Oh hey. It's been a while, and let me just say it's so nice to see you again. Ha thanks for dropping by. So Peru. Where do I even begin? The first wave has ended, and I'm officially on the downward slope. I can't believe I only have six weeks left here. Where has the time gone? We still have so much to do, and I can't fathom that my time here is officially on the count DOWN.
The past two months of my life have been the months in which I have absolutely learned the most. I feel like I've grown more as a person in the past seven weeks than in my twenty years of life, and that is a humbling thought. I came here with the attitude of "I can't wait to help these people improve their lives!" When in fact, the roles have been completely reversed. There is not a day that passes that I am not blessed by the examples of others, whether they be native Peruvians or my fellow volunteers. I am surrounded by some truly amazing people and with their help I feel as though I've come a long way from the person I was when I landed in Piura.
Today I feel like I should write about some things I've learned during my time here, so here it goes.
First and foremost: Humility. Though I'm sure you'll consider this an obvious development, it has nonetheless become a larger presence in my life. The people of Peru have got to be the happiest on planet Earth, and all in the face of great trial and poverty. They find happiness in the smallest things and are always so eager to learn. They never place themselves above another, but rather take pride in their community and use that to come together. It has been so inspiring to be a part of something so concrete in a place where things always seem to be falling apart.
Second: Patience. Again, it's a "cliche`" thing to learn on a service trip. It's also something I feel like I'm constantly in the processes of mastering. Life in Peru is slow moving and things always take more time than you plan for. Meetings are canceled last minute, research takes weeks, and laundry by hand seems like it takes an eternity. I would be lying if I said I was not often frustrated by one of the above, but as time passes here I am trying more and more to accept the slow pace of Latin American life. Patience is a virtue, and one I will master soon enough thanks to my time in Peru.
Next, during my time here I have come to understand more fully what it means to love another child of God. Peruvians are pro at this. I have experienced it first hand. The sacrifices that have been made on my behalf are countless and the service I experience on a daily basis (both from patient Peruvians and my giving fellow volunteers) is overwhelming. I have felt the Love of my Heavenly Father here stronger than any other time in my life, and I think that is because I see it among everyone else here. Everyone, whether you're from the States or Peru, takes care of one another and that is a powerful thing when you consider we met but a few weeks ago.
Lastly: Avocados. I love them. I never gave them a shot before, but now I feel like my day is empty if I don't eat some guac.
until next time-lakin
No comments:
Post a Comment