"If you reject the food, ignore the customs, fear the religion and avoid the people, you better stay home."
-James Michener
I saw this quote yesterday in the ProWorld office and thought it was so funny but sadly true for some. Basically, I don't want to waste any of time here because it is limited.
I finally have time for an actual post! Yesterday morning I had my project orientation with a Peruvian woman named Lisbeth that works for ProPeru. I'm basically going to be in charge of advertising and marketing various products that a women's group makes (like sweaters and scarves). That could either be finding a way to sell them online to people in the U.S., going to various markets here in Urubamba, etc. It is basically up to me while I am here, also because I am the only volunteer working on this project. The past 4 semesters I have read so many books and articles about various aspects of development and now I am actually getting to do it. So weird!!
2 days a week I will be working on the marketing stuff and then the other 3 I will be working in the ProMujer office. This morning I was supposed to have my orientation at ProMujer, but there is a strike/protest going on. Apparently the government is threatening to privatize water which would make it really expensive. So, basically every business shut down today, there is no transportation (the town is thankfully small so I can walk), and the highway to get to other towns is blocked. That highway goes from Macchu Picchu to Cusco, so there are tons of tourists stranded in Urubamba with literally no where to go today! It's actually quite funny. Tomorrow everything should be up and running again and my schedule should be more normal.
My Spanish classes were supposed to start yesterday but there was a scheduling conflict so I start this evening from 6:30-8. I'm so excited!
My host family is seriously the best ever. There is now another volunteer in the house with me, named Ashley. She is 26, married (her husband's in the US), and a Christian. She speaks no Spanish so I am having to translate for her :) Ashley and I are in awe over how good every meal is. For lunch today we had arroz con pollo (chicken and rice) with avocado. DELISH-and everything is so fresh, I love it. They just walk to the market down the street to buy food for the next meal.
Some prayer requests:
-Opportunities to share Jesus with my host family/volunteers/local people. Our host mom asked Ashley and I what religion we are. Then she told us that even though she is "Catholic" there are a lot of things she doesn't agree with. We have prayed together before meals a few times.
-I have been really tired and had a headache for the past couple of days. It could either be from the altitude or dehydration...?
Thanks for reading and praying!!
Emily
P.S. It's free for me to receive texts but costs for me to respond. So if you have texted me, thanks and I got it, but I would rather not pay 50 cents to write you back :) (Dad, this especially applies to you :) )
Emily!! I am so excited to her that there is another Chrisian on the trip, & living with you!! God works, and I remember sitting in our group- with Lisa, Kelsey, Melinda, Grace, you and myself asking specifically for another Christian and the Lord did just that!
ReplyDeleteYes I will be praying for the family and that your lights will shine, I know for a fact they will!! You seem to already had a wonderful discussion with the wife- your actions will really speak volumes- the locals on the streets and markets will see how you act and see Jesus through you.
That does sound funny that the tourists were like, Huh! What to do! Take it all in, enjoy, savor, live in culture!
Love you,
Tricia