, and 6:00 pm. That’s it. So, plan ahead if you head to civilization. There is one phone in the entire city, no post office, no internet, and an unreliable water supply to the houses. They have a school, a medical post, central park, and a church. Everything pretty much centers around those areas. Most homes are made of cement with various parts of the homes being outside, like the kitchen or living area. It is a small farming community. The men of the town work in the fields all day, while the women stay at home and cook, clean. If the women have time in the afternoons, they help in the fields. The children attend school, but irregularly. Often they are needed to work in the fields. On weekends, the family heads to Lima to sell their products. They grow avocado, chirimoya (a very sweet fruit that tastes like bubblegum), limes, lemons, apples, peaches. I think I would give a body part, for some hot water right now. It’s cold up here, and just about miserable trying to bathe. I have to be careful what I eat too. All my water has to be boiled and vegetables have to be washed in a bleach solution (to kill parasites). So far, so good. I haven’t gotten sick yet. The PC Doctor tells us it’s inevitable. You know, something else I’m missing is ranch dressing. I haven’t had any since I left the states. Truly, I am so thankful that I have this opportunity to see Peru, not as a tourist, but as a worker here to help.
March 31, 2004
I had to give a presentation in class to day over the folklore of this community. I did ok in the beginning, but could have done better. Now I know better for next time. Oh, yeah… it was a 15 min. presentation in Spanish. Our first, but the first of many to come. That’s one of the main focuses of our training, to learn how to give interesting, informal presentations to groups. Kate, PC Director, came to talk to us about rules/regulations of service. Most important is that we can’t have visitors for the first 6 months. After class, I came home and talked with some friends of my family. We had an interesting conversation about ethnic diversity in the US. It’s funny to listen to stereotypes that Peruvians have of America. Like that we don’t have cheese. Where did they get that from? I can really tell my Spanish is improving. I understood almost all of our conversation. I went to the soccer field with Noah’s sister, Lucianna. She’s 14 and really ahead of her time. She’s into poetry and writing music. We played Frisbee and went for a walk. Peru plays Colombia tonight in soccer. That’s all the town is talking about. I head north of here for 3 days tomorrow. Community based training they are calling it.
March 29, 2004
I had a pretty good day. Class was class with a fun exercise where we went to town and I had to make a community calendar of events. It was fun after I found someone who actually had some information to tell me. I talked to a an old guy that was waiting for the bus. He said he was from Lima and he definitely couldn't hear very well. He told me to very careful because I am a North American and I could be robbed if I wore valubles. He also had to make a few comments about the US and our president and our business over seas. I didn't really have the spanish skills to respond properly. It was my first experience in Peru with a person who had an opinion about American politics. I gave a presentation in class which taught me just how much more spanish I need to know to be able to give a presentation to the Peruvian public. After class I went to use the internet (10 minute walk), then I played Frizbee with some other trainees and several Peruvian teenagers. It was a good time. I just got off the phone with Keisha, my cuz, it was good to hear from her. I told her I was eating good and having fun. Only to have been homesick once. I think that I have found a mentee. Yet, another community project we are working on in class. I told my family about the Mentoring project, where we mentor a kid for 1 hour a week for 10 weeks. They suggested a 9 year old named Bianca... we'll see I guess if it works out. Obviously, my job at Family Connection prepared me for PC service – mentoring, at risk youth, community services, working with city & country agencies. He knew what he was doing!
March 28, 2004
What an eventful day! Got up at about 9:00, before anyone else. Ate a couple of rolls and jelly, had some coffee. I'm really feeling at home now. At first I felt like a paying guest, now I'm stepping up and helping with things around the house. Today I helped with the laundry. Most things are washed by hand and hung on the roof to dry. I went with my mom and my sister to town to do some shopping. We bought a ton of groceries. First we went to a supermarket of a sort, I was glad to find it. Now I know where to go and get some things I may need. Then we went to the vegetable ad meat market. Meat market is unlike anything I've seen. It's a covered area of the open market. Dogs scavenged for food freely and the meat is unrefigerated and uncovered. The workers have blood everywhere! It was really gross and unsanitary. Hopefully, as long as my mother cooks the meat throroughly I'll be ok with eating it. Then we went to the fruit stands. The fruit is so rich and delicious here. Best watermelon I've ever had. Strangest thing I saw today was a man with a megaphone strapped to his head. He had this terrible sore on his leg that was covered with gauze, but oozing :( He was saying that he had leg cancer and was begging for money. It was super gross. My mom says that if you don’t have money, you can’t get medical services. So sad. I had "chinese" food for supper, at least Peruvian "chinese" food. It was good. We went for a walk after lunch, which turned into a hike to above our house on the mountain. My sister and brother are very knowledgeable about local plants and fruit trees. They were constantly showing me herbs and fruits that were growing wild. We found avocado trees, apples, mint, and many more I can't remember the names of! We also visited a family of pigs that were in a lot behind our house. After we got home from our hike, we watched The Passion. A pirated copy from a market vendor. A good movie, but definitely very graphic. I appreciated the point Mel Gibson was trying to make.
March 27, 2004
I had a pretty good day at school. We learned how to compost, make a garden, and plant herbs in buckets. Definitely something they want us all to do in our future sites. Sounds good to me. After class, we had lunch of fried steak, rice, and creamed spinach. It was good, I have to say. Although everything I eat in ladden with carbs and not very good for me. I went with Emily and Victoria to town. Shopped a little for some necessities. We had some great coffee in a little restaurant in town. Then went to the internet where I found a place to upload my photos. Yeah! I went out for a stroll with my sister, Noah, his sister, and Jim. Noah fell into a sewage hole. No kiddin'. It was definitely gross. Just another great thing about living in a 3rd world country -- litter and dangerously huge holes in the street.
March 26, 2004
Today was good. I had to vent a bit about the fact that I'm stuck up here far away from the other 7 trainees and can't ever do anything fun. The guys close to me are into their own thing and I'm just here hanging out with the family. I just don't like being stuck inside because I'm a girl, a foreigner, or what ever. I guess that just means i have to put myself out there more. I had chicken soup for supper and I've eaten so many sweets today. I have to be careful. I'm eating so many sweets and complex carbs! I wanted to hear from someone tonight via phone, but nobody called. It's actually harder with people calling, but it's a double edged sword because I get lonely and want to hear from someone, then they call and I'm sad. Next week we are going to another community to do training for 4 days. It should be fun.
March 25, 2004
I had a good day. I went to town with my class (of 4 trainees) and our professor, Claudia. We "learned" how to use the combis (buses) and how to go shopping for things we need. We have a project where you must use a recipe to shop for ingrediants of a pervian dish and then go to the post office to "learn" how to mail letters/packages to the US. It's $4.80 soles to send letters home and $50 soles to send a package that weighs 2.2 lbs. Not cheap.
March 24, 2004
Peru is a strange place. It’s unlike any of my expectations. The people are extremely nice. Everyone goes out of the way to be hospitable. I have not sensed any Anti-Americanism, which I thought I would probably have to deal with. I think it is mostly that the people here are just ignorant of American politics and happenings. They have American movies, but one must have money to go to the cinema and most don’t have it. Supposedly, 60% of Peru’s population is under 18 and living in poverty. That’s a lot. This is a very “macho” society. Men rule the roost. As you know, I’m pretty independent and being at home by dark because it’s “not proper” or safe to be out at night is really getting on my nerves. I have to rely on 2 guys (volunteers like me) that live close to me to “accompany” me to town (where internet, stores are). So, as for support here -- I have it, which is necessary and good. We have class Monday-Saturday 8:00-5:00. After class, I go home and hang out with my family. Today, Melissa, my Peruvian sister, taught me to salsa and meringue! Peru is 85% Catholic. There is a huge statue of Jesus in the town center and “pirated” copies of The Passion being seen at home on people’s TVs. I have TV, but not English-speaking stations. So, I’m certainly not keeping up with Reality TV. The water here is freezing! No hot water to bathe in, so it’s get washed as quickly as possible and get the heck out of there! We have water most of the time, so there are some days I just have to suffer. As for things I need, I’ve realized very quickly what you can really live without and be ok. Can you believe I never dry my hair now, don’t use more than shampoo and soap, wear the same clothes for 3+ days, wash my underwear in the sink, make due without a mirror, rely on public transportation, and don’t have power outlets. And honestly, I’m doing great! When I complete PC training, I will probably be going to either Trujillo or Piura, two very hot, coastal sites. Good and bad. Good that I’ll be near the beach, but bad that it will be so hot. No air conditioning, anywhere. Not even in stores. PC pays for everything. I haven’t spent any of my own money yet and I don’t foresee that I will ever have to. So, that’s great. I enjoy reading my emails when I get a chance. It costs $1-2 Sol per hour. Exchange is 3.5, so that’s like .60 US $. Can’t beat the price, but it’s just getting there.
March 23, 2004
Tonight is my 3rd night in my Peruvian host family home. It's been a lot better since the first night. I don't know what happened, except that I've not had such home sickness in all my life. At least that I can remember. Although it might have been a combination of many things. A new job, a new culture, new friends, new everything. And a new home that is far from what I would consider standard. My room has tan conrete walls with a concrete ceiling and floor. The bed is as hard as a rock. There is so much dust and it seems like this may be the storage space also for I have tons of old books and catholic relics in bookcases. There is a bare bulb hanging from all the cielings and I can't find a electrical plug-in anywhere. I have a desk that serves as my catch-all. I feel like I'm settling in and learning new things everyday. I'm making a conscious effort to involve myself in the family. Last night I took a walk with my sister. We went to the park. It seems that all the young people go to the park "to be seen". They circle the park and "hopefully" see a crush. The bathroom in this house only has cold water, so the showers are almost unbearable. The toilet doesn't have a seat, just a bowel. So, not to disappoint anyone, but I definitely won't be shaving in these conditions. My room is on the second floor. Downstairs is the kitchen, dining room, and living room. They have a TV and love to watch the peruvian soap operas. My mom seems to be very busy. Not sure with what, but busy none the less. There is a dog here, named Lassy. She is an Alaskain Husky and very beautiful. Up the stairs from my room is the roof, where laundry is hung to dry and for sitting and watching the passing traffic. All in all, I believe this home is considered middle-class by most peruvians.
March 22, 2004
Moved into house today. They are very welcoming and nice. We went to Lima to Plaza Vea for groceries. It was just like a Wal-mart.
March 21, 2004
I had my language interview today. This decides what class we'll be in. I couldn't remember nada! But that's one reason why I'm here, to work on my spanish. So I guess I shouldn't bum myself out about it.
March 18, 2004
Off to Peru today. Flight’s at 11:55. It's been 2 good days in staging. I'm already learning so many things about myself and about others. Especially on how to deal with other's differences. This group I'm to be with for the next 27 months is an ecclectic group for sure. We would never have been friends in normal circumstances, but that's the beauty of the Peace Corps. You are thrown together and you rely on each other because you have the same culture and background. Everyone is from a different part of the US, but we have a commonality too.
March 17, 2004
Well, it’s begun, my Peace Corps Adventure. I’m in Miami for my staging event (PC Orientation). What a whirl wind of information for me to soak in! I arrived here yesterday with 12 others from all over the US – 4 guys and 9 gals. Everyone is very different, yet very alike. All are college grads and 22-33 years of age. Unfortunately, I´m the only one with a Southern accent, so I’ve already endured many comments about it. We have people from California, Minnesota, Illinois, DC, Arizona, and New York. Like me, they are looking to see the world, help others, and learn some things about themselves. We have been in workshops where we discuss expectations, anxieties, and realities of PC. In order to be accepted into our Peruvian communities, we will be expected to act and dress in a certain manner – professional clothing and conservative actions. It seems like I will have ample opportunity to travel all over Peru and in South America if I choose to. Anyone may visit me in my site, but not until September. Same thing goes for me coming home. Hopefully, I can make it home for Christmas! I have to admit, yesterday was a tough day for me. I arrived at the hotel was sitting in a room with people I didn’t seem to have anything in common with and thought to myself, “WHAT HAVE I DONE?” Thankfully, after a good night’s rest and some time to get to know one another, my heart tells me I’m in the right place. Just to reassure anyone was concerned for my safety while in PC, these guys are fanatical about keeping us safe – both physically and emotionally. They want us to be happy and successful.
Mom’s Birthday. I’m thinking about you! Happy Birthday & I love you.
April 08, 2004
I visited the Children’s Home today. The children in the home are in need of medical care and have been abandoned by their family. It is somewhat of an orphanage too. There are children there with physical and mental problems. Many of the babies (there were about 15) have suffered extreme malnourishment, neglect, and/or abuse. Many babies were lethargic and unresponsive, very sad. Many of the older kids had obvious deformities. They were missing appendages, were in wheelchairs, or bedridden. The home was very comfortable with a pretty outside play area; it’s ran by an American doctor from Florida. He’s been here for 30+ years. I have to say this has been my most meaningful experience yet. We walked in the doors and were immediately swarmed by kids. They wanted hugs and to play. Some of the older kids (18-22 years old) were a little bit more stand-offish, but once I sat down and talked with them, they warmed right up. I spent time holding the babies, helping feed them, and playing games with the kids. The saddest part was leaving, when they wanted to know when you would be back.
My group of Noah and Jim got started on our community youth project. We met with the youth, about 15-20 in all, and made signs about not littering for this weekends festivities. It is Holy Week and The Avocado Festival. That means groves of people are coming into town to escape from the city. People see this community as a rural area for relaxing/vacation/and getting away. With all these people, they bring trash and more than likely with toss it into the streets. We’ve also been invited to march the parade on Saturday for our efforts.
Holy Week around here is a HUGE deal--hence the Catholic influence. Schools and businesses close Thursday - Monday.
April 05, 2004
A volunteer from Piura visited us at training today. She is in an “extreme” poverty site. She doesn’t have electricity and also has a very little water. She described Piura as very hot, yet with wonderful people. I’m either going to Piura or Trujillo… can I really live like that? House evaluations are being done today. That means one of my professors does a home visit to make sure my living situation is working out properly. Kinda scary! They ask my family about how I’m interacting, Spanish fluency, etc. Hope I do ok. Some stuff about culture around here—flip-flops are considered house shoes here. It is highly inappropriate to wear them out in public. What a shame, right? My food always contains rice and potatoes. Peru’s national dish is guinea pig. And no, I have not tried it yet. They also have a raw fish dish, called Ceviche. Everyone greets each other with a kiss on the cheek. I like it. Peruvians are very into physical contact. Not uncommon to see friends holding hands/arms, hanging on each other. That means the kids are always climbing all over you! Clothing is very dressy. Men always wear button up shirts. Women wear skirts and pants, button up shirts. My mom told me she told my professor the truth that I was doing great. Relief. The community doctor had dinner with us tonight. Interesting conversation, about the need for cultural diversity, US politics, helping those less fortunate and education. I comprehended almost everything!
April 04, 2004
Slept till 9:00, that’s late for me. I rearranged my room, really feeling at home here now. Made my first trip to town alone today. Freedom! I spent some time in the internet café, did some shopping (for a mirror, shirt, and tangerines). I found this really cool guy who hand-makes sandals out of leather—ordered a pair at $28 soles, that’s $8 US, can’t beat that. I ate a churro, which was absolutely amazing. Think hot donut, rolled in sugar, with a fresh apple stuffing. It was scrumptious. On the bus home, I encountered an American man who lives here. He said he and his wife have been here for 14 years and they work for the Baptist Mission. He invited me over. I’ll have to check it out. I needed some me time today, did me good!
April 03, 2004
Took a hike to the waterfall today, how beautiful! All and all it’s been a good trip. I certainly appreciate my little room here. I am learning that home can be any place you lay your head. As long as you give yourself time to adjust, you will be fine. I’m working on 3 weeks from home, odd hat it’s been that long. As times it seems so short, at others so long. I am learning so much here—what it truly means to be a minority, to be of a different religion, learning Spanish. I feel so “wanted” here. The people of Peru are so welcoming and generous. Finally made it home at 5:00. The 2:00 bus didn’t leave until 3:30, that’s how it goes.
April 02, 2004
Day #2 at CBT. What to say? It’s a pretty boring place. Tranquilo, as they say. A farmer’s wife’s work is never done. This woman just keeps working all day! I just watched a kid running with a curved blade, not good. As for our project here, I think we are on the way. We went to the school and scheduled 4 presentations about self esteem. We’ve got some work to do. Learning to live without modern conveniences has a positive side—you learn it doesn’t take money/things to be happy and people like you for you, not what you have or have not. It’s a real challenge to be hygienic. My fingernails are always dirty and my clothes look like I’ve been in a dust storm. Very few Peruvians wear glasses. Sad really, that they are too poor to afford things like vision care. Just heard a burro. They use them as pack animals to bring their products in from the field. Sounds like he’s dying! Since there are no telephones in this town to communicate with each other, they use a load speaker that is located in the steeple of the church. At times, it plays music and also makes announcements. I visited the medical post with my mom. There’s one lady doctor that does everything – secretary, pharmacist, etc. Dogs freely roam around the examining rooms. There are posters on the walls about parasites and the necessity of having a proper bathroom. I played soccer with the kids in the town center today. I think we have done a good job of integrating with our families and meeting with the kids. I am working on a good farmer’s tan. Sun is bright up here! The town is having a special mass service tonight. I explained to my mother that I am not Catholic, but Christian and would like to attend the service. The service was not unlike services I’m used to. A few children read bible verses and everyone sang a hymn. The most interesting part of the night occurred right after the service. The older women of the church came up to us and asked if we would like to carry a statue of the virgin. (After the service, there was to be a processional). Obviously, the women of the church were asking us because it would be an honor. We had to say no because we were not Catholic. How odd to ask complete strangers/foreigners to carry something as important to them as the virgin.
April 01, 2004
Holy smoke! I’m definitely isolated here, about 3 hours north of Lima. I am staying with a really nice old couple. They are in their sixties and all their kids live in Lima, so it’s just me and them. Talk about stilted conversations. I think my living arrangements here are above those of my group members. I am here with 3 other girls and I was lucky to be placed in my home. I have a nice clean bed with a flush toilet and shower. My friends didn’t fare so well. Emily doesn’t have a shower, has dirt floors, and she’s sharing a room with 3 other people. The worst thing I can say about my family is that there are no children in the home. So, the “youth” development part will have to start outside my family somewhere. Tomorrow we are going over to the school to see about doing a presentation for them. I think I figured out my trend in anxiety provoking situations. It’s the first night thing—my first night in Miami was a shocker, so was my first night in Peru, and now here. Maybe with practice it’ll get easier. A little about this town—it’s a small pueblo of about 800 people, high in the foothills of the Andes. I was a little altitude sick when we arrived. The road is treacherous! It looks like a donkey trail, no kidding. I can’t believe a bus can make it up here. Buses run at 5:00 am, 2:00 pm, and 6:00 pm. That’s it. So, plan ahead if you head to civilization. There is one phone in the entire city, no post office, no internet, and an unreliable water supply to the houses. They have a school, a medical post, central park, and a church. Everything pretty much centers around those areas. Most homes are made of cement with various parts of the homes being outside, like the kitchen or living area. It is a small farming community. The men of the town work in the fields all day, while the women stay at home and cook, clean. If the women have time in the afternoons, they help in the fields. The children attend school, but irregularly. Often they are needed to work in the fields. On weekends, the family heads to Lima to sell their products. They grow avocado, chirimoya (a very sweet fruit that tastes like bubblegum), limes, lemons, apples, peaches. I think I would give a body part, for some hot water right now. It’s cold up here, and just about miserable trying to bathe. I have to be careful what I eat too. All my water has to be boiled and vegetables have to be washed in a bleach solution (to kill parasites). So far, so good. I haven’t gotten sick yet. The PC Doctor tells us it’s inevitable. You know, something else I’m missing is ranch dressing. I haven’t had any since I left the states. Truly, I am so thankful that I have this opportunity to see Peru, not as a tourist, but as a worker here to help.
March 31, 2004
I had to give a presentation in class to day over the folklore of this community. I did ok in the beginning, but could have done better. Now I know better for next time. Oh, yeah… it was a 15 min. presentation in Spanish. Our first, but the first of many to come. That’s one of the main focuses of our training, to learn how to give interesting, informal presentations to groups. Kate, PC Director, came to talk to us about rules/regulations of service. Most important is that we can’t have visitors for the first 6 months. After class, I came home and talked with some friends of my family. We had an interesting conversation about ethnic diversity in the US. It’s funny to listen to stereotypes that Peruvians have of America. Like that we don’t have cheese. Where did they get that from? I can really tell my Spanish is improving. I understood almost all of our conversation. I went to the soccer field with Noah’s sister, Lucianna. She’s 14 and really ahead of her time. She’s into poetry and writing music. We played Frisbee and went for a walk. Peru plays Colombia tonight in soccer. That’s all the town is talking about. I head north of here for 3 days tomorrow. Community based training they are calling it.
March 29, 2004
I had a pretty good day. Class was class with a fun exercise where we went to town and I had to make a community calendar of events. It was fun after I found someone who actually had some information to tell me. I talked to a an old guy that was waiting for the bus. He said he was from Lima and he definitely couldn't hear very well. He told me to very careful because I am a North American and I could be robbed if I wore valubles. He also had to make a few comments about the US and our president and our business over seas. I didn't really have the spanish skills to respond properly. It was my first experience in Peru with a person who had an opinion about American politics. I gave a presentation in class which taught me just how much more spanish I need to know to be able to give a presentation to the Peruvian public. After class I went to use the internet (10 minute walk), then I played Frizbee with some other trainees and several Peruvian teenagers. It was a good time. I just got off the phone with Keisha, my cuz, it was good to hear from her. I told her I was eating good and having fun. Only to have been homesick once. I think that I have found a mentee. Yet, another community project we are working on in class. I told my family about the Mentoring project, where we mentor a kid for 1 hour a week for 10 weeks. They suggested a 9 year old named Bianca... we'll see I guess if it works out. Obviously, my job at Family Connection prepared me for PC service – mentoring, at risk youth, community services, working with city & country agencies. He knew what he was doing!
March 28, 2004
What an eventful day! Got up at about 9:00, before anyone else. Ate a couple of rolls and jelly, had some coffee. I'm really feeling at home now. At first I felt like a paying guest, now I'm stepping up and helping with things around the house. Today I helped with the laundry. Most things are washed by hand and hung on the roof to dry. I went with my mom and my sister to town to do some shopping. We bought a ton of groceries. First we went to a supermarket of a sort, I was glad to find it. Now I know where to go and get some things I may need. Then we went to the vegetable ad meat market. Meat market is unlike anything I've seen. It's a covered area of the open market. Dogs scavenged for food freely and the meat is unrefigerated and uncovered. The workers have blood everywhere! It was really gross and unsanitary. Hopefully, as long as my mother cooks the meat throroughly I'll be ok with eating it. Then we went to the fruit stands. The fruit is so rich and delicious here. Best watermelon I've ever had. Strangest thing I saw today was a man with a megaphone strapped to his head. He had this terrible sore on his leg that was covered with gauze, but oozing :( He was saying that he had leg cancer and was begging for money. It was super gross. My mom says that if you don’t have money, you can’t get medical services. So sad. I had "chinese" food for supper, at least Peruvian "chinese" food. It was good. We went for a walk after lunch, which turned into a hike to above our house on the mountain. My sister and brother are very knowledgeable about local plants and fruit trees. They were constantly showing me herbs and fruits that were growing wild. We found avocado trees, apples, mint, and many more I can't remember the names of! We also visited a family of pigs that were in a lot behind our house. After we got home from our hike, we watched The Passion. A pirated copy from a market vendor. A good movie, but definitely very graphic. I appreciated the point Mel Gibson was trying to make.
March 27, 2004
I had a pretty good day at school. We learned how to compost, make a garden, and plant herbs in buckets. Definitely something they want us all to do in our future sites. Sounds good to me. After class, we had lunch of fried steak, rice, and creamed spinach. It was good, I have to say. Although everything I eat in ladden with carbs and not very good for me. I went with Emily and Victoria to town. Shopped a little for some necessities. We had some great coffee in a little restaurant in town. Then went to the internet where I found a place to upload my photos. Yeah! I went out for a stroll with my sister, Noah, his sister, and Jim. Noah fell into a sewage hole. No kiddin'. It was definitely gross. Just another great thing about living in a 3rd world country -- litter and dangerously huge holes in the street.
March 26, 2004
Today was good. I had to vent a bit about the fact that I'm stuck up here far away from the other 7 trainees and can't ever do anything fun. The guys close to me are into their own thing and I'm just here hanging out with the family. I just don't like being stuck inside because I'm a girl, a foreigner, or what ever. I guess that just means i have to put myself out there more. I had chicken soup for supper and I've eaten so many sweets today. I have to be careful. I'm eating so many sweets and complex carbs! I wanted to hear from someone tonight via phone, but nobody called. It's actually harder with people calling, but it's a double edged sword because I get lonely and want to hear from someone, then they call and I'm sad. Next week we are going to another community to do training for 4 days. It should be fun.
March 25, 2004
I had a good day. I went to town with my class (of 4 trainees) and our professor, Claudia. We "learned" how to use the combis (buses) and how to go shopping for things we need. We have a project where you must use a recipe to shop for ingrediants of a pervian dish and then go to the post office to "learn" how to mail letters/packages to the US. It's $4.80 soles to send letters home and $50 soles to send a package that weighs 2.2 lbs. Not cheap.
March 24, 2004
Peru is a strange place. It’s unlike any of my expectations. The people are extremely nice. Everyone goes out of the way to be hospitable. I have not sensed any Anti-Americanism, which I thought I would probably have to deal with. I think it is mostly that the people here are just ignorant of American politics and happenings. They have American movies, but one must have money to go to the cinema and most don’t have it. Supposedly, 60% of Peru’s population is under 18 and living in poverty. That’s a lot. This is a very “macho” society. Men rule the roost. As you know, I’m pretty independent and being at home by dark because it’s “not proper” or safe to be out at night is really getting on my nerves. I have to rely on 2 guys (volunteers like me) that live close to me to “accompany” me to town (where internet, stores are). So, as for support here -- I have it, which is necessary and good. We have class Monday-Saturday 8:00-5:00. After class, I go home and hang out with my family. Today, Melissa, my Peruvian sister, taught me to salsa and meringue! Peru is 85% Catholic. There is a huge statue of Jesus in the town center and “pirated” copies of The Passion being seen at home on people’s TVs. I have TV, but not English-speaking stations. So, I’m certainly not keeping up with Reality TV. The water here is freezing! No hot water to bathe in, so it’s get washed as quickly as possible and get the heck out of there! We have water most of the time, so there are some days I just have to suffer. As for things I need, I’ve realized very quickly what you can really live without and be ok. Can you believe I never dry my hair now, don’t use more than shampoo and soap, wear the same clothes for 3+ days, wash my underwear in the sink, make due without a mirror, rely on public transportation, and don’t have power outlets. And honestly, I’m doing great! When I complete PC training, I will probably be going to either Trujillo or Piura, two very hot, coastal sites. Good and bad. Good that I’ll be near the beach, but bad that it will be so hot. No air conditioning, anywhere. Not even in stores. PC pays for everything. I haven’t spent any of my own money yet and I don’t foresee that I will ever have to. So, that’s great. I enjoy reading my emails when I get a chance. It costs $1-2 Sol per hour. Exchange is 3.5, so that’s like .60 US $. Can’t beat the price, but it’s just getting there.
March 23, 2004
Tonight is my 3rd night in my Peruvian host family home. It's been a lot better since the first night. I don't know what happened, except that I've not had such home sickness in all my life. At least that I can remember. Although it might have been a combination of many things. A new job, a new culture, new friends, new everything. And a new home that is far from what I would consider standard. My room has tan conrete walls with a concrete ceiling and floor. The bed is as hard as a rock. There is so much dust and it seems like this may be the storage space also for I have tons of old books and catholic relics in bookcases. There is a bare bulb hanging from all the cielings and I can't find a electrical plug-in anywhere. I have a desk that serves as my catch-all. I feel like I'm settling in and learning new things everyday. I'm making a conscious effort to involve myself in the family. Last night I took a walk with my sister. We went to the park. It seems that all the young people go to the park "to be seen". They circle the park and "hopefully" see a crush. The bathroom in this house only has cold water, so the showers are almost unbearable. The toilet doesn't have a seat, just a bowel. So, not to disappoint anyone, but I definitely won't be shaving in these conditions. My room is on the second floor. Downstairs is the kitchen, dining room, and living room. They have a TV and love to watch the peruvian soap operas. My mom seems to be very busy. Not sure with what, but busy none the less. There is a dog here, named Lassy. She is an Alaskain Husky and very beautiful. Up the stairs from my room is the roof, where laundry is hung to dry and for sitting and watching the passing traffic. All in all, I believe this home is considered middle-class by most peruvians.
March 22, 2004
Moved into house today. They are very welcoming and nice. We went to Lima to Plaza Vea for groceries. It was just like a Wal-mart.
March 21, 2004
I had my language interview today. This decides what class we'll be in. I couldn't remember nada! But that's one reason why I'm here, to work on my spanish. So I guess I shouldn't bum myself out about it.
March 18, 2004
Off to Peru today. Flight’s at 11:55. It's been 2 good days in staging. I'm already learning so many things about myself and about others. Especially on how to deal with other's differences. This group I'm to be with for the next 27 months is an ecclectic group for sure. We would never have been friends in normal circumstances, but that's the beauty of the Peace Corps. You are thrown together and you rely on each other because you have the same culture and background. Everyone is from a different part of the US, but we have a commonality too.
March 17, 2004
Well, it’s begun, my Peace Corps Adventure. I’m in Miami for my staging event (PC Orientation). What a whirl wind of information for me to soak in! I arrived here yesterday with 12 others from all over the US – 4 guys and 9 gals. Everyone is very different, yet very alike. All are college grads and 22-33 years of age. Unfortunately, I´m the only one with a Southern accent, so I’ve already endured many comments about it. We have people from California, Minnesota, Illinois, DC, Arizona, and New York. Like me, they are looking to see the world, help others, and learn some things about themselves. We have been in workshops where we discuss expectations, anxieties, and realities of PC. In order to be accepted into our Peruvian communities, we will be expected to act and dress in a certain manner – professional clothing and conservative actions. It seems like I will have ample opportunity to travel all over Peru and in South America if I choose to. Anyone may visit me in my site, but not until September. Same thing goes for me coming home. Hopefully, I can make it home for Christmas! I have to admit, yesterday was a tough day for me. I arrived at the hotel was sitting in a room with people I didn’t seem to have anything in common with and thought to myself, “WHAT HAVE I DONE?” Thankfully, after a good night’s rest and some time to get to know one another, my heart tells me I’m in the right place. Just to reassure anyone was concerned for my safety while in PC, these guys are fanatical about keeping us safe – both physically and emotionally. They want us to be happy and successful.
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