Peru: Tues, July 9 - Wed July 10

Up a bit early today as we have a long trek back to Lima.  Sad to leave our sand oasis, but all good things must come to an end.  Made a quick stop at the mall for Starbucks and last minute Metro shopping.  Lunch stop along the way at the Deli/Bakery place.  Arrived in Lima about 5:30.  Girls had to pack up all their souvenirs and Metro purchases.  Sending them home each with a suitcase to reuse next year to bring down donations.
For the next few hours they packed, repacked, cleaned, showered, & looked at photos.  We ordered dinner from La Lucha - best sandwich place in town!!!  Sat around and reminisced - looked at pics and videos from such a beautiful week in Las Lomas with some amazing people.
Headed to the airport around 11pm for their 3am flight.  Same flight route home: Lima - Panama - Chicago.  Checked in pretty quickly - all their suitcases....well, except Breanna's 2nd one.  We gave gifts to the boys for all that they have done this week, and sadly make the trek towards security.  Last few photos, last few words of thanks, lots of tears and desires to shred their passports so they'd have to stay.  It's amazing how you can fall in love so fast.  Through the tears I told them that tears are good as it means it meant something to you - and that's a good thing!  Voices4Peru team thanked them for everything they've done this week.....and then we sent them through security.

Flights went smoothly - made their connection in Panama - made it to Chicago - all the luggage made it and off on the shuttle they went.  Sad, but knowing they made a difference, not only in a Peruvian kid's life, but more importantly in their own.

Great job, Team Violet:  Kate, Breanna, Maleigha, Alana & Emma!  Thank you for sharing part of your summer with the Peruvians!
If you want to make a change, you have to be the change - Great job making a difference!
Os amo!