My first week in Peru is complete.  I have been teaching so much english!  I've had a class almost everyday, sometimes with as many as 15 kids under 10!  I thought teaching the english classes would be stressful for me but I actually really enjoy it.  I've put together a little class of 6 kids that 9-11 yrs old and we meet 3 times a week for english and they are so great!  They study & come to class prepared each time and often want to stay longer (we meet for 2.5 hours) so I have to kick them out.

This week we had two birthday parties... The first was for Alejandro & Antonio, Yrma's twin sons, they turned 15 and we had such a good time.  We danced to salsa music and the very popular Peruvian group "Grupo Cinco", it was great!  The next night we had a party for the 5 yr old boy next door.  The party was not as boisterous but still a lot of fun.

We began our first community project this week in Zone Z.  We wil be assisting the people there in building a sports park.  They already have a soccer field there but it is in horrible shape with giant rocks all over (see photo).  They would like to remove the rocks and level the field and also build a tennis court..... I think I will plan my next trip to coincide with its completion so I can play!  We have a lot of work to do to get all this done, but the people of Zone Z are so excited and keep talking about how much they want this for their kids because they have so little to do there.

Yesterday was an off day, so Leslie, Lara, Yrma & I took a 2 1/2 hour bus trip up to San Mateo.  San Mateo is a very small mountain town with beautiful views, good food & very small people - absolutely no European blood there!  We had a huge lunch and then walked around.  I found a small store to buy yarn in and so I was absolutely thrilled... I thought initially I would use the yarn with the kids, but I think I may keep it to make some scarves and such.

So much has been happening here.  Everyday is so busy, time goes by very fast and I feel like I've been here longer already.  Check out the pictures, write me a message and please walk my dog if you are in Tinley Park!  Thanks!