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 bein
g answered.
These last 2 pictures are the view from my house.
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