My summer started out just like any other, excited by the prospect of sunshine, the beach, hanging out with friends, and simply not being in school! But, this was going to be a different summer – there wasn’t going to be any lifeguarding, tanning, or babysitting.

 

By Taylor Pomroy

 

My summer started out just like any other, excited by the prospect of sunshine, the beach, hanging out with friends, and simply not being in school! But, this was going to be a different summer – there wasn’t going to be any lifeguarding, tanning, or babysitting.

The sky was going to be gray, not sunny, my family was not going to speak my language, and I was going to spend five weeks doing community service.

 

I chose to participate in a YMCA exchange program called ICEP (International Camper Exchange Program). ICEP gives rising sophomores the opportunity to travel to a foreign country to experience the culture and serve people in need. Out of a choice of ten countries, I applied for Peru, so I could practice my Spanish and have the chance to perform the most possible community service hours.

My group consisted of 15 teens and two leaders, and when we landed in the capital of Lima, I quickly learned it was going to be very different than my life in the United States. The most significant challenge was living in a Spanish-speaking community. Many of the people in Peru do not speak a bit of English, and none of us was fluent in Spanish. As a result, it was difficult – and, at times, hilarious – asking for directions and making conversation with the Peruvians.

 

The food situation was another radical difference. You can’t drink the tap water, or eat anything washed in it, which was difficult to avoid. It was, however, great to try delicious Peruvian food. Ultimately, we came to love the Peruvian chicken, potatoes, and rice included in almost every meal.

 

Another challenge our group faced was the weather. In Lima, it was winter and the sky was a blinding white from a daily blanket of clouds. It was misty almost every day, and it was sad to have no sunny beach days. Eventually, we all got used to the white sky and the wet weather. Now, I even miss it!

 

The memories of the locations we visited in Peru and the spectacular sights at each will last a lifetime. During a trip to Azpitia, a small suburb of Lima, we woke up early and the view of the town was so gorgeous, with a mist slowly rolling off the mountains in the distance.

 

Although we experienced culture shock, the experience offered many educational and enriching advantages. The first, and obvious, advantage was furthering my language skills. Originally it was difficult to communicate with the Peruvian people, but it became easier with time and we all came back knowing much more of the language. I have taken Spanish for five years, but having to speak fluently, with no other option, greatly improved my vocabulary. And the Peruvians we met were so kind and more than happy to welcome our group to their country. I made some friends that I will never forget.

 

Community service was a huge part of our trip, and perhaps what I enjoyed most. During our time in Azpitia, we built a parking garage and painted fences at the local YMCA. We also spent time in Independencia, where we constructed a cement wall to prevent erosion from coming down on the town. We formed a line to carry cement up the hill, and had a blast singing and playing “telephone” while we worked. We carried cement for six hours a day, but the hours breezed by. Independencia was one of the poorer places I have ever visited and it felt immeasurably rewarding to help.

 

Along the trip, we made bracelets and sold T-shirts for a local orphanage. The children there were so happy and loveable, and ran up for hugs each time we entered. That made it all the more upsetting to know they had no parents or families to give them the love they deserved. While it tore me apart to see these amazing kids in difficult circumstances, it brought me joy that they allowed me into their lives, if only for a few days.

 

The last service project was in Cuzco, where we visited a hospital for physically and mentally challenged children. We were warned that this would be the most emotionally demanding service we had to do. As I prepared myself, I remembered that no matter what happened, it was my job to make their day.

 

I entered the room where the kids stayed and was immediately greeted by a huge smile from a little girl in a wheelchair. I walked up to her and began talking, nervous, but excited. When I then took her outside and wheeled her around, she started singing Justin Bieber’s “Baby”. I sang along and before I knew it we were laughing and singing and having a great time without even trying.

 

My nerves were instantly gone and it was incredible to hear a girl that was in this terrible situation having fun as if nothing was wrong. Even though I went to the hospital to make someone’s day, the kids there made my day, too.

 

Along with completing the 50-plus hours of community service during the course of my trip, we also visited many of the attractions in Peru. We took a short plane ride to Cuzco, and the view of the Andes Mountains, surrounded by huge clouds was stunningly beautiful; I couldn’t keep my eyes away. The sky was the prettiest, purest blue, and the sun there was always shining. After landing, we visited Ollantaytambo, an ancient Incan civilization with hundreds of steps. We climbed all of them, which was not easy with the extreme altitude change, but the view from the top was worth it.

 

Macchu Picchu was next on the list, and although I wasn’t sure if I’d be that impressed having seen it so many times in textbooks, it took my breath away when we climbed over the first hill and laid eyes on the majestic city.

 

Visiting Peru with ICEP is the best thing that has ever happened to me, and I encourage others to pause a moment before deciding to just hang out all summer. Instead, consider leaving the comfort of home and helping those in need. You might just have an unforgettable experience along the way.