Lost in adventure

I sometimes laugh at myself and my ways. I'm constantly the oddball in any situation. In the BYU/Mormon world, I'm definitely the only one who seems to be taking this particular path in life. I literally cannot think of any role models who have done what I am trying to do. I guess that's what makes this fun! In the international/ NGO community here in Lima, I am the only Mormon that I know of. In the Mormon community here in Peru, I am the only gringo. Everything that I do for fun down here is completely Peruvian. No more singing songs by the bonfire, but salsa dancing is in grand supply! Being the oddball has definitely been my challenge over the past couple of years, but I'm learning now how to completely harness the idea and just rock out to it! I'm living my dream! I've had my mind blown every single day lately and why would I want it any other way?

Here is another one of the brands I'm working with, Chiflazos. Chiflazos is a brand of Chifle, a common snack in Northern Peru which is made by frying up pieces of plantain. It's actually quite tasty. My clients here and hoping to penetrate the market down south in Lima where they have a very small presence. My task is to help them do just that! Of course, like all Peruvian businesses they would love to export outside of the country as well.

Climbing to new heights

I have been thinking so much lately about how I can really put into action all of the ideas, emotions, and knowledge I have inside of me. At this point there is no turning back. I simply cannot live a regular, boring life that isn't dedicated to happiness, service, and adventure. The experiences we have in life all happen for a reason, and I strongly believe that I have been through my own personal hell to bring me to this conclusion. I've reached a new height in life and I want to just enjoy the view from up here. It's ridiculous to think that I doubted myself for so long just because I didn't fit in with other internationally minded people. The thing I've learned is that people who try to pull you down are already beneath you. It's that simple! Why on earth would you ever try to stop someone from expressing their true self. It's because you might feel threatened. From the dreamer perspective, I've learned that you just got to go for it and not worry for a single second about what people will think of you. You know what I'm saying?!?!

This is a picture of myself, Liliana, and her sister Elizabeth after making their website for their events decorations and catering business. This is a brand new skill of mine that I hope to use many times over while here in Peru!

Back in Peru!

Well it's been a few months since my last post, but a lot has happened in my life! As I indicated in my previous post, I have had this constant hunger for more adventures and for following my heart- the gushy dream stuff you know?! Towards the end of this past semester I was looking at all my job prospects and nothing really jumped out to me. I have contacts with Hilti, a great company in the construction industry, but no other offers or options would be bringing me to Latin America doing what I really love to do.

By grand design, I believe, Craig Brammer from Thunderbird for Good reached out directly to me and asked that I apply to the Farmer-to-Farmer internship. I knew about this internship the whole time, but because it was only 6 months long and it only paid a small stipend I figured that it might not be the best option for a business school grad with huge school loans. Nonetheless, the nature of the situation made it very clear that I would be a fool not to accept this offer, being that it was made to me after I rapped at Americas Regional night. I figured that if this offer came my way only after displaying sheer Connorness, it was meant to be.

I've been in Peru for 1 month now and my mind continues to be blown! This experience has been so amazing thus far and it really feels like everything happens for a reason. Here I am doing what I dreamed of doing just a year and a half ago. I'm already doing it! My thinking now is that I need to completely embrace this experience and not look back. When following your dream you can't have any doubt that you will fail, because if you do doubt your life will be horrible. Believe me, I know from experience! I have faith that the money will come when you follow your passion. That's what they say at least! During this 6 month project I am going to be on the hunt for any other possible options that could come my way. I know they're out there.