Peru

I just got back from Peru and I already miss it. I really do feel that people make the experience. When I first arrived in Lima, Peru with the Siervas sisters, it wasn't what I had expected. I expected to see llamas and guinea pigs everywhere. Some people in Peru weren't familiar with guinea pigs. When I showed them a picture of my guinea pig, they thought it was a rabbit...

Also, I didn't expect the misting in the morning, but I soon became accustomed to it, as I realized that it meant that it would be sunny in the afternoon. The traffic was the biggest surprise. Let's just say, even though I have been driving for seven years in Canada, I would probably never feel confident driving on the streets of Lima.

Every weekday I went to Colegio Alegría and spent time with the students. I had my own special class (shout out to 2A grado!). I ate with them, I played with them, I learned with them, and I learned so much from them.

My favourite day was when I explored the center of Lima. After going to St. Rose of Lima's house I realized why I was there in Peru. Jesus wanted me there, St. Rose wanted me there, St. Martin wanted me there, Mama Mary wanted me there. Jesus wanted me to encounter Him in Lima.

I met so many beautiful, exceptional people with such open and trusting hearts. Some people would say that I was brave to go to Peru on my own, but the opportunity was open for me and I was never alone. God was with me every step of the way. 

In honour of my 25th publication...

Today marks a small a milestone in my publication history...I have officially published twenty-five written works!

I've decided to publish this on the 25th even though the article is already available online (for The Catholic Register subscribers) and the print publication is for September 27th because of the number 25. Also, five years ago I had my first piece published that I ended up making money off of. So, I would say that five is a meaningful number for me.

This milestone is encouraging for me as a writer because, right now, where I am is not necessarily where I had hoped to be. I graduated from school over a year ago, which feels so strange. While I was still in school, I tried to enjoy and take advantage of everything that school offered me. But I never expected to graduate and find myself "in transition."

Nevertheless, I am still excited about the prospects of where I am going. As long as I am still breathing, as long as I am still writing, there is still opportunity for more growth and success. I am still figuring out how to put myself out there as a writer and as an artist. I am tenacious and enduring, but I know that slow and steady wins the race. I am confident that everything will add up. It's hard to think that maybe I wasted time, or missed opportunities, or made the wrong decisions but I am where I am. There is still more that I can do, and that makes me excited.