Settling in

Yes, I realize I said I would post and write about a picture a day, and that has not happened. I spent the last week with my family, some much needed down time. I showed my pictures and talked about my stories a few times. It felt good to share my experience. There are definitely more things I plan to share here.

I attended a young professionals meet-up for the World Affairs Council of Charlotte a week ago. It was ironic and kind of comforting to learn that every one of us sitting at the table had traveled abroad within the last two months. I appreciated their stories, and their tales of culture shock returning home. It helped me feel like I was not alone. Now, I feel very much an American again!

I've been e-mailing back and forth with some of the volunteers from Peru. My friends Corinne and Emilie are from Paris, but now live in Cleveland. When I hear from them, I get the biggest smile. They are such sweet women, and I hope to see them again soon!

I am rather impressed with the entire Cross-Cultural Solutions program. There was so much support provided while we were in Peru; every possible situation is planned for. The program cost a lot of money, but was totally worth it. I did not have a thing to worry about, and did not have many out-of-pocket expenses. CCS has been in contact with me weekly since my return, by phone, mail, and email, just checking on my experience, my re-entry, questions or concerns. I would definitely consider volunteering with CCS again.

Making plans

As the days tick closer, I become a little more nervous about the unknown. While I am in Lima, I would like to travel. I definitely want to visit Machu Picchu. I have been told that it is hard to travel there in a weekend because of the length of the flight and the altitude change. People have suggested I go when my program is over, but I am leery about booking my flight home a few days after my program ends. What would I do if I left that open time to travel and then did not have a travel partner? I do not feel comfortable flying into the mountains and touring Machu Picchu alone, especially when I do not speak the language.

http://www.crossculturalsolutions.org/countries/latin-america/volunteer-peru/lima.aspx

This dilemma has swirled for a while now. I know I need to buy my plane tickets, but I just do not know what to do. My program manager will not begin conference calls with the group until a month before we leave, so I do not know who will be in Lima yet to try to make plans.

Just when my worries really started to mount, a light at the end of the tunnel. CCS has an inner-community blog for the volunteers. It is kind of like Facebook, but private. I contacted two guys who recently stayed in Lima for travel tips. Then I was contacted by Elise. Elise leaves for Lima in a month and will be there when I arrive. Our programs end the same day. I am so excited and relieved to find someone who will be there at the same time! She has helped me decide to fly home on the last day of my program, as she will. She plans to travel to Machu Picchu on a weekend, and I hope I will be able to join her.

Slogging through the fine print...

It is amazing how much of a whirlwind this journey has already become.

I completed my enrollment Monday, and had already received a welcoming email and phone call from my program manager Tuesday. (I received the customary and balloon-bursting financial email as well.) I interviewed for the World Alliance Council scholarship Thursday; here's hoping they believe I am an internationally-minded teacher and that my program is global enough to help fund it! I walked out of the interview and arrived home to find my Cross-Cultural Solutions welcome packet in the mail.

Much of today has been spent filling out volunteer profiles, checking off checklists, and reading the fine print. Wow, it's really happening!

New Year, New Adventure

I do not make New Year's resolutions. If I do not have any expectations, then I cannot be disappointed. This year, I want to embrace adventure and whatever changes come my way.

As of January 3rd, I am officially enrolled to join Cross-Cultural Solutions in Lima, Peru! I finish this school year, file my report cards and data, clean up my room, and board a plane for South America! My program will run from June 19-July 9. I am excited, I am nervous, I am overwhelmed, I am walking with a pep in my step.

I cannot wait to immerse myself in a new culture, teach new and curious minds, learn conversational Spanish, meet diverse friends, and discover the terrain of Peru. I will use this blog to document my progress as I prepare for my adventure. Check back often, and thank you for joining me!