Reality Day

Journal-Kathy Curry

Today was "Reality Day" at P.P.A., our first full day of morning and afternoon activities with the kids. While we are learning fast and furiously about how to spend some quality time with them, the reality hit us that we still have a lot to learn…
-We can remember the children's faces but can't seem to remember some of their names
-We seem to know quite a few Spanish words, but usually don't seem to have the right word at the right time
The reality that these adorable children are truly orphans or without parents who can care for them (with a future filled with uncertainty) is unsettling. The reality that the older children may be even more in need than the younger ones, but because of their age probably get less TLC, is also difficult to come to terms with.
The good news is the children are teaching us how to be good volunteers and seem to really enjoy having us around to laugh with and laugh at.
And despite being mostly "Type A" Americans, we're starting to really appreciate "Peruvian time" with our 2 hour lunches and the fact that if things don't start on time we can just mellow out.

Thought of the Day-Kathy Curry
[Since this trip has taken many of us out of comfort zone]
"Ships in the harbor are safe, but that is not what ships are for."