HOLA

Hola familia querida,

I just wanted to write quickly on the blog. I don't have any pictures to add just yet, but I'll have them soon enough. I can't wait for you to see where I'm living these days.

So, I've arrived in my new home of Urubamba. Honestly, it's not as small as I thought it was going to be, so that's nice. Don't get me wrong, it's not huge, but it's not Ghana. There are bars and restaurants that resemble American facilities, so we're doing good.

As a programs assistant for ProPeru, I've basically been doing odd jobs and helping with the different health projects that the organization works on. Sometimes I teach health classes, other times I work on a water filter project. I think my responsibilities will become more defined as time goes on, but right now there are so many volunteers that they just kind of need me where they need me. I'm all right with that for the most part.

Let's see...quirky things about Peru. Well, it's like 30 in the morning and at night...and in the shade...but like 70 in the sun. It is NOT doing wonders for my psoriasis. In fact, I'm looking like a huge flake of dandruff right about now. The water in the town turns off at 8 pm, so if you have to take a huge crap, you have to do it before then if you don't want it to stink up the house. This is especially weird considering I have 2 male roommates. I have another girl roommate who likes to watch girly movies with me, so that's fun. The day starts and ends pretty early here. Since the sun is down by 530, I'm easily in bed by 830 or 9. Right now I'm about to head out for my siesta for two hours. Much needed.

Anyway, the Andes are beautiful, and I'm getting pretty used to life around here. It's the little things that I really love, like the crazy man who makes WONDERFUL churros. I just discovered him last night, so I'm eagerly awaiting nightfall. I'm liking Peru very much, but as always, I miss you all terribly, and I hope to hear from you all very soon.

Love,
Lara