During their concluding retreat, Goshen College students in the Peru Study-Service-Term program were tasked with reflecting on the past three months. They discussed the highlights and challenges of service, presented their final academic projects and pondered what it might be like to return to the United States. They also played, enjoyed each other’s company and rested.
The pelican takes flight.
Our gathering was held at a Christian retreat center called Kawai, which is located on the beach about a 90-minute drive south of Lima. Facilities at Kawai consist of a large collection of spacious buildings amid well-landscaped grounds, just a few hundred yards from the Pacific Ocean. It has wide lawns, palm trees, a nice swimming pool and a broad beach, perfect for long walks and contemplation.
Maria, Gina and Malaina on the beach at Kawai.
Goshen students enjoyed strolling on the beach, gazing at the Pacific Ocean and observing a wide range of birds. Sunsets were spectacular on the beach, with the sky changing colors, from yellow to orange to red and finally purple. The cloud cover was minimal, allowing for glimpses of stars. The beach also was the site of night walks and a bonfire – ideal for roasting marshmallows and making S’mores.
Jackson, pursued by Caleb. moves down the field.
Over two days, students played spirited games of soccer on a lush field. Game play was intense and the students worked up hearty appetites. They cooled off from an afternoon game by diving into the swimming pool.
Goshen men and women strike decidedly different poses in the pool.
On the final afternoon of the retreat, students paid one last visit to the beach. They splashed in the waves or took long walks, dipping their feet in the ocean. It was a great way to say goodbye to Peru and prepare for the long journey back to the United States.
Aimee and Jake on the beach at Kawai.
The attached photo gallery provides glimpses of the beauty of the beach at Kawai and what students did to relax during the retreat. Everyone had a great time!
The beach at Kawai, which is south of Lima and where we held our retreat.Jake, Jackson, Jonathan, Caleb, Neal and Dean on the beach at Kawai.April, Gretchen, Malaina, Maria and Natalie and Gina on the beach at Kawai.The beautiful grounds at Kawai.Flowers at Kawai.Flowers at Kawai.Flowers at Kawai.Goshen College students play soccer at Kawai.Jake heads down the field.Dean tries to move past Thomas.Neal sprints after the ball.Thomas prepares to pass to a teammate.April and Aimee watch the soccer game.Maria, Gina and Malaina stroll on the beach at sunset.Maria, Gina and Malaina on the beach at Kawai.Sunset at Kawai.Sunset over the Pacific Ocean at Kawai.Aimee takes a photo of Gretchen and Natalie.A fiery sunset at Kawai.Clouds enhance the beauty of the sunset.Caleb, Dean, Jackson and Jake return from a sunset swim at Kawai.The beautiful beach at Kawai.Birds at Kawai.A pelican eyes the surf and an approaching photographer.The pelican takes flight.The pelican takes flight.The pelican skims over the water.The pelican searches the waves.A second soccer game for Goshen College students.Malaina passes to a teammate.Derek, Neal and Dean jockey for position.Jackson, pursued by Caleb. moves down the field.Gretchen and April battle over the ball.Natalie maneuvers down the field.Gretchen keeps the ball away from Jake.Neal heads down field,Aimee prepares to kick the ball down the field.Gina, pursued by Malaina, moves toward the goal.Jackson and Malaina exchange high fives after the game.Thomas and Jonathan cool off in the swimming pool.Thomas takes the plunge.Derek dives into the pool.Caleb prepares to make a splash.Dean falls into the pool.Gina and Natalie take the plunge.Neal strikes an unusual pose while jumping into the pool.Jackson flips backward into the pool.Goshen men and women strike decidedly different poses in the pool.Goshen men make their presence known in the pool – to great the surprise of the women.A game of chicken between Jake and Dean vs. Neal and Caleb.Jake and Neal do battle.A game of chicken between Natalie and Gretchen vs. Jackson and Dean.Gina and Natalie play chicken.Natalie, April, Aimee, Gina, Malaina and Maria relax at the pool.Students gather around the bonfire.Students gather around the bonfire.Malaina and Dean enjoy the bonfire.Jake and Neal during a contemplative moment at the bonfire.Gretchen, Gina and Natalie share a laugh.Aimee, April and Peru SST Co-Director Judy Weaver at the bonfire.Aimee and Jake on the beach at Kawai.Maria, April, Gretchen, Malaina, Natalie and Gina on the beach during the last afternoon of our retreat.Jonathan, Neal, Jackson, Caleb and Dean leave the Kawai beach on the last afternoon of our retreat.
