Embracing Change: My Journey of Preparing for Life in Lima, Peru
- Ganijah Cannon
- Jul 14
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 16
In just a month, I’m trading St. Louis for Lima to spend an entire year of hands-on cultural and social immersion. I’ll be working alongside the Center for the Development of Black Peruvian Women while learning what accompaniment, community, and solidarity look like in practice.
This blog holds the honest version of that year: the preparation, the questions, the everyday beauty, the uncomfortable growth, and the lessons I could not have planned for. It is a place to stay connected without pretending I already know how the story ends.
This is my first official blog post, and as I prepare to leave St. Louis, I find myself caught between excitement and uncertainty. For one, I'm not that great with Spanish, like at all. Second, I've never traveled outside of the US. Finally, it's a year without my family and friends (this one worries me the most). However, my excitement outweighs those worries, and I have faith that it'll all go well.
Meeting My New Roommate and Feeling More at Home
One of the first things that made this transition feel more real was connecting with the other volunteer I’ll be sharing an apartment with. We recently had a few conversations, and she already seems like someone I can count on! Talking about our hopes and worries helped me feel less alone in this adventure. Knowing that I won’t be starting from scratch but will be moving with a friend has made me more comfortable and even more excited about moving.
Preparing to Leave Home and Adjust to a New Culture
Leaving home means more than packing bags. It means mentally preparing to say goodbye to familiar routines, family, and friends. I’m learning to accept that feeling nervous is natural. It’s a sign that I care about what’s ahead.
Adjusting to a new culture will be one of the biggest challenges. Lima is a city full of life, with its own rhythms, customs, and ways of seeing the world. I’m trying to approach this with curiosity instead of fear. For example, I’ve started reading about Peruvian history and watching videos about daily life there. This helps me imagine what to expect and shows respect for the culture I’m about to join.
Improving My Spanish One Step at a Time
Spanish is a completely different realm for me; I've studied German, French, and occasionally Japanese if you count watching subbed anime with my brother. However, I know that improving my Spanish will be key to feeling confident and connected in Lima. To prepare, I’m practicing every day with Duolingo, and maybe I'll begin listening to Spanish audiobooks or podcasts.
I’m also reminding myself that it’s okay to make mistakes. Language learning is a process, and every small step counts. I’m excited to see how much I’ll grow by the end of the year, not just in Spanish but in understanding a new way of life.
Staying Open to What the Year Will Teach Me
This year is a chance to learn not just about Peru but about myself. I’m trying to stay open to whatever comes my way, even if it’s uncomfortable or unexpected. That means being patient with myself when things don’t go as planned and celebrating small victories.
I expect to face moments of doubt and homesickness, but I also believe those moments will teach me resilience and gratitude. Each day will bring new lessons, and I want to be ready to listen and grow.
Taking the Next Step Even When I Don’t Feel Ready
If I’m honest, I don’t feel completely ready. There are still so many unknowns. But I’m learning that being ready doesn’t mean having all the answers or feeling no fear. Being ready means being willing to take the next step, even when it’s uncertain.
This willingness is what turns a big move into a meaningful journey. It’s what helps me embrace change with hope instead of hesitation.
Moving to Lima is the start of a new story, one I’m eager to write with honesty and openness. I’ll keep sharing my experiences here, hoping they resonate with anyone facing their own big changes. If you’re preparing for something new, remember that feeling a mix of emotions is normal. What matters most is taking that first step forward.
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