I will not take these things for granted...

Obviously I am here to volunteer and help the children of Peru, but this is also an adventure of self discovery. Today marks one month from the day I left and I have already learned so much about myself. A big lesson I have learned is not to take anything for granted. Such a cliche, so simple, but extremely difficult. 

Watching these children overcome such extreme obstacles makes me take a look at my own life. I am so lucky! I have a wonderful family, I have always been healthy, I have enough food to eat, incredible friends and a roof over my head. After being here...I have realized that's all I really need. Some of these children are what the doctor calls a "ticking time bomb" and could die at any minute. Some rely on wheelchairs, crutches, walkers and prosthetic limbs. The children are lucky to receive a phone call once a month from their parents and are made fun of daily for their disabilities. Once discharged, (if ever) they return to broken homes without enough food and without enough love. Yet, these kids are the happiest kids I have ever met. They spin in their wheelchairs till no end, laugh until it hurts, help one another when someone falls, never forget a thank you, stop to smell the flowers (literally), learn to overcome their disabilities by being resourceful, plays cards for hours, cry when volunteers leave and love with an open heart. They don't take anything for granted...every day is truly a gift. 

What a lesson for me to learn and reflect on. I have always been grateful for the wonderful life I have been given, but overcoming challenges and not taking simple things for granted is difficult. My time here at the Hogar has taught me so much and I know that the next 8 months will continue to reveal the true beauty of life. I think from this post on, I will dedicate it to one child...just to give you an insight to what I am feeling and experiencing. So, this post goes to John Pierre! :]

OMG. John Pierre is this little baby who has a cleft lip/cleft palate. He makes me so freaking happy. I don't even know how else to explain it. Yesterday, I was lifting him up above my head...and he drooled in my mouth! But, you know what?! I didn't even care. Yes, the germ-a-phob didn't care. I am about to run away with John Pierre, take some delicious homemade bread and leave all my possessions to my roommates. I am so excited because I really will be able to see him grow up over the next 8 months. Obsessed. Of course, pics of him are at the bottom of this post.

Seeing a child who needs cleft palate/cleft lip surgery makes you really evaluate your own life. The surgery costs only 1,000 soles here (which is about 300 dollars). I would give up any possession I own to help these children and babies have normal lives. I am starting to live simply, so others can simply live. Without the surgery, these children are at risk for numerous health issues not to mention social issues. Thinking about these children at the Home makes me want to break down and cry because they have put so much in perspective. I will no longer take anything for granted, especially my health. I am grateful to be healthy, happy, having a wonderful support system, being able to help the less fortunate and being on this planet we call earth. Living life to the fullest is the greatest feeling :]

-To Love, John Pierre, happiness, health and earth :]

Ps. someone I know started a list when they went on a mission trip to Calcutta of things they missed from America. So here are a few of mine...

1. cereal with cow's milk haha

2. peanut butter

3. TV (I love my grey's)

4. ice cold drinks

5. wearing flip flops (no one shows their toes here)

:]

LIFE AT THE HOGAR :]

Following my heart...never felt so good :]

So, I arrived at the Hogar on Monday night and had my first official day here on Tuesday. Words cannot explain how much I love it here! I am going to try and describe what life is like here, but I may not be able to do it justice.

The Hogar currently houses 55 children ranging from 2 months to 25 years. The children have various issues...cancer, disabilities, missing limbs, cleft palates/lips and burned areas. These kids are amazing. Never have I seen children with such horrible problems, smile so much! I'm up by 7:00 am to help shower and dress the younger children. Breakfast is ready down stairs for all of the children. All 55 children, the Doctor (Doctor Tony, I'll tell you about him in a minute), cooks, social workers, physical therapist, nurses and volunteers eat together in the dining area. Before every meal, the children pray the Our Father, Hail of Mary and a thank you to the Doctor. Watching them eat is magical...that sounds creepy, but it really is. Victor, who only has one leg (no other limbs), eats with his toes. Esmerelda eats with a bionic, prosthetic arm. Absolutely amazing. It is hard to not cry watching these kids overcome such obstacles.

After breakfast is baby hour! We can take some of the babies out of the nursery to play with them for 2 hours. Everyone knows I am not a fan of babies, but these babies are an exception. Never have I been so attached to a baby before! The babies all have different issues, from webbed hands and feet, severe mental retardation and leukemia. They are all just so happy to play for a few hours rather than be in their cribs.

Once we are finished with baby hour, it is time for lunch! Lunch is crazy. Let me say it again, lunch is crazy. A handful of children visit Lima hospitals every day for treatment so children come in for lunch at all different times of the day. The cooks here are amazing! They have been working for the Hogar for almost 20 years now, cooking breakfast, lunch and dinner everyday. The food is great! It's traditional Peruvian food but a lot more kid friendly :]

A have a bit of free time before baby hour again! Afternoon baby hour we can take a few of the babies to the park to sit in the sun and play. Yesterday, I took Miguel. He is such a handful but so amazing. Miguel has the most infectious laugh I have ever heard! Love him. Coffee hour with the doctor is right after baby hour, and all the volunteers go with the doctor to a cafe about 10 minutes away. This is such a nice time to talk have coffee, eat cake and talk to the doctor without 50 kids hanging on your feet! The Doctor says he loves coffee hour just as much as the volunteers do because it's his only hour to de-stress and reflect on the day.

Dinner happens right when we return from coffee hour and is a huge production because all of the kids are home. What happens before we pray is my favorite part of the day by far. All of the children have their hands and feet washed...in a bucket of soapy water. Last night, I got to wash everyone's hands and feet (we wash their feet because the children with missing arms eat with their toes) and it was the greatest thing I have ever done. This sounds so stupid, but I felt empowered washing the hands and feet of these children that are so grateful for just being alive. I said that I have never felt more unity than the Britney Spears concert I just went too, but I definitely feel more unity here :] hahahahah

The Doctor, Dr. Tony, attends Mass every single night after dinner. Mass is unreal. Tons of people, in a small church, all speaking spanish...what's not to love?! My connection with God has grown so much already because of the children, other volunteers and Dr. Tony. I can say without a doubt, the Doctor is a saint. For the last 30 years, he has been practicing medicine at the Hogar and has taken in thousands of children. Everyday he eats with the children, dresses them, showers them, plays with them, evaluates new cases and uses every part of his heart for the children. I have never met anyone in my life that is so passionate, caring, loving and a true servant of God. The physical therapist told me that for the last 10 years, Dr. Tony has cried every single night at Mass while praying for the children. There is no better feeling than seeing someone serve the world with their talents.

Once we come back from Mass, we help the children with their homework, play with them (UNO is a favorite here too) and share traditions. Tonight I learned some Peruvian dance that all of the teenagers do in the discotecas. Obviously, they laughed at me when I tried to dance! At the end of the night, I am beyond tired. Typing this blog post has taken me forever because all I want to do is sleep!

These children make me want to dedicate my life to service even more. They have so many issues but they laugh and play is if they are on top of the world. I can't even describe how much these kids have already changed my life. I feel brand new and ready to start the day every morning when I see their smiling faces. I wish everyone in the world could feel the way I do right now.

Saying prayers, washing dishes, going to mass, cooking, helping with homework, playing kick the can, cleaning burns, hospital visits, cleaning baby barf, showering paralyzed children, brushing teeth, laughing, meeting a saint, washing hands and feet like Jesus did, learning to color with my toes, teaching a boy to walk, dancing, sharing a meal with 60 others, great conversation, coffee and cake, learning spanish and teaching english, 2nd grade math, wiping tears, braiding hair....THIS IS WHY I CAME TO PERU :]

Life could not be any better right now! Thank you to everyone who supported my decision in switching organizations. I could not have had the courage to do so, without all of you!

I'll end this post with lyrics to one of my favorite songs, Page 811, "The Summons", that just made me want to follow my heart because I know this is what I was called to do!

Will you come and follow me if I but call your name?
Will you go where you don't know and never be the same?
Will you let my love be shown? Will you let my name be known,
will you let my life be grown in you and you in me?

Will you leave yourself behind if I but call your name?
Will you care for cruel and kind and never be the same?
Will you risk the hostile stare should your life attract or scare?
Will you let me answer prayer in you and you in me?

Will you let the blinded see if I but call your name?
Will you set the prisoners free and never be the same?
Will you kiss the leper clean and do such as this unseen,
and admit to what I mean in you and you in me?

Will you love the "you" you hide if I but call your name?
Will you quell the fear inside and never be the same?
Will you use the faith you've found to reshape the world around,
through my sight and touch and sound in you and you in me?

Lord your summons echoes true when you but call my name.
Let me turn and follow you and never be the same.
In Your company I'll go where Your love and footsteps show.
Thus I'll move and live and grow in you and you in me.

LOVE WITH ALL MY HEART :]
-tean

Following my heart...

Someone from MND whom I admire very much told me that I need to follow my heart. Regardless of what my head says or what may be most logical, when you follow your heart...you know exactly what you want. She told me it would be such a shame always wondering what my adventure would be like if I had just listened to my heart. My heart is beating loudly, and on Tuesday...I am following my heart.

It's funny. Parts of me are so logical. I don't over analyze, I am punctual and I am straightforward. But then there's the other part of me. I am emotional, caring, vibrant and a big push over. Making this decision is so hard for me, because my two sides collide. I am trying to follow my heart, but the logical side of my head gets in the way. What a mess! I know deep down in my heart...I can be doing more. I want to end this adventure knowing that I did the very best I could every second of the day and right now, I don't feel that way. I am following my heart...

I have made the decision to switch organizations this coming Tuesday. Some may think that this is a way of giving up, but I don't look it that way at all. I may be a lot of things...but a quitter is not one of them. It takes a lot of courage admitting that being in Huancayo may not be the perfect fit for me and that I want more. Before arriving in Peru, I thought the amount of time I would be volunteering would be plenty. I was excited for the chance to see the country, experience the culture and immerse myself in the language. But now, I realize I want to be doing more. I don't just want to volunteer 7-8 hours a day...I want to be a missionary for God. The excursions are amazing, but after being here...the children are what matter most to me. I realize now that it's not about me. I have to believe in something greater than myself to become something better. I believe, in the children.

On Tuesday, I will make the trip back to Lima to volunteer at The Hogar San Francisco de Asis. At the Hogar, I will be given the opportunity to volunteer 16-17 hours a day with children that have cancer, missing limbs, disabilities, cleft palates among many other issues. I will be living with the children at the Hogar and caring for them daily. I will still be able to teach, but will help with medical needs as well. I am beyond excited for this next part of my adventure and think that this change will be one I will never regret! I am following my heart :] Keep reading next week for an update from the Hogar!

This weekend was awesome! I visited Incan ruins, beautiful lakes and a wild festival! The ruins were amazing. I have never seen anything like them. The ruins were a few thousand feet above a town called Chupaca and the view was breathtaking. One big accomplishment, we had to walk up about 3,000 stone steps to get to the top...and I didn't fall! Woo :] I even stole a rock (shhhhh!!!) because the ruins are older than Jesus...like who wouldn't take something that's older than Jesus?! The lakes were amazing...crystal, clear blue water that I was dying to swim in! Look at the pictures at the end of the post!

The festival we went to afterward was crazy! Thousands of people dancing, singing, laughing, eating, drinking and having a marvelous time! There was so much love at this festival. I had some type of strange meat, rice, potatoes spaghetti, vegetables and BEER! Hahahahah :] The food was amazing and the beer was disgusting (don't worry the drinking age is 18!) But I had a great time at the festival! I didn't get to take any pictures there, because the festival was crazy and didn't want to risk my camera getting stolen. But, just imagine a small dirt area lined with tents with thousands of Peruvian people dancing and singing in traditional costumes. So cool :]

Also at the end of this post are pictures of my kids I teach. They really are the most amazing people I have ever met in my life and am beyond grateful to have gotten to teach them. They have changed my life. One of my best friends, Chelsea, asked me if I feel changed after being here. This sounds so cheesy and dorky...but I really do. The children have changed me. The people, the language, the poverty, the food, becoming closer to God, following my dreams, believing in myself and following my heart has changed me for the better. I am still Christine Anne Columbia...nerdy, weird, different, fun, happy, cool, strange and clumsy...but I am now living from the heart of myself so I can illuminate the world.

Life is Good. Peruvian Beer is nasty. Children are amazing. My friends keep me going. I love life.

-Teaner :]

Funny Things :]

This post is just going to be funny things that have happened to me....hahaha :] Regardless of where I am, strange, awkward, weird and crazy things always seem to come my way!

Today, I was playing volleyball with my kids at recess. I tried to throw the ball to the other team, but what happens? I break a window! SO AWKWARD. The window shatters everywhere and all the kids started screaming. Like Dennis the Menace, I ran away like nothing happened.

Also today, I kicked a ball and it hit a boy right in his private parts. The boy fell to the ground and wouldn't stop crying. He had to go home.

When I got on the Petra (bus), a man started making phone noises. He kept saying Ring, Ring, Ring. Ringggaaaa. Once I got off the bus, I realized he was hollering to me Gring, Gring Gring. Gringa! (Gringa is an insult to white people in Peru) awesome.

I am a donor in the Bone Marrow National Registry and I got an email saying that I have been accepted as a preliminary match. Obviously, I start freaking out. I am not even in the United States to donate! To make matters worse, the email has pictures of little kids whose lives have been saved because of donors. With the pictures is a quote, "It's not every day that you can sacrifice a small piece of yourself to help someone live. I was given that chance." Turns out I am not a match. Thanks for the great email.

This little boy, Benji, asked me why I can't just move to Peru forever. I told him because I live in America! He said, well you don't have to go home. I told him that I already have my plane ticket home. He asked where my ticket was and I said it was on the internet. He looked at me with the straightest face and said, "Well, then I'll just blow up the internet. Then you'll be stuck here forever." I died laughing :]

I was teaching body parts to the Kindergarteners and one girl asked what "pelo" was in english. I said hair. I helped her make a sentence using the word hair, "I cut my hair." At recess, she came up to me and said, I cut my hair. I was so happy that she remembered the sentence! It took me a while to realize she took scissors and cut a huge chunk of hair from her head. English in Action?

At the Sunday Market, I managed to knock over a whole table full of desserts, bread and other food. It's not like in Ohio where if I knock something over, I can just blend in. My pale skin makes me stand out like a sore thumb here. I offered the woman and her family money for knocking everything over...and I stepped on the old woman's foot while saying sorry. I am still clumsy and I still hate old people. Nothing has changed.

Walking back from school, I slipped down the mountain. Instead of just falling in water, mud or dirt...I have to fall in cow poop. So typical hahaha :] I had to walk the rest of the way home smelling like a farm with poop all over my pants. My family wanted me to wash the pants and wear them again...definitely not happening!

Even though some things are so depressing here and make me want to cry myself to sleep at night, moments like these happen and how can you not laugh?! I think that is such a simple life lesson. Being able to turn a bad situation into a manageable one by laughing is a wonderful gift. Smiling and laughing also brings people together. I may not fully understand their language, but when my whole class laughs...it is contagious. I think I have figured out what living simply is all about. It's not just living with fewer items, but really noticing the little things in life that cause great joy and happiness. A hot shower, warm bed, a plate of food, laughing children, paint handprints, bubbles, letters of support and a journal are things that I would have taken for granted 1 month ago. But now, I am more grateful than I ever have been for the simplest things. No matter how homesick I am or how different this country is...this adventure is unlike anything I have ever experienced. It's hard to believe that 6 months ago, my world was turned upside down and now I am living the life I have always imagined. Love it :]

"Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing."

-Teaner :]

My Happiness Project :]

I mentioned awhile ago that I started my own Happiness Project and wasn't ready to share my "commandments", but what a better time than now :] My adventure is not just a synopsis of my volunteering...but of love, happiness, food, thoughts, dreams, God, hopes, people, photos and of course smiles. If the only thing I got from these months on another continent was better techniques to volunteer...this wouldn't be much of an adventure, would it?!

1. Be present
2. Smile at Strangers
3. Trust my Friends
4. Pursue my Passion
5. Live with Integrity
6. Be Kind
7. Come from Love
8. Expect a Miracle
9. Lighten Up
10. Strive for Compassion
11. Eliminate the Negative
12. Make Footprints
13. Pray

All of these commandments mean something special to me while I embark on my journey. I started with #3 trust my friends, and every other one falls into place as I think it fits. The journey I am on began a long time ago when I decided to commit my life to serving others. I had many other career choices in mind...first woman president, brain surgeon, heart surgeon or a psychologist. But when I took my first Social Work Intro course at Fordham, something clicked. The light turned on and that class ignited my soul. The class was a night class (that I wasn't even allowed to take, but begged to be in) and I have never felt so warm and powerful. My professor, Mary Harrington, didn't just teach...she made me think about things that have never crossed my mind. We role played serious, real issues that happen as a social worker. It wasn't just a class but a time I looked forward to each and every week...that's when I knew Social Work was my calling.

Mary Harrington came into our class the first day with her hair messy, shirt ripped, thoughts scattered and stumbling upon her words. Ten minutes later she told us it was all an act. Some laughed others were confused. Her point...if you didn't ask yourself a million questions about her presentation, you shouldn't be in the class. Social workers analyze, think, process, change, feel, empower and most importantly love. My soul has always been generated by love, but never as much as now. The children I see everyday here in Peru make me love harder, dream bigger and pray more. Every time I start to get irritated by a child, I think of my commandments. All these kids want is someone to love them unconditionally and no matter what my issues are, I need to Come from Love.

Peru is a beautiful country with many problems. Children come to my class with bruises, wounds, hungry stomachs, dirty clothes and broken hearts...but no one is intervening. There aren't the same social service agencies we have in America to make sure children aren't falling through the cracks. In a way, I am not just a teacher or friend to these children, I am a social worker. I am analyzing their wounds, providing them with food, changing the way they think, listening to their concerns and most importantly empowering them with love. Mount Notre Dame has taught thousands of girls to become "empowered young women" but what really is life changing...is empowering someone else. Empowering the children of Peru was always a dream and now is one if the greatest experiences of my life :] In all seriousness, "How Good is the Good God?!" LOVE MND :]

As I continue with my Happiness Project, I hope you all think about your own lives and how to become a happier, more empowered individual. We are on this journey together, whether we are thousands of miles apart or next door neighbors...so why not make the best of it?

"The love in your heart wasn't put there to stay. Love isn't love 'til you give it away."

 One of my favorite songs right now, sung by some really really cool people. Listen to the lyrics...so poignant. CHECK IT OUT :]

Jenny & Tyler "Faint Not"

GUINEA PIG.

Today, September 8th, I had my first bite of guinea pig (and my last)! Guinea Pig is considered a delicacy in Peru and I knew this day was coming for a long time. Eating guinea pig to most Americans is disgusting because we have guinea pigs at pets and don't get me wrong, I feel the same way! But this is an adventure! How lame would it be to come home from such a great adventure not eating my country's most prized food?! So I ate it...and it was horrible! Hahaha :] The texture was so chewy that it barely broke apart in my mouth. The flavor was indescribable. Never again will I eat guinea pig, but I am so glad I at least tried it!

Teaching 30 kindergarteners when you are not in an enthusiastic mood is incredibly challenging! I wasn't in a bad mood or anything...they all just came in full force, hungry, crabby and with tons of energy. Trying to teach them fruits, colors and parts of the body seemed impossible so I sent them outside to run laps around the playground ahaha :] and it worked! They came back in my classroom huffing and puffing and ready to learn! As Lizzy said when I told her about my hectic day, "that's the oldest babysitting trick in the book." After teaching children of all ages, I have to give so much credit to full-time teachers. I have never looked at school from the perspective of a teacher but I now know why it is annoying when students won't stop talking, when a student uses a cell phone during class, when students giggle and I think I have chalk marks on my butt and when a student is being disruptive. It really is difficult! As hard as it may be, it is the most rewarding thing I have ever done. Seeing Benji understand the difference between some and any, watching Esperanzaita write full sentences and hearing Myumi speak coherent English makes every challenge worth it.

On a more serious note (hahaha it's always awkward making serious transitions in a light hearted post), sometimes you believe deep down in your heart that you are meant to be doing something...but until you actually try it, you can never be 100% sure. I really love what I am currently doing...but I just feel like I could be doing more. I didn't come all the way to Peru to teach 3 classes and then send children home hungry, unhappy or unloved. It's a difficult problem to approach because I understand I can't be volunteering 29 hours a day, but that's what I want to be doing. I want to be doing more for the Peruvian children. I want to make a bigger impact. I know, to most that sounds crazy. People think I am already doing enough by just being here...but I have never settled for second best. I want to give 110% each and every day and know that not only is this my adventure but the start of my life of serving others.

I've been listening to my heart a lot lately and I think that the changes I make in the next few weeks will make a difference in the uneasiness I am feeling. If you don't agree with my decision...that's cool! I've heard so many negative comments and opinions about my decision to come here anyways. And look who stopped me?! Hahaha :] I'm not afraid. I am not afraid to change my plans, to go against the norm, to listen to my heart and look at the big picture. And now more than ever, I am not afraid to say that this may not be the perfect fit.

I am going to give it until the end of September, but if my heart still beats the same...I will be changing organizations to one that is closer to Lima. This new place will allow me to give of my heart 14-15 hours a day, rather than the 6-7 I am doing now. I will be working with orphaned, abandoned and children with families that have disabilities, broken limbs, cancer, cleft palates and other medical issues. I will be living with the children and helping them every step of the way until my journey ends in May. I will still be able to teach (I wouldn't give up teaching the children of Peru for anything), but volunteering more hours and nurturing the children through every challenge and triumph is more of my calling. Life is all about trial and error and if I hadn't started at my current organization, I would have missed out on a lot. This decision isn't final...I am still giving it more time, but my heart beats fast for this new plan.

I want to thank everyone that reads my posts, comments on my pictures or has sent a prayer my way. I really couldn't have gotten this far without all of you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart! :]
Ps. I will be posting pictures of my classes on here soon....so keep looking (and reading!)

to love and not being afraid of the unknown :]
-teaner

Colors :]

Where to begin?!

I'll start with the Sunday Market. Wow, so much to say! Basically the Sunday Market is an open air market that attracts people from all over Peru. So many people have told me about the market, so my expectations were pretty high. The market went beyond all of my expectations! We took the Petra (bus) to the market which is about 8 blocks from where I live...(we could have walked but the robbers come out during this time, so it's safer to take the bus).

Let me explain the Petra to you, because I promised I would and because it is the craziest thing ever. The Petra. I have so much hatred towards these buses already, it's ridiculous. The petra is a big green bus that will "stop"anywhere for anyone. No matter if you are carrying 8,000 egg cartons (yes, I have seen this) or have 13 screaming kids, the petra does not discriminate. First of all, the petra does not stop. I don't think the driver even knows what that means! Sure, the driver will slow down...but to make it successfully up the stairs and on the bus, you need to run. I am not exaggerating, to catch the bus that does not stop you must run. This may be a funny now, but picture me CHRISTINE CLUMSY CLUTZY UNCOORDINATED COLUMBIA, running for the bus and jumping up the stairs. Is it funnier now? Great. If you make it on the bus, you will not find a seat unless you are pregnant or disabled. And pretty much every woman over the age of 14 and under 40 is pregnant. The driver drives like a maniac, which I am used to (thanks NYC) and the stench of peruvian food makes you want to puke. Peruvians will try and bargain the price of the bus ride down to the bare minimum. However, paying 20 centimos or 13 cents for a bus ride...sounds pretty good to me. Exiting the bus is just as graceful as getting on the bus. The driver does not stop, you must jump off and hope you land on equal footing. Sounds like a nightmare right?! Hahahahahahaha :]

Back to the Sunday market. I have to say the best thing about the market is the colors! Bright colors is a staple all over Peru, but the weavings, clothes, jewelry and food really stand out. The market extends for about 20 blocks and has everything you could ever imagine: traditional fiesta skirts, hand woven rugs, alpaca sweaters, pig hearts slathered in grease, gorgeous braided bracelets, new mattresses and bedding, milkshakes, hand made cereal, purses...the list goes on and on. The market is a serious place though. If you don't know what you want, you need to step out of the way and let others through. Just like New York City, if you look weak, the weak will be shoved into a corner. I, obviously looked weak ;] I tasted some of the best desserts I have ever had and surprisingly the germ-a-phob in me did not come out!

I did have my first "robber incident" at the Market! I had my camera hanging around my neck and my camera bag across my chest hanging on the left side of my hip. A man tried to put his hand in my camera bag to take whatever was in there...but there was nothing in there! Hahaha :] My family freaked out and started screaming at the man who ran away just before I even noticed what was going on. I wasn't watching my bag closely because I knew there was nothing in it and if the man really wanted my bag...he could definitely have it! My family is still talking about it...oh gosh.

Today I taught three classes and had a good day! My first class was a class of 12 and we worked on restaurant vocabulary. It was actually really fun for me because we set up tables and chairs and acted like we were at Tayana, a nice restaurant in town. After teaching them vocabulary and grammar, the girls had been bothering me all last week to see pictures of my friends and family from home. I brought in a photo album and showed them everyone and everything! I told them Elizabeth was my mejor amiga and they didn't believe me...they thought we were sisters! Hahahaha :] They also thought going skydiving was the coolest thing ever, which prompted a 4 year old boy to jump from the school rooftop (it's really not that high and he wasn't hurt...but oops!) They loved seeing my family, friends and home life!

My last class was a class of 28, 3-6 year olds...my favorite!!! Even with only a 3 year gap, it is hard teaching them English. The 3 year olds need to learn the alphabet and numbers where as the 6 year olds can start learning simple vocabulary...so I taught a little bit of both. After class we had recess, where I showed them the Bubble wands! Instant entertainment for at least 45 minutes...brilliant! Once again, I came home tonight and was soooooo tired! But life is good :]

I have also been thinking a lot about how my actual volunteering is going. More news to come later...but there could be some changes with my adventure...we shall see!

Ps. I found the market with American foods. I have eaten countless oreos, trix cereal and a lot of Coke! All is right in the world :]

Peace and Bubbles! :]
-Teaner

Wild Dogs, Wind and Kisses.

After teaching 3 classes during the day, I come home and I am beat. I feel like an old woman for saying this...but those kids wear me out! Bed time for the entire family is around 9:30, and normally I would stay up and be on the computer, read or something else but the power shuts off. I would love to sleep in as long as possible in the morning before 8:00 am family breakfast, but I wake up to sirens, barking dogs, crazy tetra drivers (bus drivers, I'll explain the wacky bus system later) among many others. This doesn't happen at 7 am or even 6 am but usually around 5:30 the noise begins. There are dogs everywhere here, all wild and I was instructed not to pet them haha but how can anyone resist petting a scruffy dog?! The dogs bark and fight all morning, which I can usually block out. Men on motos (motorcycles/mopeds) scream at the top of their lungs to notify the town of the best picks at the morning market. I really think Huancayo can survive without knowing that this is the last week of chapahas. Oh, but nothing beats the buses called tetras. The tetra drivers have a horn that is equivalent to that of an American ambulance or fire truck. I secretly hope that the tetras all break down so I can get a good night's rest! Hahahaha :] Oh, Huancayo!

The weather here is almost like Ohio weather...unpredictable. This morning when I woke up, it was about 35 degrees fahrenheit. Meaning the trek up the mountain (where it's even colder) is freezing! At around noon the weather is gorgeous! Around 75 degrees, a little breeze, no humidity...the afternoon weather puts California weather to shame! Around 6 o'clock the sun starts to set and the wind increases. The wind is enough to knock over large dogs, so they run for cover under roofs. But nothing beats the sunsets here. Honestly, I have never seen anything like them. Walking down the mountain after teaching is like heaven. The sun is setting over the mountains and hills and the city is illuminated with tones of yellow, orange and pink! Love :]

One thing I love about Peru, which is true in many other countries besides the United States is the greeting! Almost every child in Peru knows Mari and Tino (my host family) so walking to school is such an adventure for me! The children greet Mari with a hug and a kiss and a long conversation about how their day is going (not like in America where the phrase "how are you" is so short). The children then greet me and have a huge smile on their face because they know I am a volunteer...my white "gringa" skin gives it away haha :] A huge hug and a kiss on both cheeks is mandatory. I feel like when I meet someone for the first time, they are now my family. To sum it up, I love meeting new people!

Teaching is getting easier and easier for me. I have a bond with most of the children now and more and more come everyday because they all know a "Miss" is teaching! I wish they would call me Christina, but any volunteer is called Miss as a sign of respect. Today we played Uno after teaching (Thanks Lizzy!) and the kids had such a great time! It was a little difficult teaching in Spanish for something I have only ever know in English...but they caught on so quick! One girl I have bonded with is a nina named Rosemary. Her mother died 2 years ago and her father is basically nonexistent. She has 10 brothers and sisters with no care taker. The children have to find food, clothing and a means for bathing themselves all alone. I can't even imagine :[ I only met Rosemary two days ago, but she has this twinkle in her eye that just spoke to me. Rosemary literally clings by my side all day and she tears up when class is over. She breaks my heart. But knowing that being here is making a difference in one child's life is enough for me to stay!

I am still very homesick...it's just weird because I don't think I have ever felt this way before. I am still adjusting to daily life and I think it will probably take a few months for me to fully adjust! I honestly couldn't have taken this giant leap of faith without my friends, family, MND community and strangers though. Receiving encouraging emails, notes and the letters get me through the day. I love everyone to death and will be home before you know it!

MUCH LOVE FROM PERU! :]
ps. why is there no chocolate in this town??? I need sweets, candy, cake and chocolate! SHEESH!