So it has been a little while since I have written. I apologize with all my heart. I still haven’t figured out this whole “blogging” update thing. Writing has never really been a favorite hobby. Please forgive me for the inconsistency. So this is going to be a real hodge podge of adventures!
So the last couple of months have been full. To begin I am now a Godmother and Confirmation Sponsor. I have learned that I am a lot more creative than I gave myself credit for. While I have been here I have made 4 puppets from small sticks, markers, string, socks and spandex type material, I have made 12 cowboy hats from cardboard, tape, glue and brown paper, an oversized birthday card from cardboard, English worksheets, crossword puzzles and the list goes on; all by hand. Meanwhile the whole time I was wishing I could just run to a target or dime store and be done with the whole project in 20 minutes versus 1 week or more ;). Our genetic creativity is lost in the States with the easy access dime store. I have to continue to keep check of myself on how many times I use the phrase, “Man if I were in the States I could get this done so quick”.
We performed a dance routine in the Anniversary showcase this year. We were the last act so that in itself was a challenge. We had to follow each of the houses performances and they were good. Each house performed a traditional Peruvian dance from the Sierra, Selva or the coast, so needless to say they were enchanting. We put together a medley piece beginning with a Hawaiian Hula, followed by a Country Line Dance, and ending with Michael Jackson’ Beat It. It was a good time and I think between the three dances each person was able to enjoy it a little. After we were finished performing the MC called be out and had me do the moon walk for all four sides of the stage. It was fun.
Thanksgiving was good. We were able to find a Turkey and use the oven in the bakery to cook it. We had mashed potatoes and gravy, a salad and rolls. For dessert we wanted to make a pumpkin pie, but it is impossible to find Pumpkin puree so we had to settle for a yellow squash pie :), with something that was similar to a graham cracker crust. :D...in the end all it was a success, a true adventure. We don't have a kitchen, stovetop or oven. What we have is one room with a refrigerator, a desk with two hotplates...so finding room to cook was fun, we ended up doing a lot of the preparing on the floor. It was a good time, a bonding experience.
We are ending the school year and the boys will be heading home for about 2 months of summer vacation. They finish classes on the 18 of December and then from there they are here for another week and leave to go home on the 25 of December. So during that time we will get about a month or just over a month of vacation also. I think that we are going
to travel a bit and get to know Peru and some of its different parts.
As for Christmas we will be staying here and celebrating with the boys. During our time here they have asked us to try and not go home but really live in an intentional experience here. Which sounds harder than it is. I am able to talk to my family on the internet and see them with webcam so that makes being here easier. I know that if I wasn't able to stay in contact with them, it would be a whole lot more challenging. Also, my parents and two of my aunts and uncles will be coming in January to visit. So I am really looking forward to that!
I have had some adventures that is for sure, living a whole new culture :). I have had the opportunity to learn a lot about myself, good and bad :P. So far this has been a real growing experience. The simple value of patience, understanding and forgiveness are evident in each day. All of these boys come from some level of broken and disadvantaged homes and backgrounds, they have grown up in a very very different world than I know. At times it can be very difficult to remember that, so to keep myself in check is very important. In these last few months of being here I think that I am finally understanding and realizing all the blessings that I have received in my life; a supportive family, primary, secondary and advanced education, great friends and all of this without question. For some of these boys each day is a new obstacle or struggle to keep their heads above water, many don't have both or any parents, some family and others only have their Godparents. I am sure this also exists in the States but not that I have been exposed to. I have great admiration for these little boys and have learned much from their endurance.
Well I think that is enough for now …I will keep working on my consistency, I appreciate all your patience and support! Much love from the southern hemisphere!
