I’m knee deep in a bunch of final projects and deadlines are looming over me. I have a weekend of Dance Marathon reporting to do for North by Northwestern, an art project, a paper and two finals in the next two weeks, so I did not realize until today’s meeting just how close we are to going to Peru.
With Rotary International‘s documentary crew on hand, our meeting seemed so much more official than it usually is. Of course, we always get topics covered during our bi-weekly general meetings, but 95 percent of the side conversations were cut and we actually got things done more efficiently. Who knew that a camera crew is all that it takes?
All jokes aside, the realization of the trip that was quickly descending upon us came from taking a look at the itinerary. Five full days in Pisco working with the Rotaract Club Pisco on Pisco Sin Fronteras projects; chatting with Lima’s Rotaract Club; sightseeing and cultural events in the evenings and weekends; and savory Peruvian food day and night? I could not have asked for a better way to spend my spring break.
Guatemala last year was truly a great experience. We met a wonderful Rotaract club, whose dynamic helped bring our own Northwestern members closer. The food and night scenes were great, and the fact that twelve of us fell ill with upset stomachs is minor in the large scope of things. We gained so much from the trip and the opportunity to work on so many different projects and climb Mount Pacaya was absolutely amazing.
Now, this trip will be different and equally, if not more, amazing. Working on long-term projects will be a change of pace, but I am looking forward to it. Listening to Lauren describe some of the projects Amanda described — building an ecological house, bird-watching tower, latrines — had me counting down the days until we hop onto that plane to Lima (of course, I’m counting down the days because of finals as well). March 20 cannot come soon enough.
I am looking forward to experiencing a new culture, making new friends and giving back to the community. As Rup said during the meeting, “Creating a sustainable impact for the local communities is what I am looking forward to.”
