Caras vemos pero corazones no conocemos...

I watch the hazy cityscape transform as the twilight sky went from sunset to dusk. The street lamps flicker on in a wave across the sea of rooftops. In an odd contradiction to the beautiful sight, I feel like throwing up. We have been in the car all day driving up and down the city streets locating the areas where surveys would be conducted. The pot-holes, curves and stop-and-go motion has taken me to a place physically that I do not enjoy. I pace on the sidewalk trying to distract my mind from the nausea with the view, but the sensation persists. I look for a nearby local to find a bathroom and see a small restaurant on the street corner. The young hostess directs me to the bathroom where I find the usual: one toilet(no toilet-seat). I return to the senorita to ask for toilet paper. In response I receive a small stack of 6-8 napkins. I sought a restroom to find a better physical state, but I left that restaurant more sick to my stomach than when I left it.

We have left the cement confines of the city to do field work in other provinces. We headed to the coast where we worked and played. The water was rather cold, but we swam in the waves nonetheless. Seeing the climate change so dramatically was incredible. In Arequipa we are at an altitude of  8,000 ft. Dropping to sea-level was amazing geographically, architecturally and culturally. 

   

On Wednesday of this week we conducted interviews in a district that contains the oldest cemetery in Arequipa. El Apacheta was opened in 1833 and has served as the burial place for many of the important historical figures in Arequipa. The design and tradition of the cemetery is completely foreign. Different sections of the cemetery are designated for different economic classes. 

The lower class bury their dead in a ground level grave with a gravestone.

The middle class have specially designed casket spaces (up to eight high) built throughout the grounds.

The upper class have small tombs that go deep into the ground with shelves built for each family members resting place.

I thought about my perception of death and how to honor those in my family that have passed. We owe so much respect to those that have come before us and I was touched to see dedication and commitment that the Latin culture shows to their dead. Happy Memorial Day! 

I am growing closer to the city. We have covered nearly the entire city from end to end and I am beginning to feel like I am apart of the chaos. Every street has character and a story to tell. I am constantly poking my head through doors, peering around corners and simply stopping to have a chat with the people that I see. I've had some great conversations with strangers answering questions like "What is that game you play with a brown lopsided ball?"(Football) and "Isn't it true that the majority of Americans are obese?" I love answering these questions, stepping outside of my ethnocentric perspective and realizing the distinctiveness of my culture. 

Meaningful conversation has also been made with those I work alongside. The name of this post is a phrase that my friend, Jaime, taught me: "Faces we see, but hearts we don't know". This phrase has helped me maintain an open perspective as I have engaged with the Peruvian people. Every time I choose to judge a person instead of get to know them, I have chosen to waste time in a meaningless action. The detrimental impact of unrighteous judgement inhibits us from enjoying the blessings of human interaction. On a daily basis, I have to choose to open my eyes and engage with all my surroundings from a sincere and genuine place. 

 My beautiful fiance recently helped me understand that the only valuable attainment in this life is that which you can keep in your heart and mind. Nothing of material value can ever replace knowledge, passion, love and understanding. I am trying to let my eyes, ears, nose, mind and heart be my resource for souvenirs rather than my wallet. 

Some of our awesome interviewers

I value the people around me so much. I find that mentors, family and friends are the greatest source of strength and growth in this life. And even though I have been surrounded by amazing people my whole life, there is no person I would rather have by my side than my Andi. We value each other. We value life. We value the love we have been blessed with. 

Life is pressing forward in a way that I have never felt it move before. I am learning so much about myself as I spend time here with new friends and acquaintances, learning from them, their culture and their experiences. Oddly enough, Andrea and I have been grateful for the lessons that our limited communication has taught us. We have to set apart and treasure the time we have to talk and share with one another. We are learning the importance of genuine communication. Who thought we would ever be grateful for 3 months of separation? It is hard to be surrounded by so many beautiful people, places and experiences without being able to share them with the person you love most. We have to keep telling ourselves that we are going through the last bit of preparation before we begin our life together. She keeps me hopeful for a better tomorrow and assures me of the potential that lies ahead. If you can't tell, I'm missing her terribly...