When I packed my bags for Peru, I thought I had a pretty good idea of what I was walking into. I expected adventure. I expected culture shock. I expected to learn a little Spanish and eat a lot of rice (both of which have definitely happened). But what I didn’t expect was how much this place, these people, and this experience would teach me, not just about Peru, but about myself.
I’ve learned that community isn’t something that happens instantly. It’s built slowly: shared laughs, showing up when you say you will, saying “yes” even when you’re nervous. It’s family who bring you soup when you’re sick and kids who shout your name across the plaza just to wave. It’s learning to dance the tunantada with two left feet and being laughed at - in the kindest way - because everyone’s just glad you tried.
I’ve learned that progress doesn’t always look the way you expect. Sometimes it’s a student asking a thoughtful question. Sometimes it’s getting through an entire day without butchering a verb tense.
