One of the best experiences that I had on this trip was visiting Loraypo, the association of women weavers. Learning how to weave was something that I have always wanted to do, but never really had the opportunity to do before. I found it so interesting that these women can sit for 6-8 hours a day, and weave. Many have little children, and it’s unfathomable to me that they can work with them strapped to their backs. That is, to me, the true definition of a working mother. I have a lot of respect and admiration for women of this culture. I don’t necessarily think American women could work this way. It’s amazing. And the people here seem to be so happy just the same. I really like Peru. I loved being able to communicate with the people. Even though my Spanish is at a basic level, I tried my best to communicate the best I could. I definitely understood more than I could speak. The language is so beautiful to listen to, and now that I have made friends in Peru, it motivates me to continue learning it until I have mastered the language. I hope in the future that I will be able to return to Peru one day.
-Sam L.