Bags Packed and Ready To Go

My bag has been packed, measured, weighed, unpacked, repacked, and unpacked again. As a last minute packer it feels strange to be prepared so early, even though it is only a few days until we leave. I think that part of this is because I still haven't quite realized that it's already here. I've been excited about it since the day I found out I had been selected, but it has always been on the back of my mind. June 3rd seemed so far away, so as I went through the preparations, paperwork and group meetings I forgot that the date was getting closer and closer. Even when the group met a few weeks ago for our retreat weekend the four weeks until our departure seemed like tons of time to finish preparing. However, those four weeks filled with last minute trips to the doctor and MEC simply flew by. It seemed so soon that I was at the two week mark, when I had to take my first dose of Dukarol (yuck!). And then a week had zoomed by me and I had to take my second dose (which seemed worse than the first).

I've said goodbye to friends and family that I won't be seeing in the next few days. I've checked the weather in Lima, Chiclayo and Cusco several times a day, trying to make sure I'm bringing appropriate clothing. I've purchased my small bottle of SPF 110, because my pasty skin is prone to sunburns. I've snagged a hat from my brother, because even though I'm sure I have other baseball caps lying around I know I like his best. I've made a hectic trip to MEC to pick up a headlamp, because of course the one I've had for years and was planning to bring has gone missing. I've forced myself to get organized; I've made checklists, categorized items, and gathered everything in a basket before stuffing it all into my backpack. I'm prepared for this 15 day journey with my fellow Peru travelers. Or am I?

As much as I can pack the necessities, triple-check that I have copies of ID with me, and ensure I've gotten all of the proper vaccinations I know that there will be unexpected challenges that our group will face and problems we encounter. And as much as I can research fair trade or discuss the historical background of Peru I cannot prepare for how I will feel when I am immersed in a culture so different from my own. I do not know how I will feel when I realize that hardships that I may struggle to witness are a constant reality for others. I cannot prepare for any of this, because I cannot prepare for situations and emotions that arise unexpectedly. However, I do know that I am traveling with a group of people that I can count on. I will have friends to chat with about daily events and people to hug after a hard day. The knowledge of this, that I have people to depend on, makes me feel far more secure and prepared for this journey than checking the contents of my backpack for the fifth time. So with that, I suppose all I have left to do is relax, say some final farewells, and wait for Friday to arrive.

SJU in Peru Round 2: Retreat Weekend

We're back again, but this time with a brand new group!

The new initiative for 2011 began after all of us got back from the Christmas Holidays in January, anxious to begin our journey. Up until now it has just been the biweekly, informative meetings but this weekend was definately the turning point of our trip thus far. We got here Friday afternoon and after a dinner of delicous pitas we participated in some eye-opening team building activities. We discovered so much about each other and learned that there is so much more than meets the eye. Our group this year has great chemistry where we are able to share in serious thoughts or bounce silly jokes off of one another.

This morning Becca had us wake up at 7am to do some Yoga. Despite some of the initial moans and groans about the early wake up call, everyone found the excersize to be a fun, new challange. Among ourselves we split into teams that were in charge of preparing the different meals for our day. This morning it was our teams assignment to cook breakfast. Barbara made a fruit salad, Kat whipped up some decandent french toast and we left Jason, the man of the group, in charge of the bacon. There's something so bonding about preparing meals together and sitting down with everyone you made it for.

After our lovely breakfast, we headed over to the YMCA outdoor center for some surprisingly difficult yet fun camp activies. Our first task was to learn how to use a compas. Easy enough right? Let's just say some of us caught on faster than others. Not to promote gender superiority, but the girls finished first by a long shot. The next challange was to complete a high rope course. It required a great amout of upper body strength, tested our balance and pushed some group memebers to conquer their fear of heights. Barbara was really afraid up at the top but she felt really proud that she even went up in the first place. There were obstacles that were easier for some people to overcome than others, but the entire group was very supportive and we all helped each other along the way.

After spending a good while out in the sun, it was so wonderful to come home to St. Jerome's and have a meal specially prepared for us by Jordan, Jess, Jenna and Sean. They made a delicous stir fry and the highlight was definitely the salad. We were all very excited for this meal in particular, since Jordan is known around SJ for his excellent cooking.

Currently, we are in the process of setting up for the Mother's day Brunch and Silent Auction. One hundred percent of the proceeds of this fundraiser will be going to fund our initiative. We would like to send out a huge thank you to all of the people who donated items to be auctioned and for Chartwells, the catering company, who sponsored us and made this brunch possible. We wish all of you and you're wonderful moms a very happy Mother's Day. :)

We and the rest of our group members will be keeping you posted throughout our journey.

Till next time,
Barbara and Katherine