Damn, the days go by fast. I am up by 5am and before I know it, the sun is setting and soon it’s time for bed. It feels like I’ve been in Peru a lot longer than 2 months, but in a good way!
With 10 teens from the Casa living at the Sanctuary with us, life’s been a trip.
Parenting, Mentoring and accepting responsibility for young humans is an enormous task….one I do not take lightly and as a result, I am growing more gray hair, just when I thought there wasn’t a single brunette strand left. They’re not my biological children and I will never claim to really understand being a parent, but I have a clue. I am the Yin to Ricardo’s Yang in their future success as independent contributors to society as they transition into adults. We are excited, exhausted, committed and in absolute love with these kids! When I feel down, all they have to do is engage me with a look or a word, and I forget about everything as we laugh ….and I regain perspective.
What makes me laugh the most? Crazy things I overhear them say…randomly, generally to no one in particular. Mind you, they speak very little english.
“Geeeve mee sumthteeng to dew”
“What’s deh madder wit chew, man”
“Aye dunt no”
“Aye neeed ah chy-ear” (chair)
“Aye ham ready for ack-shaun”
Oh, and they call my frozen cookie dough balls “testiculos”. I’m certain I’ve heard “Tia Testiculo” more than once.
Nice.
I’m needed, valued and loved. I’m tired, busy, constantly problem solving and often overwhelmed.
In other words, it’s a balanced existence. 
Here’s Ivan being silly with one of Maestra Olga’s creations. He’s an awesome kid who’s come out of his shell to reveal an intelligent, silly person hiding inside. He’s got a lot to look forward to in life because I know he’ll continue to find happiness!!
Leo n Kit Kat. Leo’s English has improved alot, which is cool because he’s got a great sense of humor! He’s a fast learner so it’s gonna be fun to watch him figure out what he plans to do once he hits 18.
Sergio had surgery in Cuzco this past week. I stayed with him in the clinic for a few days and he gave me a walking tour of the city to places I’ve never seen before. We share a love of motorcycles and music! He wants to be a tour guide, he speaks excellent English, he helps me with my Spanish and is an absolute delight to be around!
Antes:
Despuis:
While he was in surgery, I was able to swipe a tasty filet mignon dinner with a fascinating mystery companion…
The food here….. is crazy.
Kraps. It’s what’s for lunch. With…
Peruvian Sardines. DIVINE!!
But wait there’s more …
FINALLY Salame (delish!) and Smoked Alpaca (OMG!!) from the Molinari!
I found some cake at a Pastelleria in Calca. It tasted like an angel food roll with light dulce de leche icing and a strawberry center. So…I KNOW you CAN bake a perfect cake at altitude, though doing so continues to elude me.
I WILL get you, cake recipe.
The intense detail of natural beauty in Peru still blows me away.
I stop to smell the flowers nearly every day.
Looks like a full moon in the garden!
Rude! (wink wink, DD!!)
I wish my camera could capture a mere fraction of how beautiful the stars and moon are at 10,000 feet, in the middle of nowhere.
The rain is finally dissipating and we’ve gone from cold wet days to 95 degrees in the sun…but, the nights will turn clear and be in the 30′s. June is the coldest month, but we won’t see much rain again until December.
I look at this everyday.
And every night, I watch the sunset from the back door. Daytime view….
My life is sweet.
I’ve a lot to smile about these days. I will enjoy these blessings as long as I am allowed.
My Spanish has markedly improved. While I still rely on my dictionary and coaching, I’m able to successfully participate in conversation without help. I imagine I sound just like the foreign Polish or Mexican folks back in the US…broken, not quite correct language, but the point gets across. The kids tease my Spanish constantly… and I LOVE IT!!
I’m running out of American Spirits…I’m down to one pack! HALP!!!
I can’t find Qtips, pickles, hair product or Makers Mark!!
Still….
Life is good!
