2/21/2012

Today marks 5 months until the first possible day we, the illustrious members of Peru 15*, can COS or close our service. Lately, I suspect mainly due to my recent bought of stomach issues that left me miserable for a week, I have been thinking more and more about my return to the states and my time here. So much changes between the time you arrive in country and when you’re preparing to leave it. At any time there are four groups of active volunteers in the country which right now are 15, 16, 17, and 18, who just arrived. As the senior group it can be hard to connect to the newbies.

Peru 18er- “Wow it’s been raining so much, I hope it ends soon!” Peru 15er- Having prepared for rainy season like the ant to the grasshopper, “I just finished all 6 seasons of Dexter, read 3 books and don’t even attempt to leave my house past 1pm.”

Peru 18er-“Oh man in 4 months another training group will be here and we won’t be the newbies anymore!” Peru 15er- Having no intention of bothering to learn the names of the Peru 19ers “Oh man in 4 months I will be 4 months closer to leaving (said with equal parts anxiety and excitement).”

After being invited to a Peruvian baptism, wedding, baby shower, birthday or similar event, Peru 18er- “It’s so great to be included in such a culturally significant event”. Having attended such events in the past and understanding the importance of timing your exit, Peru 15er- “Yesss, free Pollada** then I’ll peace out right before the cajas of beer arrive.”

While in their capital city…

Peru 18er- “Let’s get Pizza Hut for lunch!” With the same enthusiasm, Peru 15er- “I know a cheap menu around here and they even give you a salad!”

Peru 18er- “I miss American food so much, burgers, bbq sauce, Peanut butter m&ms, mexican food….” Peru 15er- “If you name one more thing I will slap you.”

Peru 18er -“This internet is terrible, I can’t even skype!” Peru 15er who most likely gave up long ago attempting to skype except on rare occasions, “If I put my computer in this corner and hold it over my head between the hours of 7pm and 9pm I can finish downloading the latest episodes of Modern Family.”

Peru 18er-“I haven’t showered in a week, thank god for the hot water in this hotel!” Peru 15er-“I haven’t showered in um….well it doesn’t matter.”

Peru 18er still more or less up on current events in the states- “I heard (insert popular current movie) is so good! We should see it when it comes out here!” Peru 15 #1- “I just got a pirated copy of (insert popular movie from a year ago).” Peru 15 #2 –“Never heard of it.”

Talking to other 15ers we all seem to be experiencing the same mixed bag of emotions. Ready to leave Peru and all the frustrations the come with it, anxious to return to an America where we have to learn how to use things like smartphones, sad at the idea we will be leaving some amazing people and experiences, hoping that these two years haven't been in vain, and attempting to make one last attempt at impacting our community. 4.5 months left.

*All new training groups are referred to by their country and the number of groups that have arrived to said country. Peru 15 is the 15^th group to arrive in Peru since its reopening as a post in 2001.

**You may remember pollada is a plate of chicken, beet/carrot/cabbage salad, and potatoes served with lots of delicious cremas