Day 2

Today we had our orientation where they took us to Villa de Salvador which is an extremely historic and interesting town. After being a little shocked at where the home base is in Surco *spelled it incorrectly last email, because of Gold's Gym down the street, I was surprised to see such poverty in Villa el Salvador. A place where the gov't left hundreds of families without water or electricity to fend for themselves in the desert. The town is still under serious poverty, reconstruction, and survival. Flashbacks of India actually came to mind with the smell, piles of trash on the side of the road, stray dogs, and dirt roads. I've learned now that no poverty is ever easy to see and always unique. These people have no education, no health care, and water is even shipped to their houses in buckets.

I have changed my placement today which is very exciting. I was originally to work with disabled orphans but found out about Mother Teresa's Home for the Dying and the Destitute in downtown Lima and volunteered to work there. It is such a priviledge to think that I can work and support a true legends mission in life. My volunteer work begins tomorrow, Tuesday, and I'll be working with the poorest of the poor who have been abandoned by everyone, including their own families. Many of the Peruvians there are severely handicapped or their life is close to retiring. Although I know this placement is going to be quite intense, I still feel blessed to know that not only I am contributing to the needs of the Peruvians but working at Mother Teresa's center. Unfortunately, I am not allowed to bring a camera but will be granted this my last day next week.

Besides walking around Surco and taking a trip to Villa de Salvador, I'm trying to practice my terrible spanish and take everything in. Will probably write tomorrow after my first day at my placement with some heart-wrenching stories I'm sure.

*For those who love facts - The UN defines poverty as a family of four living on $2 a day. 48% of Peruvians are considered in poverty and 17-19% are considered below the poverty line at less than $1 a day.