Orientation and meeting our host families
Students enjoyed a packed two days of orientation activities. After getting some sleep, the group started out their day by taking a walk to Casa Goshen. On the way, we stopped at a casa de cambio where they learned how to change their dollars into soles (Peruvian currency). Once at the house, we spent some time getting to know each other and thinking about ways to help ourselves and each other as we take this ‘pilgrimage’ together in Peru. At noon, we walked to the malecon, the ocean boardwalk, and found a spot to enjoy a picnic which included causa rellena, a traditional Peruvian dish made with layers of potato and chicken salad with a garnish on top. Afterward, we took the long stairway down to the Pacific Ocean. As it is winter in Peru, the water is still very cold, but some students were brave enough to stick their toes in. Other opted for skipping stones and listening to the waves. After making our way back up, (and it was a long way back up!) we returned to Casa Goshen for an activity called What’s Wrong with This Picture? where students created skits about what not to do on SST. There was some great acting and a lot of laughing. They were very good at being very bad SSTers. Later, Alicia Taype, our household assistant and caterer, prepared a fruit tasting for students. It was a much-needed break from orientation overload and a good reminder of all the delights awaiting them at the Peruvian table.
On Saturday, we visited downtown Lima, which was the center of the Spanish colonial empire. We toured the beautiful Convento Santo Domingo, where two Peruvian saints are buried. We learned about the influence of catholicism in Peru and the lives of these particular saints. At the end of our tour, students climbed to the top of the bell tower for an amazing view of the city. After the tour, we returned to the Plaza Mayor to watch the ceremonial changing of the guard which takes place at the national palace every day at noon. And the sun came out for the first time since the students’ arrival!
We returned home for some last minute orientation before meeting our host families. Students were shown their host family homes on a map and given some idea of how they will be traveling to and from classes each day. Next week, their host families will accompany them on the route for several days to teach them the specifics of navigating their transportation route.
At last, we returned to the hostel where students were picked up by members of their host families. There were lots of hugs, kisses and smiles as students met the people who will take them into their family for the next six weeks. As one host mother said to me upon leaving, “Don’t you worry, I will take great care of her. She is now like my own daughter.”
