Mi Casa Nueva

It is difficult to even begin to put in words what I have gone through over this last week, but I will give it my best shot.
After ooh's and aah's at DC gov buildings, several orientation meetings, many introductions to the ~80 volunteers traveling to Peru, the last supper of pizza and beer enjoyments, and many many hours waiting in airports... I somehow wound up in Peru! The first thing I did in Peru was lose my camera-- not a good start, but I figured I was still alive (and in PERU!), so I was contenta. We had a few day retreat near Lima (the capital city) with all 80 volunteers at this old monastery place. I don't remember anything except the food was great and I got to play futbol. Jajaja--- just kidding. It was a great introduction into our life for the next 2 ½ years. It motivated me and grounded me. It reaffirmed my reasons and dedication for being here, and also gave me a slap in the face of how things are going to be. There were two current voluntarios there from Water and Sanitation (WATSAN) who really gave us the insight on how things are. I can say that hands down this will be the most challenging thing that I have ever done. It will without a doubt make me feel hopeless at times and make me want to quit. It will for sure push and pull me in directions that I have never even imagined. But am I still willing to do this? ...I answered YES.
Some traveling by super loco combis (buses with crazy drivers, think of that 2-story busride in Harry Potter..!) led us to Santa Eulalia where we soon thereafter met our host families. Let me tell you, I don't remember the last time I had been this nerviosa. I thought I was going to faint, cry, or be sick... none of which would probably make a good first impression so my body decided to just instead stand there like a deer in headlights when they called me to meet my familia. So this was the momenta that I found out that being nervous is extremely debilitating for speaking another language. I honestly don't even think I formed complete sentences that whole taxi ride. Well, by the time I arrived at their casa I was able to breathe again and even begin to make sense! Well, it was easy since I was being welcomed into the kindest familia in town. =) I am so grateful for their patience. Jaime (el padre) and Deri (la madre) have an 18 y/o son named Giancarlo who likes WWF wrestling and a 15 y/o daughter named Mishel who is absolutely 100% infatuated with Justin Bieber. The first thing she asked me was if I would go listen to Justin Bieber (“her boyfriend” she says). Jajaja!! OH! And my room was definitely not complete without a picture of Justin right next to my bed.
Ahora, we have class for 8 hours a day, 5-6 times a week. We are learning Spanish, technical skills for our WATSAN projects, Peruvian culture & history, and about safety. It's intense, but I love it. My mind is this open cereal bowl that I want to fill with as many fruit-loops as possible!! Jajaja. I think the thing is that I want to learn as much as I possibly can right now so I can be as prepared as possible for the next two years. I want all the tools I will ever need, and this is my chance to get them.
One thing that my host family has said from the start is “poco a poco” = “little by little”. I have reminded myself of this every dia. It is important, especially now with so many new things being thrown my way every momento, to keep patience with myself as I go along. I will improve a little every day, I will learn a little every day, and I will make mistakes a little every day. It's just how it is. So I must remember to take things poco a poco. And this includes all of my funny awkward moments...
Getting used to these awkward moments is part of it all. I know I'm not alone in this because a lot of our free time during escuela is talking/laughing about all our awkward/funny moments. Not a day goes by that I don't say something that is soon turned into a laugh. So far, through my very loquacious Spanish-speaking ability, I have been able to: say that I am wearing a chicken, say that I put machines on my face, offer my host siblings some gay-flavored candy, say that I washed my hands with a ham, and ask my host dad to shower me. Wowwwwwwww... si. Well, these are all things that come with learning speaking another language and at least they make us laugh right?! I've come to expect these little surprises...
The language is not the only thing different here. This is a whole new world compared to los Estados Unidos. So much is different here for me: bug spray is the new perfume, cat-calls come with being una chica and are now expected while walking down the street, hot showers are a thing of the past, earth quakes are no biggy, green grass is a strange encounter, clean feet is odd, speaking English is unnatural, small meals don't exist, and being confused is normal. Sounds like an upside-down Alice In Wonderland dream to me!
Overall, I feel as if I am a toddler learning to walk for the first time. I am having to learn many things that are so normal to the people here. It's very interesting for me and also an unusual thing for us as humans.
Well, I hope this has given you some insight as to what I have been experiencing for the last week. Also, this was nice for me to put this week in review and reflect on it. So, thanks! There are many many more things to come, like I said-- I am still a toddler.

Pre-game butterflies

Sports have always been a big part of my life. I have played in hundreds of various sports games throughout my 22 years of existence starting from around the young age of seven. Before each and every game, no matter how many times I had previously stepped onto the field/court, I would without fail get "the butterflies." That whole-body feeling of anxiousness, nervousness, excitement... when your mind is an electric bowl of waves crashing into one another, your stomach seems to have a mind of it's own like it may return your mac'n'cheese lunch at any moment, and the formation of words into complete sentences is a skill that has somehow escaped your entire realm of abilities-- leaving the only thing able to be done: to remain still and ready.

Imagine the Peace Corps as being my Final Championship game in the World Cup.. and these are my "pre-game butterflies."


In other news........
Packing is slowly but surely coming together. To pack as little as possible for a 2-year trip is quite an interesting challenge. There's the essentials, then there's the wants. The "essentials" are those clothing options that will cover a lot of different social scenarios, fabric being able to wear rugged and not wrinkle much, and enough clothing to cover both warm and cold climate types. The "wants" are those things that one enjoys the comfort of here at home and that will keep me occupied during the long, solo days/nights (books, hemp&beads, glow-in-the-dark stars...) Basically, most of things that one would like to take (coughmybikecough) are stripped down to the bear necessities plus a few little extra things that will keep me sane.... like my glow-in-the-dark stars. ;D

I recently purchased a netbook (a mini labtop, weighs 3 lbs) and have been working on getting that up and running-- transferring stuff from the old comp and whatnot. It sure helps having friends and family that are great at computers to help me, an idiot savant when it comes to technology. (thanks Ryan and Nathan!!) I wonder if I will have electricity or internet in my new town..

On top of the packing, the teary goodbyes, family coming and going, 5 million errand runs, and the last minute appalachian hikes and sunny bike rides... I am simply trying to embrace these pre-game butterflies and maintain the hope that things will work out alright. I know for a fact that I will give it my all, so we shall wait and see what curve balls fate throws my way.