I depart on Friday, May 23rd for Arequipa, Peru, for eight weeks of service through Global Vision International (made possible by the Bonner Program at UR and my church). More specifically, the first two weeks will be filled with one-on-one Spanish classes, followed by six weeks of volunteering in an elementary school right outside of the city. The volunteers mainly teach art, physical education, and English, although at times we may need to teach math or science or history, etc., (in Spanish). I will be living with a host family in Arequipa and will work with about 5 other volunteers in my assigned school during the week. The evenings and weekends are free for us to explore the city and travel. There are a few trips planned for the volunteers so far, including a 3-day trek into the Colca Canyon (which is larger than the Grand Canyon), mountain biking through the villages in Pichu-Pichu, and horseback riding. I hope to fit in a trip to Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca, and the beach....if I have time! I'm starting to wish I had planned to stay for more than 8 weeks. My bank account would like to think otherwise.
I'm really excited to be thrown into another culture and to experience some challenging situations. I'm anticipating a bit of failure and loneliness (and diarrhea...), but in a way I'm excited for those things (not the diarrhea) because I know that in those moments of weakness God can teach me more about myself and others and can make me stronger.
I'll try my best to post some interesting stories and pictures as often as possible. Please restrain yourself from bombarding me with packages :-) If you have the urge to send me something, a letter is best (I will have e-mail access, though):
Jenna Garber
c/o Casa De Avila
Av. San Martin 116
Vallecito, Arequipa
Much more to come,
Jenna
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4 comments:
Anticipation is so fun!! I expect, my dear Jenna, that you will bloom beautifully in any place that you land. I look forward to all of it. From your biggest fans in the Midwest - K&K. You are a strong and amazing person. Go see it all.
xo
Jenna!! i know your trip to Peru is going to be amazing! i will be praying for you! :)
Dear Jenna,
Diarrhea sucks. You're right.
Love,
Juliette
Hi Jenna. What an interesting experience you are having. Hope you had a great day 6/26. Will try and celebrate when you return. My last comments were returned. So I hope I get this one right. Thanks for the pics-they really give a good idea of what you tell us. We are heading north this week-end. Hope you can enjoy some cabin time before you return to Richmond. Love. G'pa G.
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