I have fleas

With my arrival in Cusco, I was expecting to feel a difference in my breathing when I stepped off the plane. The only difference was my heart pounded heavier after lugging my carry-on around the airport. As we retrieved our baggage and walked down the street out of the airport, I could feel I was more out of breath than I should have been and my heart was pounding more than in the airport. Never was it obvious that I was breathing harder to others, but I could feel it. The 12,000 ft over sea level turned out to not be as scary as I expected but there are some who struggle adjusting more than others.
We arrived at the house in complete awe. “This is our house?” Bethany and I said to each other. Ron and Regina Schultz, and Marga met us at the house to welcome us yet again to Peru. Marga is our ‘empleada’ meaning housekeeper. Missionaries hire them in order to bless the Peruvians that need a job and of course, it helps us out. I know, I sound even more spoiled now. So she’s just great and the 2 of us really can’t talk much yet, but we get our point across.

(Left)This is what we see when we walk outside of our yard. (right) From left to right- Carrie, Jen, Abby, Derick (Bethany and Ella in the back. Notice the 4 stray dogs. There's a black dog behind the the german shepard looking one.

The day we arrived, we took a nap after lunch to help our bodies rest and adjust more to the altitude. The Brubaker’s came over (our next door neighbors who also work through EMM and moved in recently to improve a medical center) and we all walked to the Schultz’s house for a wonderful dinner. I should explain- The Brubaker’s consist of Jen and Derick and their two daughters Ella and Abby. The Schultz’s include Ron (the principal) and Regina with their 3 kids Hannah, Jeremiah, and Bethany. There is another family, the Kreider’s who have 4 children but they’re on vacation for the next week still so I haven’t met them yet. Anyway, dinner was delicious and we had a nice time of catching up. I found there are dogs everywhere, most seem to be strays. I just want to pet them all, but fleas are pretty bad around here.
Friday, we went to the Plaza de Armas which seems to be the town center. We hung out around there all day taking lots of pictures. Carrie’s friend joined us and it was such a blessing because her friend wanted to include me in all conversations, saying “translate for her” all the time, plus being patient to listen to me explain the movie Pleasantville (because that’s where I was born) and then saying that I did good and I should explain the movie Titanic to get more practice.

I was exhausted when we got back that night and as tired as I was, my aching legs kept me awake till 3am… unless of course it was the flea biting me all night. I woke up at 7, starting doing my devotional and noticed I kept scratching my stomach. Wouldn’t you know it, 14 flea bites. So, I quickly threw the blanket that was closest to me and my clothes I was wearing in the hamper and took a shower. Oh, the shower is another story but first I’ll quick say that I haven’t had anymore bites today, even though I did take a nap in my bed to catch up on the sleep I missed.
Ok, the shower. I turn on the left knob, then the right a little bit so it’s not too hot. Right, well it was freezing so I completely turned off the right knob. I’m not daring to get into the shower till it’s warm. Then I remember that Carrie said something about needing a new water heater. So, I wait 5 more minutes and I decide not to waste water cause maybe it’ll never get warm so I took an ABSOLUTELY freezing shower that took my breath away. I was trying not to make too much noise about it (trust me, when you’re in ice cold water, your body automatically makes you want to scream) because Carrie was still sleeping. I let Bethany know the water’s cold and after she takes a shower she says, “The knobs are switched. Next time use the red knob on the right.” Fantastic. At least she told me this important information for next time.
Today (Saturday) we took it easy in the morning, then went to a big artesian market. I was learning how to bargain. It’s not as scary as I originally thought. Long process trying to find a sweater though. I had a couple layers on so trying them on, they all looked too small. I kept saying I was too big for their large sweaters and they’re like, “This is large” and I’m like, “I know, this is small for me” and they’re like, “Oh, you want a small?” Of course all of this is in Spanish. Doesn’t sound like much, but the fact that I had a whole minute conversation without asking one of the girls to translate was liberating. We headed home for lunch and I met Luz who is the director at Promesa, the school where I’ll be teaching starting March 3rd. As I said before, I took a nap which accidentally lasted 2 ½ hours since I don’t own an alarm clock yet and then we headed to “Kairos Extreme” which was an event for the youth. It was very good, even if I didn’t understand all that was going on. Plus, I was introduced to Wendy, one of the teachers at Promesa as well as lots of other people. I learned that it is better to go for it and say hi to a random person rather than not because everybody greets you when you come and everybody says bye when you leave. All are welcoming and it’s just the culture to be that friendly.
I start intense language classes on Monday that go for 3 weeks. I’m hoping to learn very quickly and be able to have a conversation that lasts more than a minute using harder words than ‘I am’, ‘large’, and ‘small’. I really do know more than that honestly though. No worries. Everything’s going well and the Lord has really been showing me that I do have a purpose here, even if I’m not exactly sure what it is yet, but I’m patient, listening, and willing. Carrie’s friend actually talked to me (translated through the girls) for about 20 minutes on what God was putting on his heart to say to me. They were words that only God knew I could relate to and Carrie even agreed that her friend never talks like this to people he’s just met. It was God working through an almost stranger in a fast food restaurant. See how He works everywhere? Needless to say, this is where I’m meant to be and God has a lot in store for me, even though sometimes I may doubt that I’m important enough to be used by Him. That just shows what little faith I have in Him though. God made me, of course I’m good enough. If He made me and I’m doubting myself, then really I’m doubting how He can do anything. I hope that makes sense. Think about it because it goes for you too.

Bienvenido a Peru

You are now reading an entry made by an official Peruvian. When I say official, I mean official. How do you feel about that? I arrived in Lima at the airport around 3am on Tuesday morning welcomed by many waving hands by the Schultz‘s, Brubaker‘s, and Carrie. This is Bethany, my new roommate. We flew together all day. Our first plane is in the background.

There are a million old punch-buggies in Peru. Just like in the states, they have a phrase too, "zapo rojo" which means 'red frog'.

The flights went very well until the very last one (Bogata, Columbia to Lima) because it was delayed almost 2 hours due to fog, but we made it safely. I befriended 2 Columbian boys who sat next to me. They helped me learn some Spanish.

words I've been picking up.

When we arrived at our hostel, we passed out as soon as our heads hit the pillow and our bodies were finally able to lay straight. Mom and I left for the Philly airport at 6:15am and I didn’t get to the hostel till 4am so it was a long day of sitting. Bethany, my travel buddy, along with Ron, the principal of the school, and I had to wake up at 7am to start our process of becoming a resident of Peru. What an adventure getting there. A cab speeds up to you as soon as you hit the sidewalk and he gives a little “beep beep” to ‘ask’ you if you want a ride. If you do, you go up to the passenger side window and say where you’re going and he decides on a price. If it’s too high, you say no and sometimes they make it a bit lower. They try and cheat ‘gringos’ out of their money because they don’t know better. If they don’t lower, they drive away and not a split second later, another cab drives up. Once you agree on a cab (which took up to 4 times in one occasion that day) you get in the back and off you go weaving constantly with no blinkers, hearing ‘beep beep’ to let others know ‘here I am’, ‘I’m passing you’, ‘watch out cause you almost ran into me’, really just any reason they have. People in South America are honking-happy. The city reminded me of NYC when we just arrived in Lima in the dark, but as soon as the sun came out, I saw that it really does have its own Peruvian style. So much so that I can’t even think what to list. The cement-like houses painted bright colors surrounded by high metal gates, the mangy dogs wandering around on the streets, people walking up to you trying to sell you anything and everything for one sol, etc. The view from our Hostel. Look, I drove my little red car all the way to Peru.

We did tourist and official things while in Lima. We went to a plaza, or town center, with the Schultz’ one night and the streets around there reminded me of the boardwalk, only no board and no ocean on one side. When we were driving out of the plaza, we were stopped at a red light and this girl, about 8 yrs old, started doing cartwheels along the crosswalk and I just thought this was hilarious until I realized that she was doing it for money. Then I sobered up. I can’t believe all these young kids are begging for money, too. Carrie said there are way more of them in Cusco. During the day, Bethany, Carrie, and I went shopping for new things for our house. Carrie had just moved in a month ago and Cusco doesn’t have as much of a selection as Lima. They had stores similar to Wal-mart and lots of things were written in English which surprised me considering most people don’t know English. Basically, Lima is not too far off from the States in a lot of aspects. Not so much a culture shock. We met up with Bethany and Carrie’s friend, Meche, in Larcomar which looks just like La Jolla, California to me. It was right along the ocean but no sea lions. At night, we went to the movies because they don’t have that in Cusco so it was quite a treat for Carrie. Every movie was from the States and dubbed into Spanish. We saw Bridge to Terabithia and I actually understood what was going on most of the movie. Not because I know Spanish so well, but just what was going on was simple. The movie only cost $3.30 when converted to dollars. Amazing, right? I have a million things I’d like to share but this is so long already! I’ll just let you know that this morning I became an official Peruvian resident when I received my carnet, or my resident card and we flew off to Cusco!

Our plane to Cusco only took an hour. By the way, we're not an hour apart. We will be when daylight savings time happens again, but for now, whatever time you see, I do too. (Bottom) right before we landed I got a picture of Cusco in the Andes.

I am spoiled and I live in a ‘vacation home’ with the most beautiful scenery you can imagine. Yes, be jealous because when you see pictures of all that’s around, you will want to come out here. How am I a missionary when I’m so spoiled? Aren’t missionaries supposed to be eating bugs, living in a one-room hut, showering once a month with cold water, and darting arrows? Ok, maybe some in Africa (not sure about the arrow part) but nope, not me. I am spoiled. The Lord is good (even if I was living the lifestyle that I picture a missionary should live). Thanks to all for your love, support, and prayers because prayers are being answered.

These last 2 pictures are the view from my house.

It's official

New Year's Eve marked the day that I met my 80% goal. We now have $12,072. After realizing that delaying my trip from the beginning of January to the end meant less money needed, we looked over my budget again. I then only needed $14,812 rather than the original $15,900. What a blessing that we had $1,100 less to raise. Only $2,740 left to raise now. Still a lot but when you look at how much we've raised already, it doesn't seem as scary. We have faith that God will provide one way or another. Reaching 80% means that I can officially buy my plane ticket so my mom and I were ecstatic. Dave and Stacy, who have been helping me along with this process at EMM are now looking for a flight leaving January 21st and arriving in Lima, Peru on January 22nd, along with my future roommate and co-worker, Bethany Geib. There we'll be staying in the capital until the afternoon of the 24th with my other future roommate/co-worker, Carrie Kleinschmidt, who has been living in Cusco for a year now. From there, we'll fly to Cusco, the main city of where we'll be living.

It's finally becoming more real to me and I'm starting to make to-do lists, packing lists, and Spanish word lists. I found an Iglesia Menonita (Mennonite church) just down the road from me and I decided to check it out this past Sunday. It's a small church and very welcoming. They had a bible study for the youth that I joined in before church and I met 4 'jovenes' (youths) ranging from 17 to 27 in age. The church service was all in Spanish but one of the 'jovenes' translated for me. They invited me to the church's New Year's Eve party and I gladly obliged. They were excited to see me actually show up and they were so hospitable. In fact, they asked me if I wanted something, I'd say "No gracias" and they'd give it to me anyway. It happened many times and so I'm assuming this is how it will be in Peru. It's been really nice to get a sneak peak of the culture and what it's like to sit in a room where everyone speaks a different language than you. I just sit there and smile half of the time. The other half they're translating for me. I've also been forcing as much Spanish in my head as possible from Rosetta Stone, words my new friends teach me, as well as words from a Spanish devotional the pastor blessed me with. It's becoming a bit easier to soak in the words or to spit them out as I'm having a Spanish conversation with myself.

There's a going away party on Sunday the 20th if you're free to come. Invitations were sent out through email by my mom so if you didn't get an invitation and you're reading this, you're still invited. My mom just didn't have your address. Give me a call and I'll give you directions. It's an open house that starts at 2pm.

Praises
My budget became $1,100 less.
I reached 80%.
I've had a lot of time and an open mind to learn a lot of Spanish in the past week.
I met some really awesome people at the Iglesia Menonita who have helped me see what it's like to be surrounded by Spanish speakers.
I've had some really good time with family and friends before I leave in less than 3 weeks

Prayers
God would continue to loosen my tongue and keep my brain absorbent to learn Spanish
I would grow closer to God and learn to rely on Him for this next year
I'd have motivation to exercise because it will make acclimation easier
Good time with family and friends before I leave
Resiliency- that I can deal with transitions well