(1) Preparation

January 7th, 2009 by Jessica

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Hello everyone,

I am not feeling too well today and thought I would try to be productive as possible and catch up on tasks for my Peru excursion. As I was lying on my couch this morning, I came to the realization that my trip to Peru is right around the corner. I have a lot to do and will do my best to keep everyone posted as I go through the process. I plan on keeping the posts as short and to-the-point as possible. Please remember, although I may write much about myself – the point of this on-line journal serves a greater purpose than hearing about how I have reacted to the trip. There are children in our world who need a reason and the motivation to continue in life. They are so precious and are worth every moment with them and dime spent on them.

Children are one third of our population and all of our future. ~Select Panel for the Promotion of Child Health, 1981

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Topics for Discussion:

1. Basics

2. Safety and Family Concern

Basics

I will be traveling to Cusco, Peru in February and March of 2007. I am so blessed that the company I work for will compensate me for a week’s worth of work while I am there. My family and friends are all supportive (for the most part) and I am excited for this opportunity!

I will be volunteering in the childcare program, which you can read about on the GVN website; http://www.volunteer.org.nz/peru/. Feel free to take a look around the site to see if you find any interest in the other programs, as I will need a ‘buddy’ to join me on my next volunteer trip in 2010.

Safety and Family Concern

As many of you know, my family is pretty close. There is much concern about my travels oversees. I cannot allow myself to fear this experience and welcome it with open arms. God has brought me to this opportunity and I have faith in Him he will keep me safe.

As my dad has just recently reminded me – I must also take my own safety precautions. There will be someone back home who will have all information regarding my trip and the documents that will keep me safe. There is a lot that goes into this trip and I promise you I have contacted every individual to find all relevant information to ensure my safe return.

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I am looking forward to sharing this experience with everyone and I hope you find some joy or peace from hearing about the children in Peru. There are so many innocent individuals in our world who desperately need to feel the love and compassion from another person.

Times are tough and we have to all stick together to make it through this. Much love to all of my friends and family; I cannot thank you enough for the support and encouragement you have provided for me along the years.

-Jessica, Peru Volunteer

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. Explore. Dream. Discover.” -Mark Twain