Peru is once again on my mind. I am hoping to move down in January and continue the work I believe God has for me down there. I miss my kids so much, and I don't like that I have missed everything they have been up to since I left. How much have they grown, how are they doing in school, who has left the orphanage, who is new, etc.???
I have spent the past 5 months in Alaska, working, spending times reconnecting with dear friends and enjoying the beautiful land that never seizes to amaze me with its majesty. Alaska truly is one of the most beautiful places on earth! We had the best summer since I moved here 12 years ago! I actually was able to maintain the tan I brought with me from Peru up until just a few weeks ago.
As one of my jobs ended last month I have been busy trying to condense what I will be leaving behind when I make my move. It's a bit depressing, (especially since I am such a sentimental fool) to sort what I have accumulated in the past 18 years. Hours of sorting, filing, selling, tossing and donating. I will be storing my belongings with some dear friends and am trying to minimize what I want to keep for possible future use. Please say a prayer for me to help me let go!
Before my move I have a couple other adventures ahead of me. First I will be heading to China for 3 weeks and from there, I will be visiting family in Sweden for a month before returning to Alaska to dump off my winter gear and repack, for the last 2 weeks in December. I am hoping for a white Christmas as a nice goodbye present.
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
Saturday, February 23, 2013
Shopping and TaeKwando
Slept late this morning. Woke up at 7am, but the next time I checked the time it was 10am!! Oops. I still have a cold, so I guess my body needed the rest.
Walked over to the police station and watched the boy´s soccer game. The seats along the buildings were so hot it was impossible to sit. Felt like it would burn a hole through my shorts and skin when I tried, and it was fun to watch latecomers try to sit and fly straight up very quickly rubbing their behinds! The teams played really hard and it was a great game, but our boys still lost 5-2, and they were so sad. I tried to encourage them and gave them hugs before leaving for the market. I needed to try to find some shoes for my boy´s birthday in a couple of days. I haven´t strolled around much in that area, besides the fruit stands and a few other sections, but I came a across a huge clothing area and found him lots of other clothes for his birthday. Score! It is a good thing I´m too tall and big for most of the clothes here in Peru, or I would be tempted to shop for myself too. Saw lots of cute stuff, but I didn´t even bother trying any of it on.
There were lots of activities at the beach all day today, as all the summer programs were ending, and I walked down there this afternoon. Wanted to see if I could find the kids from the orphanage if they were there, but also do some people watching. They weren´t there, but I spent a long time watching TaeKwando competitions. It is a fun sport and looks like great exercise. While I was enjoying the show, I met an older man who had lived in Florida, so he spoke a little English. I got the feeling he was trying to set me up with his friend, who didn´t speak any English, but he kept telling me about his friend and what a great job as an aircraft mechanic in Lima, that he was single etc... The friend just stood there smiling at me the whole time. I was friendly, but refused to tell them what street I lived on and eventually they left. Despite the topic, it was nice to talk to someone. I wish I was fluent in Spanish so I could chitchat with anybody.
Walked over to the police station and watched the boy´s soccer game. The seats along the buildings were so hot it was impossible to sit. Felt like it would burn a hole through my shorts and skin when I tried, and it was fun to watch latecomers try to sit and fly straight up very quickly rubbing their behinds! The teams played really hard and it was a great game, but our boys still lost 5-2, and they were so sad. I tried to encourage them and gave them hugs before leaving for the market. I needed to try to find some shoes for my boy´s birthday in a couple of days. I haven´t strolled around much in that area, besides the fruit stands and a few other sections, but I came a across a huge clothing area and found him lots of other clothes for his birthday. Score! It is a good thing I´m too tall and big for most of the clothes here in Peru, or I would be tempted to shop for myself too. Saw lots of cute stuff, but I didn´t even bother trying any of it on.
There were lots of activities at the beach all day today, as all the summer programs were ending, and I walked down there this afternoon. Wanted to see if I could find the kids from the orphanage if they were there, but also do some people watching. They weren´t there, but I spent a long time watching TaeKwando competitions. It is a fun sport and looks like great exercise. While I was enjoying the show, I met an older man who had lived in Florida, so he spoke a little English. I got the feeling he was trying to set me up with his friend, who didn´t speak any English, but he kept telling me about his friend and what a great job as an aircraft mechanic in Lima, that he was single etc... The friend just stood there smiling at me the whole time. I was friendly, but refused to tell them what street I lived on and eventually they left. Despite the topic, it was nice to talk to someone. I wish I was fluent in Spanish so I could chitchat with anybody.
Friday, February 22, 2013
Mattress flip
I´ve had a really bad cold most of the week, but have mustered up enough energy to spend every afternoon with the kids, sometimes being part of their bracelet classes, dance lessons and lots of soccer, and then of course English lessons. Some of them are now making a some really nice sentences, others are struggling with the basics. I only have 9 weeks left and every moment with them seems more and more precious.
Since I am more than halfway through my stay, I thought it was time to flip my lumpy mattress. I´ve been holding out, sleeping in the dip for as long as possible, but today I made it happen. I flipped it, and for at least a few nights I will once again sleep on a solid flat surface.... Hurray!
Since I am more than halfway through my stay, I thought it was time to flip my lumpy mattress. I´ve been holding out, sleeping in the dip for as long as possible, but today I made it happen. I flipped it, and for at least a few nights I will once again sleep on a solid flat surface.... Hurray!
Monday, February 18, 2013
Three in One
I hit the ground running today and most of the day consisted of English classes - the girls in the morning, my friend, the taxi driver this afternoon and the boys tonight! It is good to be back and I love being busy. I really would like to get a certificate and learn how to "properly" teach English. It is somewhat easy with the kids, but today I got some hard questions thrown at me when teaching my friend, and I wish had all the answers. I don´t always know when there is and actual rule or when you just have to memorize it, but I want to learn. At some point, going to school in Sweden, I knew that stuff, but grammar was never my favorite part as a student.
Sunday, February 17, 2013
Sweetest busride so far
The team from Colorado left for Cusco this morning and they were such a fun group. I had the pleasure of joining them for dinner last night and it was great to spend some time with them. A part of me wish I could go with them, but it is time for me to return to the kids. This morning I went to church and after I spent some more time catching up on Internet stuff, before taking the bus home. I loved travelling on a Sunday afternoon. The traffic in Lima was almost non-existent so I got to the bustation in record time, and the bus was almost empty so I could really stretch out my leg. Although, my favorite part of travelling on a Sunday afternoon, was the beautiful sunset sky as we were getting closer to Huacho. Couldn´t stop looking out the window as we drove along the coast and admire the pink, purple sky for almost an hour. It´s good to be home in my own room again.
Friday, February 15, 2013
Market & Beach adventure
One of the reasons I came to Lima this weekend (besides visiting with friends and going to church), was so I could go birthday shopping for my little guy. He turns 15 in 10 days. H. walked with me to the big market and I found some clothes for him, but I think I need to exchange the shoes tomorrow. Everybody thinks they are too small for him. Sizes are so difficult here. People are so small and I am not used to buying kid´s clothes, but I like learning new things.
My friend H wanted to explore a new beach this afternoon and she had a name of one written down on a note to show taxidrivers. We thought it would be pretty close so we didn´t bring a lot of money. We were able to talk a driver down to 12 soles, but we weren´t going to have enough to get back, but we went anyways. The cab kept going and going, and we passed many beautiful beaches on the way, so we debated to have him drop us at any of those, but he said it was just a little further...When we got to the beach, the sun was gone and it was so windy we got sandblasted, but we stayed for about an hour anyways. Then we started walking towards home, so we could eventually find a cab to take us the rest of the way. I wear a pedometer and we walked about 3 miles until we could afford a taxi. It was a fun adventure and we saw nice places we would have missed otherwise.
Tonight a big team from Colorado is flying in to do ministry in Cusco for a week, so when they all went to pick them up at the airport I had the apartment to myself to catch up on phonecalls, e-mails, bank stuff etc. This weekend my roommates from AK are vacating our old house and I am trying to make some arrangements from here. It is hard to not be able to do more, but I have such wonderful friends helping me out back there!!!
My friend H wanted to explore a new beach this afternoon and she had a name of one written down on a note to show taxidrivers. We thought it would be pretty close so we didn´t bring a lot of money. We were able to talk a driver down to 12 soles, but we weren´t going to have enough to get back, but we went anyways. The cab kept going and going, and we passed many beautiful beaches on the way, so we debated to have him drop us at any of those, but he said it was just a little further...When we got to the beach, the sun was gone and it was so windy we got sandblasted, but we stayed for about an hour anyways. Then we started walking towards home, so we could eventually find a cab to take us the rest of the way. I wear a pedometer and we walked about 3 miles until we could afford a taxi. It was a fun adventure and we saw nice places we would have missed otherwise.
Tonight a big team from Colorado is flying in to do ministry in Cusco for a week, so when they all went to pick them up at the airport I had the apartment to myself to catch up on phonecalls, e-mails, bank stuff etc. This weekend my roommates from AK are vacating our old house and I am trying to make some arrangements from here. It is hard to not be able to do more, but I have such wonderful friends helping me out back there!!!
Thursday, February 14, 2013
Feliz dia de san Valentine
Happy Valentine´s Day / Grattis pa Alla Hjartans Day
This morning I had a class with the girls and I got a couple Valentine´s notes from a few of them...
Afterwards I took the bus to Lima and my very first Taxi ride to the apartment. Had to pay a dollar more than usual, but I didn´t want to stand around in the neighborhood by the bustation with my luggage longer than necessary, so I took the first cab who was willing to take me. It can sometimes be hard to find a cab here in Lima. Don´t get me wrong, they are everywhere, but often when you tell them where you want to go, you are met with a headshake and they take off. They don´t want to go to a certain area for whatever reason. Maybe they are making their way home and it would be out of the way, maybe they are on their way to lunch or dinner, or it could be they have a nice cab and don´t want to risk going to a shady neighborhood etc... Other cabs tell you a really high price, so you either negotiate with them to see if you can lower the rate or move on to the next. Makes taking taxis a small adventure in Lima. Being a gringa makes the price go up a little too sometimes.
My Peruvian girlsfriends were out enjoying this Day of Love with their boyfriends, but my friend H from the US/Cusco was in town and we had a great girl´s night. I have been craving a good steak since I came to Peru and when in Lima I always walk by this one restaurant with yummy photos of delicious pieces of meat on a giant menu. We decided tonight was a special occasion enough to splurge a few extra dollars and have steak. Happy Valentine´s to me! It was soooo good. Peruvian meat and great quality.
Might have to come back one more time before leaving Peru. My favorite beverage, if I eat out here, is frozen lemonade. It is so refreshing. Whenever I visited before, I was always too nervous to order anything with ice in it, but I was missing out. I have gotten much braver when it comes to food the longer I am here. We ended our girl´s night with a funny but gory movie, so I don´t dare recommend it here...
This morning I had a class with the girls and I got a couple Valentine´s notes from a few of them...
Afterwards I took the bus to Lima and my very first Taxi ride to the apartment. Had to pay a dollar more than usual, but I didn´t want to stand around in the neighborhood by the bustation with my luggage longer than necessary, so I took the first cab who was willing to take me. It can sometimes be hard to find a cab here in Lima. Don´t get me wrong, they are everywhere, but often when you tell them where you want to go, you are met with a headshake and they take off. They don´t want to go to a certain area for whatever reason. Maybe they are making their way home and it would be out of the way, maybe they are on their way to lunch or dinner, or it could be they have a nice cab and don´t want to risk going to a shady neighborhood etc... Other cabs tell you a really high price, so you either negotiate with them to see if you can lower the rate or move on to the next. Makes taking taxis a small adventure in Lima. Being a gringa makes the price go up a little too sometimes.
My Peruvian girlsfriends were out enjoying this Day of Love with their boyfriends, but my friend H from the US/Cusco was in town and we had a great girl´s night. I have been craving a good steak since I came to Peru and when in Lima I always walk by this one restaurant with yummy photos of delicious pieces of meat on a giant menu. We decided tonight was a special occasion enough to splurge a few extra dollars and have steak. Happy Valentine´s to me! It was soooo good. Peruvian meat and great quality.
Might have to come back one more time before leaving Peru. My favorite beverage, if I eat out here, is frozen lemonade. It is so refreshing. Whenever I visited before, I was always too nervous to order anything with ice in it, but I was missing out. I have gotten much braver when it comes to food the longer I am here. We ended our girl´s night with a funny but gory movie, so I don´t dare recommend it here...
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Keyless
I locked my keys in my room today! I have three keys; one for the outside gate, one for the door and one for my room. Luckily I had left them on my desk close enough to my window that I stage a "break in". I slid open a small panel in my window, used a broom handle to move the keys onto a newspaper on my desk and then moved the newspaper closer to the window until I could reach them through the bars on my window. Lucky me!
I had classes with the girls at 11 am and boys at 2pm today. Only about half of them showed an interest in the class, but I prefer smaller groups anyways so I wasn´t too discouraged by that. Afterwards I was able to stay a bit longer with the boys after class and I started playing hangman with about 5 of the boys. I made them use the letters in the English alphabet and used only English words. It was fun and good practise for them. I started with really easy words, but they wanted me to make it harder and harder. We also threw in a few rounds for me with Spanish words, so I got some Spanish practise in too. Fun times!
I had classes with the girls at 11 am and boys at 2pm today. Only about half of them showed an interest in the class, but I prefer smaller groups anyways so I wasn´t too discouraged by that. Afterwards I was able to stay a bit longer with the boys after class and I started playing hangman with about 5 of the boys. I made them use the letters in the English alphabet and used only English words. It was fun and good practise for them. I started with really easy words, but they wanted me to make it harder and harder. We also threw in a few rounds for me with Spanish words, so I got some Spanish practise in too. Fun times!
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
English on the beach
When my English student came to pick me up to day in his cab, he told me it was too hot at his house to sit and study and suggested we go to the beach to get some fresh air. No complaints from me!!
We found a table with a parasol at the beach restaurant and ordered soda and some crunchy roasted corn snacks. It was definitely my favorite lesson to teach, overlooking the ocean and with a lovely breeze keeping us from melting. Afterwards he convinced me to climb the rocks and take some "tourist photos"...
At home this morning we were dealing with a family crisis and I tried being helpful despite my limited vocabulary. As we were watching our favorite game show tonight on TV, the tension let up a bit and we were all able to laugh and have some fun. I really love my Peruvian family and they have been such a blessing for me during my months here. I feel so safe and happy with them. Without them, my time here could have been a bit lonely.
We found a table with a parasol at the beach restaurant and ordered soda and some crunchy roasted corn snacks. It was definitely my favorite lesson to teach, overlooking the ocean and with a lovely breeze keeping us from melting. Afterwards he convinced me to climb the rocks and take some "tourist photos"...
At home this morning we were dealing with a family crisis and I tried being helpful despite my limited vocabulary. As we were watching our favorite game show tonight on TV, the tension let up a bit and we were all able to laugh and have some fun. I really love my Peruvian family and they have been such a blessing for me during my months here. I feel so safe and happy with them. Without them, my time here could have been a bit lonely.
Sunday, February 10, 2013
Las cucarachas 0 - Jessica 2
I have had 2 interactions with giant cockroaches in my room this past week. It isn't a new experience, since I lived on Maui for a few years, but it never is a pleasant experience. The first encounter happened shortly after I turned off the light after reading late one night. I had a trashbag by the door and I heard plastic rustling. First I thought I could ignore it and go to sleep, but then I started thinking of something crawling on my while sleeping and then I had to get up. I turned on the light, grabbed a flipflop sandal and began the hunt. I lifted up the bag and noticed the giant cockroach on the side of the bag. I don't know if it had been trying to dig its way in or what, but I knocked it off and with two hard whacks I squashed it on the cement floor. I don't mind small bugs much, but this one was the size of maybe 2 quarters, yuck!!
The next encounter was a couple of nights ago. I was watching an episode of Lost on my laptop and through the corner of my eye, I saw something squeeze underneath my door and run straight toward my bed. It only took me a couple of seconds to leap up, grab my flipflop (which I keep handy right next to my bed, thank goodness) and with another 2 hard whacks I squashed cockroach numero 2.
Cockroaches 0- Jessica 2. I am pretty sure this just the beginning of a long battle...
The next encounter was a couple of nights ago. I was watching an episode of Lost on my laptop and through the corner of my eye, I saw something squeeze underneath my door and run straight toward my bed. It only took me a couple of seconds to leap up, grab my flipflop (which I keep handy right next to my bed, thank goodness) and with another 2 hard whacks I squashed cockroach numero 2.
Cockroaches 0- Jessica 2. I am pretty sure this just the beginning of a long battle...
Friday, February 8, 2013
"I don't have 11 toes"
I was scheduled to teach the boys today at 11am, but when I got there, none of them were there. I asked the lady who was in the office if I could come back at 3pm, since I was scheduled with the girls at 4pm and she thought that would be OK. Luckily it worked out and I got to teach about 13 of them, while the rest were doing their laundry. They bring out water and tubs and they scrub them by hand.
In class we tackled small sentences: I have..., You have..., Do you have...?, No, I don't have..., Yes, I have... It was a lot of fun to give them something practical to use the words they have been learning. "I have 2 eyes." "I don't have 3 ears." One of the boys came up and said to me in perfect English "I love you", and it was not something we have been practising, so it was a big nice surprise for me to hear!! What a sweetheart!
Saturdays are usually a day when we don't have any classes scheduled, but the director had told me to ask and see what the plans are the day before, to see if I can come. We are shooting for tomorrow at 2pm, because they are having visitors between 3-5pm. Maybe some kind of city officials making a visit?
I miss my boys when I don't get to see them everyday. School starts in 3 weeks and I am curious how much time I'll get with them then. I am assuming they will have homework and other things taking up most of their time, but I'll set something up with the director.
I hope the older kids will impress their English teachers in school. Quite a few of them have made a lot of progress... It would be a blast to help out in the classrooms if I can set it up somehow.
In class we tackled small sentences: I have..., You have..., Do you have...?, No, I don't have..., Yes, I have... It was a lot of fun to give them something practical to use the words they have been learning. "I have 2 eyes." "I don't have 3 ears." One of the boys came up and said to me in perfect English "I love you", and it was not something we have been practising, so it was a big nice surprise for me to hear!! What a sweetheart!
Saturdays are usually a day when we don't have any classes scheduled, but the director had told me to ask and see what the plans are the day before, to see if I can come. We are shooting for tomorrow at 2pm, because they are having visitors between 3-5pm. Maybe some kind of city officials making a visit?
I miss my boys when I don't get to see them everyday. School starts in 3 weeks and I am curious how much time I'll get with them then. I am assuming they will have homework and other things taking up most of their time, but I'll set something up with the director.
I hope the older kids will impress their English teachers in school. Quite a few of them have made a lot of progress... It would be a blast to help out in the classrooms if I can set it up somehow.
Thursday, February 7, 2013
Do talk to strangers
I'm meeting more people here! They actually have started talking to me. After the girl's class this morning. I went with my housemate R to the fruitmarket. As I was picking out my fruit, a Peruvian lady spoke to me in English & asked where I was from. I answered her in Spanish and we continued the rest of the conversation in Spanish. Her husband is from CA and he really wants to go visit AK, but she told me she thinks it will be too cold. She knew what street I live on so she must have seen me around, but I have to admit I only understood about 85 % of what she was saying. Later this afternoon when I went to get some groceries, I was stopped by an older gentleman in a mint green moto. I met him a few days ago when I was making copies in the marketplace and we spoke a little that day. He had asked me if I was Russian. Now he gave me his number if I ever wanted a tourguide to take me around town. Very friendly fellow and he seems to be good friends with the the ladies across the street from me. He has the only mint colored moto in town as far as I know, so easy to spot.
When I am in Lima I always loved to talk to strangers, but up until now, it hasn't happened much here. I have missed meeting new people. Several years ago I moved to a small native village in South East AK, and it took me almost a year to feel like I belonged. Things are looking up for me here!
PS. I found turkey hotdogs in the store today, and ate my first hotdogs since last summer! Yummy!!
When I am in Lima I always loved to talk to strangers, but up until now, it hasn't happened much here. I have missed meeting new people. Several years ago I moved to a small native village in South East AK, and it took me almost a year to feel like I belonged. Things are looking up for me here!
PS. I found turkey hotdogs in the store today, and ate my first hotdogs since last summer! Yummy!!
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Chicken @ Norky's
The girl's lesson went well this morning, but when I walked over to the boy's building, they were not there, again... Half the team had come to observe my class, so they were a little disappointed. With the help of my Peruvian friends, I was able to speak with the director about setting up a new schedule, and I hope this new one will work better, even though it means no English for the boys on Tuesdays and Thursdays, but I can still go with them to soccer practise. I spent some time with the team this afternoon and we went to watch the kids play in a tournament, but found out later their games had been switched. We had some time to go to the market and pick up some birthday presents and balls for the orphanage. The boys have been playing soccer with a volleyball, not good.
Tonight we took all the kids to dinner and celebrated 3 birthdays from the last couple of weeks. It was such a fun night.
Most of my housemates left tonight to visit family up north for a few days. I hear it is really beautiful up there, maybe one day I get to go for a visit too. The daughter is staying with me until they come back. She didn't get her ID card on time and you can't travel without it.
Tonight we took all the kids to dinner and celebrated 3 birthdays from the last couple of weeks. It was such a fun night.
Most of my housemates left tonight to visit family up north for a few days. I hear it is really beautiful up there, maybe one day I get to go for a visit too. The daughter is staying with me until they come back. She didn't get her ID card on time and you can't travel without it.
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Movie night with the kids
Arrived at the boy's place this morning, but they were gone. Only one of the older boys was there with the psychologist. After they were done, I had him to myself for almost an hour and we did a private lesson. It was great, because he is my best student and picks things up very quickly, and I think he gets a little bored when we are moving along to slowly. We labeled everything we could find in the room and pictures on the walls to build his vocabulary, for example, bench v/s sofa, window, glass, shelf/shelves, bag v/s backpack, puzzle, roof v/s ceiling etc. Toward the end, the rest of the boys returned from the beach, so I got to spend a few minutes with the rest of them. Reviewed a little English with those who wanted to before they it was time for their lunch.
Today I got some errands done, made copies, dropped my laundry off, exchange money and met up with the team for lunch. They had gone to Sayan to hand out bread and pray for people. I can't express how great it is to have the team here and to see a couple of people from home. I love spending time with the kids, but it is twice as fun when you can share the joy with someone else who feel the same about them. H. came with the team, (she is living in Cusco studying Spanish and volunteering) and we went together to the boy's soccer practise. It was here first time in a moto and it was fun to see her enjoy the speedy ride. The boys had told me 3 or 3:30pm, but when we got there at 3:45, they still hadn't made it. Waited about 30 min, but decided to walk back home, assuming they must have changed their plans. When we were almost by my house we spotted them walking on a sidestreet. They were walking to the stadium, almost an hour late. Oh well! We joined them and watched them play for a couple of hours. Had to hurry back so they could wash up and eat dinner before we all went to the movies. All 62 of us, teachers, kids and the team went and we filled up about half the theater. I got to sit next to the birthday boy F. He turned 12 today and he is the cutest little bugger in the world. I was so impressed with him. Throughout the movie, he had a little girl, maybe 4 or 5 years old climbing in his lap and distracting him from the movie, but he was so patient and loving with her. The older kids are so good with taking care of the younger ones. I am amazed how kindhearted a lot of them are after what they have been through. Sure, some fight like all siblings do, but they truly are family to each other. It was a wonderful night and the kids got to see a movie about whales and Alaska. I had to explain to a lot of them that my hometown doesn't look like Barrow, with all that snow and ice. They were in awe of all the ice.
Went to the hotel with the team after our very late dinner. Want to spend as much time as possible with them while they are here.
Today I got some errands done, made copies, dropped my laundry off, exchange money and met up with the team for lunch. They had gone to Sayan to hand out bread and pray for people. I can't express how great it is to have the team here and to see a couple of people from home. I love spending time with the kids, but it is twice as fun when you can share the joy with someone else who feel the same about them. H. came with the team, (she is living in Cusco studying Spanish and volunteering) and we went together to the boy's soccer practise. It was here first time in a moto and it was fun to see her enjoy the speedy ride. The boys had told me 3 or 3:30pm, but when we got there at 3:45, they still hadn't made it. Waited about 30 min, but decided to walk back home, assuming they must have changed their plans. When we were almost by my house we spotted them walking on a sidestreet. They were walking to the stadium, almost an hour late. Oh well! We joined them and watched them play for a couple of hours. Had to hurry back so they could wash up and eat dinner before we all went to the movies. All 62 of us, teachers, kids and the team went and we filled up about half the theater. I got to sit next to the birthday boy F. He turned 12 today and he is the cutest little bugger in the world. I was so impressed with him. Throughout the movie, he had a little girl, maybe 4 or 5 years old climbing in his lap and distracting him from the movie, but he was so patient and loving with her. The older kids are so good with taking care of the younger ones. I am amazed how kindhearted a lot of them are after what they have been through. Sure, some fight like all siblings do, but they truly are family to each other. It was a wonderful night and the kids got to see a movie about whales and Alaska. I had to explain to a lot of them that my hometown doesn't look like Barrow, with all that snow and ice. They were in awe of all the ice.
Went to the hotel with the team after our very late dinner. Want to spend as much time as possible with them while they are here.
Monday, February 4, 2013
Lima team here
Had classes with the girls, then the boys today, finally. When one of the groups miss a class, it gets hard to remember whom I taught what, but both groups are almost caught up now.
We worked on seasons and weather. Afterwards I stayed with the boys and did some extra tutoring one-on-one, and hung out with 3 of the older boys in their little music corner.
Later in the afternoon I went to the police station and cheered for some of the younger boys playing in a tournament. It was pretty unfair, the other team had really big and tall guys, there is no way they were the same age as our boys, and of course they won 5-1.
Team from Lima arrived tonight after a lot of trouble with their rental van. Met up with them at the orphanage after the game. Spent about an hour with the girls and an hour with the boys. I was so proud of them all, when they showed off all the English they have learned. I look forward to how much they will know next month when the team comes back again.
Sat in gum with my last clean pair of shorts, but managed to scrub it off before going to bed tonight. Good thing it's warm enough for them to dry overnight.
With the team came a happy surprise. The boy who spent Christmas with us, but who wasn't at the orphanage in Lima we visited last week, came to Huacho with them. I worry about him. He can no longer stay at the orphanage and his brother has a difficult time keeping him, so he is working in a chicken farm everyday, all day long. Now he won't be able to finish school. He is a sweet, smart kid and I want so much more for him.
We worked on seasons and weather. Afterwards I stayed with the boys and did some extra tutoring one-on-one, and hung out with 3 of the older boys in their little music corner.
Later in the afternoon I went to the police station and cheered for some of the younger boys playing in a tournament. It was pretty unfair, the other team had really big and tall guys, there is no way they were the same age as our boys, and of course they won 5-1.
Team from Lima arrived tonight after a lot of trouble with their rental van. Met up with them at the orphanage after the game. Spent about an hour with the girls and an hour with the boys. I was so proud of them all, when they showed off all the English they have learned. I look forward to how much they will know next month when the team comes back again.
Sat in gum with my last clean pair of shorts, but managed to scrub it off before going to bed tonight. Good thing it's warm enough for them to dry overnight.
With the team came a happy surprise. The boy who spent Christmas with us, but who wasn't at the orphanage in Lima we visited last week, came to Huacho with them. I worry about him. He can no longer stay at the orphanage and his brother has a difficult time keeping him, so he is working in a chicken farm everyday, all day long. Now he won't be able to finish school. He is a sweet, smart kid and I want so much more for him.
Sunday, February 3, 2013
J
Success! Tonight I was finally able to spend some time with J, my boy, outside the orphanage, and without all the other kids. When I am with the other kids, I want to give everyone my attention, but I am J's Madrina, and he is very special to me so tonight, we had over three hours together without interruptions. Because he has a guardian that brings him to her house at every weekend, I was able to arrange to meet them and go to the movie together. They were 30 minutes late so we missed the movie that was playing in English, and had to wait around for another one for over an hour, but it worked out, because it gave him time to eat and we could watch soccer game (Peru- Chile) on the big screen TV while waiting. Ended up watching an action movie without complicated dialogue, so I could follow along pretty well. Afterwards we hung out and people-watched for a while. It was such a good night. My heart is so full!
Saturday, February 2, 2013
Cowboys & Change of plans
I finally realized where the loud club music, that start playing around 7 am every morning, was coming from. Last night I went with some friends to check out the 2 gyms located in our neighborhood. I have tried to go there before, but found out they are closed every afternoon between 1pm and 4pm, and I guess those were the times I happened to walk by. Their workout classes start early in the morning - mystery solved!
Today during lunch, consisting of salad, papa fritas (fries) and chicken, I ate at a place overlooking the beautiful beach and ocean. I noticed six horses and a group of men that must have been Peruvian cowboys.
They were dressed in white, big sombreros and brown ponchos, just like in the movies. Maybe they were doing a photoshoot or maybe a commercial. If I wasn't eating, I would have run home to get my camera. It was definitely a Kodak moment.
Lately I have noticed how much my old job was a bootcamp to get me ready for the unexpected and changes of plans I encounter here almost daily. For two years I went to work in the morning with a plan and to-do list, but almost everyday, things would happen that needed to be prioritized and adjustments needed to be made. Today was one of those days. For example, I had found a place to drop some laundry off the other day, so I gathered up my stuff to bring it there, but they were closed and I had to haul it back home again. Next, the boys had asked me to come watch them play soccer this afternoon, so I took a moto to the stadium, and waited, but they never came. Their schedule changes a lot, but they don't have a way to tell me. Had also made arrangements with the guardian of my boy to take them to a movie tonight, but we had to reschedule for another night. These things happen almost almost daily and it could drive you crazy if you let it. I am thankful I have had a lot of practise to just roll with it.
Time to stick my earplugs in to drown out the neighbor's D onna S ummer marathon, and get some sleep. Tomorrow is another crazy, unpredictable day, I am sure...
Today during lunch, consisting of salad, papa fritas (fries) and chicken, I ate at a place overlooking the beautiful beach and ocean. I noticed six horses and a group of men that must have been Peruvian cowboys.
They were dressed in white, big sombreros and brown ponchos, just like in the movies. Maybe they were doing a photoshoot or maybe a commercial. If I wasn't eating, I would have run home to get my camera. It was definitely a Kodak moment.
Lately I have noticed how much my old job was a bootcamp to get me ready for the unexpected and changes of plans I encounter here almost daily. For two years I went to work in the morning with a plan and to-do list, but almost everyday, things would happen that needed to be prioritized and adjustments needed to be made. Today was one of those days. For example, I had found a place to drop some laundry off the other day, so I gathered up my stuff to bring it there, but they were closed and I had to haul it back home again. Next, the boys had asked me to come watch them play soccer this afternoon, so I took a moto to the stadium, and waited, but they never came. Their schedule changes a lot, but they don't have a way to tell me. Had also made arrangements with the guardian of my boy to take them to a movie tonight, but we had to reschedule for another night. These things happen almost almost daily and it could drive you crazy if you let it. I am thankful I have had a lot of practise to just roll with it.
Time to stick my earplugs in to drown out the neighbor's D onna S ummer marathon, and get some sleep. Tomorrow is another crazy, unpredictable day, I am sure...
Thursday, January 31, 2013
Hippopotamus
When I was a little girl, living in Sweden, I had the privilege to begin to learn English in 3rd grade, a year before my classmates, due to the fact that I had and American father. One of my most vivid memories from that class, which consisted of the teacher and one other student, was the day I learned the word hippopotamus. In Swedish, it is just a boring word, Flodhast, which translates to Riverhorse. But hippopotamus on the other hand, is like having a party in your mouth. I remember saying the word all day long, and eventually sharing what it meant with my other classmates.
Well, today one of the girls asked me, while we were at the football stadium watching the boys practise soccer all afternoon, how to say hippo in English. As soon as I said the word, all the girls started laughing hysterically, and they made me repeat it over and over again, and each time it was followed by loud giggles. It brought me back to the time when I was a little girl, just like they are, when I first began the journey to understand a new, different language.
Each new word of we learn, is like a key that opens another door, bringing us closer and closer to finding a treasure. The treasure is a place where connections and relationships are made. A place where I can become a part of a different life, culture and people. It is so exciting.
Well, today one of the girls asked me, while we were at the football stadium watching the boys practise soccer all afternoon, how to say hippo in English. As soon as I said the word, all the girls started laughing hysterically, and they made me repeat it over and over again, and each time it was followed by loud giggles. It brought me back to the time when I was a little girl, just like they are, when I first began the journey to understand a new, different language.
Each new word of we learn, is like a key that opens another door, bringing us closer and closer to finding a treasure. The treasure is a place where connections and relationships are made. A place where I can become a part of a different life, culture and people. It is so exciting.
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
New student
Yesterday I started spending some time in the afternoon teaching my friend, the taxi driver, English. We met a couple of years ago when I first came here, and when I came back from Lima the other day, I asked if he wanted to practise his English with me. He works a lot, from early morning to late at night, 7 days/week driving his cab, but we managed to find a few hours throughout the week to schedule a class. It is very different to teach an adult. He has different questions and interests than the kids, but I really enjoy it, and we are moving along as slow as we need to. Pronunciation is a big one and I didn´t realize how hard it is for Peruvians to make the th-sound or adding the proper t or n to the end of a word until I started teaching English. Makes me more conscious of my Spanish pronunciation too. We spent most of the time on the alphabet and some basic words, especially some tricky ones. We have now spent a couple hours in the afternoon together and I am amazed how well we are understanding each other. Once in a while I have to look up a word in my dictionary, but today in the car on our way back to drop me off, we actually discussed genetics and height!! Based on my limited Spanish and his limited English, we should not have been able to understand each other, but we did!! I am glad I am being forced to try to make myself understood. If there were more English speakers here I wouldn´t be getting this much practise.
Today´s class at the orphanage got cancelled. When I arrived, water and soap bubbles were oozing out from under the metal gate and it turns out they were scrubbing the floors, cleaning the place. I was a bit sad I didn´t get to see them but that´s just life down here...
Tuesdays here are cheap movie night, $2. I only had two options in English: The new T om Cruise movie and a horror flick, easy choice. Not a huge fan of horror movies. As I walked home in the dark, as quickly as I possible could (although there were still lots of people around), I heard my name and was attacked by lots of little hands and arms, dragging me down for hugs and kisses. It was the girls for the orphanage, on their way home. Highlight of my day for sure!!
PS. I have been drinking "magic wand" tap water for a couple of days now and no stomach problems. WooHoo!
Today´s class at the orphanage got cancelled. When I arrived, water and soap bubbles were oozing out from under the metal gate and it turns out they were scrubbing the floors, cleaning the place. I was a bit sad I didn´t get to see them but that´s just life down here...
Tuesdays here are cheap movie night, $2. I only had two options in English: The new T om Cruise movie and a horror flick, easy choice. Not a huge fan of horror movies. As I walked home in the dark, as quickly as I possible could (although there were still lots of people around), I heard my name and was attacked by lots of little hands and arms, dragging me down for hugs and kisses. It was the girls for the orphanage, on their way home. Highlight of my day for sure!!
PS. I have been drinking "magic wand" tap water for a couple of days now and no stomach problems. WooHoo!
Saturday, January 26, 2013
Agua
I have lived many years in houses and apartments with the wonderful convenience of being able to turn on a faucet and drink clean water whenever I was thirsty. I have also lived in places where I had no water, but had to either pay a water truck to deliver it, or haul it myself in jugs from the harbor, downtown or friend´s houses. When you have it available to you at all times, it is easy to take it for granted. If you don´t have access to it, you learn to conserve it and treasure it.
Preparing to come to Peru, knowing that drinking from the faucet here would most likely get me sick, I researched water purifying devices. My dental hygienist, and avid camper, informed me about a "pen" or "wand" used by campers to purify water with ultra violet light. Just fill up a container with water, push a button and stir it around. When the green button comes on, it is clean enough to drink. Sounds like magic to me. It is hard to trust something we don´t understand. My roommate was as sceptical as I was when I asked for advice if I should buy it or not, but I ordered one...
I´ve now been here for 2 months and I´ve avoided using it from fear it wouldn´t do what the instruction manual claimed it would do and I would end up sick. Instead I have been buying and hauling water bottles from the store almost every day. Today I decided to take a leap of faith and try "my magic pen."
How many times do we chose to, at great cost, haul our heavy burdens around, because we are too scared to trust in God? The one who loves us and gave himself to us, but a God who is sometimes hard to understand because His ways are not our ways. Things that are difficult couldn´t possibly be good...? Will He really do what He said He would do? I have to confess, during the many years of struggles I experienced, I asked my self that a lot. It is easy to trust Him when things are going well in our lives but we can trust Him always.
I want to have BIG faith, in every area of my life. I want to give him all my burdens and worries and let Him carry it.
Whether this "magic pen" can clean my water for me or not, I don´t know yet, but I do know I believe in a God that is trustworthy. He has proven himself faithful over and over in my life, in the big and small things.
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight". Prov. 3:5-6
"Jesus answered, "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life". John 4:13-14
Preparing to come to Peru, knowing that drinking from the faucet here would most likely get me sick, I researched water purifying devices. My dental hygienist, and avid camper, informed me about a "pen" or "wand" used by campers to purify water with ultra violet light. Just fill up a container with water, push a button and stir it around. When the green button comes on, it is clean enough to drink. Sounds like magic to me. It is hard to trust something we don´t understand. My roommate was as sceptical as I was when I asked for advice if I should buy it or not, but I ordered one...
I´ve now been here for 2 months and I´ve avoided using it from fear it wouldn´t do what the instruction manual claimed it would do and I would end up sick. Instead I have been buying and hauling water bottles from the store almost every day. Today I decided to take a leap of faith and try "my magic pen."
How many times do we chose to, at great cost, haul our heavy burdens around, because we are too scared to trust in God? The one who loves us and gave himself to us, but a God who is sometimes hard to understand because His ways are not our ways. Things that are difficult couldn´t possibly be good...? Will He really do what He said He would do? I have to confess, during the many years of struggles I experienced, I asked my self that a lot. It is easy to trust Him when things are going well in our lives but we can trust Him always.
I want to have BIG faith, in every area of my life. I want to give him all my burdens and worries and let Him carry it.
Whether this "magic pen" can clean my water for me or not, I don´t know yet, but I do know I believe in a God that is trustworthy. He has proven himself faithful over and over in my life, in the big and small things.
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight". Prov. 3:5-6
"Jesus answered, "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life". John 4:13-14
Thursday, January 24, 2013
Trampoline fun
Life is good, what else can I say. After yesterday´s cancellation of a visit to one of the orphanages here in Lima, it was great to again spend some time with kids. All the older ones had classes when we arrived, so we got to devote all our attention on five little crazy, energetic boys. (Heaven!)
They have a huge trampoline at this place, it´s the nice private Christian orphanage I visited last month, and we jumped until we couldn´t jump anymore. It was hilarious to launch them high in the air. When we couldn´t jump anymore, we wrestled. I had lollipop in my hair, and all over my shirt from their sticky little fingers, but who cares?!
Ate lunch with the kids, and by then, the older ones were done with classes. Three out of the four boys that spend Christmas with us, were there, and I was so happy to see them again. We handed out candy, and toothbrushes that came all the way from Homer. Then it was time to head back to Lima, with our hearts filled with love... We piled 7 people in our tiny little car for most of the way back to Lima. A couple of us had to take a taxi past the police controls.
Tomorrow I am going back home to Huacho on the bus so packed up all my clean laundry, made a few last minute phonecalls and used the Internet tonight. I am more than ready to get back to my kids.
They have a huge trampoline at this place, it´s the nice private Christian orphanage I visited last month, and we jumped until we couldn´t jump anymore. It was hilarious to launch them high in the air. When we couldn´t jump anymore, we wrestled. I had lollipop in my hair, and all over my shirt from their sticky little fingers, but who cares?!
Ate lunch with the kids, and by then, the older ones were done with classes. Three out of the four boys that spend Christmas with us, were there, and I was so happy to see them again. We handed out candy, and toothbrushes that came all the way from Homer. Then it was time to head back to Lima, with our hearts filled with love... We piled 7 people in our tiny little car for most of the way back to Lima. A couple of us had to take a taxi past the police controls.
Tomorrow I am going back home to Huacho on the bus so packed up all my clean laundry, made a few last minute phonecalls and used the Internet tonight. I am more than ready to get back to my kids.
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
TaeBo and Tallarin
I have been craving a great workout for weeks and yesterday I splurged $11.80 on a day pass to one of the nice gyms here in Lima. A ridiculous price for the economy here, but I got my money´s worth.
Warmed up on the treadmill, did some weights for about 40 min, more cardio on the treadmill and then I noticed the big gym was empty after the Pilates class, so I went in to do a bunch of crunches and stretching. Right when I was about to leave, people started trickling in for the next class and everybody started encouraging me to stay for the class. I have always wanted to try a Taebo class, and I might even have a couple old VHS tapes from a yard sale somewhere in my storage in Homer.
The teacher convinced me to stay. My poor muscles were pushed way past exhaustion and my legs were extremely sore today, but it was a total blast. I was regretting the previous crunches because the class ended with 10 minutes of crunches. Man, I would have abs of steel if I could come here every week!
This morning E´s brother came over to practise his English. It was fun getting to know him a little better. We also go to spend the evening with the rest of their family, and I finally got my lesson in how to make Tallarin. E´s family owns a restaurant at the bottom floor of their house, and they make amazing Peruvian and Chinese food. As we were driving over there, about 10 min from our apartment, in the middle of rush hour traffic, we ran out of gas. Luckily we were only a few blocks from the gasstation and we could push the car over onto the sidewalk... Life in Peru is just one big adventure for sure! Never know what is going to happen. By the time we finally made it to the restaurant, and after watching the skillful cooking by E´s Father, I was ready to eat my megaplate of delicious noodles. We burned off some calories by playing volleyboll on the street with her niece. I managed to ruin the fun when one of my shots landed the ball on the balcony of one of the neighbors. Oops! I was reassured they would get the ball back tomorrow, but I felt terrible for ruining the fun. Came home late, but with a full belly!
Warmed up on the treadmill, did some weights for about 40 min, more cardio on the treadmill and then I noticed the big gym was empty after the Pilates class, so I went in to do a bunch of crunches and stretching. Right when I was about to leave, people started trickling in for the next class and everybody started encouraging me to stay for the class. I have always wanted to try a Taebo class, and I might even have a couple old VHS tapes from a yard sale somewhere in my storage in Homer.
The teacher convinced me to stay. My poor muscles were pushed way past exhaustion and my legs were extremely sore today, but it was a total blast. I was regretting the previous crunches because the class ended with 10 minutes of crunches. Man, I would have abs of steel if I could come here every week!
This morning E´s brother came over to practise his English. It was fun getting to know him a little better. We also go to spend the evening with the rest of their family, and I finally got my lesson in how to make Tallarin. E´s family owns a restaurant at the bottom floor of their house, and they make amazing Peruvian and Chinese food. As we were driving over there, about 10 min from our apartment, in the middle of rush hour traffic, we ran out of gas. Luckily we were only a few blocks from the gasstation and we could push the car over onto the sidewalk... Life in Peru is just one big adventure for sure! Never know what is going to happen. By the time we finally made it to the restaurant, and after watching the skillful cooking by E´s Father, I was ready to eat my megaplate of delicious noodles. We burned off some calories by playing volleyboll on the street with her niece. I managed to ruin the fun when one of my shots landed the ball on the balcony of one of the neighbors. Oops! I was reassured they would get the ball back tomorrow, but I felt terrible for ruining the fun. Came home late, but with a full belly!
Sunday, January 20, 2013
Swedish and Soccer
I think I found a "COTR -Lima" today. Went to church a about a 10 minute walk from the apartment, and from the moment I stepped through the doors, I felt like I was almost at home. Everything from the greeters, to the set-up and welcoming speech was so familiar and it felt so comfortable being there. Today happened to be a day with a guest speaker from the States, so I didn´t have to focus on translating and could just enjoy the message.
This afternoon, I was determined to watch a soccer game between Peru and Uruguay, but since the TV in the apartment was claimed for American football for most of the afternoon and evening, I walked across the street to a cafe and found a TV. I shared it with a businessman from Iquitos and we chatted a bit in Spanish. When he found out I was from Sweden, he called his friend who had lived there almost 30 years, and we spoke a little on the phone. Later he joined us at the cafe and I got to speak more Swedish while watching soccer. Double treat!!
This afternoon, I was determined to watch a soccer game between Peru and Uruguay, but since the TV in the apartment was claimed for American football for most of the afternoon and evening, I walked across the street to a cafe and found a TV. I shared it with a businessman from Iquitos and we chatted a bit in Spanish. When he found out I was from Sweden, he called his friend who had lived there almost 30 years, and we spoke a little on the phone. Later he joined us at the cafe and I got to speak more Swedish while watching soccer. Double treat!!
Saturday, January 19, 2013
Weddings
At the store yesterday I hopped on a bathroom scale in the bathroom isle and happily discovered I´ve lost 15 lbs in the past 6-7 weeks, despite a few ice creams and the heavenly chocolate mousse... I don´t cook much where I live now, mostly sandwiches and one bigger meal/day, and all that walking must have done it. An office job is probably one of the worst things for your health, sitting on your bum 8-9hours/day!
The weight loss inspired me to go running today, and oh my, what a difference to run with 15lbs less to haul around. Had to stop sooner than I wanted because I had forgotten my water bottle and was afraid to overheat in the hot sun, but it was fun to be running again.
One of the reasons I cam back this weekend was to attend a wedding at Wilma´s church, but the groom pulled out last minute. I feel so sad for the bride, but I guess it is better it happened now rather than in a few months or years.
On a happier note, a super sweet couple in Homer got married today, and I wish I could have flown home for just one day and celebrate with them and their families and friends.
The weight loss inspired me to go running today, and oh my, what a difference to run with 15lbs less to haul around. Had to stop sooner than I wanted because I had forgotten my water bottle and was afraid to overheat in the hot sun, but it was fun to be running again.
One of the reasons I cam back this weekend was to attend a wedding at Wilma´s church, but the groom pulled out last minute. I feel so sad for the bride, but I guess it is better it happened now rather than in a few months or years.
On a happier note, a super sweet couple in Homer got married today, and I wish I could have flown home for just one day and celebrate with them and their families and friends.
Thursday, January 17, 2013
Lima visit
Some of the older boys have been showing off their knowledge of certain sentences these last couple of days and I love following their instructions after our class, when they are shouting out: "STAND UP, SIT DOWN, JUMP, POINT TO THE TABLE" etc... They seem pretty stoked that I understand them, but today I made a happy discovery, when one of the littlest guys, who sometimes attend class, spoke up and said "Touch your nose, point to the chair". It was the first time I had heard him say anything in English and it wasn´t just a word, it was whole sentences!! I was so proud of him. Things are sticking in their minds!!
After class I ran to the mall for a quick bite to eat, and I was trying to figure out the best and safest way to get to the busstation to go to Lima. As I was walking home, I happened to run into my taxidriver friend, and was able to arrange for him to pick me up in 10 min. Perfect timing! I am so thankful he came with me because once we arrived at the station I was pretty much mobbed by different bus companies yelling at me to come with them and yanking on the strap to my bag. Luckily my friend had a firm grip on my bag until we figured out what bus to get on. I never had a chance to figure out about tickets or anything, they practically shoved me up the stairs of the bus, and before I even found a seat, the bus backed out of the station. Pheww.... Didn´t know where in Lima I was going to be dropped off, but at least I was on my way to the right city. Thankfully, my dear Peruvian friends figured out at what station to pick me up when I gave them the name of the bus company, printed on the back of every chair and curtain. I got sucked into watching a movie as we got closer to Lima, even though it was in Spanish, but we arrived when it still had maybe 10 minutes left and the screens went black. Now I will have to find it in English and watch the whole thing over again.
My friend from Homer arrived last weekend and it was great to catch up with him. It is our third time together in Peru and it was great to have him join us for a month.
Tonight we had a birthday party for a friend who turned 20 years old and we got a cake for him. So far I haven´t found a cake I´ve been super impressed with and we have tried a big selection of them with all the holidays and parties we have had the last couple of months. They look pretty fancy on the outside, but something is "missing" when I try them. Did find a chocolate mousse to die for though!
After class I ran to the mall for a quick bite to eat, and I was trying to figure out the best and safest way to get to the busstation to go to Lima. As I was walking home, I happened to run into my taxidriver friend, and was able to arrange for him to pick me up in 10 min. Perfect timing! I am so thankful he came with me because once we arrived at the station I was pretty much mobbed by different bus companies yelling at me to come with them and yanking on the strap to my bag. Luckily my friend had a firm grip on my bag until we figured out what bus to get on. I never had a chance to figure out about tickets or anything, they practically shoved me up the stairs of the bus, and before I even found a seat, the bus backed out of the station. Pheww.... Didn´t know where in Lima I was going to be dropped off, but at least I was on my way to the right city. Thankfully, my dear Peruvian friends figured out at what station to pick me up when I gave them the name of the bus company, printed on the back of every chair and curtain. I got sucked into watching a movie as we got closer to Lima, even though it was in Spanish, but we arrived when it still had maybe 10 minutes left and the screens went black. Now I will have to find it in English and watch the whole thing over again.
My friend from Homer arrived last weekend and it was great to catch up with him. It is our third time together in Peru and it was great to have him join us for a month.
Tonight we had a birthday party for a friend who turned 20 years old and we got a cake for him. So far I haven´t found a cake I´ve been super impressed with and we have tried a big selection of them with all the holidays and parties we have had the last couple of months. They look pretty fancy on the outside, but something is "missing" when I try them. Did find a chocolate mousse to die for though!
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
"My name is Jessica"
The girls have started practising volleyball in the mornings a few days/week, so I will not be able to see them Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays for our English classes. I only had the boys today and we worked a little on "My name is Jessica, what is your name?" "My name is..." Most of them did great, others were really shy about responding. After class a bunch of them thought it was hilarious to run around shouting "My name is Jessica". It was absolutely adorable...
Got some disappointing news that things from Homer, that I had been hoping for, never made it to my friend who flew to Lima today. Mostly school supplies, but also some personal belongings I was looking forward to. I was surprised how it dampened my mood for most of the day. Despite the fact that I love being here, there are still things from AK that I miss very much, spending time with old friends, Thai food, walking in the snow, pizza staff meetings @COTR, for example. Getting a letter from home or even just seeing an old beat up Toyota or Dodge truck on the street really excites me! Maybe that is why I felt so gloomy when I found out I wasn´t getting the things from home... I also had a dream about 2 good friends last night which made me miss them quite a bit.
I took a long walk on the beach in the late afternoon and felt much better. When I´ve felt stressed, sad, mad or confused in the past, being close to the ocean always helped me refocus and feel peaceful again. The two years I spent landlocked in Utah was difficult for me, but since I managed to escape to the coast of California a couple of times, I survived even those years. I love that live only a couple blocks from the water now. And things are just things.
Got some disappointing news that things from Homer, that I had been hoping for, never made it to my friend who flew to Lima today. Mostly school supplies, but also some personal belongings I was looking forward to. I was surprised how it dampened my mood for most of the day. Despite the fact that I love being here, there are still things from AK that I miss very much, spending time with old friends, Thai food, walking in the snow, pizza staff meetings @COTR, for example. Getting a letter from home or even just seeing an old beat up Toyota or Dodge truck on the street really excites me! Maybe that is why I felt so gloomy when I found out I wasn´t getting the things from home... I also had a dream about 2 good friends last night which made me miss them quite a bit.
I took a long walk on the beach in the late afternoon and felt much better. When I´ve felt stressed, sad, mad or confused in the past, being close to the ocean always helped me refocus and feel peaceful again. The two years I spent landlocked in Utah was difficult for me, but since I managed to escape to the coast of California a couple of times, I survived even those years. I love that live only a couple blocks from the water now. And things are just things.
Friday, January 11, 2013
Pet chickens
I don't think I have mentioned that we have two pets living with us. When I first met them, they were tiny little fluff balls, that could both fit easily into my hand. They have now grown into, what I would call, teenagers. Most of the time they live in a box, but lately, they have been spending a lot of time in our bathroom. The other day I went to take a shower and moved the shower curtain, and there they were. Had to spend the next few minutes chasing them down and putting them in their box before I could get my shower. I am curious what it will be like as they grow older. Supposedly there is one male and one female. Does that mean we will be waking up to a rooster alarm clock sometime soon? Time will tell I guess. I have to say it is the oddest pet I have ever had in my house. Wouldn't mind some fresh eggs in the morning though!
Day 2 of English lessons went well, and I have to say the boys are impressing me with their focus and participation. Some of the girls are doing great too, but almost all the boys are very engaged, versus about half the girls. It is also a bit harder to to teach the girls b/c there are so many of them. I would like to sit down and do a lot more one-on-one, but maybe I will have more time for that later on.
Stayed behind after class and had some time with a few of the boys today. One of them laid down on the bench next to me and put his head in my lap and I stroked his hair. He stayed there for a long time and I almost thought he had fallen asleep. I wish all of them could grow up with a mom or a dad, or both, that loves them more than anything in the whole world. That they know how special and important they are. I know I can't change their living situation or family relationships, but I hope and pray they will soon know that their Heavenly Father feels that way about each and every one of them.
Day 2 of English lessons went well, and I have to say the boys are impressing me with their focus and participation. Some of the girls are doing great too, but almost all the boys are very engaged, versus about half the girls. It is also a bit harder to to teach the girls b/c there are so many of them. I would like to sit down and do a lot more one-on-one, but maybe I will have more time for that later on.
Stayed behind after class and had some time with a few of the boys today. One of them laid down on the bench next to me and put his head in my lap and I stroked his hair. He stayed there for a long time and I almost thought he had fallen asleep. I wish all of them could grow up with a mom or a dad, or both, that loves them more than anything in the whole world. That they know how special and important they are. I know I can't change their living situation or family relationships, but I hope and pray they will soon know that their Heavenly Father feels that way about each and every one of them.
Thursday, January 10, 2013
First day of class
Yesterday I didn't see the kids, and I missed them terribly. I ran around and did some errands. Managed to find the fruit market all by myself, must have been my built-in "fruit radar" helping me out. Bought some mangos, kiwis, bananas, pears and passionfruits, all that for a couple bucks!! Fruitsalad, coming up!
Spent the rest of the day reading a book I got from one of the girls on the Nome team. She moved down here for a few months too, but didn't plan to teach English, so it will come to better use with me!! It's called English in A ction and it is so helpful with prepping for classes. I was a bit nervous since I am not a teacher. I really don't know what I am doing, but after reading some of the instructions in that book, I felt a lot more confident that I can do this. I'll try to make it as fun as possible.
Today was Day 1 as an English teacher. Started off with 20 girls and moved on to teach 17 boys. It was fun and time flew by. I must have been nervous still, because my mouth was as dry as a cottonball when I was done. Note to self; bring a waterbottle!
To get them used to hearing the English language and participate, I am starting out with a few of them in chairs and I start with giving a command, for example "Stand up". Then I show them what I want them to do, and then I motion that I want them to do the same. Other commands we practised today was "Sit down", "Jump", "Turn around", "Walk" and "Stop". I can tell some of them are picking it up much quicker than others and I wish I could break them into smaller groups right away, but since I am alone, we'll make do with the big groups.
Later this afternoon I got up the courage to leave the house with my phone and found a cafe with Internet. While I ate my lunch I spoke with mom on V iber and a couple of friends in AK. It was nice to catch-up, and I didn't get robbed.
Spent the rest of the day reading a book I got from one of the girls on the Nome team. She moved down here for a few months too, but didn't plan to teach English, so it will come to better use with me!! It's called English in A ction and it is so helpful with prepping for classes. I was a bit nervous since I am not a teacher. I really don't know what I am doing, but after reading some of the instructions in that book, I felt a lot more confident that I can do this. I'll try to make it as fun as possible.
Today was Day 1 as an English teacher. Started off with 20 girls and moved on to teach 17 boys. It was fun and time flew by. I must have been nervous still, because my mouth was as dry as a cottonball when I was done. Note to self; bring a waterbottle!
To get them used to hearing the English language and participate, I am starting out with a few of them in chairs and I start with giving a command, for example "Stand up". Then I show them what I want them to do, and then I motion that I want them to do the same. Other commands we practised today was "Sit down", "Jump", "Turn around", "Walk" and "Stop". I can tell some of them are picking it up much quicker than others and I wish I could break them into smaller groups right away, but since I am alone, we'll make do with the big groups.
Later this afternoon I got up the courage to leave the house with my phone and found a cafe with Internet. While I ate my lunch I spoke with mom on V iber and a couple of friends in AK. It was nice to catch-up, and I didn't get robbed.
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
Stocking up on school supplies
I don't know my way around town very well yet, so K took me to the market to help me buy a fan for my room and to a market full of school supplies where I bought over 40 notebooks/pencils and a few erasers and pencil sharpener. I LOVE notebooks and pens and could have stayed all day and spent all my money but only got what I really needed. It is nice to know where it is located if I, some day in the future want to get myself a little present though!
In the early afternoon we went to pick up the kids to go to the beach, like we had set up yesterday, but was told to come back again at 4pm, when the sun isn't so strong. Hung out with the boys a bit, trying to learn the cardgame they were playing, but it was too complicated for me to figure out without any verbal instructions...
Later we, or rather they (foot still a balloon), played more soccer on the beach. It is really sad how much trash is laying around on the beach. Bottles, plastic, diapers, wrappers etc. It was hard to find a spot to play that wasn't completely covered with litter. I am going to try to see if I can do some beach cleanup while I am here.
Said goodbye to my friends K&P, they are going back to Lima tomorrow morning to meet up with the team from Nome that are returning from Cusco in the afternoon. I will officially be on my own here! Sink or swim!
In the early afternoon we went to pick up the kids to go to the beach, like we had set up yesterday, but was told to come back again at 4pm, when the sun isn't so strong. Hung out with the boys a bit, trying to learn the cardgame they were playing, but it was too complicated for me to figure out without any verbal instructions...
Later we, or rather they (foot still a balloon), played more soccer on the beach. It is really sad how much trash is laying around on the beach. Bottles, plastic, diapers, wrappers etc. It was hard to find a spot to play that wasn't completely covered with litter. I am going to try to see if I can do some beach cleanup while I am here.
Said goodbye to my friends K&P, they are going back to Lima tomorrow morning to meet up with the team from Nome that are returning from Cusco in the afternoon. I will officially be on my own here! Sink or swim!
Monday, January 7, 2013
Time with the kids
Spent time with the girls at the orphanage over an hour this morning. Trying to learn all their names; Yokira, Yolisa, Flor, Milagos, Sofia, Ruth, Alexandra, Alejandra etc...Came home with a stack of drawings I am going to put on the wall in my room. It will be fun to spend more time with them. K helped me speak with the director at the orphanage and we were able to set up my English classes, starting on Thursday. I get an hour with the girls and an hour with the boys in the mornings. Hurray!!
Later in the afternoon we picked up the boys and took them to the beach and played soccer in the sand. Well, they played, I watched, because my right foot is still terribly swollen. I have hopes for it though, because now the left one looks almost normal. The right leg had more bites so maybe that is why it still needs a few more days to shrink. A lot of the kids kept asking me, "how do you say... in English", and it is fun to see their hunger to learn and to communicate. I ask them how to say it in Spanish, so we are both learning. Got home right at dusk and took a cold shower before the water got shut off for a few hours. The whole town does this to save on water in the summer time. It was fun to see the sky through the ceiling, felt like being in an outdoor shower, except a little more private!
Later in the afternoon we picked up the boys and took them to the beach and played soccer in the sand. Well, they played, I watched, because my right foot is still terribly swollen. I have hopes for it though, because now the left one looks almost normal. The right leg had more bites so maybe that is why it still needs a few more days to shrink. A lot of the kids kept asking me, "how do you say... in English", and it is fun to see their hunger to learn and to communicate. I ask them how to say it in Spanish, so we are both learning. Got home right at dusk and took a cold shower before the water got shut off for a few hours. The whole town does this to save on water in the summer time. It was fun to see the sky through the ceiling, felt like being in an outdoor shower, except a little more private!
Sunday, January 6, 2013
Beach day
It is a strange thing to look down at your legs and feet and not recognize them at all. I wonder at what point I should start worrying. When I fly far distances sometimes they swell up and it takes 3-4 days for them to get back to normal, but since this wasn't caused by air pressure I am not sure how long I should wait before seeking medical attention. I'll keep taking what pills I have and hope for the best.
Most of the team left this morning but two of them stayed behind for a few more days so I am not quite on my own just yet. Took it easy this morning and had fish and rice for breakfast with the family. I can't recall if I have ever had fish for breakfast before, but it was yummy. We took a moto (a motorcycle with a little bench seat in the back and a shell around it) to a beach about 15 minutes away and it was a nice beach. I am not a huge fan of shorebreak so I didn't go swimming although it was tempting. Could rent a parasol for about $1.25 and although I was stretched out in the sun for over an hour, I too eventually had to move my head into the shade. Coming there at midday was maybe a bold move. Later in the afternoon would have been perfect.
Went to church tonight and met the American pastor and his son. Mostly college students, skaters and surfers attend and a couple families. There were maybe around 20 people there tonight. Hopefully I will get to know them a bit over the next few months. I actually understood most of the message, and it helped that there was a PowerPoint presentation so I could both read and hear at the same time. According to the notice, service starts at 7pm, but found out that it is actually Peruvian time and it didn't get going until around 8pm. Good to know for next week. I wish there was a morning service so I didn't have to worry about being out at night, but will have to figure something out.
Most of the team left this morning but two of them stayed behind for a few more days so I am not quite on my own just yet. Took it easy this morning and had fish and rice for breakfast with the family. I can't recall if I have ever had fish for breakfast before, but it was yummy. We took a moto (a motorcycle with a little bench seat in the back and a shell around it) to a beach about 15 minutes away and it was a nice beach. I am not a huge fan of shorebreak so I didn't go swimming although it was tempting. Could rent a parasol for about $1.25 and although I was stretched out in the sun for over an hour, I too eventually had to move my head into the shade. Coming there at midday was maybe a bold move. Later in the afternoon would have been perfect.
Went to church tonight and met the American pastor and his son. Mostly college students, skaters and surfers attend and a couple families. There were maybe around 20 people there tonight. Hopefully I will get to know them a bit over the next few months. I actually understood most of the message, and it helped that there was a PowerPoint presentation so I could both read and hear at the same time. According to the notice, service starts at 7pm, but found out that it is actually Peruvian time and it didn't get going until around 8pm. Good to know for next week. I wish there was a morning service so I didn't have to worry about being out at night, but will have to figure something out.
Saturday, January 5, 2013
Making memories
Opened my eyes this morning and realized I could see the blue sky through a hole in the ceiling. This made me smile and even chuckle a bit. It is a very good thing it doesn't rain or I would have to move my bed to the other side of the room. I just hope that too many bugs and other critters won't find their way down... Slept really good, my new neighborhood is not as noisy as the apartment in Lima with its constant honking and other traffic noises, but I kind of regretted I went for the cheap firm mattress, because it turned out to live up to it's claim - FIRM. Almost felt like I slept on the floor, but I will eventually adjust to not having a foam top mattress anymore... I later noticed that every room has a whole in the roof, ventilation I assume with the biggest one in the bathroom over the shower. Won't have to worry about mold problems that way.
Yesterday I made a big mistake. I did two very quick squirts with the bugspray on my legs and ended up with about 30 bug bites on one leg and probably over 50 on the other (gave up counting after 40 something)... I have know idea what kind of poison those little buggers had in their fangs but throughout the day today, my legs started swelling pretty bad and they itch like crazy! If I ever go back to that Sayan I am covering myself with bugspray from head to toe. Could barely hobble from my bed to the lightswitch at bedtime on my balloon feet. Took some benedryl and asperin to try to reduce them to normal size overnight.
Besides the puffy leg issues I think this day goes down as one of my favorite days of all times. We took the kids to the park for the whole day. Played ball, walked around, ate lunch, made colorful string bracelets together etc. I got to spend a lot of time getting to know Jose better and some of the other kids too of course. I felt completely and utterly content and I couldn't think of anything else I would rather do or anywhere else I would rather be than where I was today. Seeing them smiling and laughing is the best feeling in the whole world.
Yesterday I made a big mistake. I did two very quick squirts with the bugspray on my legs and ended up with about 30 bug bites on one leg and probably over 50 on the other (gave up counting after 40 something)... I have know idea what kind of poison those little buggers had in their fangs but throughout the day today, my legs started swelling pretty bad and they itch like crazy! If I ever go back to that Sayan I am covering myself with bugspray from head to toe. Could barely hobble from my bed to the lightswitch at bedtime on my balloon feet. Took some benedryl and asperin to try to reduce them to normal size overnight.
Besides the puffy leg issues I think this day goes down as one of my favorite days of all times. We took the kids to the park for the whole day. Played ball, walked around, ate lunch, made colorful string bracelets together etc. I got to spend a lot of time getting to know Jose better and some of the other kids too of course. I felt completely and utterly content and I couldn't think of anything else I would rather do or anywhere else I would rather be than where I was today. Seeing them smiling and laughing is the best feeling in the whole world.
Friday, January 4, 2013
Casa sweet casa!
Woke up around 6am to take my last hot shower for awhile. My friends A, S and I left the Lima apartment a little after 7 and grabbed a taxi to the bus station. We had just missed the 7:30 bus so we waited around for the next one. Lucky for us, they depart every thirty minutes. I am amazed that a three hour busride cost only around $5, the price of a fancy cup of coffee. I am so grateful that it is so affordable, because it will allow me to go visit friends for a few days when I feel the urge, without having to stress about the cost. Busride went by quick. They showed a W ill S mith movie, but since I didn't feel like watching it in Spanish, I read one of my favorite books, studied some Spanish and admired the beautiful coastline and waves instead. Buses are super comfortable, if you are a small Peruvian or if the person in front of you doesn't tip their chair back. I wasn't so lucky and got my knee bonked pretty hard and had to spend the rest of the trip in an interesting position... My short Peruvian friend looked very comfy next to me!! Travelling and when buying pants are the few times I wish my legs were a bit shorter...
Discovered that summer is in full swing when we arrived and the heat felt amazing. Not a stuffy kind of heat because there is a nice breeze, but very comfortable. Went to my new home but only had time to pick up a key from "my new family" and throw my bags in the room and then we headed over to the hotel to get the team all checked in before they arrived in the van. After lunch we went to a town about 45 min north called Sayan. He handed out bread and prayed for people in one of the poorest area. Two of the kids from the orphanage and the secretary had come with us so they could spend time with their sponsors, and they always need a chaperon when leaving the orphanage. Had a great time and on our last stop on our way home, the secretary started asking questions about our faith and God, and she ended up giving her heart to the Lord right there in the van! It was so exciting to welcome her to the family!!
Another highlight of the day was going to the orphanage in the evening and seeing the kids. I can't get over how amazing they all are. I know I am where I am supposed to be right now. I told them I was staying in town for awhile and when I asked who wanted to learn English there were lots of little hands in the air, both boys and girls. My Jose was with his guardian tonight, but there were plenty of other little boys to hug, arm wrestle, tickle and snuggle with. I can't believe I really get to stay here. I get to see them again and again and again... I don't have to say goodbye in a few day.
One of the guys from our team were going to escort me home after dinner because it was kind of late, but the one taxi driver we know in Huacho came by the restaurant to visit with us and he ended up giving me a ride home. Perfect timing. He practised what little English he knew and I struggled along with my little Spanish and we actually had a little conversation going. I was really tired but didn't want to go to bed until I had unpacked my clothes, Spanish books and toiletries and got a little organized. Now I feel good. I am home.
(unable to load pictures to blog at this time but if that changes I will add later)
Discovered that summer is in full swing when we arrived and the heat felt amazing. Not a stuffy kind of heat because there is a nice breeze, but very comfortable. Went to my new home but only had time to pick up a key from "my new family" and throw my bags in the room and then we headed over to the hotel to get the team all checked in before they arrived in the van. After lunch we went to a town about 45 min north called Sayan. He handed out bread and prayed for people in one of the poorest area. Two of the kids from the orphanage and the secretary had come with us so they could spend time with their sponsors, and they always need a chaperon when leaving the orphanage. Had a great time and on our last stop on our way home, the secretary started asking questions about our faith and God, and she ended up giving her heart to the Lord right there in the van! It was so exciting to welcome her to the family!!
Another highlight of the day was going to the orphanage in the evening and seeing the kids. I can't get over how amazing they all are. I know I am where I am supposed to be right now. I told them I was staying in town for awhile and when I asked who wanted to learn English there were lots of little hands in the air, both boys and girls. My Jose was with his guardian tonight, but there were plenty of other little boys to hug, arm wrestle, tickle and snuggle with. I can't believe I really get to stay here. I get to see them again and again and again... I don't have to say goodbye in a few day.
One of the guys from our team were going to escort me home after dinner because it was kind of late, but the one taxi driver we know in Huacho came by the restaurant to visit with us and he ended up giving me a ride home. Perfect timing. He practised what little English he knew and I struggled along with my little Spanish and we actually had a little conversation going. I was really tired but didn't want to go to bed until I had unpacked my clothes, Spanish books and toiletries and got a little organized. Now I feel good. I am home.
(unable to load pictures to blog at this time but if that changes I will add later)
Thursday, January 3, 2013
Last day in Lima
Tomorrow is my big moving day! I am so excited! Can't believe the day is almost here. I have been repacking my bags and exchanging money to get everything ready. It will feel so wonderful to actually unpack and get organized after living out of my bags for almost 5 weeks. The team is going in a rented van, but I am going on the bus with A early in the morning, since the van is full. Hopefully they can at least take one of my bags.
The 4 boys went back to the orphanage yesterday morning and I miss them a lot. It was so nice to have them here everyday. I really connected with Hector. We often did the dishes, cleaned the kitchen together and tried our best to talk to each other. I hope I see all of them again soon.
A lot of people are nervous about me moving to Huacho. I keep getting the advice to be careful, don't go out after dark, don't carry much money on you etc... I probably should be more concerned about this, but I have such peace about my move and as I was thinking about this new situation and was praying about it today, I opened up my Bible and my eyes landed on Luke 1:74-75, talking about our Messiah coming "...to rescue us from the hand of our enemies, and to enable us to serve him without fear in holiness and righteousness before him all our days." This is where my peace is coming from. What hope we have in Him!
The 4 boys went back to the orphanage yesterday morning and I miss them a lot. It was so nice to have them here everyday. I really connected with Hector. We often did the dishes, cleaned the kitchen together and tried our best to talk to each other. I hope I see all of them again soon.
A lot of people are nervous about me moving to Huacho. I keep getting the advice to be careful, don't go out after dark, don't carry much money on you etc... I probably should be more concerned about this, but I have such peace about my move and as I was thinking about this new situation and was praying about it today, I opened up my Bible and my eyes landed on Luke 1:74-75, talking about our Messiah coming "...to rescue us from the hand of our enemies, and to enable us to serve him without fear in holiness and righteousness before him all our days." This is where my peace is coming from. What hope we have in Him!
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
Adios 2012, Bienvenido 2013
Thanks to the holidays I have been learning a lot more about Peruvian traditions, and New Years was no exception. I quickly discovered that yellow is the color of the last day of the year. Yellow is everywhere; hats, whistles, noisemakers, garlands and even underwear. They also buy or make a large doll, stuffing it with old clothes etc and at midnight they set it on fire. In Homer we have the burning basket and it reminded me a bit of that; getting rid of old things and starting over new.
I usually talk to my mom on the phone at midnight, Swedish time, but we were in a taxi on our way home from the market so I talked to her shortly after instead.
I spent the afternoon and night at my friend A's house with her family and I got to know her sisters a little bit during the evening. I felt like I was in a beauty salon; got my hair straightened and my nails done... What a treat!! The rest of the evening was just as wonderful and I got to practise lots of Spanish by trying to keep up with the conversation. We started eating a little before midnight and then ran out and watched the sky explode in color once again. We had a couple "burning men" outside the house too, so it was quite the show! Stayed up until about 3am, but more and more relatives showed up and the party didn't quiet down until 7am so we didn't sleep much last night. It was like trying to sleep in a nightclub, next to the speaker! :)
Came back to the apartment today and helped prep lunch/dinner for the team that arrived from Nome, AK early this morning. They had to spend New Years in the air. One of the girls will be staying in Peru when the team leaves, but she will be in Cusco for the first months to study Spanish. She would also rather be in Huacho, so maybe we might end up being roommates if it all works out!
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