Lima, June 15, 2011
As our Perú cross-cultural came to an end we got to visit and see places you only dream of seeing. We started off with a train ride to Machu Picchu. On our journey to Machu Picchu we had time to relax on the train, play games, and just enjoy each other’s company. When we arrived and began our morning hike of Huayna Picchu it was amazing. I got to test my physical endurance and also got to spend more time with my cross-cultural leader and friends. Our average climbing time was 45-55 minutes.
I do not know exactly how everyone else felt when they reached the top, but I felt on top of the world both literally and figuratively. The time we spent on top of the mountain involved sight seeing, taking pictures, and relaxing before we had to begin our adventure back down the mountain. After concluding our all day trip, we returned to our host families for our last night in Cusco to then start our long journey back home to the United States with a few additional stops along the way.
After saying our goodbyes to our host families, we started our journey to Lake Titicaca which was absolutely amazing. We got to see the floating islands and the families that occupied them. I realized that they enjoy the simpler things in life and respect and greatly appreciate everything they have and the things that the God and “Lady Earth” have blessed them with.
From my experience in Perú I plan to take back with me their strong faith in God and their gratitude for everything they obtain in life whether it is big or small. I also want to remember what I have and be grateful for it. Peruvians work very hard every day and don’t throw in the towel because things did not turn out their way.
I pray for the people of Perú and their country that they may prosper in God.
– Rasheeda Crews