A List

So since getting here, I've realized that being in Peru is very similar to being on campus at Temple. I'm sure that I'll find a lot more reasons later on, but this is what I've come up with so far:

1. The people really enjoy having a good time. There was a discoteca/rave going on until after 6am our first night here. 
2. Everyone from back home keeps telling me to be safe. 
3. There is no need for this comment, however, because just like at Temple, there are cops... everywhere. In our town Miraflores that is. Other towns and regions aren't so lucky. 
4. I'm not allowed to venture out alone (nor would I want to really).
5. There is an extreme abundance of stray cats. The only difference is that here the cats are very friendly. 
6. You're not supposed to walk around with your phone out because someone might steal it. It's even to the extreme that you probably shouldn't have watches or nice jewelry on. 
7. We hear sirens a lot. 
8. Just like in Philadelphia, there are many people here who are poor. These people might have done nothing but be born into an impoverished family, so that they too end up in poverty. 

That's why we're here to help. Hopefully these people and especially their children will realize that there's more to life than the vicious circle that is poverty. Hopefully they can begin to overcome it for themselves and their families. Most importantly of all, it is our hope that the people of these communities realize that they do not deserve to be treated the way that they are. They deserve a good, secure life and happiness just like everyone else.

My last comparison cannot really be added to the list because there is no Wegmans at Temple, but since we have one back in Malvern I will tell you that here they have a grocery store called Wong. The saying goes "You can't go wrong at Wong!" I haven't been there yet, but I'm going to assume it's nothing like Weg. We'll see!

A little later today I'll be telling all of you how touring the various sites and communities went today. Stay tuned!