So being it Sunday Funday, Election Day in Peru, as well as the first time it has rained in Lobitos in who knows how long, I figured it is a good time to recount my experience in Lobitos thus far…I arrived exactly one week ago and time has just completely flown by. I was quickly welcomed by my fellow volunteers, along with Dani, one of the co-founders of WAVES – I instantly felt right at home. The locals here also love to socialize with the volunteers and the children are just amazingly charismatic, making for an even smoother transition. I am totally impressed with the WAVES program as I did not expect it to be so organized! English class takes place everyday at the local school right across the street from »La Casa de WAVES’. » Surf, Artisan and Environment class all meet regularly as well. Most of the time, I just feel like one of the kids, whether I am learning a new Spanish word in English class, getting pushed into a wave in Surf class, making a necklace in Artisan class or planting trees/making shower curtains from recycled yogurt cups in Environment class. I find that the children who participate in these extracurricular classes have offered up even more encouragement to me than I have to reciprocate.
Aside from the children, I have also learned a lot from the different volunteers and guests who have stayed at the house. It is quite refreshing to see young surfers on a charitable mission, challenging the status quo. A few of the volunteers are determined to bring Lobitos its first skate ramp and it is definitely coming along!
I am here for one more week, so I will post another update later this week…including a recap of Sunday Funday Bowling…
gnite for now, jen
