Life in general and more on host family

July 15^th, 2006 Santa Eulalia, Peru

Life in General

I absolutely love my time so far as a Peace Corps trainee. This has been a tremendous experience and each day I am more confident that I have chose to journey path that will offer growth I would be unable to find or duplicate elsewhere. Although, the friendships I have developed here have duration less than a month, the vulnerability and bond shared between us is as strong as some of the closeness it took months to secure in other circumstances.

Yes, times are often hard or difficult, but the elation one feels after true accomplishment is tremendously rewarding. Daily I struggle with the language and the frustration conjured by my inability to express my thoughts in general, yet alone the intricacies of my innermost emotions. Often the food is discouraging, but not the slightest intolerable. The work hours are essentially limitless, for after nine hours of training at the center, I return to home where I practice my conversational skills or do my homework. Even the “downtime” could be considered work because it often consists of attending some sort of family event where I must engage in cultural integration.

Despite the difficulties I endure daily, this has been one of the greatest times of my life. The Peace Corps organization has impressed me beyond measures with their organization and competency. You hear so many negative things about the inefficiency of government organizations, which I still don’t doubt but so far I have been nothing but impressed, at least with the post here in Peru. I encourage all my friends who are the in the application process to endure it and strongly consider the experience. As for now, I am a huge advocate of the Peace Corps, its mission, and the potential growth derived from service.

More on my Host Family

Mi Padre- Jaime Alderete

My father works at a local public school where he teaches children. At night he operates an internet café out of my house. He is quite funny and genuinely caring guy who is always willing to help me with my Spanish homework if I desire.

Mi Madre- Deri

My mom is a nurse who works an hour away in Lima. During the month of July, she has it off for vacation, so that has been extremely nice. She is very caring and worries about me since I am American. She is always telling me this is Peru, not America.

Mi Hermano- Juancarlo

My brother is 13 years old and attends a private school. He enjoys playing soccer and in the internet café. From time to time we play cards, we he absolutely loves. He has typical adolescent hormones and is obsessed with Shakira.

Mi Hermana- Michelle

Michelle is 11 years old and attends private school as well. She likes to draw and is the more studious of the two children. She thinks it is funny to speak to me in Quechua, another language spoken in the mountains here, but my mother scolds her when she does.

Mi Tia- Elle

I just had an Aunt move in recently with her two kids. She is about 25 years old or so and is studying to be a computer technician. She has two kids, Carlitos, 3, and Evelina, 10 months. Carlos is adorable and quite the entertainment. He is trying to learn how to wink, but cannot. Therefore, he holds one eyelid down with his finger and blinks.

Mi Abuelo

My grandfather is the coolest guy ever. He owns a little tienda, which sells the basics, sort of like a convenience store. He lives across the street and I make an effort to chat with him daily. He slurs and is hard to understand but is more willing to play charades in order that I understand. All the other trainees in my neighborhood love him and stop to talk often. He lives with my grandma.