To My Dearest Blog Stalkers, 

I'm on a plane to Peru right now! You of course will read this after I land, but still it's worth noting. What I also think is worth noting is the fact that I have never had to go to the bathroom this badly in my  entire life. Well, maybe once or twice before. The plane captains wouldn't let us get up for forever because there were thunderstorms, and once they finally turned off the fasten seatbelt lights, it seems like the whole plane decided to rush the bathroom. I must not be the only one who drank too much diet coke and coffee before I got on. I could just get up and wait, but I feel that that would be more painful than sitting and waiting. It seriously is painful once you get to a certain point of having use the restroom. But enough about that...

So, what am I doing going back to Peru?  Let me tell you-more of the same. Baby loving. English teaching. Friend making. Possibly interesting food eating, although I'm not sure my stomach will be able to handle the meat since I haven't eaten meat in a pretty long time. And, one of the things I'm most excited about: wedding going! 

Yup you heard me, I'm going to a Peruvian wedding! Lidia's sister is getting married!!! The wedding just happens to be the day after I arrive!

Side note, the guy beside me has spent the whole time drawing Lewis dot structures...I'm guessing he is super smart. Be right back, I'm going to go brave the bathroom!

Ok, so I'm back. I feel wonderful. Who knew a bathroom could be a lifesaver. I did have a moment when I thought I might be sucked down by the toilet. They don't just let all that drop out of the plane right? That would be a rude awakening when your driving. You might actually be thankful it is just a bird pooping on your windshield if you got a window full of stuff from an airplane. 

Too much information? Sorry...I'll stop. 

On another side note, when I got back from the bathroom, the guy I mentioned before, you know the really smart one, had put up the arm rest. I actually like arm rests; they put up a barrier that says "this is my territory, come a centimeter over onto my side and I have full rights to kick you (on 'accident' of course)." Ah well, personal space in Peru isn't given very much thought. I guess I should look at this as a blessing...ease my way into bing prodded and poked by my neighbor's eight bags on the 45-minute-on-a-good-day ride up to Pachacutec.

Lots of love from Peru ( or I guess from the sky's above who knows where)

Love your american,southern, attracts every Peruvian man's attention with her blond hair, super excited to eat potatoes and rice for every meal, positively ecstatic to throw away all her toilet paper in the trash, desperate to see her little naylee and jony, a bit bored of this flight and wondering how she will ever sit through a flight to the land of the kiwis, cookie not biscuit eating, Jesus loving, quite forgetful when it comes to names, cuey and cow heart on a stick eating  before she stopped eating meat) C.S Lewis, hunger games, and harry potter obsessed, oxford comma using,  and not tired because she had a large coffee friend, daughter, granddaughter, former nanny, acquaintance, sister, cousin, and whatever else I may be to you, 

Maemie

a walk in peru

This weekend is a quiet one.  There were only five, soon to be three of us at home.  Everyone minus us (including Katie) went sand boarding, and two of the five left are leaving tonight.  I've taken this weekend to get things in order.  Yesterday, I got my banking account ready, figuring it needs to be in reasonable shape before I head to school.  Today, I made the trek to Plaza San Miguel (the closest thing to a mall in Lima) and Tottus (think Walmart) to get out some money and buy my parting gifts.  Being the only one who needed to go there, I took the opportunity to take a nice long walk by myself and really take in my surroundings. Since it's a good thirty minute walk, most people want to just take the bus there, but I enjoy walking!

After today, I feel like I must not be doing a very good job of living in the present moment.  I noticed so many more things when I was looking for them.

Here are a few things I love about Peru.

Looking at the grass and thinking it must have poured over night because there are so many puddles, only to remember that it dosen't rain in Lima.  What happened?  Let's just say that they really like to water the grass here.  A better term might be drowning.  Yes, they really like to drown their grass.

Watching a father and son play football.  Not typical Peruvian football, but American football.  This is actually the first time I have ever seen an American football in Peru.  They do get points for trying, but I think I might be able to catch better then they could.

The dogs.  There are so many dogs, and they are always a good form of entertainment.  A few days ago, there was a big dog that was inside a gate. He could just barely get his head and one leg to stick out between the bars.  On the other side was a small dog that thought it would be funny to get a close as possible to the big dog without getting eaten.  The big dog was going crazy.

Being sold things everywhere.  I decided to keep track of the things I saw people trying to sell through car widows today: gum, hard candy, cookies, rags, brooms, q-tips, and car fresheners are just a few.  Some memorable things that I didn't see today include kites and ice cream.  Coming out of any major store, you are likely to find pople on the side of the road selling DVDs, CDs, candy apples, crackers, cookies, drinks, candy, meat on a stick, rice pudding, popcorn, corn on the cob, and many many more things.  There are also people who get on the public buses and try to sell things. Some of the more creative things I have seen sold on a bus are magazines, children's books, pens, and office supplies. If you happen to need something other than what is being sold through car windows and on busses no worries, most likely you can find it just a few houses down at the corner store.

There is so much to be said for living in the present.  I think it may be one of the hardest things to do given how our society functions today.  Being connected is everything.  Thinking on my last visit to Peru, one of the things the other volunteers and I loved was the lack of cell phones.  Yes, Peruvian have cell phones, but most of us didn't.  It is so much easier to talk when the person your talking to isn't looking at their phone every 30 seconds.  It really makes you feel like you matter to them.

Along with being connected, comes a lack of silence.  Silence is the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit.  Here, the Holy Spirit speaks to our hearts; directing us to God's path and showing us things that are hidden within.  Silence is the time between comments in a meaningful conversation where everyone thinks about what is being said.  The thing people are so uncomfortable with that an "awkward turtle" comment or something similare breaks the silence after a moment more often than not.  Silence is where we can reflect on ourselves, the bad and the good.  Maybe this is why we don't like silence.  Music in cars, TV at home, facebook and twitter news feed to our phone 24/7; maybe all of this noise lets us ignore the ugly things inside.  I know for me, it is a lot easier to turn on music sometimes than think about the hard things. To watch TV instead of praying, to listen to music in the car instead of sitting in silence with the Lord.  I think that in spite of being so connected to the world, I am quite unconnected to the one person who matters the most.

just a few thoughts...

Peru feels like I never left.  I love it just as much as the first time. I can still get everywhere and remember where everything is.  And, I sill get whistled at.  Anthough this time, I’ve learned how to whistle back.

I do keep forgetting that toilet paper dosen’t get put in the toilet here…why even call it toilet paper then?

My Spanish is much better, but it still needs a lot of work. I can understand Aboo (the grandmother)most of the time.  Last time I was here, I couldn’t understand one word she said.  Katie and decided to talk in Spanish as much as possible, even if we give all the Pperuvians on the bus a good laugh.  Oh and I can roll my “r”s now. 

I got to see Joni, the little boy I fell in love with last visit, he is as sweet as ever.

Katie and I are going to the YMCA on Monday with our house mom, Elizabeth.  We stayed in her house the first two nights because Lydia didn’t have room.  We move to Lydia’s tomorrow though.  Elizabeth is super sweet, hopefully we will get to see her more. Who knew there were Ys all over the world.

I’m meeting with Jocelyn, the one Jade is good friends with, on Sunday.  Please continue to pray for her!  We’re planning on going to lunch.  Pray for my Spanish too, it’s going to be rough conversation.

Sandboarding may be in the picture for this weekend…maybe.

Next week there is a for day national holiday Lydia keeps calling “Peru Party.”  I don’t know what that entails, but it sounds fun.

More to come later!

Hasta Luego,

Maemie (not Maybe, the name I am destined to be called by all in Peru)

2 hours and 45 minutes

She only had 5 hours of sleep last night...

ten days & ten hours

Just ten days and ten hours until I am on a plane back to one of my favorite places.  Home and the lake are probably the only other top contenders (and maybe Disney i guess).  But, I will not be sitting on this plane alone!  Nope, guess who is coming with me on this trip...one of my dearest friends, Katie Hobbs.

After a suggestion given by my mom, in passing conversation, that she should come with me, Katie bought a ticket!  Seriously guys, I think she had it just four days later.  Talk about easy going!  I think that she is excited, but I am ecstatic.  I had thought about asking around to see if anybody wanted to come with me when I started planning the trip.  But, after thinking about the trouble it could cause, I decided not to, thinking that God would have it under control if He wanted someone to come.  And was I right?  Amazing, that guy upstairs isn't He?   

So now, I am left wondering about all the amazing things He has in store for this trip.  There must be some pretty big things if He's already shown Himself this much:)

I've been preparing slowly since I got moved out of my room and onto the ping pong table(a long story, I'll spare you).  A suite case has been opened and clothes have been haphazardly thrown in; gifts have been bought for people back in Peru, and Spanish has and still is being studied.  I am packing much lighter than last time that's for sure.

I do have something to ask of you though, I would really love it if you could pray for a few things.

- For Joselyn, that she will email me back so we can meet.  I really would love to know if she's all  right.  She moved out of the house that I volunteered in last time, and hasn't been answering my emails/facebook posts.

- For the other Joselyn.  She has been in contact with Jade (my Colombia traveling buddy).  She is living in another house (the same type as the one I volunteered in, but more permanent).  She is having a hard time right now, and really needs a community she can be a part of.

- For all the babies in the orphanages we will be working in, that they will know of God's great love for them, even though they haven't ever felt it in their parents arms as we all have.

- For safe travels for Katie and me.

Thanks!

round two

I’m going back to Peru! I think this blog was a really great way to keep in touch with everyone back home the last time I went, so I’m going to use it again.  Although I’m paying my own way this time (working for a semester paid off, literally), I never would be in any position to do this if it weren’t for everyone who sent me last August. I feel like you all deserve to be shown what is going on down there, since it is because of you I am there again.

Since being home, the reality of my life has really sunk in. I have a great life.  I may be paying more than ever for food and gas right now, but my standard of living is higher than many many many people in the world. This is one of the reasons I’m returning to Peru.  Seeing all the blessings the Lord has given me, I’ve had to ask myself, why does he give them?  Why am I here on this earth? What is my purpose?  I think it is a question many ask, and a natural question for people my age.

What is my purpose?  The best answer I’ve come up with so far is simple, love.  I was made out of love by God. He gives me everything out of love. He gives, so I may love others in His name.  Nothing that I have is mine to store up, it is all His. His that he has blessed me with so that I may, in turn, give.

I have no reason to keep the things He has given me. These things will not get me to my ultimate goal: Heaven. Giving will. The more I give, the more I learn to love. 

I’ve been asked by a few people why go back?  Why not go somewhere else? Truthfully there is no simple answer.  I love Peru.  I love those babies, I love the girls I worked with in the girl’s home, I love the kids I taught.  It’s not so much about the places I will see, but about the relationships I will build.  Those kids don’t have anyone to hug them and show them God’s love 99% of the day. 

How can I not fall in love with these faces?

These are the faces of Christ.  This is Christ, who has had no one to tuck him safely in at night; he get to cry themselves to sleep. This is Christ, who has no one to make sure his belly is full; he goes hungry if he doesn’t eat all of his meal at mealtime. This is Christ, who has no one to hug him when he falls over or kiss his knee when he scrapes it.  This is Christ, who has never been told he is special, that he is loved unconditionally, that he is worth something. 

How can I not go? 

When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit upon his glorious throne, and all the nations will be assembled before him.

And he will separate them one from another, as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will place the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.

 Then the king will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father. Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me.'

Then the righteous will answer him and say, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? When did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? When did we see you ill or in prison, and visit you?'

And the king will say to them in reply, 'Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.'

Christmas Is In The Air

So I'm on my last week, and the list of things I have to do is getting longer, not shorter. I did have a fairly successful day today. Two volunteers and I went to the central Lima markets. A place I had been told about very early on, but had really only dreamed of going. I ventured out to China Town fairly early in my time here, and it was beyond anything I had imagined. Huge, lots of people, and stores selling any thing and everything at amazing prices. China town did nothing to prepare me for the sight of the central Lima markets.

We got dropped off at the beginning of the main street and were told by out cab driver to walk straight. So walk we did, and it took us less than twenty steps and we were in the middle of hundreds upon hundreds of people selling and buying. Stores lines the wide streets once used for driving, but now closed to the happenings of the markets to go down on. People walked up and down selling bags to put all your finds in. Food carts were scattered around selling icecream ,stuffed potatoes, jello, and cerviche in a bag. The buildings on wither side of the street was where all the main action took place. One had all party supplies, floors dividing up different categories. Another might be all electronics, while yet another holds housewares. But we weren't on the search for party supplies, electronics, or household items, we were looking for toys. For you see, it's about to be Christmas time here, and the babies in my room need some new toys.

So there we were, three white girls in a sea of olive skinned Peruvians, and we were walking like we were instructed. We managed to find a building that was selling toys, and ventured in. Three hours later, three huge bags later, and quite a bit of money later, we headed home. The huge bags, and when I say huge I mean you could put a good sized grown man in it, that the women all sell cam in quite handy. I don't know if we could have managed the eighty seperate black trash bags.

We got cars, toys that sing, musical instruments, trollers, babydolls, and tons of other things. I'm hopefully going to be able to give the kids the toys tomorrow, but there has been a bit drama surounding the whole situation. Another girls and I deciede just to buy the toys without Lidia's help, becasue we knew what they needed and wanted to buy. Once I got home with them, I was told that I might not be ble to give the toys to the kids. I never fully understood the reason why, but I'm going to take them to the orpahange with me tomorrow and talk ot the director if I need to. I'm just going to stay positive hope that it is going to work out! The kids are going to love the toys, all the toys they have are either broken or dolls with no head or no legs.

I'll let you know how it goes with the toys! Chau!

Tourist

Grammy and Pawpaw are in Peru, and we're busy! Here's a short day by day of what we've done so far…pictures to come later since I left my camera cord at home.

November 19, 2010: They arrived at 11:35pm. I met them at the airport and we got a cab to our hotel, The Gran Hotel Bolivar. It is gorgeous, very old fashioned. The elevator is a bit frightening, we thought we were stuck inside at hone point. I opt for the stairs if I'm going up or down by myself, I think I better not test my luck too much.

November 20, 2010: Lima. We got up and walked to Plaza de Armas. We got lunch on the river (it's really just a dried up river bed) bank, went inka market shopping, and got a tour to San Cristobal. Grammy and Pawpaw thought the ride up to the cross was a bit dodgy, but it was worth it once we got to the top. It was my 3rd time up, but my 1st actually seeing the view. The ever present gray skies over Lima are finally clearing up. After resting in the room for a few hours, we went to mireflores for guess what…MORE INKA SHOPPING! We also got dinner at a Swiss restaurant. It was amazing! I've been trying to make them try all the Peruvian foods, so after dinner we dot picarones and churros! Delicioso

November 21, 2010. We got up bright and early and got a cab to he airport. We arrived in Cusco with no mishaps, booked a Machu Picchu tour for tomorrow, and then headed to our hotel in Cusco. This one is ever better that the last. The rooms are absolutely amazing. When we got here, we got coco tea (the first of many times I'm sure). After a short break, we decided to find lunch. We walked down to the main plaza, once again within easy walking distance, stopping on the way for a lot of pictures and yet some more inka market shopping. This time we were a bit more successful. My mom sent a huge list of things she wanted from the markets, and we managed to find all but one of them in the same place! We went to a restaurant that I went to with my parents and Pawpaw got cebiche, the national dish! Now, were chilling in the room, we may be adventurous tonight and get cuy!

November 22, 2010: Machu Picchu didn't lose any of its amazingness the second time! We had an amazing guide, and I learned a ton about the place. Last time, we abandoned our guide along with half our group to go explore the ruins ourself. I learned why they built everything slanted and trapezoidal, and what all those random rooms were for. Didd you know that no families lived in Machu Picchu? After our tour, we headed back on the train (4 very long hours). Back at the hotel, we ordered dinner and settled down to sleep early. You would think that sitting on a train for 8 hours wouldn't make you so tired but I slept like a baby.

November 23, 2010: We got up and had breakfast at our hotel (very good, fruit, yogurt, granola, breads, eggs, and cheese…), packed, and then went out for a bit of Inka market shopping. Our flight back to Lima was quick, and the landing was smooth. We got back to the hotel unpacked and headed out to dinner. We went to Norky's, the Peruvian favorite. The food never fails to be amazing at Norky's, and it was only 60 soles too!

November 24, 2010: A slight bump in the plan happened today, we were supposed to go on a city tour, when the bus never arrived, we realize we were supposed to go on it yesterday. So, were going to Miraflores today and the tour tomorrow! No worries! Off to the Metro to buy coco tea!

Back To Volunteering!

So, I've had a full week of volunteering. The first day after I got back from Colombia, I got to help finish a project they had been working on the whole time I was gone. We finished building a house for a woman who runs a wawa wasi (a government sponsored program, where single moms can drop off their children to be watched while they work). This woman had a house, but it was horribly run down, and the area where the kids stayed was really dirty and dangerous. She had a piece of land beside her house, but didn't have money to build anything. While I was gone, they got the concrete floor laid. The day after I got back, we got to the house and they had put up the walls, and we watched as they put up the tin roof. The woman who we were building the house for was so gracious, and invited us into her house for lunch. She made us chicken and rice, and very traditional Peruvian dish.

Before After

That Friday, we got to take a group of seven students from the school we teach at in Pachacutec out on the town for a day. It was one of my favorite days so far, because we really got to know the children. They came to our house with Soleded at about ten in the morning. Once we all got introduced, we set out for the zoo. It's about a 30 minute walk form the house, so we decided to walk it. We spent a few hours looking at all the animals. Once the kids were practically being dragged around by us because they were so tired (even the one who hadn't taken a breath all day was sitting on the ground every chance he got), we left the zoo and took them to get lunch. We gave them a choice between pizza and chicken. Guess what they chose..chicken. Never in America would kids choose to eat chicken over pizza. Lidia suggested we take them to Mireflores, the really nice area of Lima. So, we got a bus to Mireflores to go eat lunch at Norky's. Norky's is a middle of the road chicken and chips restaurant. When we got to the restaurant, I realized that most of them had never been to Mireflores, and none of them had been to Norky's. They were so cute all sitting around the huge table. When the food came, they ate and ate and ate. They were even amazed by the hand dryers in the bathrooms (which were enough to awe them by themselves). After lunch we took the to Larcomar, a park on the coast that overlooks the beach. The kids literally ran to the railing, and it was so precious. After that, we took them to Tottus, a Walmart like store and let them pick out clothes or shoes. One of the girls came out of the dressing room with her shirts on, and her face had the biggest smile I have even seen. It is things like these, their reactions to the bathroom and the view of the beach that make me appreciate my life and all the blessings God has given me.

The kids at Norky's Group picture

Looking out at the coast Fountain fun

Last weekend was a slow one, I got caught up on sleep and unpacking. We also went to a Japanese Peruvian festival where I tried some really disgusting Japanese desserts. On Sunday, we went shopping in the afternoon, and I went to mass at 8:00pm. Don't worry though, I managed to mkae it home between shopping and mass for pizza!

Japanese desserts..yum:)

I went back to my normal schedule once the new week started. Monday Semillitos, Tuesday Pachacutec and La Punta, Wednesday San Antonio's, and Thursday Pachacutec and La Punta again, and today back to San Antonio's.

I had a ton of fun Wednesday at San Antonio's. I'm still trying to convince my parents to adopt one little boy. I'd be happy if there are any other takers… His name is Joni, and he is amazing. Out of all the kids, I think he is the only one who really remembered me from my time there before my trip to Colombia. When he came in the room his face lit up and he ran over and gave me the biggest hug. He knows my name now, and gives me kisses on the cheek all the time. I wish I had a picture to show you all, because you would fall in love with him too. One of the downs babies in that room is also adorable. He is so aware and wants to play with the other kids so bad. He can finally walk really well on his own, and moves around the room quite a bit. He tries to play with them sometimes, but the kid like to pick on him. One kids in particulare likes to lay his whole body on him and bite his ear. I noticed this happening Wednesday, and I looked at the mom and she was just sitting there watching. She didn't care and it made me so mad. When I went over to pick him up, he was crying. When he cries and gets made he dosen't make any noise, but tears flow from his little eyes, and he clenches up his whole body. He ended up letting me hold him for almost 45 minutes. I would take him home with me too If I could.

Pachacutec and La Punta were a ton of fun. Tuesday we gave the girls at La Punta hair wraps, they LOVED them. Thursday when we went back, they had all cut them out. Supposedly, from what I could undertand, they weren't allowed to keep them in. But, when we asked where they went they all pulled them out from their pockets. It was so cute. There are only 7 girls there right now, and Jessica has left.

Jessica is one of the girls I got rather close to. She was put in the house by her parents becasue she kept sneaking out to go to parties. She told me that they were harmless parties, but I think they must not have been so innocent or she wouldn't have been there. Jessica really wanted to go home. One day she asked me to call her dad for her and ask him to call her at the home. They weren't allowed to come visit her, so she had no way to communicate with them. I said maybe, and came home to talk to Lidia about it. Lidia said I could, but I should make sure it was actually her dad. When I wrote her a note asking if it really was him, she never wrote back (I was in Colombia at this point) so I'm assuming she either got to go home soon after I left for Colombia or it wasn't really her dad. All I can do now is hope and pray that she is happy and safe. Jocelyn is still there, and as full of life as ever. Her best friend has left, and I think she might be a bit sad. But, sadly, their used to having people they grow close to leave them.

I LOVE Peru. Especially when it involves going to go see Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows or Harry Potter y las Reliquias de la Muerte as it says in our movie theaters. Because being in Peru means I got to see it a DAY BEFORE everyone in the US! Yes, you heard that right, Harry Potter came out on the 18th here. We were lucky enough to be able to find a theater that was showing the movie in English too! So, as the hour approached we got our robes, hats, and wands (really black clothes, construction paper hats, and sticks off a tree) ready to go. We glittered our hats, colored in our Gryffindor badges with crayons, and put string on our hats to keep them on. We got to the movie theater 2 hours ahead, and there was almost no one there, nothing compared to the US. There were maybe two lines of people. No one else was dressed up, and our costumes got applauded when we walked past everyone. But, out mindset was that we already get stared at enough so whats wrong with standing out just a bit more? Minus well give them something worthwhile to look at:) Once they finally let us in, I went and got my survival kit: popcorn, skittles, and a coke. By the time they actually started the movie (they dimmed the lights and turned them BACK on twice after midnight when the movie was supposed to start) most of my supplies were gone, but I was just ready to see the movie. So the lights dimmed, and the famous music came on, and the rest is history…

Amazing costumes right? We really wore them..look at the first picture. That's us playing cards in the middle of our line. We did have people take pictures of us.

I'm going to meet my grandparents tonight at the airport! We're going to be in Lima tomorrow and then fly to Cuzco Sunday to see Machu Picchu. Pictures coming soon! I can't wait to see them!

FAMILY!

My mom, dad, and Eamonn got here yesterday morning, and we have been on the go since then. Yesterday, my mom and Eamonn go here at five in the morning. I met them at the airport and then we went to the hotel. They took a nap, and then they got to go with me to teach at Pachacutec. My classes loved them, they tough it was so funny that my "mamma" was in class with me. They also got to meet the class that I'm going to sponsor for graduation. After that we went to my house so they could see it, and we could pick up a few thing I forgot. We ate lunch in Mireflores at Monolos, a restaurant which supposedly has the best sandwiches in Lima! Then we went shopping in the Inka Markets. My mom got a lot of souvenirs and presents. The Inka markets are huge, and keep winding back for ages. YOu could spend heaps of time in them without even noticing. We ate at the anticuchos restaurant for dinner, and then waited for my dad to arrive.

The next day we got up and went into Central Lima to see the sights. First we went to the Plaza de Armas and saw all the buildings around there. Then we went and toured the catacombs at the Iglesia de San Francisco. We ate at Norky's for lunch, I swear it's the Peruvians favorite restaurant because there is one on almost every block. After lunch we went to the Iglesia de Santo Domingo and took a bus up to see the cross on the top of San Cristobal. We went to Mireflores to eat pizza for dinner on Pizza Street. and got Churros at Monolos afterwards.

Today, we got up at 2:30 and flew to Cuzco. We spent the day walking around the city and touring some of the churches. The churches here are beautiful. Cuzco is set in the middle of the mountains and looks like a postcard. Many of the women here dress in traditional clothing and carry animals around so you can get a picture with them. We saw some sights that were not beautiful either. There were many people begging, and one child in particular was very young and was selling food on the side of the road by himself.

If you compare Lima and Cuzco, you will find hardly anything in common. Lima is an urban city center. Cuzco is very touristy. Even in the "touristy" parts of Lima, there are never many tourists. One of the big difference I noticed was that the churches in Lima are used by the people all the time. The huge cathedrals are their churches. In Cuzco, the churches are more for show, and they do not feel lived in or as well taken care of.

My mom brought a book of letters that the 1st graders wrote me. I wrote them a letter back, but I'm going to put it on my blog so I can put pictures with it. Enjoy!

Pictures!

It's The Weekend!

This weekend has brought a lot of cool sights. On Friday, we went out on the town. We went toBarrancco, which is beautiful at night! On Saturday we got up nice and early to go to Pachacamac.The guide book which said the drive would be about a 45 minute drive, was drastically off. It must have taken us 2 hours on a bus to get to the ruins. I'm not complaining though, sometimes the bus rides end up being the best way to see the city as it really is Not just the touristy parts, but the real Lima. I love the people that come on the bus trying to sell everything and anything you could think of. I've seen a girl selling pens and a manselling clips (which according to him, were not just any clips. His major selling point was that the clips actually clip and hold..wait for it, wait for it..PAPER. Yes, they do as a matter of fact hold paper…who would have thought.) One of my favorites was a group of four that just couldn't seem to keep the beat together to the song they were singing. I also love that you canget practically any food without getting out of your seat. Pineapple in bags, ice cream, chips, candy, and oh so much more. I'm starting to think that these people love food more than Americans?

The ruins we saw on Saturday were very nice, I never expected to see actualbuildings still standing. The tour was a little wordy, and I might have lost focus about halfway though, but I did get some wonderful pictures! We came back from the ruins and went to see Going the Distance at the movietheater. If you are Peruvian, going to the movies is a serious thing. You can get anything from muffins and ice cream to popcorn and hotdogs at the concession stands. I told you before, the love their food here. I thought that popcorn back home came in large sizes, but the large here must be double your average American large.

Today I went to mass at the Catholic church near my house with Jade, one of the other people living in the house. I really love this church, and thanks to my Magnificat I pretty much knew what was going on this time. We ate pizza for lunch on Pizza Street, which was amazing! Then we went to some Inca markets and I bought some gifts for some you all back home (GRandma and Hayley!!!). I can't wait to give gifts at Christmas! I also got myself a jumper and some socks! (I only brought 4 pairs and this house is absolutely freezing.)

We went to see some other ruins after lunch. They were pretty, but the tour was 45 minutes too long. 15 minutes would have sufficed. What I got out of the tour was that most of the ruins had been restored (so they were not real ruins) and that they had some really funny fake people at the end in loincloths. I'm not going to waste any more space on here telling you about them.

I really should go to bed now (it's 2:08)..I'm working at San Antonio's tomorrow!

Good night, I love yall!

A Few Pictures For You! (FINALLY!)

I might have mentioned it already, but we're not allowed to take pictures at any of the places we volunteer except Pachacutec. I will post some of my classes' pictures once I get my camera back (TOMORROW!!!), but for now I will just make do with some from other peoples cameras. It doesn't look like it from these pictures, but I have actually been volunteering:)

Horse back riding in Canta, the beginning of a 5 hour horse ride up the side of a mountain!

Group shot from half way up.

Another break, a little further up I think.

At the very top. We got there just before dusk, and got to see the sun set over the mountains!

Sun set from the top.

Learning to milk a cow!

We went to visit the catacombs during a weekend spent in Lima.

What should be a nice view of the city from the top of San Cristobal, turns into a nice view of the fog that covers the city...

National Reserve in Parracas. (More to come eventualy!)

The fountains on a night after dinner.