Hola from Peru!
Hello hello! I am currently sitting in my room in my new home in Lima, Peru. I am staying with a host family for three weeks, as I volunteer in a medical clinic.I arrived last Thursday, and already I feel like I have been here for ages. Don’t worry, though, it’s not the feeling that arises from boredom, rather it’s the feeling that comes from feeling safe and at home. I have spent the past week acquainting myself with the city, its people and my new job.
The internet is spotty, but I promise to post pictures soon. For now, I will give you more of an overview of what I’ve been up to.
First of all, I am volunteering through an agency called INTEJ. They organize multiple volunteer projects in both Lima and Cusco ranging from those in schools to medical clinics to zoos. They also coordinate paid jobs and teaching positions. Friday and Saturday are volunteer orientation days. Five other volunteers arrived the day I did, and there were a few more who had already started their projects. We went on a walking tour of the city on Friday, and went to a few museums and landmarks on Saturday. It was a great way to break the ice.
On Monday, we all started with our projects. To get to work every day, I have a ten minute walk to the bus stop and then a forty-five minute bus ride. The buses here don’t run on a schedule and there are no true bus stops. Needless to say, I was quite scared for the trip. But, I’ve found that everybody here is nice and helpful and I have made it safely to and from work every day this week!
In the clinic, I have been working with babies. My unit sees the babies that come in for their monthly check-ups and shots. It has been humbling and rewarding to help care for these babies. I have learned a lot about growth and development, and about how cultural differences affect medical treatment.
I suppose I should devote an entire post about my host family because they have been nothing short of amazing. So more on them, later. For now, rest assured that I am well-fed and totally settled in!
Hasta luego!