Pslam 139: 3

So we've only been here a few days and I feel like I've lived here my entire life. I've already decided I'm coming back...Today we took a boat to the Ballestas Islands to see penguins, sea lions, and birds...lots and lots of birds...more birds in one place than I've ever seen before. The animals around the islands are protected by guards who switch out monthly...what a job that would be :-) The sea lions were my favorite, with babies on every rock you looked at....also, the penguins were awesome. Who doesn't love penguins?

After getting off the boat, Bex and I had an unbelievable experience with a few of local children of Paracas...Abril and Mel were the names I remember. The highlight of our trip so far...I have probably said that about everything, but today was extra special. We saw these precious little girls playing volleyball in the street when we got off the boat...Bex and I simultaneously looked at each other and said " Let's go!" We walked over to them and asked them kindly if we could play with them and they welcomed us with open arms. The smiles on their faces were priceless. Although their smiles were not quite as big as Bex and I's...:-) We wanted to stay all day...

Unfortunately, we had to leave our new friends with hope of returning again someday. We then traveled about  an hour to Ica where we ate lunch at the oasis. The Ica oasis is full of enormous sand dunes that look like huge mountains. On to the next adventure...dune buggying and sand surfing...Dune buggying was like an hour and a half rollar coaster...except better. We stopped at the top of the dunes for the ones who wanted to sand surf...I was a little hestitant at first with visions of tearing my ACL dancing in my head. The first time down the dune, I slid down on my stomach...I had to work my way up to conquering my fears. Then we drove to the next dune...this one was even bigger...Even though Mom and Dad probably wouldn't have approved with fear of me getting hurt, I conquered my fears and sand surfed down the enormous dune in the Ica desert...what a blessing. After not being able to do anything this time last year, it was pretty awesome to surf down a hill...let alone even being on this trip. Although my muscles are already sore, it was well worth it. I felt like I was on Fear Factor.

After a long day at the dunes, we took a 3 hour bus ride down to Nazca. Tomorrow we fly over the mysterious Nazca lines and have class in the morning. Now that I'm sore and a little sunburn, however content, I will be going to bed. Thinking of you all.

P.S. I'm not sure the next time I will be able to write, but until then, love from Nazca.