One of my favorite parts of living in Peru is the food. Every meal is an adventure! Peru is famous for its incredible cuisine, and I’ve especially grown to love lomo saltado (stir-fried beef with veggies and fries) and arroz chaufa (a delicious Peruvian-Chinese fried rice). I’ve even learned how to cook some dishes myself!
When I first arrived, I only knew survival Spanish, despite taking Spanish classes my whole life. It was tricky at first, especially when I tried to buy things at the market or have conversations with the kids in my community. I practiced every day with my host family, co-workers, and friends. Now, I can tell jokes, share stories, and even give health presentations in Spanish! Learning a new language has been such a fun challenge, and it has helped me connect with so many people.
As a Community Health Volunteer, I spend my days teaching in schools, working at the health post, and organizing activities at community centers. I lead workshops on important health topics like nutrition, mental health, and illness prevention. I also get to help with big community events, like the Festival de Tunantada, where people dress in colorful traditional outfits, dance in the streets, and play live music. It’s one of my favorite traditions here!
Moving to a new country with a different language and culture was definitely a big change, but it has been an incredible adventure. I’ve learned so much about myself, made amazing friendships, and discovered a passion for global health.
