Day One in Arequipa

Photo: My "office" in Arequipa the first day

After a full day in Lima - sightseeing, visiting the Indian Market and touring our partner NGOs (OPRECE) facilities - we finally arrived in Arequipa late on Saturday night.

Sunday was a planned day of rest. Our team had the option of sightseeing in the beautiful "White City" or simply resting in their rooms. I, on the other hand, was forced into rest with a 24-hour illness that has kept me in bed until Monday morning. Alas, it is better to be sick on the rest day, than to be incapacitated during the activities portion of the team's week in Arequipa.

Today, we head up to the Mission of Alto Cayma. This morning will be an orientation and a time to discuss the difference between week one and week two of the Team Peru trip. In addition, we will be putting the team to work this afternoon with a variety of activities - from painting at the volunteer house to working in the Mission's "brick and mortar" health clinic.

This is going to be a great week. Stay tuned for updates.