The Tall White Chick

WARNING: This may not be the most entertaining post, but it will give you a good idea of what I've been working on. I have to get up to date, so here it goes...

So yes, I am the tall white chick that people whisper about here. I've heard it a couple times. Not only do I stick out because I'm white, but also because I'm tall; much taller than Peruvians. Piura is not touristy at all so it is very rare to see white people walking around. People whistle and blow kisses at the girls in our group all the time. A man last week even asked if he could take a picture with me (after we watched his kids brake dancing in the street). He proceeded to point to the sky referencing to the fact that I was super tall. It just makes me laugh. At least I can make people happy, right? That's what I'm here for.

So I've been here for almost 2 weeks now and it blows my mind! We have done so much already which is why it has taken me so long to blog...no time! I've been trying to keep a journal, but let's be honest, there has never actually been a time in my life where I was consistent with a journal, and we all know I'm not going to be able to keep up with that AND a blog so I chose the blog as my first priority since they are pretty much the same thing but more fun. 

We're getting settled in all of our projects. Some of them haven't started yet, and some are still trying to get off the ground, but we've definitely made some progress. Here's what we have already done:

• We partnered up with the Liahona Foundation and held Health Screenings in Catacaos, Sechura, la Unión, and Castilla for local kids under the age of 5 and pregnant women. We will be doing this again either this weekend or next weekend in Ecuador! Boom. Add that to the list of places I've been! The Liahona Foundation is working to get an assistant in each of these areas to provide health plans for the kids and women as well as do follow ups with each family every so often to make sure they are staying healthy.
• We worked with the Red Cross and held a Health Clinic down the street from where we live. At the health clinic we did physical therapy, and taught the locals about Dengue Fever, which comes from mosquitos and is very prevalent in the area. Some of the adults were actually frustrated that the government hadn't told them anything about it, only tested them, so they were very grateful that we were willing to help their community and advise them about the dangers of this disease. 
• We have started teaching English, Piano, and Zumba at an LDS Stake Building nearby! We weren't exactly sure what to expect attendance wise the first couple classes, but to our surprise, attendance has been awesome! We do this every T/Th evening. I have really enjoyed teaching so far because it forces me to practice my Spanish more. The student are super fast learners and are so excited to work with us!

We've got some amazing things going on so far, and many more new projects starting this week! I'm loving it here and look forward to the next 2 1/2 months. Days have been flying by! Here's my review in photos:

The English Institution where we will be helping at starting in June.
(separate from the classes in the church)

These kids live in a small pueblo called Noe which is basically in the middle of
nowhere. They never see white people and some even cried when they saw us.

In awe of Cecilia's cell phone.

El  Parque Ecológico de la Urbanización

Red Cross Health Clinic

Isn't he adorable?? One of the boys at the Health Screenings with the
Liahona Foundation in Sechura.

Weekend dancing crew.

A small restaurant/house where we ate after purchasing pottery in Chulucanas.

Something I love about Peru is that each city we've been to is extremely different even though they are relatively close to each other. So here are some of my favorite photos solely to show to beauty of Peru:

Not a great photo but this is the street we live on.

On the drive to Chulucanas.

A beach near Paita.

This is a common sight in a lot of places we've been to.

Paita, a great spot for fishing!

Found a lucky seahorse on the beach! Apparently people search their whole lives
for these because they bring you the best luck.

As always, if you would like to donate towards the projects we are currently working on, it is much appreciated! The people here are extremely appreciative towards our efforts to help them and I can promise your donation is going to good use! Click Here and make sure you select "Support a Volunteer or Intern" and put "Zoe Theobald" in the memo line like the photo below! 

If you prefer not to donate online, you can also mail in a check to the following address and make sure you designate it as well or else donations will be sent to other locations:

455 North University Parkway

Provo, Utah 84606

Chao!

Estoy aquí!

Well, its crazy to say, but I am FINALLY here. I've been planning this trip for months and can now say that I live in Piura, Peru! It's been quite an adventure already. I flew out of Phoenix because I spent a week there with my family. I had a layover in Dallas, and then Lima, and now I'm here in Piura. On the flight from Lima to Piura, we had to walk up a thing of stairs from outside like they do in the movies. I don't know why I thought that was cool because I guess people do it all the time, but I liked it! The flight to Peru gave me plenty of time to think about everything that was about to hit me. I didn't sign up with anyone I knew because I wanted it to be an adventure of my own, similar to when people serve missions. I know this is going to be a huge learning experience for me. When I lived in Hawaii, I learned a lot about myself and my personality. I learned about culture, found new hobbies, and made goals for myself. I hope to come to similar realizations while I'm here in Peru, that will expand my knowledge of the world, and open up more opportunities for me later in life. I have met a lot of amazing people already that I know are going to challenge me in a good way. I'm looking forward to learning the language better. It's hard to not be able to say what I want, whenever I want! 

We are living in a house owned by Mary and Pedro. They have 4 young boys that I have already fallen in love with. They are hilarious and are going to teach me some of their sweet dance moves. I stole this picture of their family from my director Angela.

One hard thing about being here is knowing when it's ok to whip out a camera and when it's totally not. My mind just see's things like it's a photograph and there have been so many times that I wanted to stop and take a photo, but I don't want anything bad to happen! I did put myself on a limb today and walked around with some friends to take a few photos. I probably make it sound like a super sketchy place, but its not. We just have to be careful because we already are a target because they think we are rich white people. Little do they know I'm just a broke college student. I like taking photos of people. Im not very good at composition of landscape, so here is one I took today! -->

Once I nail the language down, things will become much easier. I understand most things people say, which is an awesome feeling, but I cant keep up and speak just as fast yet! I've realized that Spanish has opened up a whole other world for me. There is so much for me to learn, and so much more I can do for these people because I speak their language.

Yesterday we met with some people around town that have projects for us to do once everyone is here. I'm excited to get started on them! After meeting with several people, we had lunch with the home owners. Mary made us aguacate relleno con camarones, which is shrimp stuffed avocados. It was so good! Last night we stopped by the YSA stake center here and said hi to some people and then went to dinner with Mary and Pedro. When we got back, we played soccer with the little boys and some of the neighbors for an hour or two. I can definitely get used to that. I haven't played in a while but I love soccer and want to get back into it. I would not mind playing street soccer every night! Today has been chill too because some of the people in our group are still arriving. We walked around a lot and stopped by some markets. I'm beginning to get a good idea of the lifestyle here. The people don't have very much but are happy and very lively. There are people and moto taxi's everywhere you look. Its fun to cruise around because there are literally no traffic rules, but somehow theres a pattern that everyone follows because amongst all the craziness, all the drivers know what their doing.

I've only been here 2 days and I feel like I've already been through half of the clothes I brought...probably because I kind of have. The next three months will be something I will never forget! Im excited to get to know the people and the language more. Next month we are spending a couple days in Trujillo, a couple days in Lima, and 6 days in Cusco to see Machu Picchu!

As always, if you would like to donate towards the projects we will be doing, click here and make sure you select "Support a Volunteer or Intern" and put "Zoe Theobald" in the memo line like the photo below! I will post more updates on projects soon so you know what it's going towards!

If you prefer not to donate online, you can also mail in a check to the following address and make sure you designate it as well:

455 North University Parkway
Provo, Utah 84606

Muchas gracias! Adiós!

10

It's hard to believe that I will be leaving for Peru in 10 DAYS. 

I want to thank those that have contributed towards the programs I will be working on this summer! Thank you for being supportive in my journey. I literally would not be able to do this without you all! When I started seeing all the donations come in under my name, it was such a humbling experience. There are so many good people in this world and I hope that one day I can be as generous as you all have been.  

Thank you to the following:

Kelly Jennings

Steve and Joni Smit

Tom and Katie Kauffman

Russ and Melody Berg

Kirk and Toby Guthrie

Carlos and Kathleen Rojas

Ed and Laura Packard

Geoffrey and Susan Waldrom

Ernie and Gina Baird

Ben and Meg Tahyar
Ryan and Katie Millar

Thank you again! I hope to continue adding names to this list, but I wanted to make sure these people were recognized!

mi vida recientemente

I've had a lot going through my head lately. As I approach the last couple weeks of my Junior year, I've realized how fast college as flown by. Its hard to believe that I'm going into my Senior Year of college, when I feel like I just got here. I submitted me graduation plan (what?) last week so that I could add some upper level classes for my program (which is Recreation Management if you didn't know that already) and everything became so real. I will be graduating in December 2014. I'm a little behind since I switched my major a couple times but it's fine because Im not ready to leave quite yet :) I regret not keeping a journal or keeping up with my blog, because there are so many great moments from this year that could very likely be forgotten forever. 

Growing up, I always thought it was strange how some people could be so absorbed in one college and be a die hard fan. I didn't understand it. Coming to BYU, I had no idea what was going to hit me. I knew that college would be a good time but never expected to love a school and all 30,000 students in it as much as I do now. There have been many things/people that have changed my life, but there is one thing that has changed me more than I could have ever imagined. BYUSA. Working as an officer in the student leadership office has been such an honor. I feel so blessed to have had the opportunity to work with such amazing people. I have learned so many valuable skills that I would not have been able to learn anywhere else, but more importantly, I have learned more about myself.  The time I have spent in BYUSA has been amazing. It has no doubt been the most challenging thing thus far, but with that, the most rewarding. I have grown so much. One of the best parts about BYUSA is seeing the people I work with grow as well. It's so rewarding to know that the time and service that I put in has had a positive impact one someone else's life. 

This year, I have already accomplished quite a bit. I started a photography business! Its small now, but I plan on getting more clients when I return from Peru. I will have more time to advertise and be proactive about it! Starting it up and getting a Facebook page going was the first big leap for me and Im excited to see where it goes from here. This is perhaps one of my favorite shots from an engagement session I did --> 

To see more photos, visit my Facebook page here.

Next, I leave for Peru in 36 days! I cannot wait to spend my whole summer serving and helping the people live better lifestyles. This is something that I have always wanted to do. I feel extremely blessed to have this opportunity, and am so happy that one day I randomly decided to take Spanish classes at BYU! It will be a neat experience to be able to communicate with the people in Spanish, and I hope to return in August fluent! If you want to donate towards the projects I'm helping with, click here, and make sure you designate it to "Support a Volunteer or Intern" and put "Zoe Theobald" in the memo line. 

This weekend was General Conference. Its funny to think back to my days growing up when I would pretend to be asleep so I wouldn't have to watch the Saturday Session or stay up really late the night before so that I would legitimately fall asleep. Now, it's totally opposite. I look forward to General Conference and listening to the leaders of this church. It always comes at the perfect time, when I need inspiration and motivation to press on. 

Lastly, life according to my iPhone:

Martha's wedding.

Celebrating my birthday.

Easter.

BYUSA closing banquet.

St. Patricks Day.

Business School closing banquet.

Bucket List #32

 I am so excited to say that this summer I get to cross #32 off of my bucket list!

This summer I get to spend 3 months serving the people of Peru! I will be in a city called Piura which is in the northwestern part of the country. I will work every day to help the people live a more sustainable lifestyle. I have always dreamed of volunteering abroad but the timing was never right. It was such an incredible feeling when I was accepted into the program, knowing that now is my time. I feel so blessed to have this opportunity and I intend on making the most of this incredible experience. Having studied Spanish at BYU for the past year and a half, I am looking forward to really being able to connect with the locals and talk to them in their language. I truly believe that I will not only have an impact on their lives, but they will change mine forever. 

Let me tell you a little about Peru and what we I will be doing there. Some of the projects include:

A bakery that volunteers started last year.

• Working in an orphanage
• Organizing an income-generating project, like a bakery
• Teaching English classes
• Business training
• Planting Neem trees for the local community (provides shade and has medical purpose)
• Campaigns for higher education
• Managing a girls' soccer team
• Installing innovative light solutions in slum communities
• Teaching a class on fair trade and small business
• Empowering the community through agriculture

I am especially excited to help organize income-generating projects for families. I know that we have all been in a situation where we have so much we need to do but have no idea where to start. All we need is a little push in the right direction to get us on our feet. I believe this is what the people in Peru need and I plan on helping them get their foot in the right direction. Not only that, but this is something that they can continue to expand on and works towards when my time is up and I head back to the US. Everyone has so much potential in this world, they just need to see it.  

If you want more information, you can visit the programs website.

If you would like to donate towards the projects we will be doing, click here and make sure you designate it to "Support a Volunteer or Intern" and put "Zoe Theobald" in the memo line shown in the picture below. Make sure you view the benefits listed below before you choose how much you want to give!

Also, if you choose to send a check in instead, the address is:   

455 N. University Avenue. Suite 212 

Provo, Utah 84601

Make sure you put "Zoe Theobald" on the memo line.

My goal is to raise $3750 for these projects by April. All donations go straight towards the projects that we will be doing to fight against poverty! Every little bit counts. Even if you are only able to give $5. 31.3% of people in Peru are living below the poverty line. Thats 9.2 million people. Trust me when I say even $5 or $10 makes a difference.

Because I appreciate each and everyone of you that are helping my dream come true, if you donate...

• $25 - You will receive a shout out on my blog (zoetheobald.blogspot.com).
• $50 - You will receive a shout out on my blog and a postcard straight from Peru with details on projects you are supporting.
• $100 - You will receive a shout out on my blog, a postcard, and a bracelet from Peru.

The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others. - Mahatma Gandhi

                                                  

So its January 21st...

Thinking back to January first, I was sitting at my grandmas house and thought to myself, "You should really post your New Years Resolutions like right now or else its not going to happen." I know myself too well. I ended up falling asleep, and here we are today, January 21st, FINALLY writing about my year. So lets recap in photos first (they're completely out of order):

Chopped my hair off.

Got on TV.

Was a bridesmaid for Erica! 

Helped plan some amazing homecoming dances.

Went to a Boyce Avenue concert with my sisters.

Roadtripped to a friends cabin.

Went to a Neon Trees/Imagine Dragons Concert.

Had shoulder surgery (sling is hidden) and proceeded to party at this wedding the same day.

Was Aliese's Maid of Honor!

Front row tickets at the Football games!

Roadtripped to Vegas to campaign for Mitt.

A night in Vegas.

Got accepted to do an internship in Peru!

Found my sister on the cover of a magazine.

Held a hedgehog.

Spent some quality time with my favorite people.

Before.

15 years later.

Visited my brother in New York.

 Went to Central Park.

Purchased my first iphone snapped some panoramas at True Blue Football.

Skipped class and took a spontaneous road trip to California.

Another best friend got married.

Ended it with my family.

I'd say I had a pretty eventful year. This year I finally decided what I want to study and that is HUGE! I never thought I would be one of those people that would change their major five times, just because I thought that I could pick one and stick with it. When I first came to BYU a year and a half ago, I wanted to study Graphic Design. In fact, that played a big part in me transferring because I knew BYU had a good program. So I came, took all the classes, loved every second of them, then applied and didn't get in. It caught me off guard. I felt so strongly that I was going to get in because I thought that I was supposed to transfer to Provo and study Graphic Design. It made me step back and look at the whole situation. I realized that I loved the idea of graphic design and understanding how it works but I didn't really see myself having a career in it. Then I started thinking about what I wanted to do instead. Photography? Psychology? Human Development? Family Studies? Accounting? Marketing? and then it hit me. Recreation Management. So here I am now, in the Marriott School of Business studying Recreation Management (Event & Venue Management track) and I couldn't be happier. Its unbelievable how much weight was lifted off my shoulders when I realized what I wanted to do and it felt right. 

This year I want to:

1. Lose 10 pounds by March 23rd (my aunts wedding).
2. Prove to myself that I can get A's in hard classes.
3. Get a promotion at my current job or get a job at the Marriott.
4. Run at least a half marathon.
5. Become fluent in Spanish.
6. Work on starting my own small photography business.
7. Take a spontaneous trip to Hawaii.
8. Find a new passion.
9. Read a book and enjoy it.
10. Reach my savings goal.