Chao Peru, You Will Be Missed

Well it's December 10th, 2011. Our very last day here in Peru. And we can hardly believe it! We came here on August 1st, over four months ago, and it seems like we've only been here maybe a fourth of that time. We have experienced so much, gained wonderful new friends, learned amazing things in school, and enjoyed every day of this incredible journey. Here's some memorable highlights from the trip:

* Meeting the amazing IFSA group, with friends from all over the States and amazing directors and patas *

The first group outing to Mango's at Larcomar!

* Seeing campus for the first time, including the campus deer *

Paul meeting one of the deer for the first time.

* Trying ceviche (and loving it) *

Delicious? To say the least.

* The visit to Caral, the oldest civilization in the Western Hemisphere and the third oldest in the world *

On site at Caral! Excuse Paul's horrific hair.

* Mastering the combi system (and surviving to tell about it) *

A typical Lima combi. Thanks to

* The visit to Cusco and all the surrounding sites, especially the visit to the girls in the mountains *

Caitlyn getting her hair done with some of the girls.

* Machu Picchu *

Enjoying the view after lunch.

* Swimming in the Pacific Ocean for the first time *

Beautiful, warm, salty.

* Escapades around Lima -- sunsets on the oceanside, weekly movies at Larcomar, the Park of Legends, the Park of Waters, museums of all sorts, La Punta, and more *

Enjoying the sun and boats at La Punta (with our friend Elise in the background).

* Caitlyn making a pumpkin roll for Thanksgiving, and us having a beautiful holiday with our group *

Whipping up the delicious cream frosting!

* Paragliding *

Paul coming in for the landing.

Most of you probably know by now, but since we have yet to post anything about paragliding here on the blog, we did! It was a sunny day with clear skies and good breezes, so we went to paraglide as we'd been waiting to all semester. It's 150 soles ($55) for 10 minutes, but it's completely worth it, and an inspiring experience. If you've never done it then you should give it a shot some time!

And So We Say Goodbye
So here we are. Our final day here in Peru, here in Lima, here in the houses that have been our homes here for the past four months. Each day brought a new memory, a new experience, a new moment. And though it is sad to be leaving, the day is here. So with frowns on our faces and our hearts yearning to return, we leave. But all is well! No need to be sad; we have grown and lived and appreciated every second of this. It was a blessing just to be able to come, and we will be forever thankful for the opportunity we were given to be here.

This also means we will no longer be writing here, until our next adventure begins in New Zealand! That will be halfway through February, so we will have a very nice break at home with our families and friends. We've missed you all remarkably and we cannot wait to get back to Ohio! Thank you for reading and we wish you all a happy holiday season!!