I cannot believe in a few short days I will be in PERU!!!! I am so incredibly excited. In Peru we will be living in the Sacred Valley, learning about culture, living with a host family, doing service and exploring the amazing country! It feels just like yesterday I was sitting in Collection as a freshman listening to all the amazing things the seniors would be doing on their projects, and here I am! It seems so surreal that in just a short 48 hours I will be in the airport starting my journey to South America. I chose this project because of the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity it presents. I have such a desire to learn about different cultures and meet great people from all around the world.

One thing I am so excited for is the “Unplugged Challenge”.  This is a rule regarding technology, that’s pretty simple: it’s not allowed. I, too, find myself constantly using my mobile device or in need of a computer. I love the idea that we will spend all two weeks just taking in the beautiful country with nothing but our eyes.

I love the plan of a school-sponsored trip because I will get to experience something so great outside of school with some of my best friends! Because of boarding school, we often make these great relationships at Westtown, but don’t often get to experience something so wonderful outside of the campus. I am so excited to bond and learn with my classmates. Also, I have to admit that I have Googled places in Peru many times since learning about the trip, and the abundance of llamas is probably one of the coolest things I’ve seen, and I’m not going to lie…I can’t wait to meet one.

I’m a bit nervous to live with my host family because I have never lived with one before, but I am definitely up for the challenge. The one thing I am worried about is the language barrier. As much as I wish they did, languages never have come easy to me, and I have only studied French. So, in that aspect I am going in a little blind, but I think it will be a great experience figuring out ways that my roommate and I can escape it.

I really hope to come away with an understanding of a different lifestyle, and an appreciation for something different from what I am used to. I cannot wait to board that plane!!

Adios for now!!

Katie