Emily VanHaitsma
Class of 2017
A Simpler Life
8
JULY 2017
Travels
Interact
Peru
As I reflect back on these past two weeks in Peru, as a part of my Interact club that I now leave in new hands as I move on to my college career,
I remember fondly the many laughs our group shared. We adjusted to the altitude together, bargained in the markets together, and hiked up mountains we thought were impossible to climb.






My favorite moments of this trip were when we were on top of a huge mountain we had just conquered and couldn’t hear anything except the sounds of nature. I loved our guided meditations where we were encouraged to think in the present and not worry about the past or the future.
I’ve had a glimpse into a more simple lifestyle here- at least from an American perspective- where they honor the things that give us life and protect you, such as the mountains and the water we drink and so often take for granted. In Peru they honor “Pachamama”, Mother Earth, and I really admire that, especially during a time where our environmental protection policies are up for debate more than ever before. We were shown how we can kill our meat in a respectful way that is more beneficial for the animal, the environment, and ourselves.
“I’ve had a glimpse into a more simple lifestyle here- at least from an American perspective- . . . ”
It’s safe to say that I’ll miss Peru and I’ll miss these people I’ve gotten to know over that past four years. I will sign off with a thank you to our teacher and a thank you to this club for all the opportunities they have given me.

Emily surveys the Mara Circles.
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