This is it. All the months of planning and preparation have come to an end and now we are here. Today, Indiana University’s chapter of Nourish International heads to Santa Cruz, Peru for six weeks. There are seven of us: Alex, Carrie, Cassie, Ellen, Jessica, John, and Shelby. We’re all in a whirlwind of emotions – excited, nervous, anxious… you name it. But, we are ready for this adventure. Or so we think we are. We have no idea what is coming or what to expect. What we do know is that we are going to help the Santa Cruz community, located right on the Amazon River, build a kitchen for their schools, as well as help teach English in the classrooms.

We are excited to get to meet new people, get involved in the community, and also get to know each other. Six weeks feels like a long time, but we’re as ready as we will ever be. Here’s to a summer of adventure, learning, and memories. Goodbye, Indiana. Hello, Peru!

• Cassie Klapp