Home again, Home again, Jiggedy Jig

During this year we've been following the blogs of other families that were traveling, like we were. A handful of our favorites ended their travels, and headed home during the year. Before we left Cusco, as the days counted down, we went back and re-read those blogs on 're-entry'. Every family was different, and also had a lot in common, and the stories of coming home and readjusting pulled at us. They talked about pulling back into the driveway, and walking into the living room, with everything the same as the day they left. About the symmetry of leaving in the early morning darkness, and a year later coming home to the late night darkness. 

Our homecoming has been very

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Video Blog: South American Explorers -- Cusco Clubhouse

Before we decided to head to Peru, friends told us about a place in Cusco called South American Explorers. They are a non-profit travel organization based in several cities in - you guessed it - South America. We all fell in love with the concept of SAE, as well as the people who work and volunteer there.

Here's how they describe themselves:

The vision of South American Explorers is to improve the social, economic and environmental conditions within South America by fostering the diffusion of information and positive cross-cultural interaction.

The mission of South American Explorers is to support and promote a deeper understanding of South American history and culture through programs, lectures, accurate information, and in-country clubhouses.

Mary, Mark, Doris, & Miguel have created a home-away-from-home in Cusco, and our kids

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Photo Blog: Amazon, Part 1

WOW! That's the best word I think. We spent a week on a little pontoon boat, tooling down the Madre De Dios (Mother Of God) river.

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One Week From Today

One week from today - we'll be home. Well, as close to home as exists for us. Our plane will land at LAX. After that? No idea. We have to re-create Home, just like we've been doing all year.

I'm looking forward to so many things about being back: my home schooling community, my church community, my beloved Book Club. Trader Joes, In-N-Out

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Daily Life in a Developing Country - The Reasons We Love Cusco

We really love Cusco. Here's are some of the reasons:

• The incredible and inspiring community of expats and volunteers here.

• The 3 newborn guinea pigs at SAE - which Eleanor got to name: Chicha Morada, Peanut Butter, and Iniesta.

• The proximity to so many amazing places: Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, the Peruvian Amazon.

• The city lights at night,

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