El final de mis aventuras en Peru

Exactly two years ago from today I started my adventures in Peru.  The time has just flown by. It feels like I got on that plane just a day or two ago. 

On my way to Peru!

I can still remember what I was wearing when I got on the plane, who I met when I arrived in Arequipa, being thankful that she spoke English, arriving at my host family's house(and then there's the adventure of starting school and experiencing the public transportation the morning after my arrival).  Besides all of the logistical stuff, I can remember having a peace that after all of my preparations over the past couple of years, I was at my final destination and was finally home (for the time being).  There were plenty of challenges and struggles in my six months of language school, but also many joys and sweet times with new friends from all over the world, getting to know Peruvian culture and just enjoying where God had put me for a time.  

It was hard for me to leave Arequipa for many reasons.  I had grown to love my Peruvian family and some dear friends, teachers at the language school, extra curricular activities, the city, and the people of Arequipa in general.  Arequipa will always have a special place in my heart, but I was also thankful to be moving to the next stage in my adventure and to seeing what God had next.

A favorite spot in Arequipa

graduation day!

When I made my move to Cusco, I cam remember thinking that it was VERY different than Arequipa. There really isn't that big of a contrast, but I had just left a bigger city that I had called home for six months to a less developed city in a somewhat poorer area.  As I adjusted Cusco, there were many things I came to love (some of the things that I still miss after moving back to the States).  I developed new relationships and friendships (with Peruvians and other extranjeros-foreigners), was involved in various ministries, grew a new love for the people of Cusco, and also fell in love with the kids at La Casa Josefina.

My time in Cusco also flew by.  God has taught me many things during my time there and I would imagine will continue to teach me things through those experiences.  As I reflect and process everything from my time in Cusco, I am thankful to be able to see God's hand in many things.  Even if some things turned out differently than I expected (good surprises and not so great surprises), I can say that I have been stretched and have grown in many ways.  God has definitely changed me through this experience. 

visiting some ruins with the parents

Coming back has not been as easy as I’d like it to be.  I’m not sure the Peruvian part of me will ever disappear.  It is nice to come back to many familiar things, but other things (and seasons of life for people) have changed.  I’ve enjoyed having many conveniences in the States, but on the flip side, the pace of life here is killing me.  At times, I feel like I’m in middle of two different worlds with no choice but to become a North American again. I can still keep some of my changed ways of living and new ways of looking at things, but finding a balance of how to merge my two worlds and figuring out what that looks like has been a challenge.

outskirts of Cusco

a very tame llama

It’s been wonderful to be living near family and friends, and my home church. I’m also thankful for the beautiful spring weather in Baltimore.  What a great time of year to come back to the States!
As I reflect on what God has done in my life over the past few years, I’m thankful for some of the times and frustrated with other times, but I know that God has been in control of everything that has happened and has good for me in all of it.

As my traveling days have come to an end, I want to thank you all for reading and for walking with me through many of my adventures in Peru.  I appreciate all the ways you have supported me. I am sad to see this adventure come to an end, but overall, I look back at my time in Peru thankful for the many gifts God has given me through my time there. 
I’m going to miss sharing all my silly stories on this blog, but who knows….maybe there’s other far away adventures to come.  Thanks again, it’s been fun!

An early birthday present. zip lining with a dear friend!!

Transitions for all...

I know it’s been a month or so since I’ve come back to the States, but I thought I’d give a little update on my cat drama.  Sam, my Peruvian cat traveled to the States like a champ (thank you all for praying for that potentially disastrous  trip).  After finally finding someone who would give me medication to sedate him, I was able to travel a little more at ease.  He didn’t make much noise at all for the 17 hour trip (except crying a little for the landing).  I was really impressed and relieved when it was all over.

His adjustment to living with another cat hasn’t gone so well.  He wants to play with the other cat, who is a good bit older and isn’t interested at all.  There has been lots of hissing and Sam always has lots of scratches on his face.  He doesn’t seem to want to give up on the idea that one day the other cat might want to play with him.

Hopefully in the  near future they will get along(or at least tolerate each other…)

The closest together I've ever seen them on peaceful terms(with the distraction of birdwatching)

Hard goodbyes

As my time in Cusco comes to a close, I have been able to see and spend time with dear friends have started having to say some sad goodbyes. Yesterday I went to visit and say goodbye to the kids at La Casa Josefina.  I was glad to see all the kids after being away for so long.  It was so sweet to get hugged and tackled by them and just enjoy being around them and playing with them. 

My time with the kids at La Casa Josefina has been one of my favorite things in Cusco and I will dearly miss spending time with all of them.  As I think about Jesus’ love for orphans, I am so thankful for the people involved in this ministry and how they love all the children.  As I have witnessed a few children come into the home, they are sometimes in shock and are a bit withdrawn.  Its been neat to watch as they gradually become more open and thrive on being loved by the people who care for them. 

I feel privileged to have had a glimpse of what God is doing through his people in this ministry and am thankful to have met all of the kids.  This was one place I will dearly miss after I go back to the States, but am encouraged by everyone who cares for and have a special love for the kids.  And, I’m thankful for the time I was given to love on each and every sweet kid, it’s been great!

some of the funnest and silliest kids I've ever known 

Change

Well, it’s been a wild ride these past three years, but change is coming.  In the next couple of weeks I will be transitioning out of life in Cusco and back into the States.

As I prepare to make this transition out of Cusco, I am happy to be around dear friends, others I have met in my time here, adventures I have gone on, the breath taking mountains around me, spring weather, great food, speaking in Spanish, sweet kids at La Casa Josefina, and so much more. I am sad to leave many things here in Cusco, but am thankful that God has made it clear to me that it’s time to come back to life in the States.  I am excited to be closer to family, friends and my home church, to renew precious relationships and be involved in my church in the States.

In a little under a week, I’ll be traveling back to the States into the dreadful cold, but on the upside, I’m looking forward to being around friends and family, for new beginnings, and...........to seeing what's next.