Week one

Well, in order to write this blog that meant I had to sign into my email (at school), which meant I would need the @ sign, and I had to ask someone how to do that because the keyboard is different.
If that doesn´t describe my life right now in one instance then I don´t know what does.

typical Peruvian lunch spot

There are so many things that are different!
They eat lunch around 2. Times are more like suggestions. Don´t even get me started on how in the world I´ll eventually be able to tell the streets apart (it's called the 'white city' for a reason). So glad there are street signs! The air is dry-no one has dryers. Everyone dries their clothes outside! A/C and heat isn´t really a thing, but it´s not needed (for the most part). I am avoiding the obvious-that I never know what is going on because I don´t speak Spanish YET. I have a Spanish tutor though, so that´s pretty cool.
Te view is breathtaking. The people at school are incredibly kind. I haven't encountered anyone who makes fun of attempts at Spanish. There are so many things to constantly see and look at. I have a Peruvian phone number, so that's cool. They have Starbucks for when I want to pretend I am in America (they write my name as Beck too lol).

typical Peruvian street-with not so typical sunglasses. 

The Lord is teaching me where to find my identity. I am first and foremost a child of the King, and I want my life here to embody that. I am thankful for my friends back in the states to keep me centered on His promises for my life, and how He is my constant amidst this inconsistency the first two months, while they change my status (hello work visa). I am learning to really embrace who I am without anyone here to guide me in my values and beliefs. I have the option to 'recreate' who I am, but honestly- I love who I am in the Lord and He designed me the same in America or in Peru.

My friend, Karina, who keeps me laughing and running
everywhere and is my future adventure buddy!

Of course there are triggering things, but my treatment team and I prepared for it. I have old friends, and new friends here that are showing me around the city. Helping me translate, navigating how to get from place to place, and being my friend to make plans with. I already feel included which is SUCH a blessing. I am having to work recovery not necessarily by my self because I have lots of support back in the states, but in a sense doing it without everyone around me knowing I am in recovery.

My bud, Dalia, and her daughter showing me around;
translating, and helping me buy essentials (like sunscreen!)

Overall, it is an experience that no one could possibly prepare you for. It is something that few people can relate to (shout out to Mikayla for helping me with that!!). It is an experience that I don't take for granted because my number one response when I told people I was moving abroad was, "Wow I wish I would've done that." Well, here I am doing that, not looking back for a second.

perusingmeg

I told myself I'd write a 'goodbye' blog before I left for Peru, but every time I sat down to write it there were/are/will always be too many things/people/moments to mention.

THEN I told myself I'd limit it to the 'important' parts-32 pictures later.......
Ok that won't work.
So. To all that saw me, road tripped with me, danced, laughed, cried, sat in silence, listened, shared, and/or ran next to me-thank you. Thank you for making my last summer in America the best ever.
I stand in awe of where the Lord has me now.

About 70 pieces of my heart that I'll miss every week. 

Last year at this time we were praying for November. My pattern is was 5 months. I had a crash every 5 months. And well...it happened. It was tough, but this time was different. I made it through. It happened again in February but it was less intense-I handled it even better. I hope every 5 months that I make it through, it loses intensity.
I like to think about my past because it makes the present all the more beautiful. I don't like parts of it because I am ashamed of them, but then again all the more beauty from ashes type deal. And...I had a lot of ashes so I plan on there being a lot of beauty.

Like leading these girls plus Brooke (missed you!) is a joy in my life every week. They keep me on my toes, keep me 'trendy', teach me things, celebrate with me, and are overall awesome kids I'll miss. 

I'll miss living with my longtime roomie, Renee'. I'll miss seeing my dad. Running with my bestest friends. And that I am in utter denial over Pinelake kids. Those kids hold a place in my heart that will never be broken. I could go on and on but that's just sad!

Yeah I only cried leaving two people. Dad and Renee'.
Thanks R. Appreciate it. 

Yeah I can't say anything or I'll cry.
But here's dad and I moments before I left. 

I made it to Peru though! It's the most surreal experience landing in a new country..continent at that is going to be called 'home'. Mountains surround me, no humidity, fall weather. 

Pretty much everything I hoped and dreamed for. 

I am sadden to not be with my sweet church kiddos, but will hopefully find some here.

Guess it's time to learn Spanish. 

Outside the window of where I'm staying the first week

Here's to my first week in Peru. Stay tuned to my adventures of getting lost, new foods, beautiful pictures, and looking like a typical expat..can't wait.