Reasons Why

Hey you guys! Since I have decided to spend most of my summer in Peru I thought it may be a good idea to start a blog for those who are interested in reading what I am doing, feeling and seeing while I am there. I have never been one to blog so I am hoping that if I attempt to blog occasionally until I leave, I may be able to grasp the talent of blogging on a regular basis while I am there. Well for those who do not know what I am doing, I will tell you. But first, a little background information! I am guessing if you are reading this you probably know me fairly well. Incase you do not there are a couple things you should know. I am a very blessed gal. I was born in Lima, Peru and very soon after, was adopted. Since then, I have grown up in a family who has traveled to third-world countries for as long as I can remember and have been exposed to the brutal, but true, lifestyles for most people in the world. Because of this I have always wanted to travel out of the country and helping those less fortunate than myself in some way. It was not until I read "The Alchemist" a couple months back, that I decided that I knew how I should spend my summer. (Oh, and for those who have not read "The Alchemist", I would definitely recommend you do so) Ironically enough, to volunteer you are going to have to pay to do so (I have yet to find one where you have not needed to) and a lot of organizations I looked at seemed to come off more beneficial for them. But after a long search I found an organization called International Volunteer HQ. I would also suggest that if you are interested, or ever interested, in international volunteering that you look into this organization. Here is their website www.volunteerhq.org.

SO I will be volunteering in Cusco, Peru from June 6 to July 31!! The IVHQ has it set up so there are 5 different programs you are able to volunteer doing while in Cusco. I have decided to volunteer in the Childcare Program where I will be LOVING on all the little peruvians as much as possible! Along with this I will be helping them with homework, organizing activities and games, and educating them about HYGIENE! I have yet to find out where I will be working and wont find out until I get there because they place volunteers where they are most needed at the time! But I could be working at a community center, ORPHANAGE, a daycare center, or a school!! I am REALLY wanting to work at an orphanage but I am sure wherever I am placed I will absolutely love it!!

My living situation while I am there will be a traditional family-stay! These are all pre-approved families of course and most likely have been hosting international travelers like myself, for years! I am super stoked about this part of the trip! Being able to experience Peruvian family traditions and routines will be so fascinating! I can not wait! I have to remember to keep an open mind during this trip because I am sure there will be some obstacles that come my way that I wont be particularly thrilled about! With this being said, I have decided become a VEGETARIAN for this trip! AUH! So, for the next couple of months I will be savoring my meat!

I am so excited to be doing this and SOOOOOOO grateful that my parents are funding me! They are great! This is honestly a dream come true! I cannot wait! The next couple of months will be pretty hectic/busy with school and trying to great ready for this trip! I was going to say journey but I think the whole process of getting ready for the trip is apart of the journey! I know I am going to Cusco in hope of helping others but I am sure they will be the ones helping me in the end! I hope that this did not completely bore you!

Until next time,

Elena