Last week I went out to visit my volunteers for the first
time in community. During the first two
days I was in the San Marcos region visiting my first two communities. This is the region that I have to walk approximately three hours up a hill in order to reach my volunteers. However, the walk does offer some spectacular views!
My first community, La Manzanilla, has decided that they want to build a community library as their Community Based Initiative Project (CBIP). Each community during the course of the summer is going to complete a CBIP, and they have approximately $500 to complete the project. Other examples of projects include community eating areas, soccer goals for the schools, soccer tournaments, silverware for the community, etc.
The next day, I visited Illuca and the first thing that I did in this community was sit down on a still moist pile of cow dung. I also only had one pair of pants with me so it was very lovely wearing the same pants for next day or so…
On the bright side, Illuca had one of the most beautiful sunsets that I have ever seen. My volunteers and I went on a walk in the evening and the fields of purple and white bean flowers, with the sun setting on the mountains in the background was incredible. I wish the picture could actually do the view justice!
After spending a few hours in Cajamarca, I made my way out to my next region, San Pablo. To reach my first community, San Ignasio, I got off my bus and then had to make my way down a corn field for about half an hour before reaching the host families house. It was quite the adventure and I may have taken out a few corn stalks on the way!
A national delicacy in Peru is guinea pig, also known as Cuy. I have yet to eat it, but some of my fellow supervisors have and supposedly it is like tough, dark meat chicken. I will probably end up eating it at some point!
My final community is Chorro Blanco. This is probably one of my favorite communities to visit. The trio partnership is a dream team and they are already holding great after school extracurricular activities and immersing themselves into the community.
I am about to leave for another week on route this morning! Sorry I can't update more often but between the amount of time I am out in the campo (in community) and then all of the paperwork on the weekend, I am finding myself very pressed for time! Miss you all!
You should send me letters if you feel like it :) This is my shameless plug!
My address is:
Attn: AMIGOS "Katie Chale"
Plan International - Cajamarca
Jirón Progreso D-12
Urbanización Cajamarca
Distrito Cajamarca - Provincia Cajamarca
Peru
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