¡Baile, Canta, Come!

Yesterday was W.I.L.D. Gear up for a fun post!

The morning started off per usual: Stef and I went to the nursing home with Anna and Gen, Kerry and Meghan worked in the clinic of La Legua, Tobin and Lauren were in the Pro-Life Clinic, and Asmita and Sarah were at the nursing home. Routine morning had by all!

Here's Stef and one of the gentlemen from the nursing home. We took vitals on 32 men and hung out with them the rest of the morning. Pretty low key.

Here's Stef and me with some gentlemen at the nursing home. Funny story- that man clinching my hand tried kissing both of us multiple times...such flirts!

This is something we were talking about recently that seems like a rarity in Peru: smoking! I truly don't think I had seen a single person with cigarettes until this man yesterday. He was very kind though- offered one to the ladies! After Stef finished doing a quick assessment with him, he ran (super slowly) to his room and brought back a packet of photos from the past when his wife was alive. It was the sweetest thing seeing him show off his "Queen" to Stef and myself. 

After our morning clinical is when things got a little funky. We loaded up the cars at 1:00 and drove out to the pueblo of La Legua where we hosted a senior lunch for the senior citizens out in that area. The parish staff cooked pounds and pounds of chicken and rice to bring with us to serve. Although there were over a hundred people there, it was actually a relatively smooth process! The seniors loved their lunch and all the attention they got from us. They put on a little dancing and singing show as you can see below!

Asmita dancing with one of the lovely ladies. 

After the luncheon, we loaded back up into the cars to head back to the parish for the afternoon. 

This is part of our Marquette gang riding back from the luncheon in the truck. It was quite bumpy and quite a wild ride as I'm sure you can see. (L to R: Anna's eye, Tobin, Kerry, Asmita, Sarah, Stef, Alex)

When we got back to the parish after that lunch, we had a longer siesta than normal because we were not having afternoon clinicals. Instead, at 5:00 we loaded up the cars again and drove to a pueblo about 40 minutes outside of town where hoards and HOARDS of towns people were waiting for our arrival. It was a crowd I imagine Britney Spears would see in 2002. Although it was a bit overwhelming, it was so warm and loving as they embraced us upon arrival. These Peruvians are so sweet all the time!

We attended mass with them in their church and I have never seen a church as full as this one. There were children running everywhere during mass and hiding in all the little nooks and crannies. I've also never been so uncomfortable or HOT during a mass. There wasn't a sweatless soul for miles. After mass they had surprise after surprise for the visiting Americans and spoiled us with so much dancing! It was a blast as we got to mingle with the children and adults of the pueblo. Complete with balloons, poppers, fireworks, and silly-string, no one left this fiesta without a smile!

Me with a little dancer. This little sneak kept reaching in my purse throughout the night and pulling on my necklace. While the kiddos are sweet, we sometimes still have to be cautious with them! 

When we got back to the parish around 8:30, we were surprised with a perfect PIZZA dinner!!!!! It was incredible and something us students will probably talk about for many days. Although the meals they serve us here are delicious, it was so fun to have pizza as a change. 

Thank you for your continued prayers and well wishes!!!! Each day we are reminded of the good we bring despite our exhaustion and weary hearts. We are so blessed with this opportunity and thank you for the tireless support and encouragement. See you all soon!!

Sending big hugs and smiles,

Alex & the gang