We've been in Peru for almost three days now, and we find ourselves making more and more discoveries about this beautiful community. We've all really gotten to know our families and the first possible uncomfortable feelings are now gone. We've realized that these Peruvian families are some of the most generous, giving, selfless people we've ever been around, despite their hardships. They provide us with all the most wonderful food available, and we know how lucky we are. During our free time, a bunch of us chose to play soccer in a nearby stadium and met up with some local Peruvian kids around our age. In a short time, we had formed friendships we'll never forget. The friendliness of the locals made it easy to bond with them, and we have seen that this close-knit community is filled with accepting, friendly people.
We've begun painting, cleaning, and building at a nearby primary school--about 4 km away--which feels very rewarding at the end of the day. We've become close with some of the little kids; they always have smiles on their faces despite cold conditions in the morning and lack of heat. In such a short time, we've accomplished so much and look forward to all we will accomplish over the next two weeks. Yesterday afternoon we were instructed to walk home to get a feel of what some people have to go through here in Peru. Although some of us were hot and tired at the end, it was important for us to realize what people here go through and how much we have at home. So many of the things we take for granted at home--hot showers, transportation, clean water--help us to realize how fortunate we are. We look forward to seeing what awaits us in the future!
This afternoon, we will have lunch with our host families and then head out as a group for a hike to the Incan grainaries above Ollantaytambo. Everyone is healthy and happy!
Hasta Luego!
Thomas, Brad, and Madeline
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