August 2006
After many goodbyes and endings I arrived in Peru on August 5th. The trip was excellent according to the seasoned travelers who were along. We got through immigration quickly to go claim our baggage next. Those pom poms and ribbons on the suticases are the only way to go! I prayed for a green light at customs and my prayers were answered. (If you get the red light, your bags are opened and searched.) There to greet us on the outside were all the Sisters stationed in Peru! It was a warm welcome in the early hours of the morning. Of course, as all IHM's are known to do, we stood around and talked until someone had the sense to say it is time to go! Our convent, San Antonio, is not far from the airport. Indeed, it was good to rest my head upon the pillow that first night!
THE CONVENT
Together we are seven Sisters at San Antonio Convent. New are myself and Sister Francis. Working in the elementary school are Sisters Nancy, Isabella, and Angelica. In the Institito, the business school here, are Sisters Eileen and Dahlia. We are four North Americans and three South Americans. Luckily for me we are speaking English in the convent. We are praying in Spanish which I like as I want to learn as quickly as I can. As I learn I will want to speak it here in the convent too, but for now I am grateful for the consideration of all the Sisters.
For security reasons, all the buildings of the Sisters are enclosed in a compound. We have six convents/schools in Peru total. They are beautiful and safe inside. Outside, that is another story from what I hear. Just like the Spaniards built their cities around a center square, so are our schools here. There is a courtyard surrounded by the school, chapel, and convent. We have mass here, there are quioscos, stands to sell snacks and food for lunch, and wonderful workers, students, and staff! We have guest rooms, all are welcome!
SCHOOL
Colegio San Antonio is an all girls school in Callao. We had a beautiful welcome by both the elementary girls and the business school girls. To make us feel at home, the presentations included It's a Small World, Celebration, and of course, Frank Sinatra! Chidlren are beautiful the world over.
I will be teaching English to the fifth graders. There are two sections of each grade. I met all the girls yesterday and even took my first class. It's all in English, the girls helped me explain myself by translating to Spanish when needed for some. The girls will be bilingual when they leave here which is excellent for their future education. As for my schooling, I will go to the Berlitz School in Mira Flores, by bus! That should be an adventure.
LIFE
As you can imagine, I feel like I have been here forever. The first week of anything always seems an eternity, except if it's a week of vacation! I am taking it all one moment at a time with God's grace. Much has changed here in the country so life for me is very similar here to the states. Of course, as you move out of the city and into the country, the mountains, or the jungles of Peru, life would be much more different. When I learn the Spanish, I hope I can experience more of Peru, it's culture and people.
The food is different, but good so far. I am not drinking the water, eating fresh fruit or vegetables, and taking it slowly at first to get adjusted. I have all the modern conveniences of home, the differences being minor. A new Plaza Vea just opened on the corner from the convent. You can buy most anything there. Most are unfamiliar brands but there are some we have in the States, just not as many choices. I like that as I always was overwhelmed in the cereal aisle at Stop-N-Shop, too many choices! Like anywhere, the imported items are more expensive. I did see in Lima a mall with American fast foods, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Chili's, Burger King, Dunkin Donuts, and of course McDonalds!
I am blessed to be serving God's people here in South America. Just like all of you, the people here are thirsting for God and are grateful to the Sisters for their presence here. Let us thank God every day for all He has given to us.
