Be the Change You Wish to See in the World: Mosquitos: A girl's worst nightmare

Today we spent the morning at Vida Nueva (the drug/alcohol rehabilitation center). The men were very candid and honest about their addictions and willingly shared their individual story. The director of the program is a former addict; sober for 16 years. He explained how the program offered a much needed alternative to other treatment programs because it is built on love, respect and an open-door policy, whereas other programs are based on physical restraint and intimidation. They showed us some of their craftsmanship; handmade picture frames and jewelry and even gave us some to take home with us. The men were beyond sweet, incredibly kind, and so thankful for our support and concern. They extended a formal invitation to us to come back to the center and have a homemade lunch (cooked by the guys). They offered to "slaughter their fattest duck/rabbit/chicken (depending on our preference)" - a very generous offer. They also challenged us to a game of volleyball... questionably rigged; boys v. girls. I look forward to spending more time with them.

For lunch, we had a family-to-family picnic. Since Sacramento Santisimo has sister parishes in the US, they have begun a sponsorship program where US families can sponsor Peruvian families. When the different volunteer groups come down to Peru, they are given an opportunity to meet their family. As a school, Marquette College of Nursing sponsors a family and we were able to meet them! Eduardo (dad), Erika (mom), Christian (8), Kiara (3), and Jessica (4 months). [side note: Jessica Stephanie was named after two Marquette nursing students from last summer - how special!] They were the cutest, most welcoming family and the afternoon passed quickly as we got to know them better. Erika came to sit by me at mass this evening with the baby (she is a regular attendant, however Eduardo works night shifts as a moto-taxi driver so we most likely won't see him at mass). In the upcoming weeks we will have the opportunity to take them shopping for necessities and on outings.

In other news: the mosquito's made themselves known today - I had a large growth develop on my forehead as well as other lumps on my arms and legs... DEET is my new best friend.