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
