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Published: March 21st 2012
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Older girls
We watched Hairspray, ate a lot of popcorn, drank a lot of coke, it was a good time. :) Hey folks, Happy Woman's Day! I didn't even know that day existed. Oops.. but they celebrate it here for sure. Ok-- that was from a saved blog I had started. Woman's Day is actually on March 9th.. haha. Remember when I said in my last blog, I'm going to try to blog more often and give you more information. Here goes for real this time.
The Job Alright I currently have a job! I work in the mornings and some evenings and I'm at the Home in the afternoons (most afternoons). I teach English. I taught myself how to teach, probably not the best profesora in the world, but it works! Julia my roommate has helped me a lot as well. She’s very encouraging, and gives me ideas for my students. My classes are very small, the most students I ever have is 2. I don’t know if they will be growing in the future or not. I enjoy the small classroom though. It lets you get to know the student. I’ve taught anywhere from a middle aged business man, to a young teenager studying tourism (who wanted to better her English). I think my school likes me, and
Manicures!
Me attempting to do a manicure... That's Luz Yenny I’m pretty sure I’ve had some requests and good reviews. This is nice because everyone I work with has a certificate—and I’m a wittle insecwure. I enjoy it for the most part and I’m happy to be earning a little bit of money.
The Apartment Well as you all know, I live with Juila Black. She needed a roommate and I needed what sanity I had left, back. She is engaged to a wonderful man named Edu, he’s a salsa instructor, a baker, and a goofball. He helped me move in, find a bed, and he gave me my first meal in the apartment. Well, Julia and Edu have been in the process of petitioning for a fiancé VISA. Annnd they got it!! This is wonderful news, they have been waiting for like 2 years, and it’s been quite the process. What this means for yours truly, is I am unfortunately losing a wonderful roommate at the end of May L I have started the process to look for a new apartment. I have decided that it will still be for the best to have my own place as a sanctuary. I need my space, and I need
Little girl party
That's little Ana Paula :) Those are the younger girls. They were all so well behaved that night! my privacy. Haha still very American. I can adapt to just about anything but I know myself, and it will be for the best for everyone in my life in Peru if I have my own place. I MIGHT be able to move into a different room here where I am living currently, but I don’t know. I’m not sure if I ever actually stated our living situation—but we live on the 3
rd floor in a little apartment. Our landlord lives downstairs on the 1
st floor with her ENTIRE family. For the most part it’s ok and I like the area. I feel safe. If I could move closer to town, that would be ideal, BUT the thought of moving all my stuff is daunting and the 1 bedroom downstairs may be the best fit. I’ll keep you posted.
The Home I can honestly say there are days when I am very frustrated with this country.. I see how impatient and Americana I am. However, other days the very same things that are frustrating make me smile because it's what makes Peru—Peru. I love it here and I LOVE the girls. I have been known to refer to
Julia Olson
This is the other Julia (not my roommate) who is currently living at the home. She and little Karmen are seen here doing some exercises! them as my girls haha, and someone at work thought I had kids of my own. We play A LOT of Uno, I’ve had them over to our apartment twice. They loved that. The communication wall that was there is pretty much non-existent. My Spanish still has a ways to go, but smiles and laughter and love are a universal language. When I walk in they all run up and give me hugs and besitos (little kisses) and there are now little little girls that are just too cute. I act like I’m eating their ears or neck and they love it. So what I’m saying is if I’m having a bad day, I can go to the Home and feel like a rock star. I’m not all fun and games though; I’ve been known to get pretty firm with them. However this works, because they respect me. People respect discipline. I have one little girl in mind as I’m writing this, her name is Ana Paula (7 years old). She and her siblings were pretty much street rats, their parents left them, and her older sister Maria Louisa cared for her (she’s 12 I think). Needless to say they had no sense of how to behave in society, they didn’t respond to rules and regulation because they had never had any. It has been nothing short of beautiful to see her transform (little Ana). She still throws her fits, but it’s not nearly as often, and they aren’t as long. Her character has been formed already, she’ll probably always be a “tom-boy,” and she’ll always be stubborn; but a little bit of love with these children goes a long way. She typically does what her elders tell her to do the first time. Which is a huge change, and a nice relief. I feel at home in the Home haha that sounds funny—but honestly I enjoy my afternoons there. J
Everything Else I’ve been learning a lot about myself. Which sounds cliché, but I have. I am busy, but my busyness here is much much slower than in the States. My time here has forced me to reflect on a lot. Careers, life, faith, everything—I’ll keep you guys hanging till I get home. BUT I’m more than happy to talk about these things in person when I get back. I miss my family and friends every day, but it gets easier. I feel like I have purpose here, and I still believe I’m exactly where I’m meant to be right now. I still welcome visitors! Any takers?? You will have a free translator :D Everyone’s mission—put the word out that you know an educated, adventurous young woman who is looking for a job where she can speak Spanish all day every day! J Forecasted date to start work.. end of September.
Much love from Peru!!
Elisabeth ((eh-lee-sah-bet))
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