Thanks to all for your kind messages after my "illness" (and if you didn't send me a nice message, here's your chance to make it up to me by sending chocolate. Or peanut butter.). I am feeling much better and my face is back to normal. We (the doctors and I) are placing the blame on mangoes. Apparently I am extremely allergic. The fact that I've eaten several dozen mangoes over the past year doesn't seem to matter. All I know is I'm allergic now and will be staying far, far away from mangoes. Like forever.
So with my face back to its normal size, I was able to take off my sunglasses and mingle with the VIPs at an event at the U.S. ambassador's residence in Lima celebrating Peace Corps' 50th anniversary. It was a great evening. My cocktail party skills were a little rusty and I definitely felt overwhelmed the grandeur and smart, accomplished people. I even got to meet (well, brush shoulders with) Alejandro Toledo, former president and current front-runner in this year's presidential campaign. The current first lady was also in attendance, as were a number of embassy officials and Peruvian government representatives.
Seeing all these people come together to celebrate and recognize Peace Corps gave me a warm fuzzy feeling all night. It was a wonderful reminder that we are doing important work and it doesn't always go unnoticed. It's also inspiring to think about the thousands of volunteers who have served around the world in the past 50 years, bringing Kennedy's commitment to public service to life in remote towns in far-flung corners of the globe. I am most definitely in good company.
So with a renewed "Yay, Peace Corps!" outlook, I'm looking forward to the next few months. It is hard to believe that this whole crazy experience is quickly coming to an end. I know the next five months are going to fly by and I want to focus on enjoying the present, soaking in all the familiar sights and sounds of Peru, as well as knocking off the last few items on my Peruvian to-do list. Good times ahead!
You still inspire me, sir.
