I guess you could say that I have been holding back. Or you could think of it as avoiding. I haven’t wanted to admit what is just around the corner, because really, I don’t want it to happen. But it is happening and I need to be honest with myself and you. Because this is truly a bittersweet time, I thought there was no better way for you and me to talk about it than over a delicious piece of Bittersweet Almost-Fudge Gateau. Grab a fork and take a seat, and please pass me a tissue.
I told you last month about the exciting move from Blogspot to this domain, which I don’t regret even for a moment! But I didn’t tell you about a move that is a bit more difficult to share.
After six years of working in Peru as a Christian missionary, my time here is finished, at least for now. I have had some wonderfully great times and some terribly difficult times during those years. I have had the joys of traveling around most of the regions of Peru working on a traveling cooking show and working with churches around the nation. I have participated in events around Lima with local churches. I have met people that are forever in my heart. I have learned to speak Spanish and learned about Peruvian food.
It is time for me to return to the US for rest, refreshment and a time to see where God directs me next. Does that mean that Canela and Comino will cease to share about Peruvian food? Not at all! I have so many things I still plan to share about the markets, kitchens and flavors of Peru even though I will not be in Lima. And the move may be advantageous to you as well, since together we will learn to cook Peruvian food, outside of Peru. I also hope to translate more recipes into Spanish and create another area on my site for those que solamente hablan Español as well as develop resource lists of Peruvian restaurants in the US and Peruvian food distributors online. I am also looking into creating an ingredients section so that those outside of Peru can understand the ingredients used in Peruvian cooking and those in Peru may know better how to locate ingredients commonly used outside of Peru.
Please understand that during this difficult transition, things here may change slightly. You may see only photos of things I miss about Peru, highlights of my travels or photos of recipes that are yet to come. Also, please bear with me through this transition as I will not likely be able to visit other blogs and comment as I would like to, as you may have noticed in these last couple of weeks.
As you read this, I am soon headed to the airport with my bags packed (mostly full of Peruvian cookbooks!), but I am not so ready to travel. You may wonder, where does a girl go after spending 6 years in South America? For now, I am headed to Northern California where I lived before moving to Peru.
Bittersweet news is always best with a bite of Bittersweet Almost Fudge Gateau. I hope you enjoyed it. And I hope you’ll stick around for this next part of my journey, I think it could be a lot of fun. (These photos were taken from my roof, to forever remember the view from my apartment.)
Almost Fudge Gateau is being served up for Tuesdays With Dorie Rewind! This TWD recipe was chosen by Nikki of Crazy Delicious Food (where you will find the recipe). Enjoy some of the regular scheduled Devils Food White Out Cake, chosen by Stephanie of Confessions of a City Eater, by visiting the blogroll at the Tuesdays With Dorie website. Or, see what other goodies we have enjoyed on past weeks!
A beautiful cake for some bittersweet news. I wish you all the very best for your trip back to the US and the next phase in your life. I have enjoyed seeing your Peruvian photographs and reading about Peruvian food, and look forward to hearing much more about them once you have had time to settle back in.
Have a gentle and safe trip back to California. Thank you so much for the cake.
Ah Gretchen I feel for you, parting is never easy! Here’s a hanky, thanks for the cake. Wish you a safe trip and transition. Take care.
Ciao ! I’m sorry for you ! But I’m sure that you’ll soon find a good place where you will work as well as you’ve done in Perù. Love
Well, this is certainly a surprise! As difficult as it is for you to leave your beloved Peru, at least you will have six years of memories to carry in your heart. Change is never easy, but I know that you’ll find many new adventures ahead. I wish you a safe transition and the nice rest that you deserve! We’ll all still be here when you get settled and look forward to the next phase of Canela y Comino! Vaya con Dios!
Have a safe trip, have an enjoyable rest. will keep you and your next work posting in my prayers.
Safe travels and peaceful transition for you as your emerge into America again. I’m sure family welcomes you with open arms. New adventures await you as well. Most assuredly your life has left an impact in Peru that you will only catch a glimpse. Many have been changed I’m sure, because of you and your work. Thanks for sharing.
AmyRuth
Bittersweet . . . how very appropriate. Peace be with you.
All the best of luck on your new path Gretchen. You have lived the life I am dreaming of right now with working for a non-profit organization.
Bittersweet indeed. I echo everyone else in wishing you the best of luck with your journeys–and here’s a sincere hope that it’s all sweet!
It s never the end of a fantstic experience its just the beggining of a new one
This cake looks so so good
Wow! Good luck with the move and “welcome home”!
I wish you all the best for settling into the new “old” life and figuring out where to go next. I am sure you will be missed in Peru and I am glad we will not have to miss our on you here.
Alexandra
Bittersweet indeed & a heart breaker of a post. But life goes on, & opportunities always come up! Look forward to a wonderful new beginning Grtechen…much love!
What a great cake to both celebrate and commiserate. Here’s to wishing you lots of luck in your next endeavour!
Safe travels, sweetie. Be looking for that open window!
Ah, shoot. I feel for you. Sounds like you’ve had an amazing experience, and I wish you the best!
The cake looks delish! I will look forward to some new adventures from your site. Good Luck!
I’m praying for you and I love you! May the Lord reveal himself in wondrous ways in these days ahead. Hugs!
Your almost-fudge gateau looks perfect. I’m sad you have to leave Peru and wish you safe travels. When one door closes, another one opens….take care!
It’s sad that we couldn´t meet before you left Perú because of our schedules. But, anyway I will continue visiting your beautiful blog and learning from your recipes.
Best wishesh for you in your new life in California!!!
Mmm your gateau looks amazing. I’ll have to try the recipe myself.
It is sad that you must leave. Think of all the lives you have touched in wonderful ways since being there. xx
The cake looks scrummy!
That is bittersweet, but I’m looking forward to hearing about your upcoming journeys. I’m sure they will be full of adventure and good food!
I think missionaries are beautiful people. What a wonderful experience and time spent in such service to mankind.
What a beautiful cake for transition trials. I have no doubt that the next phase of your life will bring you joy.
What a gorgeous hunk of chocolate! See you when you’re settled!
Oh no, I feel the sadness in your post at having to leave such a beautiful country. I have so enjoyed looking at Peru through your eyes (and hope to continue enjoying, due to those Peruvian cook books!). One thing I always try to remember is that when one door closes, another door opens. Good luck and safe travels!
[...] Bittersweet Gateau for Bittersweet News [...]
i can see how you have mixed emotions about moving back…but i hope that the next chapter of your life is just as rich and fulfilling.
Bittersweet it is. But nothing can change the past 6 years. Wishing you luck in wherever you go onto next.
Bittersweet indeed. On the bright side now you can educate and share your Peruvian experiences and knowledge with the people you meet Stateside in person now, which will be good for them and sweet with memories for you I hope. We are lucky to have you back, even though I am sorry for you that you have to leave somewhere that is so much in your heart. You can be comforted knowing it will stay there!
[...] I bought everything for it. But see, here’s what’s going on. You remember how I packed up my life in Peru and moved it to the US just a couple of weeks ago? Yeah, that’s what’s going [...]
I have so much loved your blog and your adventures in Peru. I’m glad your going to keep giving us recipes and resources. And welcome back to California (my home state).
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I found your blog on google and read a few of your other posts. I just added you to my Google News Reader. Keep up the good work. Look forward to reading more from you in the future.
[...] Months and Apple Hill Has eight months gone by already? Eight months since I packed up my things in Lima, Peru and moved myself back to the states. It was heartbreaking to leave Peru and my life here has [...]
[...] along through my journey over the the last year, or maybe you were around even before that? After moving from Peru to the US last February, I have moved myself and my things around 11 times. In one year. No joke. Mind you, I have not had [...]