Happiness Project Update! Lizbeth :]

Who knew a six year old could complete my happiness project?

Her eyes beam with love as she hobbles down the stairs in the morning. By 8 am she's covered in dirt, toothpaste in her hair and her pants tucked into her underwear. She may fall at least 50 times a day, but I have never seen her once cry. Her laugh echoes through the house and everyone knows it's "abuelita". She loves lollipops, grapes, mangoes, fried rice, apples and Cheetos. Her tiny hands are black at the end of the day and when she touches my face, I cringe.  She kisses me goodnight and is the only person in all of Peru that can say my name correctly. Lizbeth just turned six years old and has taught me more about life than anyone I have ever known. 

1. Be Present

It doesn't matter to Lizbeth if we are swinging on the swings in the park, sharing an apple on the bus ride home from Lima or taking a nap on the couch...she just loves the company. Some of my favorite memories from my adventure aren't big moments, they are simple things that mean so much to these kids. Although she would love a huge bag of lollipops or cheetos (we were destined to be friends with our cheeto obsession) she also loves just snuggling on the couch after a long day. 

2. Smile at Strangers 

Lizbeth is the epitome of a nosey child. She loves to be in everyone's business especially strangers. On the bus, she will start a conversation with anyone because she likes their shirt, has the same shoes, wonders where they are going and to tell them she likes their nail polish. I've always been one to smile at strangers but never to make an actual conversation...Lizbeth has taught me different.

3. Trust My Friends

The background of my computer is me and my two best friends, Lizzy and Ellen. Anytime my computer opens, Lizbeth points out which one is Lizzy and which is Ellen telling me a little bit about both of them. "Lizbeth (as she calls Lizzy) is your best friend, you have known her for 14 years. You two look like twins. She has a black dog. She loves photos and art." "Ellen has freckles. Her mom is your godmother just like you are Evelyn's godmother." I think Lizbeth has told me these details at least 80 times but I love when she tells me. It's an incredible reminder from a 6 year old why I am here. Without my friends and family I wouldn't have met a little girl that has changed my life forever. 

4. Pursue my Passion 

I was the kid in grade school who truly believed I could change the world. Most thought I was crazy (most still think I am) but I wouldn't be where I am now without a lot of faith and finding my passion early on. Waking up every morning to Lizbeth's breathless voice yelling, "Christine! Christine! Come here" wouldn't be possible without believing I can change the world even if it's only one 6 year old at a time. 

5. Live with Integrity

Everyone knows the Doctor is a stern man always trying to keep order and no one knows that better than the kids. Lizbeth is the first kid to own up to every mess and broken item. It seems impossible to learn from a 6 year old how to live with integrity...but every glass of spilled milk can be cleaned up and refilled with the right sense of self and ownership. 

6. Be Kind

I've always tried to live by the saying, "kill em with kindness" and it is a lot harder to do than say. Most children develop a bratty side when they hit Lizbeth's age, but not her. Lizbeth is kind to everyone all the time. She has a way of being friends with everyone and when she wants to say something mean, she bites her tongue. 

7. Come from Love

Although I rarely say it, living with 60 children, 27 staff members, numerous volunteers and the Doctor is hard at times. The only alone time I can find is a quiet walk in the morning after breakfast or a trip to Carlos' corner store for a beso (a marshmallow treat with graham cracker and chocolate). I have an incredible amount of patience...but sometimes it's difficult with 20 kids hanging on your leg and arms when trying to eat or when 4 kids ask you for 4 different things at the same time. Lizbeth is always calling me over to tell me something trivial but to her it may be the most important thing in the world. I think that is what makes all the difference to these kids...being there for them whether it's something big or small. They appreciate every moment you spend with them. Even if I feel like I am on my last ounce of patience, I remind myself to come from love. It's with love that we can overcome our darkest fears and achieve our greatest dreams.

8. Expect a Miracle 

When I arrived at the Hogar almost 6 months ago, Lizbeth was walking poorly with 2 crutches. She would fall every 5th step and couldn't go up the stairs by herself. Six months later...Lizbeth is walking with one crutch and will soon be switched to a cane. She insists on going up and down the stairs by herself. With surgery, therapy and a lot of prayers...Lizbeth is a miracle. Every time my faith is being tested and I question my decision about staying longer, I simply look at Lizbeth. This incredible little girl has reached milestones right before my eyes. Miracles really do happen when you believe :]

9. Lighten Up

Before coming to Peru, most would describe me as a little up-tight (alright, a lot up tight). I think I finally decided in May of last year that I am only given one life to live, so why not live a little. As if jumping on a plane to South America wasn't crazy enough, I have decided to commit another year here at the Hogar. Every single day I am reminded to live a little whether it's playing a practical joke on the Doctor, being tickled to death by 10 kids, getting my ears double pierced with a needle and apple or just laughing so hard my face turns blue. 

10. Strive for Compassion

I've fallen in love with these children so much that it's hard to get me out of the house for a little while. I've become so close with the children that when one of them is having a bad day they ask for me, when one of them is crying they fall into my arms for consoling and when someone has had a great day they tell me every detail. Especially with Lizbeth, I've learned that if she's crying about something...all she wants is to fall asleep in my arms feeling the warmth of my heart. 

11. Eliminate the Negative

Lizbeth asked me one day in church if I was Catholic. I said yes and asked if she was. She shrugged her shoulders and said she didn't really know but she prays before meals and at night and loves every day. What a great answer. Praying and loving is what this 6 year old calls her religion. I couldn't agree more. I try and have a little more faith and show a little more love every single day because every day is a gift.

12. Make Footprints

Her feet are small and oddly shaped but Lizbeth knows the importance of her footprint more than anyone. Only two years ago, she was completely immobile. And now every step she takes is a miracle. Lizbeth's feet may be small but she has left giant footprints on my heart. I've tried to make footprints wherever I go, at St. Columban, Mount Notre Dame, Fordham University with my friends and with my family. As one of my high school teachers told me in December, "Don't think about your adventure in Peru in terms of time. Think about the children, the country and the Home in terms of moments. You will know when the time is to leave. When your heart is full and you are ready to give back the blessings the Home has given you, you can move on to whatever is next. For every footprint you leave, you will have given so much love. Create happiness and leave happiness. If you do that, you're going to have something special."

Obviously this post is dedicated to Lizbeth, but more importantly to anyone who is struggling to find happiness in their life. I sat down on a Saturday night with my best friend, Lizzy (ironic that my best friend and my favorite kid have the same name?) and made my list of commandments. 12 things I wanted to improve on that have guided my journey and brought me back to the purest place in my heart. If I had to give advice to anyone about their happiness journey, I would say one thing. Don't ignore a whisper. Don't ignore your dream that lies dormant in your heart. Do what makes you happy and follow your dreams. I wouldn't be here with Lizbeth and 60 other children without listening to a crazy whisper. Listen, Go and Love with all your heart. 

Ps. Lizbeth went home today :[ She was sooo incredibly excited to see her Dad and her sisters. Her Dad came to pick her up and told me all about when Lizbeth came and how she couldn't even move her legs. What progress! I was crying when I gave her one last hug and kiss and she said to me, "Don't worry, I'll pray just like the Doctor does before meals and before bed. I won't lose my glasses and I'll teach my sisters how to brush their teeth. I love you and I'll see you soon." Lizbeth will return in 6 months for a checkup!


LOVE YOU LIZBETH!!!!!! :] AND MISS YOU!

Moments of Grace :]

Sorry for the delay in posts...life is just crazy busy!

I have been in Peru for 6 months now (crazy, right?) and everyday seems to get better and better. I wake up every morning knowing that 50 children are expecting love and help and I am able to provide that for them. Never did I think that I would have children calling me Mommy Cristina when I am only 19 years old. Mother Theresa was mentioned this morning at Mass and something our Priest said about her, hit me like a ton of bricks. Mother Theresa talked often about "Moments of Grace", moments of life that just make your world stop. Moments that make you breathe in and out and realize this life we are living is absolutely wonderful. I think this is why I can call every day the best day of my life. Being here, in Peru with these children, makes my world stop. These are a few of those moments...if I can even put them in words ;]

It's Tuesday night and the doorbell rings. A little girl is standing behind a staff member (Ana) with her hair perfectly french braided. Ana has to nearly drag her in the door because she looks terrified. The kids immediately know she must be a new patient and swarm her with 50 questions. She doesn't say a word. Ana only knows her name, Jimena. Jimena is greeted by the Doctor who leads her to the dining room for  dinner. Ana sets Jimena's only bag of belongings next to her that is smaller than a lunch box. She stares at her dinner for a good 10 minutes before I sit down and try to talk to her. She still doesn't say a word, so I decide I'm going to do the talking. I tell her about the Doctor, the other kids, meal times, where she'll sleep and who the Mamita's are. Jimena says her first words to me, "Can I have a spoon for my milk?" I go to the cabinet and hand her the spoon. It isn't until then I realize she has a knob for a hand because of how badly burned she is. She tells me about her doll in her bag and I tell her I had a doll just like her's when I was younger. That exact moment we clicked. We bonded over a doll, milk and chicken and I will never forget it. Jimena spent the rest of the night coloring in my lap and knew she could trust me. I say goodnight to all the girls with hugs and kisses before bed and Jimena calls my name and leans in to give me a kiss. I've never felt so much love as I did with that single kiss. The badly burned girl who couldn't be more than 6 years old, who wouldn't talk to anyone...trusts me.

Most have heard me talk about the Doctor and what an incredible man he is. A man of few words that has given an insurmountable hope to children from all over Peru. One documentary titled "The Patients of a Saint" couldn't describe him better. Dr. Tony is incredibly busy waking up at 5:45 am and not going to bed until 11:30 pm. He has the biggest heart of anyone I have ever met, but doesn't always wear his heart on his sleeve. The Doctor has described himself as the "boggieman" with his stern tone and his need to keep a tight routine every single day. Instead of using his usual phrases during meal time (Hurry up! Eat your food! No talking! I'm not going to tell you kids again!) he did something out of the ordinary that made my heart ignite. A four year old girl named Paola, who hates to eat, was crying during dinner because she didn't want to finish her food. One of the older girls or I will usually feed her until her plate is clean, but instead...the Doctor sat down next to Paola and spooned her every last sip of milk and her whole plate of food. This man, who has 10,000 things to accomplish before bed, is taking the time to feed an upset child. Instead of using harsh words, he patted her back and spoke quietly and kindly.  A quiet moment of grace that a 69 year old man and a 4 year old shared that reminded me why this world is infinitely beautiful.

Here I go crying again ;] When I arrived at the Hogar almost 6 months ago, I met a little baby that immediately made my heart melt. Ask anyone, especially Lizzy, I was never a baby person...until I met Jean Pierre. His smile caught my eyes within the first week and I the nurses soon started referring to him as my son. Being a long term volunteer (or a permanent volunteer as someone called me today) allows you to see so much progress within the children. I can't even tell you much I have loved watching him grow these last 6 months. 6 months ago, he couldn't sit up on his own and the other day...he took his first steps! I'll never forget the moment. During baby hour he was holding on to the stairs and started to fuss. As we all looked over, you could see the confusion in his face. He was standing alone without the help of the stair railing confused about what to do next. Jean Pierre took a few un-aided steps and then sat back down. Of course, I started crying ;] I have never felt so alive in my life. Now I know the feeling parents have when they wish they had their video camera!

Mother Theresa knew exactly what it meant to experience, Moments of Grace, and I am blessed to be able to say I have too. These children have changed me. I no longer consider myself a volunteer, but one of the family. Many have asked, "What's next?" I couldn't possibly leave in May of 2013 to just return to Ohio, could I? The only thing I know for sure is that my heart is on fire being a servant of God living out my dreams. So many options are on the table with one crazy idea being...STARTING MY OWN HOME! Life is only just beginning and I couldn't be more excited to live it! So here's to all of the moments of life that make your world stop. The moments that can't possibly be put into words because your heart is so full of life and fire.

Whether it's tickling Lizbeth for hours or singing Dancing Queen in front of the kids, it's these moments of grace that remind me why my heart is "overflowing with graces and blessings" ;]

(Sorry had to be corny and make a reference to MND there hahaha)

Check out my next blog post too which is an update on my happiness project!!!

LOVE YOU ALL <3
-teaner

Cloud Nine.

There's a song titled, "Last Day of Your Life" that I am in love with. It basically asks the questions we should all be asking ourselves. If this was your very last day on planet earth, what would you be doing? Would you want to be doing what you did yesterday...or even last week? My answer used to be "no" and that is part of the reason why I changed the direction of my life. How we spend our days is how we spend our lives, and I want to be spending each and every day with my favorite children making sure that I am living a life of purpose. 

When people ask me what I actually do every day...it's a hard question to answer. Every day is incredibly similar but so very different. We may eat breakfast, lunch and dinner at the same time, help with homework, clean dishes, go to the park and have dirty feet at the end of the day...but what happens in between those times is what really matters. Here's a little look in between the routine :]

It's a brand new day. I wake up and head down stairs greeted by all the children waiting on the couches and chairs. Some children give hugs and kisses, while others yell my name as I walk by. Our doorbell rings at least 100 times a day, from staff to visitors so I am usually the once to answer it. Nurses, staff, Mamitas and others arrive by 7:00 to begin their day. Breakfast is initiated by the doctor yelling..."vamos desayuno!" I love passing out the cheese for all of the kids, because the kids love to say their please and thank you's in english. 

After breakfast I usually wait on the couches in the first room of the house to ask kids who they're going to Lima with and play with some of the little ones. This has to be one of my favorite parts of the day. So much is going on around me, but I am sitting still talking and playing with children. QT (quality time), as Leah would say, is one of the most important parts of being a volunteer. Each child deserves some individual attention, whether it's just the walk home from Mass or swinging on the swings in the park. Baby hour comes and goes which usually means a baby has fallen asleep in my arms. Maybe it's just me, but there is no better feeling than having a baby fall asleep in your arms. Kiarita and Jean Pierre fall asleep like clock work at 10:30 which is when I sit down and feel the South American breeze on my face. 

The children have summer vacation now so trips to the park are daily. A group of kids (usually 6-12 kids) head to the park to play. Volleyball, soccer, wheelchair races, sliding, running, jump rope, bubbles and sidewalk chalk are park regulars. My first day back, I sat in the dirt with Lizbeth and we threw grass at each other for almost an hour. She fell asleep on my stomach as we were watching the clouds drift by and listening to John Mayer. It was one of the most peaceful moments of my life. Definitely on cloud nine :] 

I usually fall asleep on the couch with some child once we return from the park and am awoken for our second baby time of the day. Baby hour, coffee and serving dinner are next on the routine. After dinner the Doctor heads out to Mass and the children have English classes. You would be surprised how much everyone loves learning english, always completing their homework and are excited to tell the Doctor, "sweet dreams" in English. After the volunteers eat dinner with the Doctor, it's pure bliss. I usually end the day with a one on one conversation with a child and tell all of the kids good night before heading to bed. 

By the end of the day, I have washed over 300 dishes, ran up and down the stairs at least 40 times, given and received 100 kisses, had my name called every 10 minutes, tripped countless times, wiped tears and snot, my shirt is covered in dirt, my feet are black, I've met at least 5 new people, comforted a child during therapy, my stomach hurts from laughing so hard and a permanent smile is on my face. It is the perfect day and it happens every day. This is how I spend my days and this is how I want to spend my life :] 

So when most ask what do I actually do all day, the answer is simple. I LOVE. I start the day with my arms opens wide open ready to approach every situation and child with as much love as God has given me. I've never been happier as I am with these incredible children, living in Peru. So if you asked me, what I would do if today was my last day? I would be here. Loving, leading and living what my heart has called me to do. 

WITH ALL MY LOVE! 

-teaner 

Back to Peru! :]

Sitting in the Miami airport with a 10 hour layover definitely has its perks. Reading, writing and catching up on my favorite television shows are just a few of the things I have been doing...not to mention I'm in Miami trick ;] hahahaha

It seems like I have been waiting for today, January 16th, since I arrived back in America on December 8th. I have gotten so much grief about wanting to return early, my "depressing" last blog post and my comments of being unable to relate to my best friends didn't go over too well. So right now, I am not going to mention any of that. Those closest to me have heard it too many times and frankly, I am sick of saying it. So, this post will not relate to any of the above mentioned items. 

Go ahead and make fun of me all you want, but I have grown so much spiritually during my journey. I have always been a firm believer in God, but beyond that was something I never really understood or cared to explore. It's so hard to explain where I was spiritually last May (before I made the commitment to volunteer in Peru) and where I am now mid-January on my way back to a place I have fallen in love with. Preparing for my trip over the summer, I had the mindset that this was all about what I was doing and how these 9 months was an alternative to my sophomore year of college. It's incredible how 5 months have changed not only my spirituality but my entire life. I have always believed in fate...and that you can't fight it, no matter how hard try. And my journey is a clear example of pure, un-fightable fate. 

There's something that happened to me that most don't or will never understand. Until I actually felt it, I didn't quite believe it either. This could be the reason why I am so overjoyed to return to Peru (or maybe I'm just excited to squeeze Jean Pierre to pieces). I experienced a calling from God. Yeah, yeah, I know. If you don't care to continue reading...that's fine! I am just writing what I feel has happened to me within the last 5 months. There wasn't some biblical phenomenon where I was awoken from sleep. But, over time...I could just feel this pounding in my heart that was never there before. Something inside of me changed and I knew that I was in the right place, at the right time, doing what God had always planned for me. It's true fate that I went from attending Fordham University, discerning a new path at the end of my freshman year, getting on that plane in August to Peru and finding my passion weeks later. You truly can't fight fate :]

"We have been created for greater things. 

Not to just be a number in the world. Not just to go for diplomas and degrees. This work and that work. 

We have been created in order to love and to be loved."

-Mother Theresa

As much as I may not have seemed to enjoy being home, I really did love seeing my friends and family. I have some of the best supporters in the world and wouldn't trade them for anything (Yes, Lizzy and Ellen...that means YOU!) A long term volunteer once told me that there comes a point where I will need to choose between committing my life to serving God and the poor and my friends and family back home. She explained how difficult it was for her living between two worlds and I would know the day when I had to make that choice. After going back to Ohio for one month, I completely disagree. Maybe that is true in most circumstances...but let me tell you something. I have the greatest friends in the entire world. I think I returned to Ohio with more friends than I left with and never, ever will I make that decision. Like all of my friends and family, I am constantly changing. I may be changing in different ways than them after making the commitment to live a life for God and others...but I will always be the same best friend, sister, daughter and future maid of honor ;] that I aways have been. Promise!

I will update everyone as soon as I arrive at the Hogar safely and am greeted Tuesday morning by the greatest children I have ever met in my life <3 I couldn't be more excited for this next part of my journey! As always, I am just livin' and lovin' life. 

I never thought this 6 inch mattress and rickity bunk bed would feel so good ;] I'M FINALLY HOME!

-Teaner :]

"we are all pencils in the hand of God writing love letters to the world....."

Home is where your heart is...

Alright, so I have been home for almost 2 weeks and it definitely doesn't feel like home anymore. What once was a home I looked forward to coming home too, eating dinner with my family, taking a long hot shower, choosing between hundreds of options for lunch, relaxing on my comfy bed and seeing my best friends is no longer what I want for my life. For most of you that know me or read my blog, it is probably hard for you to understand why I feel this way...I am going to try and explain something that I fully don't understand.

I have always known that I was meant to be helping people. Whether it was serving in a soup kitchen or tutoring children, I found my niche early on. In all honesty, I couldn't have been happier when I needed to look at other options than Fordham for this school year. Secretly, I knew once I purchased my plane ticket on June 21st that this year in Peru was going to be life changing. Boy, was I right.

From the day I said goodbye to my Mom and best friends, walked on that plane, cried reading the amazing letters from loved ones, put my foot down on South American concrete, took an 8 hour bus to Huancayo, experienced homesickness, taught 3 weeks of english, followed my heart and traveled back to Lima, arrived at the Hogar, met a saint, ate breakfast with 57 children, fell in love with a baby, never felt so much happiness in my entire life, became friends with incredible volunteers, took countless naps with children and became a godmother (twice)...I realized this is what I am meant to be doing. I wake up every morning knowing that my passion and love is right down the stairs.

I have experienced things in the last 4 months that most people won't be able to in a lifetime. I am incredibly grateful for everything I have seen, done and felt. Being back here in Ohio, doesn't compare to anything I have felt within the last 4 months. I guess you could say I am experiencing reverse culture shock, which I wasn't expecting to be this difficult. It is not only hard to relate to people in America but even my best friends. It's not that we aren't best friends anymore or that I don't love them...but we are now living completely different lives. I have been to the most poverty stricken areas of Peru and experienced a lifetime worth of love and passion when my friends are studying for finals and going to parties. Neither life is right or wrong...just different. After being back for less than 2 weeks, I know where my heart is...

Most people don't understand or agree with my decision to volunteer in Peru for a year...and now they're even more confused how Peru feels like home. Being a Mom for 57 children, eating the same thing everyday, sleeping in a room with 4 girls smaller than a dorm, waiting in a hospital for hours, helping with homework, learning a new language, having a baby fall asleep in my arms, running up and down the stairs at least 40 times a day, watching movies, going to the park, hand washing my laundry, going to mass with everyone and knowing that this is what God has called me to do...FEELS LIKE HOME :]

I came back to Ohio for 2 reasons. One, because I was homesick in Huancayo and bought my ticket to see my family and friends. And Two, to research, apply and visit colleges for the upcoming year. I made a commitment to return in May and go back to college in August. I can't be sure of what I will be doing next year or even tomorrow for that matter...but I know where my heart is. I know what God has called me to do and I am following his calling in Peru. Maybe in May I will feel as though my work is done, but right now my heart is on fire for these children and I want to serve God for the rest of my life. After coming back and telling former teachers, Mount Notre Dame students, friends and strangers about the last 4 months of my life...I get the same reactions. "Wow, you're amazing." "What about school? You need to get your degree." "Isn't it hard living in Peru?" "Are you making money while you're there? You can't just be volunteering?" It's hard to explain to people how I am feeling. To put it bluntly, I don't think what I am doing is amazing at all. I am simply doing what God has called me to do and living out my dreams of committing my life to service. I know that I need my college degree, but I can get my degree at any point in my life. Hundreds of thousands of people are attending college to receive their degrees and get a job. How many people feel called to leave the first world behind and commit their life to poverty stricken children in Peru? Whether I stay in Peru until May, two years from now or forever...this is my calling and I am stickin' to it.

So forever or just for now...my heart is in Peru.

And Home, well that's where my heart is ♥


Ps. Someone asked me what my favorite memory has been so far in Peru. I remember the day vividly. I was holding John Pierre as he was falling asleep in my arms and a boy named Ronald asked me for help with his homework. I sat and helped Ronald and then helped Maritza and Lourdes with their homework. An older boy, John, passed me and said, "Mami Cristina" (Mommy Christine). My heart melted. I knew on that day that these kids have changed me forever. Love :]

To the 5 of us...

I have blogged about almost everything since I left in August...moments, miracles, being homesick, best days of my life, funny stories, saints, my spirituality, love, happiness, the worst week ever and so much more! But one thing I have yet to talk about are the other amazing volunteers I have met while being at the Hogar. So, as I am preparing to return to the States on Thursday and leaving the other incredible people I have come close with...this post goes to them. Love you guys! 

It just so happened the 5 of us arrived within a week of each other and all are leaving in December. Jake, Leah, Alexa, Amber and I were the most random group of people ever that had such a great time together. I never thought that after 3 months of volunteering at the Hogar with the 4 other long term volunteers, we would all be such good friends. It really made volunteering here so much more enjoyable with people that I could go dancing with, make brownies, go on late night snack runs, talk in English, laugh hysterically, be myself around and be introduced to 4 new perspectives on life. 

The 5 of us have such distinct, different personalities that it made volunteering together comical. Jake was known as the awkward one, Leah the doctor Mom, Alexa the chill potty mouth, Amber the serious one and me the innocent happy one. What a funny combination of people :] Of course, there were other volunteers...but they only stayed for one or two weeks. After living with these crazy nut cases for 3 months, I have to say they are some of the coolest people I have ever met. 

I learned lessons from these people that I would have never been introduced to if I was taking the normal college path. Leah, a fourth year medical student was definitely the Mom of the house. Typical Mom coms, comforting back rubs, consoling words, Mom outfits and not to mention that she went to MIT and now Dartmouth...makes her one of the nicest people I have ever met. She put up with so many of my antics when I had lice, listened and talked to me while sleep talking every night, was right by my side for my horrible week (just like my mom), shared all of her secrets rum afternoon, helped with the kids' math homework for hours and was the best partner ever watching Grey's Anatomy. Thank you Leah for making my 3 months here better than I could ever imagine :] And as I told her countless times while sleep talking..."Leah, you're just such a nice girl....."

Alexa just graduated from Georgetown and is the "chillest" person I think I have ever met. She makes decisions on good vibes and if things feel right. Definitely wish I had some of her chill personality! Alexa started to open up after being with us a month when we realized she is really willing to talk about any subject hahaha :]  I give her so much credit for being the only one to do crafts with the kids because we knew they would just end badly...but she would always try anyways. Alexa is still unsure of what she wants to do after life at the Hogar but whatever she does do, she will be great at! :] 

Amber was my roomie since the beginning and now knows all of my secrets because of my nightly sleep talking. Amber is finishing up her final year at USF meaning she is taking classes, writing her thesis and organizing a medical brigade to Ecuador. Although she approached every question and problem seriously, we never had a bad night chilling in the room together. Especially with all the funny roommates we had throughout the 3 months ;] Amber and I got along solely because we have polar opposite personalties. It was comical how much or lives, thoughts, feelings and views differ but that's exactly what made us funny roommates :] Good luck on the DAT Amber! You'll do great...and NYU will be lucky to have you in dentistry school.

Last but not least, Jake. Jake was the only guy out of the 5 of us...which probably was the reason he was always so awkward. Jake has an incredible way of edging movie quotes into any conversation which I never understood. The kids thought Jake and I were dating the entire three months which meant the whistling, kissy faces and trying to push us together while washing dishes never ended. Quite humorous :] Jake is one of the few guys I have ever met that is so open about his faith and relationship with God. Thank you for making my 3 months so incredible, not just by volunteering but by helping me find God within my life. "Now, don't go dyin' on me now..." 

These 4 volunteers have not only made my time at the Hogar better, but I am honored to have gotten to know these crazy, random people. Even though we are parting ways...club storage will never die :]

So, I'll end with this. Out of the five of us...who is most likely to blog about the 5 of us and make it cheesy, inspirational and corny? 

Love :]

BRITNEY SPEARS on thanksgiving...soooo amazing! :]

Thanksgiving came and went and as much as I missed the time with my family, fall weather and incredible food, I HAD AN AMAZING NIGHT! I spent Thanksgiving day with 56 amazing children and my night with none other than Britney Spears! Seriously, such a crazy day that I will never forget!

I woke up this morning with a pit in my stomach knowing this was the first holiday I have ever spent alone. Another volunteer, Leah, agreed that it didn't even feel like Thanksgiving is here and Christmas is right around the corner. Our days are filled with summer weather, amazing children, petty problems and medical issues that nothing else even crosses our minds. We lose track of days, weeks and months only thinking about whose turn it is to venture into Lima hospitals. In one way, I feel so disconnected from the real world. But then thinking about the bigger picture...this is the real world. Finding your passion, being grateful for each day, making memories, appreciating the innocence of a child and dedicating your life to service is real life to me. Maybe this year, I experienced more of a Thanksgiving than I actually ever have before? :]

Before I rant about Britney, let me give a few updates about life at the Hogar! The other volunteers (Jake and Leah) and I started english classes with the kids the other night! We have two groups of kids which are sooo eager to learn english! It's incredibly adorable :] The kids come off the bus from school, greet me with a kiss and ask "Hi, how are you?" I respond "Great" and they reply "I'm happy!" SO PRECIOUS :] They all sit down at the dinner table at night ready to learn and help each other with pronunciation and grammar. Definitely one of the highlights of being here at the Hogar!

One of my favorite little girls, Lisbeth, and I have had such a great time together this past week. She needed new shoes so I took her up to the donation room with Angela to find her a new pair. Seriously, this was one of the best nights of my life. The two girls went through about 30 pairs of adorable shoes before deciding on a pair of pink nike velcro shoes. The three of us then played on the roof with American coins, played house and scared each other because it was pitch black. The girls asked me if we could play up on the roof every night because we all had such a great time! I wouldn't trade that night for anything! Lisbeth and I also shared an apple a couple of days ago, which was the most disgusting amazing time ever hahaha :] She saw I was eating an apple and curled up next to me and asked if she could have some. Of course I gave her some which turned into a game of taking turns slobbering all over my delicious apple. This germ-a-phob no longer exists!!!!!!!

All right, the Britney Concert. OMG. SO FREAKING AMAZING :] :] Yes, to answer everyone's question...I was screaming, crying and having the time of my life. Seeing her Femme Fatale tour for the second time was even better than the first. I am so happy Leah went with me to experience Britney's greatness (and to make sure I wasn't robbed for a third time lol). The stadium was packed and what I thought was going to be an American event was just another sketchy Peruvian hangout. I almost lost it when she sang "Hit me baby one more time" and "Don't let me be the last to know"! We even had the advantage of being the tallest in a sea of 5 foot Peruvians. My thanksgiving rocked!! :] And even though it wasn't spent with family, food or fall weather...being in a unified stadium with Britney Spears, Leah and the essence of my childhood was incredible!

I hope everyone had an awesome Thanksgiving and realized how much we all have to be thankful for! I can't believe it is almost December and will be coming home for Christmas break on the 8th. I am excited to come home and see my friends and family...but I literally just want to stay here forever. Thinking about leaving John Pierre (my baby), not passing out bread in the morning, not greeting the kids off the school bus at night, missing milestones, saying goodbye to the other amazing volunteers and just being away from such happiness makes my heart melt. I DON'T WANT TO COME HOME! :[

see ya soon america! i'll be dancing till the world ends...

-teaner :]