Where to start…well it has certainly been an adventure so far. Below is where I live and my wonderful host family whom I adore already. I live in Yanacoto, which is about an hour outside the city of Lima, but is in the Departamento of Lima (departamentos are like states in the U.S.). My typical day: 6:30am wake up, language classes from 8am to noon, an hour lunch, business classes with my group/sessions with the whole training class until 4:30 or 5. Then I either go running or head home to do homework, help cook/hang out with my siblings, and head to bed around 10. Each day differs, but it is definitely intense.

My Spanish is much, much better already. The first week was frustrating just getting accustomed to being in a new place, speaking a new language, etc. It’s hard to find a new normal, and the week went by super slow. But this week has been better (and has flown by). I am making friends and slowly figuring out what it means to live out my faith in this context.

Now I’m writing from a cabina, or internet café by my house. These are common around here and are an example of the informal sector in Peru, which many Peruvians take part in…more to come on this later. For now, I just wanted to share that I am happy and well. This is tough, but it will prepare me well for my 2 years of service.

Some Highlights:

-My host mom was blown away by my soccer pump. We pumped up one of the balls I brought and she thought it was amazing J

-Last Sunday, spending Father’s day with my extended host family. We ate duck with rice and they took me in right away and spoke about how I was now a part of their family. I only knew them a few hours…the people are so warm here!

-My host siblings are SO cute. My sisters just hang on me and love on me (theyre 3 and 6 ). And my mom is so sweet and loves taking care of me and helping me learn Spanish. This has helped ease the transition, as I definitely miss my family back home.

OK that’s bastante (too much)!

Talk soon,

Jackie aka La Rubia