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!!