I’ve been here for about twelve days and of those twelve I have had two Sundays off. I live with a host family in the neighborhood of Hausacaran in the district of Chacalacayo, outside of the city of Lima. My day begins at 6:30 a.m. with oatmeal, bread, and fresh-squeezed juice (papaya, mango, or maracuyá) made by my host mom, Nancy, a lovely cook. Although the food is delicious, the lack of control over my diet is causing me to bloat, my acne is flaring up, and I have been feeling insecure about my body. The food here is very carb-heavy; rice and potatoes, usually on the same plate.

It’s starting to sink in that I am here for good but not for long. In three months, I will be in the countryside, la provincia, and honestly, I am nervous about where they are going to place me for my permanent site. I am enjoying being with my cohort, but at the same time it is tiring for my introverted nature. It feels like every person in my cohort is the “main character” and it is difficult to stick out or feel recognized as an individual with talents and opinions. Everyone here is talented, smart, and charismatic, so I suppose that means I must carry some of those attributes as well, looking at the situation in a positive light. And despite my personal struggles with confidence, I do feel like I belong somewhere in the mix of this cohort. I love being in Peru, and every day I learn something about myself and my new environment.

It is a combination of exhausting and fulfilling to be a part of Peace Corps. Intensity is high but so is the desire for companionship amongst the the volunteers.