Big things in little things

First of all, Merry Christmas to Everyone!!!

view of Lima from my roof

If somehow some of you don't know this, I like taking pictures. I would never call myself a photographer, but I just like capturing moments. I like seeing things that other people don't and then presenting it to them in a new way. So in that, this trip, I have fallen in love with the panorama. (Please click on these pictures and really explore the moment in which they were taken.)

night view of the Plaza de las Armas with Christmas decorations

This type of picture allows you to actually show what was going on there. Give a more complete perspective. But even more, it maintains the ability to see the little things that are going on. Each of these pictures that are in this post have so much happening in them that I find myself going back time and time again to see what was going on and the little things in all of them.

View of Avenida Bolivar at night from atop a hotel (just a couple blocks from my house)

So in a big way, I do find that is a big deal about my time here. We all can look into a situation and see the big picture. Here in Peru, the poverty is obvious and is extreme. The climate change smacks you in the face every day. The stories of the atrocities of the civil war create rivers of tears, but in each one of those, there is a story and there is a person, and there is a day and there is a moment.

Playa Las Minas in Parque de la Reserva in Paracas

But these stories don't have to be sad either. I am amazed at the stories of live and laughter that I encounter every day. I am amazed at the extreme similarities between the people of Peru and the way we live our lives at home. The other night Erika and I took my host sisters out to McDonalds and a movie. During our Christmas dinner last night, there was a "kids table" (I have graduated from that finally).

Ayacucho from an overlooking mountain

So, since it is Christmas, I encourage to focus on the the little things. The big ones can wait for next week. They will always be there and are usually pretty easy to see. But today focus on the little ones. Tell a story or more importantly listen to a good one. Relish that moment because these are the things that really make life great. Thank you to all of you who are in my life. I truly cherish you all. I miss you during this time. I don't miss the cold, but I do miss a good soy latte before breakfast. I miss family, friends, and home. But, as I've said many times before, home is about the people and I am so blessed to have another home. Not one to replace, but one to compliment the one I know and love. So thank you for all being in my life. I love you so much. Please check out our latest podcast (or just search "kuzka" in the itunes music store), newsletter (También en Castellano) or just send me an email (jtobiason08@gmail.com). I love you all and will talk to you in the new year because tomorrow I head out on vacation. So, listen to a real story today and find the little things that you may have missed and cherish that. Merry Christmas from Peru. The video below was midnight, Christmas Eve. It was amazing.