Life Changing

Day 24 (aka Wednesday) was the start of the SEED Project here in Trujillo, Peru. We are pretty much done with all of the tourist type activities so there aren't really any "pictures of the day." So I'm going to talk a little about what we've done with the SEED project so far. My group is assigned to two loan applicants. One of them wants to add computers with internet into their phone calling/cell minutes recharging shop to make it a tiny internet cafe. The other guy wants to buy an 11-passenger van to take people from Trujillo to Pacasmayo, which is 110 km away. We have been looking over all of their financials and business plans, we've met with them several times, scoped out competition, checked figures, and overall, we get to determine whether or not they should be recommended to receive the loan. It has been such a neat experience! I have been working a lot closer with the bus loan applicant and I am trying so hard not to get emotionally attached. They all live such humble lives and already work full time jobs. I am very impressed with the work ethic and determination that they all have and I want them to know that I really do care. Of course I have already gotten stressed out about it several times, but I just want to make sure that I put as much effort and time in as I possibly can because these loans can change their lives. I am so grateful for this program and to any business majors out there, or just anyone in general, get involved with due dilligence programs.It is an amaxing hands-on experience that really does change the way you think and look at things. I love it!

Day 23

Nothing exciting happened today so here is another pic from Machu Picchu.

Day 22

Machu Picchu....unreal!

Day 21

Inca Ruins at Urabamba
Day 20

Adorable vendor at Cusco. We had a legit conversation....in Spanish!

Day 19

Nothing picture worthy happened today, so I thought I'd send a shout out to my girls Nat and Andi.
This trip has been so much fun and I love that we are the tres amigas! Day 18
My roomie Steph and I next to some cacti at a museum. I kinda love cacti! Day 17
Peace out Rio!
Day 16
This is how I watched the Brazil vs. North Korea soccer game....on the beach in Rio! The city was in a total riot!

Day 15

Cathedral in Rio

Day 14
Corcovado

Day 13

View from the Sugarloaf in Rio

Day 12

We accidently dressed like flight attendants the day we visited an airline. And then we had a 6 hour bus ride to Rio....and I got sick.

Day 11

I vowed I would try new things....chicken heart wasn't too bad

Day 10

At the top of one of the tallest buildings in Sao Paulo....the city never ended

Day 9

Super boring day....most of it was spent in the Santiago Airport. We went from an amazing hotel in Vina to a really nice looking, but super weird hotel in Sao Paulo. The room is tiny, we have to have a key in the wall to use the lights, we couldn't find the stairs (a little scary cuz the elevators are lame), but there is a macho fire extinguisher in the hallway... So hopefully we make it through! FYI there was a 4.1 earthquake while we were in Vina....and of course I was the one person that didn't feel it.

Day 8

My group for the our main project plus Juan my Chilean BF

Day 7

Valparaiso....BEAUTIFUL!

Day 6

Sunset on the beach of Vina del Mar

Day 5

Kiwi trees at the Catholic University

Day 4

Temple in Santiago, Chile. I have mastered the art of the self timer, but only when the streets are bare....some guy tried to jack my camera today. It's a good thing I am smart and wrap it super tight around my wrist! Sucka!

Day 3

Today I rocked the fanny pack. It was so convenient and super trendy. haha I love it!

Day 2

This pic is for my mom. Remind you of a certain movie? "Dumb dumb give me gum gum."

It was in a museum and I laughed pretty hard. Call me 5 years old.

Day 1

Scum passes airport time....and I hate flying more than anything. It still freaks me out.