...And they're off....

...and running. And dodging water balloons.

So the first work week back in Cajamarca has begun for me. I spent all day in the office yesterday with Maggie greeting women and registering them for our Buy Day this afternoon. It was so great to see familiar faces and receive hugs from the women that I know will do great things this year. Actually, it has been a bit of a relief to be in the office these past couple of days because out on the streets the gangs of kids on summer vacation are armed with water balloons and will hit you or me if they are lucky. Carnival can be a fun time of year, Can be an annoying time of year. It all depends if you are the one throwing the water balloon or getting hit by it.

Also, in staying in the office yesterday we got to witness history as Obama became our new president. Although the internet streaming wasn't ideal in the office, we heard the meat of the speech and got chills and inspiration all at the same time.

And after all that there was still a nightly meeting to be had with all our Afider (Peruvian partner) staff and Board. It went well, as meetings go with Peruvians. Not talking about specifics or details, but getting an affirmation that we are moving forward in the same direction. It was also symbolic in that another year contract was signed between our two institutions. We started conversation about creating a Women's Center this year; one central location where women can learn, create and sell there products. Now that we have this fabulous idea all we need to do is make it happen. You will be hearing about this in the future so keep checking back.

Until then, now that the work train is back on track I need to keep it moving while dodging the balloons!