¡El Último Día!

Wellllll, here we are. June 19. Our final day in Piura. 

Four weeks ago, we began an adventure. An adventure many dreamed of exploring. In that time, we've been changed. We've been renewed, challenged, restored, encouraged, sick, loved, worried. We've cared for the young, we've cared for the old. We've cared for the scared, we've cared for the bold. We've cared for the broken and the whole, their hearts and their souls. 

In return, we have been cared for. The humility and love the people of Peru have shown us in four weeks is mind blowing. What a whirlwind trip it's been! Some days we never thought would end, but others ended before we were ready. Some days we found ourselves dragging, caring for others before ourselves. Some days we laughed and the laughter never ended. Some began with sunshine, but many began with barking dogs. Some days the joy of our patients radiated across the globe, and other days it radiated through the heavens. Most days we were challenged, and some days we were treated with pizza.

But all days we cared, and cared so deeply. 

As we finish off our stay in Piura, we reflect back on how much good we have done and how much good has been done for us. The first week we often found ourselves discouraged, wanting to do more than we were able. But these days we find ourselves as part of the community. We embrace, love, share, respect, and cherish the people of Piura who have welcomed us here so warmly. Not a day will pass without them in our hearts.

And you, dear friends! Tireless readers. You've been such an encouragement to us and we thank you for your love. We thank you for being our fans and for continuously cheering us on no matter how far away we are. Thank you for your kind words and for your gentle prayers. We appreciate everything you've done for us and we were happy to tuck you in our pockets throughout this month!!!

Tonight we bid farewell to the people of Piura, Genevieve, and Chris. Dr. Weis left last night for other engagements. For the next nine days, the other nine of us begin new adventures in Lima, Cusco, and Machu Picchu! I willl do my best to share some more memories, but Internet connection is no guarantee.

Below are a few last pictures from this week, but today we find ourselves reflecting and sharing our final hours with one another! Thank you, our dear friends!! We send our biggest hugs and smiles your way.

Xoxxoxox, 

Alex & the gang 

One last fiesta on Wednesday! Total madness per usual.

Asmita and a little niña dancing at the fiesta

One thing I'll miss the most about Peru is going up to mothers and just dancing with their babies. 

My final morning with Olympia at the nursing home Thursday! Her first selfie :) 

Sarah crawling out from under the bathroom door with Anna cheering her on after locking me in the shower. HAHA!

Last night we spent our final mass in a village with some of the people there. They, as always, welcomed us with many signs and warm hugs!

And afterwards, we thanked them by roasting some marshmallows around an adult bonfire for the kiddos. 

The flames were at LEAST 6 feet tall at some points. CRAZY!

For our final morning in Piura, we toured a private Jesuit school for boys. It was so much different than their public schools! (Marquette students L to R: Alex, Kerry, Sarah, Asmita, Lauren, Gen, Stef, Meghan)

A picture of our tour guides (students from the school) and most of the FULL Marquette gang. We missed Anna this morning! She had to stay behind with a little sickness. Hopefully we're all good to go by the time our flight leaves tonight.