Last day of training

Today was our last day of training, as tomorrow Peru 19 heads to the U.S. Ambassador's residence in Lima to be sworn in as official Peace Corps Volunteers. It's a bittersweet time - an exciting/slightly scary new adventure is ahead of each of us, but it's sad to have our "summer camp" come to an end and split apart from all the friends we've made.

Of course, today was a day of celebrations. Despite an all-out transportation strike, our trainers still managed to get themselves and all 42 of us to the center this morning. Not only that, but upon arrival we were greeted with a patio full of Dunkin' Donuts and coffee - a delicious send-off breakfast.

After one final medical session with our favorite PCMOs Jorge and Suni, it was time for the host families celebration. At this event, we volunteers turned the tables and became hosts for the afternoon for the families who've housed us these past 10 weeks. We cooked up a storm of American and Peruvian food, made and hung decorations all over the center, put together a picture slideshow, bought gifts, and planned and performed a talent show that included poetry, karate, soccer juggling, a (Peruvian) fashion show, and the grand finale of the Thriller dance.

It's been a fun 10 weeks for the Huascata crew, pictured below - my host mom is the one just to the right of me.