Monday, April 29, 2013

La Universidad

As students in the United States wrap up their semesters with final projects and exams, I am just beginning my midterms! While three of my midterms are scheduled for next week, I completed my first midterm today in my oceanography course. Taking exams can be stressful, but knowing that I have no classes next week because of midterms makes the week more worthwhile!

Academics are quite different at USIL. The grading scale ranges from 1 to 20 points, with scoring 19 or 20 points ranking as a solid A. Professors rarely deem a paper or project deserving of an A, as there is always room for improvement! Final grades are primarily composed of the midterm and final exams, with a small percent depending on participation and homework. This is definitely a new system to me.


Monday, April 22, 2013

Hearts in Action

Situated in the dusty, rural streets of Lima is a small, unassuming building with an incredible mission. Each week, children of all ages enter this place for food, education, love and, encouragement. This place is Hearts in Action, an organization that offers outreach programs ranging from tutoring and English lessons to free lunches and health programs.

I have the blessing of spending my Tuesday afternoons at Hearts in Action teaching an English class to youth. When I originally expressed interest in volunteering with this organization, I never could have imagined that I would be creating lesson plans to teach English and gaining so much in the process.
           
While I was originally uncertain of my capabilities to teach English, I embraced this opportunity and am so grateful that I did. We review the concepts that they have already learned in school, as well as add more vocabulary to their English foundation. Ultimately, the goal of this class is for these children to build the confidence to use their blossoming English-speaking skills.  

Seeing their progression is exciting, as well as encouraging to me as I continue to learn a second language. Just as I teach these children English, they also teach me Spanish. They eagerly complete my sentences in Spanish if I am struggling for words. Together, we make the learning process both productive and humorous, as we both conquer obstacles with accents and mispronunciation.

Their favorite phrase is “see you later” and, in order to leave the room at the end of the day, saying this phrase is essential.

Perhaps the most exciting part of my volunteering with Heart in Action was being able to be a part of a school supplies giveaway at the beginning of the year. My church in Ashville, Hedges Chapel, generously helped supply the funds to give every student school supplies to last the entire year. Being able to help distribute these supplies was a humbling, rewarding experience.
Without service, my time in Peru would not be what it is.
Smiling for the camera after the school-supplies giveaway!

Sunday, April 14, 2013

Carpe Diem.

Having spur-of-the-moment adventures has been my favorite part of my time in Peru. Spontaneity is embraced as I seek to explore every inch of the Peruvian country and culture

Today, for example, I was doing homework when an exciting opportunity presented itself. With a fifteen-minutes notice, my host mother asked if I wanted to join the family on a visit to the movie theatre to see the new Peruvian movie "Asu Mare." I eagerly accepted the invitation, as I have heard so many positive, proud comments from Peruvians about the movie. I assumed that Carmela, Lorenzo, his wife, Jenna, and I were the only ones going to the movie, so imagine my surprise when we met at least 15 other relatives at the theatre! Everything in Peru is a family affair.

Also, after spending Friday evening with our Peruvian friends, Tyra and I were headed home when one of our friends mentioned that he had a beach house. Rather than going home, we took the next bus to Punta Hermosa and spent the day soaking in the rays and enjoying each other's company. It was an amazing decision.

Some days, my schedule is planned to the minute with meetings, extra-curricular activities, and places that I need to be. Having the freedom to slow down and embrace time with the wonderful people in my life right now is incredible. 

Monday, April 8, 2013

Just a Typical Weekend...

The most authentic moment during my 4 days in Cusco was spent in a search of a restaurant that served cuy—or guinea pig. Two of my friends were determined to taste the delicacy, so I joined them on their quest for a restaurant that served the dish. 

Eventually, a waiter told us of a restaurant that served cuy and he pointed across the street where an elderly woman was begging for change in a narrow entryway. My friends and I simply stared at each other. No restaurant was insight. The waiter could see the look of disbelief on our faces, and encouraged us to walk through the entryway. Hesitantly, we followed his directions, only to see several timeworn buildings and an array colorful laundry air-drying in the breeze. After several awkward moments, another waiter appeared from an obscure door, declaring that his restaurant did, indeed, serve cuy. At this point, my friends and I knew that we could not turn back. 

The man guided us through the entrance into a wide, open restaurant filled with large wooden tables and benches that spanned across the entire wooden floor. Of the numerous people that packed the tables, we were the only foreign customers. Everyone else was a local. We eagerly ordered our food, cuy for my friends and vegetables for me. 

Suddenly, live music filled the air and people immediately jumped from their seats to dance, clap to the music, and join in the singing. We instantly embraced this atmosphere, soaking in the sights, sounds, and scents. Everything about this place was pure, genuine, and real. This, we determined, is Peru. 

If my friends and I had not explored beyond the small entryway, we never would have discovered such a raw, unfiltered version of Peru. We did not know what to expect; yet, we did not let this fact hinder our experience. The best adventures are unexpected and unplanned. These are the moments that we will never forget. 

Two days earlier, I journeyed to Machu Picchu.  As I stood at the top of Machu Picchu, I realized that every single second of my life led me to that breathtaking, awe-inspiring moment. If even one or two parts of my life were different, I may not have had such an unforgettable opportunity. I realized in that moment how grateful I am for my supportive family and friends, the good times, the not-so-good times, and every experience I have ever had at Marietta College.

Every day is a new adventure—whether it’s on the top of Machu Picchu, or roaming the streets of Cusco looking for cuy.

Thursday, April 4, 2013

A Glimpse into Machu Picchu and Cusco

What a weekend! I had the breathtaking opportunity to visit one of the most awe-inspiring places on the face of the earth! Take a look at my adventures that range from a visit to Nelly's (where the process of dying llama wool is demonstrated) to Cusco and Machu Picchu!

Llama yarn!

Machu Picchu!

Llama at Machu Picchu!

Weaving tapestries...

I made it to the top of Wanyapicchu! What a climb!


The rainbow of colors represents Cusco!

A view of Machu Picchu from the top of Waynapicchu!
A lovely view


A cathedral in Cusco