Peruvian Adventures

Well I´m in my last week of my time here in Peru. It has been quite the adventure. We´ve seen lots and done lots. We have been back in Lima for a few days and tonight we head out again for another overnight bus trip (my least favourite part of the trip) to Casma where we see the work of Diaconia in some of the river basins. We met with the director of Diaconia at the beginning of our trip on one of the first days in Lima (seems like a really long time ago!). Today we met with the president of ILEP (Iglesia Luterana Evangelica Peruana, Evangelical Lutheran church of Peru) and attended worship in a Lutheran congregation, followed by a lunch with the congregation. This afternoon we had some free time and so I napped, had ice cream and bought water. I have to head back soon and pack yet again. I´ll be glad to be home to unpack once and for all for at least a month or two!). Last night we went to a dinner theatre show where we saw examples of at least 6-7 different traditional Peruvian dances and had traditional Peruvian food. The food has be been great. We have been fed really well. They have 600 different kinds of potatoes here in Peru and so potatoes come with everything. I have fallen in love with the people of Peru, they are so gracious and warm and know how to do hospitality in the most amazing ways. Being together all the time as a group of 12 has begun to get trying as we get more tired and more comfortable with each other and our true colours begin to show. It´s nice to know we´re in the home stretch. Tomorrow we check into the hotel in the morning and visit a river basin, Tuesday is another river basin. Wednesday is day off (we haven´t had a whole day off the whole trip!). Wednesday night we travel back to Lima and then Thursday we have a visit to an institute in the evening, free time for shopping in the afternoon and possibly another meeting in the morning. Friday is our debriefing morning, farewell lunch and then free afternoon. The Peruvian handicrafts are beautiful, I look forward to visiting the markets this week and picking up some items. Friday night we are at the airport at 12 for our 2 35AM flight home, arriving in Saskatoon at 2 35PM on Saturday afternoon. And then I plan to sleep for a long time! Time to go pack!