Not a lot to report just yet, but I thought I'd get a good start and post now before I get too overwhelmed.

I arrived in Arequipa early Saturday morning after another long overnight at the Lima airport. Luckily, all of my luggage arrived without any problems (no small feat these days), and Max and Roxana, my host parents the past two visits who have welcomed me again this summer, were waiting at the airport to bring me home.

I'd been pretty anxious in the days leading up to the trip because opportunities for Spanish conversation had been extremely limited and I didn't know what to expect once I found myself immersed once again. It's still very up and down, but for the most part much better than I'd expected.

This morning I was able to go up to Alto Cayma to visit the knitters, and it was wonderful. They are doing really well, although a lot of changes have occurred. We'd been communicating by email while I was gone, but I wasn't at all sure what I would find when I returned as surprises are always popping up. Things seem to be running as smoothly as ever, though, and the women are in good spirits and ready to get started on our next project. One of the most exciting developments was that they recently completed classes sponsored by a local governmental organization dedicated to women and development. As soon as they finished telling me how pale and skinny I am these days, they got down to business showing me all of the new designs and techniques they've taken from their classes, along with newly-purchased mannequins and display cases. Things are moving along well.

And finally, the pitch. We are very much in catalog limbo right now, with several versions floating around and the website still in the works, but if you'd like to place an order you can go to my flickr page for a fairly complete version (http://www.flickr.com/photos/efifield26/). The knitters are chomping at the bit to get going on new orders, so please email me if you'd like to purchase anything (or if you have any questions about the products). If you get your orders in soon, there is a good chance we will be able to send them back with Lindsey and Brian in mid-July after their visit. Otherwise, I will bring them with me at the end of August.

All right. That's all for now, but I am hoping to keep this updated more regularly so that I don't fall so far behind. I hope all is well wherever you are. Take care.