Hola, me llamo Carissa,
and that is the extent of my spanish.

Today was our first day at the worksite.

On the bus ride to the site, little scenarios had been going through my mind of what I had expected it to look like. What it was turned out to be quite different than what I had in mind. I had expected it to feel like work, but it didn't, it was just... different.

Staring out the window as we travel there, the scenery and culture that we observe is amazing. Little kids are running outside to wave at us passing by. They're so excited just by the simple fact that we pass by their home. The people are so open and friendly here, everyone greets everyone, which is very different from home. Personally, I can't stop looking at the homes that are built into the side of mountains. I also like looking at the structure of the houses here, it's so different from Canada.

The land we're working in is 30 000 square metres. There are a lot of different jobs that have to be done, and all of them involve teamwork, which is comforting. While working, we got a chance to talk to other people and bond with other members of the team. For example, we've taught the interns that have been in Trujillo for 3 months Oh Canada, and now every time someone says "Canada", we tend to break out into song.

I'd also like to add in that the guest house we're staying in is amazing. There are so many rooms it's like a maze, and most of us have gotten lost in it. There are also stairs that lead to the rooftop where the whole team sang, shared why they came on the mission's trip and worshipped God two nights ago.

Tomorrow we'll be working again and also visiting the dump, which I'm a little nervous about. The people here have already impacted my life a great deal, and we haven't seen the most heart wrenching yet. I'm excited but anxious at the same time. How should I feel when waiting for a life changing experience?

Carissa Curtis