341 days and counting.

Just a second ago I was sitting and then all of a sudden, words started forming on my tongue and pressing against my skin and revolving round and round in my head. I knew it was time to write.


I've been away for just too long now... And it's starting to eat away at me. From my favorite place in the world, I mean. But I guess you don't know what I'm talking about.


Peru, actually. Or, I'd say, anywhere in South America. It's my most favorite continent of all, hands down. Although I've only been once, the second I stepped out of the airport into that thick sweet air, I knew I was claimed by a place I hadn't even explored yet.


I feel like I need to go back there. Honestly. Even though some of you know my impulsive tendencies to travel transcontinentally on short notice, I know what you're thinking, "Mary Palmer, you just can't get up and leave right now." You're right. And this time I'm going to listen to you. But know that it's not without a heavy heart that I write my consent. All of you must think I'm pretty strange to feel this deeply about a place. I've always been like this though... places stick to me. Or rather, I stick to them. But nothings stuck as well as Peru before.


Like I said, I need to go back. I'm getting a little tired here.. just stuck where I am. I need to do a little exploring. I need to be somewhere unfamiliar, where I can't understand anyone (I speak French. I'm just useless.) and where their customs, colors, clothes, values.. are different. I want to be selfless for a while, like them Peruvians. Peru is a country that has NOT ONCE won a battle. Haha, isn't that different to hear? Coming from a country where power is everything. Being on top is EVERYTHING. People will kill for it. People have died from it. But Peru... haha oh goodness, they've tried, but it hasn't exactly worked out in their favor. And that has played into their lives and hearts. Instead of Americans, thinking they're entitled to anything and everything they want, Peruvians are selfless. They are humble. They are sincere. They are the most honest and hardworking people I've ever met. And I've met a lot of people.


I'd rather be seeing.... mustard colored walls.

Dirt roads.

Coarse black hair.

Purple drinks made from corn. (I realize this is a weird one, but it's just so tasty!)

Hand-made houses with a backdrop of the Andes.

Alpacas.

Sun kissed dark skin.

I want to hear some real music right in front of me, dadgumit!

Is that too much to ask for? Probably so. But my heart's a-wandering... 

Porque Jehova no mira lo que mira el hombre,
pues el hombre mira lo que esta delante
de sus ojos, pero Jehova mira el corazon.
1 Samuel 16:7

My hearts been aching for Peru. Countdown. 341 days till I'm home.