Clarification

I feel like I just need to clarify some things about Peru: It was an amazing experience. I think I keep focusing on the not so pleasant things when I talk about it to people here. I didn't want people to think it was all sparkles and rainbows down there because I definitely was NOT. It was hard for me; it was frustrating not knowing the language, assimilating to a extremely conservative environment, and joining an organization that unloaded all of their drama on me right when I showed up at their doorstep. None the less, even with all of those difficulties, I had an amazing time. I can't seem to express that when I talk to people. I just keep focusing on the no good, very bad things about my time down there, which is really weird because I'm usually the optimistic one. My glass is usually half full, but Peru seems to come out half empty whenever I talk about it. :-(

The good things:

• Experiencing a new culture
• Beginning to learn a new language
• Having time to relax and read
• Living on the beach
• 70 degree weather all the time!!
• Being in a city that didn't require needing a car
• Open markets
• FRESH FRUIT
• Fresh fish
• My students
• Being a photographer at a Peruvian wedding
• Getting pulled into the Lion cage and not getting eaten
• Learning about the Peacecorps
• My Peruvian family
• Thanksgiving with Mark and my Peruvian family
• Machu Picchu
• Traveling
• Walks around Cusco and Lima
• Canoncillo
• Mi hombre de frutas
• Huanchaco
• Sandcastle pumpkins
• Sitting in our hammock
• The huge hugs and smiles from our orphans
• Ceviche
• Cafe con leche
• The homemade chocolate lady
• My artisan Jeffery
• Street Hamburguesas
• New friends from all over the world