Day 19...

Today was the most difficult day to get through. I spent a lot of time reflecting on the last three weeks and trying to sum up my experience. To be quite honest there is no other way to discribe it then, I do not want to leave.

Peruvians are so much more emotional and so deep. Im not sure what it is, but we sure felt it. So many of the people I met have an appreciation for the land, for eachother, for thier culture. And you could feel their passion. I felt I got something here that I really lack at home. A deeper connection with people. Some believe that you do not need any verbal communication to connect and feel people and know people. There is something to be said about it... In Peru, with such a language barrier, it was acheived. Somehow without any verbal communication I managed to form a bond unlike any I have at home, where we speak the same language. I think that is why is was so easy to fall in love with each and every one of them. In such a short time such a bond was created with many people. Shay said that on all of her other trips she didn't cry when she said goodbye to her tour guides. But here, emotions were a big part of the goodbyes. While Shay and I talked over breakfast she said something I really liked. The friendships I made here is worth more then any stone I layed. And its true. People will never understand the impact of the experience until they experience it themselves. Its never just about the communities and people that we physically help here. Its also a small step to something bigger that each of us will take home with us.

I said before that it felt like home. Never once did I feel any sense of culture shock. I have learned on my travels that no matter where you go you will always find a piece of home. No matter what country, however far away, whatever culture, you will always find that people are people, just living their lives just as we do. They have families, they play with their children, the eat dinner, enjoy a good time, good music, and a glass of beer. They go to work, school, university out to the bar... Its important to look for these things and feel the sense of being able to relate. Instead of picking apart whats different. Always look for the kindness, remember that just because you are told to watch your bags, doesn't mean that everyone is going to steal them, and also remember that people will steal at home too. And for every person who wanted to pickpocket us, 5 people told us to watch out for them. Think about that. See the beauty in people no matter where you go, including home.

From the farmlands, to the mountains, from the ruins, to the historic streets, the elite parties and the coast, Peru is so diverse and it was a pleasure getting a taste of every little part. I will never ever forget my friends who made my time there so worth while, Yessie, Cristian, Nancy, Hugo, Augusto, Pursy, Rebelino, Gabriel, and Ricardo... each of you have a special place in my heart. As well as each and everyone of the group members, Shay, Nicole, Jamie, Karin, Jeff, Jarret, Drew, Laura, Tania, Jessica, Mel, and Lori. Will miss you all. And thank you for an unforgetable experience.