It was the day that we
dreaded the most. The last day. The moments we shared, the relationships we
formed, and the bonds with both nature and humans that we made were hard to
leave behind, but it had to be done. The day started off with another satisfying
late wake-up at around 8 AM. After a great breakfast of scrambled eggs, bread,
and some delicious pinapple juice, everyone quickly boarded the bus for our
last day of environmental service with ConCiencia.
We arrived at there mini "jungle" area and started the day off with some ice breakers as we crowded around on a tiny mat and the rock-paper-scissors posse game.
After that, we split ourselves in our groups of 10 and started a specific analysis on every tree of Conciencia's plantation.
After collecting all the data, we went to the local boarding school for a mouthwatering lunch of avocado salad and chicken with rice.
After lunch, we did our last activity for our environmental service project where we divided ourselves in groups of 2 and had a weeding contest, where we competed for free Conciencia's t-shirts. The work was long and tiring, but it gave all of us a good sense of satisfaction. The winners: Laolu, Spencer, and Ose, got off with free t-shirts while some of the other students paid for their own t-shirts.
We ended the service with a gratitude circle where we all expressed our gratitude for the opportunity Conciencia gave us and the work they did. It was a great experience for all of us participating in this innovative organization.
We said our good-byes to Conciencia and quickly scrambled onto the bus so we could take our last showers in our hotel in Lima. After the hotel, we boarded the bus and proceeded to the airport. However, it wasn't going to be a quick trip home. There was one last thing that we had to do before leaving. It might have been the hardest thing that we have done all trip. We had to say goodbye to our dear friend and guide, Jorge. Not only was Jorge one of the nicest people around, but he was genuinely interested in helping people adjust to Peruvian culture. If it comforts you, the parents, at all, he acted as a father figure and made sure everyone was healthy and well. It was a tearful and painful goodbye, but a dinner that consisted of greasy American food provided condolences. We are now at the gate ready to come back to New York and continue the journey of life.
Christian's Reflection:
The trip to Peru created a unique environment where a group of thirty students, not many of them friends in the beginning, bonded as a family. It was awkward in the first plane ride. We called each other by the wrong names and usually just sat by people we already knew. However, as I write this blog, I am sitting next to a screaming group of twenty-nine students, tearing up and choking a little, knowing that I will never forget this experiance and cherish every moment of it. From the time we got soaked in Machu Pichu because of the rain, to the time when my friend poured water all over my pants by accident, to the time when I slipped and fell into a pile of cow dung, every moment was a blast. I love every person on this trip: the students, the teachers, the guides, and I will keep a part of this trip forever in my heart and carry the relationships I formed on this trip forever.
Justin:
This trip to Peru was an eye-opening adventure that helped me expand my view on the different communities of this world. My reflection may not be as long Christian's, but this trip helped me understand more about what really means to "live one's life." The time I spent learning the ways of the Loquina locals and the beliefs of the Incan people has given me a sort of "enlightment" that I will apply to my life forever.
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