Last week,
I went down to Lima to help with Peru 20’s training. So you know, every group is given a number
and there are two groups a year. I was
Peru 18, 19 was a group of small business and youth development volunteers, and
now Peru 16 (environment and water and sanitation) is leaving and being replaced
with 20. Make sense?
I’ve been
here a whole year and am facing tearful goodbyes to my 16er friends and looking
forward to making new friends with the 20ers.
We’ll be getting 3 new folks in the Junin region.
I can’t
believe that I’m suddenly the veteran who is all experienced and knowing
things. But I remember exactly how
training felt and I’ve come a long way since then. It was funny to field questions from the trainees
and see how their anxieties were the exact same as mine at that time. Where will I live? Can I cook for myself? Will I poop my pants?
I was
pretty overwhelmed, lonely, and sad during training, and also absorbing so much
every day. You’re in a tiny, turbulent bubble
in the training life. I’m so much
happier now that I’m out in the world as a volunteer. I don’t think many folks got to know me well
until we had separated after training and I was able to stretch my legs, leave
home behind, and be myself
.
The new
group seems really nice, and I’m excited to get to know them better when
they’re real volunteers, too. It felt
good to be able to ease their minds about things and show them how to teach
children.
I was with them while they
were preparing to teach their first classes in an elementary school. They were so worried due to a mix of lack of
experience and Spanish skills and some stayed up past midnight working on their
presentations. I can’t wait to see them
when they’re like me, waking up in the morning and thinking, “what’ll I teach
today?” It’s always great to get some
new blood and ideas into the group.
They’ll also have beginner’s enthusiasm which will help those of us who
have been here a year and are a bit disillusioned with how things work in Peru.
Hey,
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on becoming a grizzled veteran. The second year goes by really quick. My name is C.J. and I am a PCV in Senegal but looking to travel to Peru while making my way home. I am hoping to connect with some Peace Corps volunteers while in Peru do you know the best way to do this?
Also, I have some questions about transportation like what is the best bus to take while traveling from place to place? Also, are there any site/places worth visiting that aren't in the guide books? I am looking to travel through the North of Peru and hope to see the Amazon and Maccu Picchu and maybe some hiking. Here is my email if you get the chance to answer some of my questions: cjcintas@gmail.com
If not, all the best for the rest of your service.