Swearing in... oops! i almost typed ¨sweating in¨

Today was the big day, where we officially swore in as Peace Corps Volunteers! The morning was really emotional, saying our goodbyes and thank-yous to the training staff. The staff all got together and sang us a song one of the language instructors had written about being a volunteer. The words are in Spanish of course but it’s a really beautiful song so I thought I’d write the lyrics below:

We al went home for a final meal with our families and to get dressed up for the big event. When we came back a huge tent was set up and lingering outside it was suspicious looking group of security guards. The American ambassador to Peru was going to give a speech at our ceremony (the Peruvian President’s wife was invited too but couldn’t make it because she is working in Pisco on earthquake disaster relief). I didn’t know it but apparently the ambassador is important enough to require about 5 personal security guards and bullet proof pimped out suburban. The ceremony started, there were about four speeches, then Alfredo and Kitty (the directors of Small Business and Youth Development) took turns reading off our names, we all took an oath and finally…. We’re officially PEACE CORPS VOLUNTEERS!

The rest of the day we spent taking thousands of photos. It’s amazing how well a group of peace corps kids can clean themselves up and look really good. Who knew all it took was a shower and some nice clothes?

We said our final goodbyes to our families and loaded onto buses. We watched and waved through windows as they fought the tears rolling down their faces. They all looked so happy and so proud…..

It’s off to Lima for a group dinner and a night on the town………time to celebrate!

San Miguel, Cajamarca here I come!