Thursday morning I woke up at 5am, happily surprised to see the water was back running. That meant putting off bucket baths for another day. Got all my stuff together and was out the door by 6. I caught the bus with a few other volunteers to san salvador city so that we could each part ways to our individual site visits. I was a little anxious about taking the next bus alone, but I found it easily and met my volunteer in the city...at a coffee shop...frighteningly similar to starbucks. It was expensive but so good and so worth it. So was the American breakfast.
After getting to know each other a little we headed out for Santa Ana, a department in the more western part of el salv. It was a conflict resolution camp on a lake and it was really awesome. the kids were so excited to be there, especially since most never get to leave their canton where their homes are. The lake was pretty and it was great getting to meet a bunch of other volunteers.
For the first time that night, I was cold. I still slept good because i think i was in denial but it was great to have a breeze finally.
Last night we travelled east to Usulutan where my volunteer has lived for 2 years. She is extending to stay for a 3rd. This is very common here. She is an Amazing volunteer with Amazing work! she has worked a lot with the special ed school here and has written a textbook for special needs children and is also working on a dictionary. Shes a really cool person and I´m glad I got to spend 3 days with her. Her work is so impressive and inspiring. I hope I can impact my community as she has.
I DID manage to take my first bucket bath...and it turned out to be rather enjoyable. Really refreshing. Hopefully I smell good...
Meeting a volunteer in Usu city tomorrow so that we can travel back to San Vicente together. Will be nice to be back with my host family and in my room, and Im kinda exhausted from all the traveling. Not really looking forward to a week of class and work but am excited for the beach next weekend!
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
2 Axes to the Face
I've gotten quite used to my neighbors. Even though they are loud, wake up really early and go to the bathroom all over the streets, I have learned to love the 10 cows/bulls next door. I was a little disheartened when my youngest brother informed me that the leader of the pack had taken "2 axes to the face" and was served for dinner this weekend to our town. He no longer turns his head when I open my gate as he grazes underneath the tree in the corner. But life goes on without him...
Tomorrow I wake at 5am to start my first journey, mostly by myself. I have an "immersion weekend" where I will be staying with a volunteer who has been in country for a year or so. We are spending 2 nights in Santa Ana where she is working with a Girls Camp and the last night we travel back east across the country to Usulutan to spend the day/night at her site. I'm excited about it. But definitely nervous about the travels.
I'm also expecting to have my first real daily challenges. I mean, hand-washing clothes on a rock took some practice, and I won't lie, not all my clothes smelled great afterwords...particularly the ones I wore playing soccer in a dirt field in 90 degree weather.....but I've had it pretty easy. Today was the first day we ran at of water. I still couldn't make myself use the latrine but I had to get buckets of water to flush the toilet. I'm saving the first bucket bath for the morning. The chickens in my area stay outside the house (which is not common in other parts). I haven't gotten an amoeba (one volunteer in my town has) and I don't have Dengue, Malaria, Chagas or bacteria...yet. My mosquito net fits over my bed, I have a door to my room and my mom cooks all my meals. The volunteer I'm vising told me to pack sheets...and plates. I have one small backpack so this should be interesting. I have a hammock and there's a table in my room. The rats stay on the roof outside (not inside happily)...except for the one that got in the pila (sink thing) in the kitchen. There's not too many bugs in my room and I now have learned to love the spiders because they hastily eat the other little guys that may get into my net. Well not all spiders, anything furry or thick or crunchy looking gets the shoe.
So I've felt pretty spoiled so far. I have a nice house with a nice host family and have 5 great volunteers living close by in my town. These next 4 days should be a whole new experience so I'm definitely expecting new challenges and excitements. It will be a tiny glimpse into my real life for the next 2 years.
These 3 weeks have gone by sooo fast and the next 4.5 of training I think will go even faster. Next weekend is our first free weekend :D BEACH and then I have to have 5 community projects done and our community Social Service done. We're playing a Movie Night in town with an educational presentation about Trash & Recycling at intermission, will a Garbage Walk the next day and Soccer Tourney too with refrescos. Hopefully it all goes well. We also have plans to meet with the town Health Promoter and visit the fields to watch the Sugar Cane cutting process. Lots and lots of stuff coming up.
Anything new at home I would love to hear some stories. I miss everyone and love you all. Don't take anything for granted. I've seen too many tragedies here already, almost too much to handle... but definitely awakened my sense of appreciation for every moment you have and all the people around you.
xoxoxoxo
Tomorrow I wake at 5am to start my first journey, mostly by myself. I have an "immersion weekend" where I will be staying with a volunteer who has been in country for a year or so. We are spending 2 nights in Santa Ana where she is working with a Girls Camp and the last night we travel back east across the country to Usulutan to spend the day/night at her site. I'm excited about it. But definitely nervous about the travels.
I'm also expecting to have my first real daily challenges. I mean, hand-washing clothes on a rock took some practice, and I won't lie, not all my clothes smelled great afterwords...particularly the ones I wore playing soccer in a dirt field in 90 degree weather.....but I've had it pretty easy. Today was the first day we ran at of water. I still couldn't make myself use the latrine but I had to get buckets of water to flush the toilet. I'm saving the first bucket bath for the morning. The chickens in my area stay outside the house (which is not common in other parts). I haven't gotten an amoeba (one volunteer in my town has) and I don't have Dengue, Malaria, Chagas or bacteria...yet. My mosquito net fits over my bed, I have a door to my room and my mom cooks all my meals. The volunteer I'm vising told me to pack sheets...and plates. I have one small backpack so this should be interesting. I have a hammock and there's a table in my room. The rats stay on the roof outside (not inside happily)...except for the one that got in the pila (sink thing) in the kitchen. There's not too many bugs in my room and I now have learned to love the spiders because they hastily eat the other little guys that may get into my net. Well not all spiders, anything furry or thick or crunchy looking gets the shoe.
So I've felt pretty spoiled so far. I have a nice house with a nice host family and have 5 great volunteers living close by in my town. These next 4 days should be a whole new experience so I'm definitely expecting new challenges and excitements. It will be a tiny glimpse into my real life for the next 2 years.
These 3 weeks have gone by sooo fast and the next 4.5 of training I think will go even faster. Next weekend is our first free weekend :D BEACH and then I have to have 5 community projects done and our community Social Service done. We're playing a Movie Night in town with an educational presentation about Trash & Recycling at intermission, will a Garbage Walk the next day and Soccer Tourney too with refrescos. Hopefully it all goes well. We also have plans to meet with the town Health Promoter and visit the fields to watch the Sugar Cane cutting process. Lots and lots of stuff coming up.
Anything new at home I would love to hear some stories. I miss everyone and love you all. Don't take anything for granted. I've seen too many tragedies here already, almost too much to handle... but definitely awakened my sense of appreciation for every moment you have and all the people around you.
xoxoxoxo
Saturday, February 13, 2010
River Swim
Today we visted the site of a volunteer who is leaving soon. She is finishing up her 2 years of work and she really has done amazing things for her pueblo. It was our first opportunity to really see what our life is going to be like for the next 2 years.
It was really cool to see her walking down the streets and having little conversations with everyone in spanish...and to see how many people said hi to her... she really integrated with the community. You could see her contributions around town, such as the artwork on street poles and the jewelry that people were selling.
I am really impressed with Peace Corps dedication to the important of providing sustainability to the places we serve. I've learned a lot about the importance of human capacity building and how important it is. We explored case studies of how many times people have come to developing nations trying to help, but instead caused more problems. Most of the time, we don't know about these countries we are trying to help. We don't know about their problems and thinking styles and needs and wants. And yet we determine how we should help them.
Peace Corps works by learning about the community. We are merely facilitators in helping people (who want our help) to help themselves. And although it can be really tricky and difficult, we saw what amazing results can come today at our site visit. The people of the pueblo were so proud to show us their work and to teach us something. Nobody put in a water filter that would break and then the pueblo wouldn't have the means to fix it. Someobody inspired the people to do what the wanted and use their skills. Someone gave people something to be proud of. And seeing how pround the people of this pueblo were of themselves and their village, made me really excited to finish training and get out there!
Oh and at the end of the day we jumped off a little fishing boat and went swimming in the river! Everyone here swims in their clothes so it was a new experience but I didn't complain since I think the 2 loafs of bread that are put out at EVERY meal are starting to show...
Buenas Noches!
It was really cool to see her walking down the streets and having little conversations with everyone in spanish...and to see how many people said hi to her... she really integrated with the community. You could see her contributions around town, such as the artwork on street poles and the jewelry that people were selling.
I am really impressed with Peace Corps dedication to the important of providing sustainability to the places we serve. I've learned a lot about the importance of human capacity building and how important it is. We explored case studies of how many times people have come to developing nations trying to help, but instead caused more problems. Most of the time, we don't know about these countries we are trying to help. We don't know about their problems and thinking styles and needs and wants. And yet we determine how we should help them.
Peace Corps works by learning about the community. We are merely facilitators in helping people (who want our help) to help themselves. And although it can be really tricky and difficult, we saw what amazing results can come today at our site visit. The people of the pueblo were so proud to show us their work and to teach us something. Nobody put in a water filter that would break and then the pueblo wouldn't have the means to fix it. Someobody inspired the people to do what the wanted and use their skills. Someone gave people something to be proud of. And seeing how pround the people of this pueblo were of themselves and their village, made me really excited to finish training and get out there!
Oh and at the end of the day we jumped off a little fishing boat and went swimming in the river! Everyone here swims in their clothes so it was a new experience but I didn't complain since I think the 2 loafs of bread that are put out at EVERY meal are starting to show...
Buenas Noches!
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Mosquito Nets
TOday we learned the importance of our mosquito nets... not just against monsquitos, but also these awful chinche bugs that will poop on your face and give you chagas. of which you may not know you have for 10 years and then you will most likely not survive. Malaria and Dengue fever are just a couple of the other diseases we need to beware of.
But the discussion of nets reminded me of the night before. Each night I climb under my mosquito net (which is tucked into the mattress at all times to avoid any entrance of any type of bug ever) and I lie in my bed with a few of the letters from the pile from my friends and family from home. I read a couple before I go to bed and get both an extreme feeling of homesickness, but also great comfort and reminders from the people I love that people believe in me and that I should believe in my self even when Im feeling down.
I have a similar mixed feeling from my mosquito net. While I feel very safe and am so happy I have it to protect me from the dangers, it also creates a feeling of loneliness. I´m kinda trapped with this barrier around me. I don´t feel so at home and I´m kinda separated. I still feel that way in my community. And while I love my host family and the community I am in, I still dont quite fit. I hope I will get better over time.
Also, I woke at 1am to a man screaming in spanish outside my home. Of course this provokeed the chickens and my dog which was going baslitic... but I am also happy Black was there to protect me. I was petrified and since my room is segregated from the rest of the house I was nervous and had no one to comfort me! I couldn´t sleep for awhile and when I woke, I was unsure if what I actually experienced was a dream. Anyway, I soon find out that the man was trying to wake my mom to tell her that her friend had passed away. My mom was very sad all morning and I was upset that I couldn´t find the spanish words to offer my condolences.
But I guess everyone shares the same things. We all feel loneliness, sadness, fears, passions, laughter. These emotions are what get us through life and connect us as people. I think its important to always share these feelings with others.
Heading back to the Training Center now.
Looking forward to reading a few more letters tonight and think about everyone back home constantly. So many people have given me so much supprot and I honestly don´t think I could be doing this without you. Thank you all. I love and miss everyone!
xoxoxo
But the discussion of nets reminded me of the night before. Each night I climb under my mosquito net (which is tucked into the mattress at all times to avoid any entrance of any type of bug ever) and I lie in my bed with a few of the letters from the pile from my friends and family from home. I read a couple before I go to bed and get both an extreme feeling of homesickness, but also great comfort and reminders from the people I love that people believe in me and that I should believe in my self even when Im feeling down.
I have a similar mixed feeling from my mosquito net. While I feel very safe and am so happy I have it to protect me from the dangers, it also creates a feeling of loneliness. I´m kinda trapped with this barrier around me. I don´t feel so at home and I´m kinda separated. I still feel that way in my community. And while I love my host family and the community I am in, I still dont quite fit. I hope I will get better over time.
Also, I woke at 1am to a man screaming in spanish outside my home. Of course this provokeed the chickens and my dog which was going baslitic... but I am also happy Black was there to protect me. I was petrified and since my room is segregated from the rest of the house I was nervous and had no one to comfort me! I couldn´t sleep for awhile and when I woke, I was unsure if what I actually experienced was a dream. Anyway, I soon find out that the man was trying to wake my mom to tell her that her friend had passed away. My mom was very sad all morning and I was upset that I couldn´t find the spanish words to offer my condolences.
But I guess everyone shares the same things. We all feel loneliness, sadness, fears, passions, laughter. These emotions are what get us through life and connect us as people. I think its important to always share these feelings with others.
Heading back to the Training Center now.
Looking forward to reading a few more letters tonight and think about everyone back home constantly. So many people have given me so much supprot and I honestly don´t think I could be doing this without you. Thank you all. I love and miss everyone!
xoxoxo
Monday, February 8, 2010
Un Dia en La Vida
Sooo I'm finally here. I've moved in with my host family where I will be living for the next 7 weeks. Its a tiny little pueblo outside of San Salvador, at the base of a beautiful volcano. Its quite a view. I wake up at 6am, after various wakings in the night due to the heat and sounds of cows, horses, rats, chickens, bugs, people, cars, etc. and have breakfast. We went to church on Sunday and it was interesting to see. Afterwords, I watched my host mom make Pupusas with other women in town next to the chruch. Pupusas are a type of thick corn tortilla filled with beans, cheese and pork. They're very good with salsa. Afterwards, I went to a Paneria which was above a friend's house with my little brothers. We made bread from scratch to finish for 3 hours and it was awesome. Great time. Really cool people and fun experience. On Sat and Sun, the other 5 volunteers in my pueblo, my 3 brothers and I and some locals played soccer at la cancha. Its a soccer field about 15min walk from my house. Really awesome.
My house is really nice but pretty basic. I'm lucky enough to have a shower and toilet instead of bucket baths and latrine...but I heard they're not so bad. Well, the bucket baths maybe....
I live with my mom, grandma and 3 little brothers who are 7, 10 and 13 and just about the cutest little kids ever. They're very polite to me, I think (my spanish is terrible) and I'm glad I have them. Especially when I'm missing my 3 sisters. Not knowing Spanish has been a HUGE issue for me. It really segregates you and is very draining. It makes me feel like a nuisance sometimes. Plus I feel lonely that I can't communicate what I want to say. But I'm getting by.
My neighbors have muchos cows and horses, chickens and ducks. Its so cool to hear them in the day. Or see a horse fly by. Its a really neat little place here.
Well I need to get to bed. Hope i have internet again soon! I miss everyone. xoxoxo
My house is really nice but pretty basic. I'm lucky enough to have a shower and toilet instead of bucket baths and latrine...but I heard they're not so bad. Well, the bucket baths maybe....
I live with my mom, grandma and 3 little brothers who are 7, 10 and 13 and just about the cutest little kids ever. They're very polite to me, I think (my spanish is terrible) and I'm glad I have them. Especially when I'm missing my 3 sisters. Not knowing Spanish has been a HUGE issue for me. It really segregates you and is very draining. It makes me feel like a nuisance sometimes. Plus I feel lonely that I can't communicate what I want to say. But I'm getting by.
My neighbors have muchos cows and horses, chickens and ducks. Its so cool to hear them in the day. Or see a horse fly by. Its a really neat little place here.
Well I need to get to bed. Hope i have internet again soon! I miss everyone. xoxoxo
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Hasta Luego
Today we had orientation all day in DC. Met the other 35 volunteers training with me for the next few months. It definitely helped calm my nerves to meet others in the same boat. Not gonna lie, I got back in bed a few times this morning, refusing to leave. Goodbyes are SO hard...SO HARD.
I wish my friends and family weren't so nice- this would have been much easier! I will miss you guys. Thanks for all the support. I will think of you to fight the separation anxiety. Any tips..please comment!
So today we had some ice breakers involving skits of things that will likely happen to us abroad. We listed all the dangers of PC El Salv, that was reassuring. We listed our Goals and Aspirations...went over some guidelines. Good stuff but tiring. Esp when you didnt sleep all night. But I'm happy I have some friends now!
Communication will be hard after my flight tomorrow for a few days. But I will get to the internet or a cell phone as soon as I can afterwards. Buena noche!
xoxoxoxoxoxoxo
I wish my friends and family weren't so nice- this would have been much easier! I will miss you guys. Thanks for all the support. I will think of you to fight the separation anxiety. Any tips..please comment!
So today we had some ice breakers involving skits of things that will likely happen to us abroad. We listed all the dangers of PC El Salv, that was reassuring. We listed our Goals and Aspirations...went over some guidelines. Good stuff but tiring. Esp when you didnt sleep all night. But I'm happy I have some friends now!
Communication will be hard after my flight tomorrow for a few days. But I will get to the internet or a cell phone as soon as I can afterwards. Buena noche!
xoxoxoxoxoxoxo
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