2011 Christmas in Paraguay, come and gone.... 1 down 1 to go!
On dec 22,2011 I had my host brothers birthday. It was a nice Family lunch. My neighboring volunteer friend (st. John) biked over to hangout. After lunch I didn't feel so well... Dec 22-25th was a bit rough.. Between stomach issues, rain and feeling confused about Christmas..
So Christmas here is best described as forth of July, new years and a prayer service.. It was not very exciting like the other Christmas years.. But probly because I did not know what to expect. My neighbor invited me over to celebrate which consisted of eating a big asado dinner, praying, count down and fireworks. Each house sets up a nativity scene made of grass, tree branches, light, candy, fruit, and chipa. All very different and quite nice. So after our felicidades the jovenes walked around to say merry Christmas and drink a little bit.
Traditions here though.. A fruit punch mixer.. All types of fruit cut up, soda, sugar and sometimes wine... (Cerco)also setting up the nativity scences...
As I have mentioned in other blogs... Paraguay is very calm. That was how Christmas was in general.. And made me rethink our idea of Christmas and gifts. I was oddly happy enough to receive a watermelon for Christmas from my neighbor. But then again on Christmas day I left to go meet my American friends mom. She gave me my iPod that my lovely dad and sister bought and put music on for me. So I guess you can take me out of USA but you can't take the USA outta me?? Something like that....
So right now I am sitting in a hostel in Asuncion. Watching Monday night football. And about to go to bed to wake up for a 7am flight to Chile! 2 weeks! I need to relax on a beach and sleep in. Vacation to recovery!
I love my life and I hope you all had a great Christmas. And will have a great new year! I'm ready for 2012! it's going to be a great year! I can feel it!
Until next year...
Monday, December 26, 2011
Monday, December 19, 2011
B4 vacay!
Dec 17, 2011
Almost Christmas?.... Can't believe it... I never know what day it is... Or what time it is... Let alone what month we are in. I can't believe I've been here for 10mths. Almost a year feb 2nd. A year living in PY? Crazy! A year feels like a long time but everything here blends together, I have seen people come and go in Peace Corps Paraguay and soon my group (G-35) will be the veterans and not the fresh meat... We already have G36 and 37 in country sworn in and all.
So the week before Christmas normally consists of running around buying gifts.. I must say I don't miss the crowds at the malls. I do miss the Xmas spirit, and songs on the radios... Instead I get a shock going into the capital and seeing Xmas decorations in the malls... Unreal. Xmas this year will come and go I am sure... I am going to my host moms and then my neighbors... Maybe a party in the pueblo but to be honest... I could treat it like any other day and be 100% ok with that if NoOne else made a big deal... Like I said days and months all blend together so what is the difference...
I am excited to meet my friends mom on the 26th dec. It is the first Norte Parent to venture down here and see how we live.. So it will be nice to grab an ice cream or algo... Then I'll head to Asuncion for an evening of chilling prior to our flight to Santiago Chile. So excited! I just want to sleep in and lay on a beach! Not be judged!!! A vacation well needed. Yes I have taken day trips to my friends sites or to Asuncion for a weekend here and there... But every time I have to be on my A game cuz I don't know whose watching! To sit on a beach and not know anyone within miles will be great! I'll blend in as a tourist not a Peace Corps Volunteer. Of course I'll still be on my best behavior but to hold the title PCV 24-7 is stressful. I watch what I say and how I say it...so to be surrounded just by Americans in a private house will be heaven!
New years...?no plans yet... We will be in Chile... That is good enough for me! We get back the 9th of Jan. Then back to site for several weeks prior my England trip...
I am doing well down here.. Several of my closest (coordinators, Neighbors) have left the country... They had been living here 2 or more years prior to my arrival and now finished their service. Its weird to see people come and go but it is part of this experience here. We make friends in different groups. Each group is 3mths-1yr 3mths a part... the next group arrives in feb. So there are always good-byes and meeting new people. Strange life really.
On that note.. I am always being reminded that (10mths) ago I had no idea what was in store for me here. I've been up and down. I still falta a lot... 15mths? But I've grown in the last 10mths, been through so many changes and I'll be gearing up in the new year to complete another year here in PY!
I couldn't imagine being anywhere but down here. I appreciate my communities and I hope I can always do the best for them. So I ask that the new year brings me projects and peace here in Py!
I'll update after chile or while I'm there! Merry Christmas!
Till nxt time...
Almost Christmas?.... Can't believe it... I never know what day it is... Or what time it is... Let alone what month we are in. I can't believe I've been here for 10mths. Almost a year feb 2nd. A year living in PY? Crazy! A year feels like a long time but everything here blends together, I have seen people come and go in Peace Corps Paraguay and soon my group (G-35) will be the veterans and not the fresh meat... We already have G36 and 37 in country sworn in and all.
So the week before Christmas normally consists of running around buying gifts.. I must say I don't miss the crowds at the malls. I do miss the Xmas spirit, and songs on the radios... Instead I get a shock going into the capital and seeing Xmas decorations in the malls... Unreal. Xmas this year will come and go I am sure... I am going to my host moms and then my neighbors... Maybe a party in the pueblo but to be honest... I could treat it like any other day and be 100% ok with that if NoOne else made a big deal... Like I said days and months all blend together so what is the difference...
I am excited to meet my friends mom on the 26th dec. It is the first Norte Parent to venture down here and see how we live.. So it will be nice to grab an ice cream or algo... Then I'll head to Asuncion for an evening of chilling prior to our flight to Santiago Chile. So excited! I just want to sleep in and lay on a beach! Not be judged!!! A vacation well needed. Yes I have taken day trips to my friends sites or to Asuncion for a weekend here and there... But every time I have to be on my A game cuz I don't know whose watching! To sit on a beach and not know anyone within miles will be great! I'll blend in as a tourist not a Peace Corps Volunteer. Of course I'll still be on my best behavior but to hold the title PCV 24-7 is stressful. I watch what I say and how I say it...so to be surrounded just by Americans in a private house will be heaven!
New years...?no plans yet... We will be in Chile... That is good enough for me! We get back the 9th of Jan. Then back to site for several weeks prior my England trip...
I am doing well down here.. Several of my closest (coordinators, Neighbors) have left the country... They had been living here 2 or more years prior to my arrival and now finished their service. Its weird to see people come and go but it is part of this experience here. We make friends in different groups. Each group is 3mths-1yr 3mths a part... the next group arrives in feb. So there are always good-byes and meeting new people. Strange life really.
On that note.. I am always being reminded that (10mths) ago I had no idea what was in store for me here. I've been up and down. I still falta a lot... 15mths? But I've grown in the last 10mths, been through so many changes and I'll be gearing up in the new year to complete another year here in PY!
I couldn't imagine being anywhere but down here. I appreciate my communities and I hope I can always do the best for them. So I ask that the new year brings me projects and peace here in Py!
I'll update after chile or while I'm there! Merry Christmas!
Till nxt time...
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
RIP PCPY loss
Nov 30, 2011
Thanksgiving was amazing. I ended up going to my friend's site on actual thanksgiving. We ate pasta and garlic bread. Then on Friday we waited for the campo bus (30 ish volunteers) to pass. We jumped on and went 4-5hrs down to Encarn. Started to drink a little on the bus. And I jumped into the pool upon arrival.
We spent Friday afternoon in the pool. Friday night we had a full thanksgiving buffet which was delicious. On Saturday we spent the whole day at the pool, drinking and tanning. A lot of games and hanging out with volunteers was great. On Sunday we got back into the pool, hungout and ate lunch before heading back on the 7hour bus ride to Asuncion. Overall a great weekend.
But with everything good there can be a bad. During the end of lunchtime on Sunday. We found out that another fellow peace corps volunteer got into a car accident and died. I'm not sure if it has been a part of the news in the USA. But Emily Balog was a volunteer in a group that arrived 9mths before me. When another volunteer announced this at thanksgiving weekend I was sad that another volunteer passed away. She was on her way back from a volunteer thanksgiving get together. It wasn't until Monday morning that I realized Emily was my neighbor site.
I was walking down the street last month in Emily's site. It's about 9km from my site. I went there to get my haircut and saw a blonde girl speeding by on her bike. I said to my py friend, that has to be the peace corps volunteer here. If she passes again I must say hi I told my py friend. So well Emily passed by I waved her down, and introduced myself. We chatted for a few mins and exchanged numbers. Said we would hangout in the new year. So when I found out she passed away I am not at a loss of words. I'm disappointed and confused on how this could happen.
Peace Corps Paraguay had a memorial service tonight and it was great. A lot of volunteers traveled in and a lot of Peace Corps employees showed up. We are a family here in Peace Corps Paraguay. We will continue to support each other and help each other through our great loss of a great volunteer, friend and coworker. my prayers go out to the Balog family and friend back in the USA.
But to end on a happier note. I love my friends and family back in the USA. I am sweating my ass offf down here. It's between 90-112 degrees daily. I drip sweat, but got a termo for my terere. so now I travel everywhere with my terere and it saves me on buses and walking. It has my name, the peace corps symbol and 2011-2013 printed on it. Can't believe its Dec soon! Xmas? Crazy...
Until next time...
Thanksgiving was amazing. I ended up going to my friend's site on actual thanksgiving. We ate pasta and garlic bread. Then on Friday we waited for the campo bus (30 ish volunteers) to pass. We jumped on and went 4-5hrs down to Encarn. Started to drink a little on the bus. And I jumped into the pool upon arrival.
We spent Friday afternoon in the pool. Friday night we had a full thanksgiving buffet which was delicious. On Saturday we spent the whole day at the pool, drinking and tanning. A lot of games and hanging out with volunteers was great. On Sunday we got back into the pool, hungout and ate lunch before heading back on the 7hour bus ride to Asuncion. Overall a great weekend.
But with everything good there can be a bad. During the end of lunchtime on Sunday. We found out that another fellow peace corps volunteer got into a car accident and died. I'm not sure if it has been a part of the news in the USA. But Emily Balog was a volunteer in a group that arrived 9mths before me. When another volunteer announced this at thanksgiving weekend I was sad that another volunteer passed away. She was on her way back from a volunteer thanksgiving get together. It wasn't until Monday morning that I realized Emily was my neighbor site.
I was walking down the street last month in Emily's site. It's about 9km from my site. I went there to get my haircut and saw a blonde girl speeding by on her bike. I said to my py friend, that has to be the peace corps volunteer here. If she passes again I must say hi I told my py friend. So well Emily passed by I waved her down, and introduced myself. We chatted for a few mins and exchanged numbers. Said we would hangout in the new year. So when I found out she passed away I am not at a loss of words. I'm disappointed and confused on how this could happen.
Peace Corps Paraguay had a memorial service tonight and it was great. A lot of volunteers traveled in and a lot of Peace Corps employees showed up. We are a family here in Peace Corps Paraguay. We will continue to support each other and help each other through our great loss of a great volunteer, friend and coworker. my prayers go out to the Balog family and friend back in the USA.
But to end on a happier note. I love my friends and family back in the USA. I am sweating my ass offf down here. It's between 90-112 degrees daily. I drip sweat, but got a termo for my terere. so now I travel everywhere with my terere and it saves me on buses and walking. It has my name, the peace corps symbol and 2011-2013 printed on it. Can't believe its Dec soon! Xmas? Crazy...
Until next time...
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Updates!
Nov 6, 2011
Imagine every little move you make or don't is talked about. Imagine how little or how hard you work people talk about it. Imagine no matter how much you actually integrate you will always be the stranger. welcome to my life!
It's great when people are calling me guapa. But when they aren't saying anything to me they are saying things to my neighbors. If any of my family or close friends are reading this in the USA, you know I like to fly under the radar. I like to be friends with EVERYONE and I like to work hard. Problem I am currently facing is that because I have two communities when I am in one the other is jealous and vice versa. My community that I live in has recently called me lazy for not sweeping my dirt. Here in Paraguay it is normal to sweep the leaves and dirt so it's neat. But if I was to do that I'd not only go crazy with my OCD but I'd be in my house ALL day! I understand the senoras but my job here is not to be in my house ALL day but visit people, school and do work outside of my house.
Imagine everything breaking. From my beloved iPod to fridge. My iPod is a lost cause since I've had in for 4yrs and it's had a great run with me. So RIP LIL pinky. Haha Anyways.... When something breaks out here it is very interesting how to go about fixing it. Never in my life have I had a pair of shoes break. After thinking about this it's probably because I own 10+ pairs and never wear the same pair twice in a row. Therefore they never have the chance to wear down. Unlike here were I only brought one pair of casual shoes that I wear EVERYDAY!.... So today I went into my ghost town of a pueblo. I asked two people where the Shoe fixing store was. They both said "two blocks behind the school, on the corner, the house with the "nice" garden". By now living in this country I know that those directions are amazing! When I first got to this country and someone would give me directions like that I would stare at them like I needed an actual address a number or something. Now those are the types of directions I give. When someone asks where I live or how to get to my house from the ruta my directions go something like this.. " after the futbol field when the hill on your left slopes all the way down... There will be a casita on your right then on your left. Get off and walk until the dirt road ends then on your left will be my house it's white" (so are the others) HAHA! So the total to fix my original $70 pair of pumas is a womping $1.15 dollars. tomorrow the guy who is going to fix my fridge is coming by. I will take my bike to the moto store for a new tire. Whatever happened to going to "Helen's bike store??" or calling sears to fix my fridge! I thought it was crazy to have a local plumber come out in Flagstaff, like a family owned business. Now what's a plumber? I use a latrine and I pay my electrician in banana bread that his children love! So lessons learned... When something breaks either I must fix it or pay someone almost nothing to fix it but after i find their lindo garden and direct them to my not so lindo garden.
I'm completely use to my life here now. Yes I miss my life in the UsA which includes my family and friends.I promise If you were to live a day out here and see how amazing the people and life is you would agree with me that it's manageable. I am never clean though... so thank goodness none of you have to witness me here!
Until next time...
Nov 13, 2011
Happy Birthday Dad! Since I can't be in the USA celebrating my dads big 60th, I thought the 2nd best was to celebrate with a clone of my dad. Just happens that I've found my dads clone in Paraguay. His name happens to be Jorge as well. It's my Host Dad from the first three months I lived here in PY. He kind of looks like my dad in the USA, loves joking around, drinking and his fav food is fish. Not to mention both Jorges are hard working and family men. I Can't wait till the two of them will will meet. A Sunday with both Jorges' is no doubt going to be a great time.
So as it pours rain here in my training community. It's my dads 60th and I'm celebrating drinking wine and had a great lunch of Fish, rice and mandioca.
I love my family in the USA! Mexico and England! But to be lucky enough to have host families in Paraguay that remind me of my family back at home is the BEST! Sundays here in Guazu Cora are amazing weather its raining or sunny the Garcia family makes it enjoyable. To be away from my real family is always hard but has been made easier by having my host family.
Imagine every little move you make or don't is talked about. Imagine how little or how hard you work people talk about it. Imagine no matter how much you actually integrate you will always be the stranger. welcome to my life!
It's great when people are calling me guapa. But when they aren't saying anything to me they are saying things to my neighbors. If any of my family or close friends are reading this in the USA, you know I like to fly under the radar. I like to be friends with EVERYONE and I like to work hard. Problem I am currently facing is that because I have two communities when I am in one the other is jealous and vice versa. My community that I live in has recently called me lazy for not sweeping my dirt. Here in Paraguay it is normal to sweep the leaves and dirt so it's neat. But if I was to do that I'd not only go crazy with my OCD but I'd be in my house ALL day! I understand the senoras but my job here is not to be in my house ALL day but visit people, school and do work outside of my house.
Imagine everything breaking. From my beloved iPod to fridge. My iPod is a lost cause since I've had in for 4yrs and it's had a great run with me. So RIP LIL pinky. Haha Anyways.... When something breaks out here it is very interesting how to go about fixing it. Never in my life have I had a pair of shoes break. After thinking about this it's probably because I own 10+ pairs and never wear the same pair twice in a row. Therefore they never have the chance to wear down. Unlike here were I only brought one pair of casual shoes that I wear EVERYDAY!.... So today I went into my ghost town of a pueblo. I asked two people where the Shoe fixing store was. They both said "two blocks behind the school, on the corner, the house with the "nice" garden". By now living in this country I know that those directions are amazing! When I first got to this country and someone would give me directions like that I would stare at them like I needed an actual address a number or something. Now those are the types of directions I give. When someone asks where I live or how to get to my house from the ruta my directions go something like this.. " after the futbol field when the hill on your left slopes all the way down... There will be a casita on your right then on your left. Get off and walk until the dirt road ends then on your left will be my house it's white" (so are the others) HAHA! So the total to fix my original $70 pair of pumas is a womping $1.15 dollars. tomorrow the guy who is going to fix my fridge is coming by. I will take my bike to the moto store for a new tire. Whatever happened to going to "Helen's bike store??" or calling sears to fix my fridge! I thought it was crazy to have a local plumber come out in Flagstaff, like a family owned business. Now what's a plumber? I use a latrine and I pay my electrician in banana bread that his children love! So lessons learned... When something breaks either I must fix it or pay someone almost nothing to fix it but after i find their lindo garden and direct them to my not so lindo garden.
I'm completely use to my life here now. Yes I miss my life in the UsA which includes my family and friends.I promise If you were to live a day out here and see how amazing the people and life is you would agree with me that it's manageable. I am never clean though... so thank goodness none of you have to witness me here!
Until next time...
Nov 13, 2011
Happy Birthday Dad! Since I can't be in the USA celebrating my dads big 60th, I thought the 2nd best was to celebrate with a clone of my dad. Just happens that I've found my dads clone in Paraguay. His name happens to be Jorge as well. It's my Host Dad from the first three months I lived here in PY. He kind of looks like my dad in the USA, loves joking around, drinking and his fav food is fish. Not to mention both Jorges are hard working and family men. I Can't wait till the two of them will will meet. A Sunday with both Jorges' is no doubt going to be a great time.
So as it pours rain here in my training community. It's my dads 60th and I'm celebrating drinking wine and had a great lunch of Fish, rice and mandioca.
I love my family in the USA! Mexico and England! But to be lucky enough to have host families in Paraguay that remind me of my family back at home is the BEST! Sundays here in Guazu Cora are amazing weather its raining or sunny the Garcia family makes it enjoyable. To be away from my real family is always hard but has been made easier by having my host family.
Friday, October 28, 2011
Halloween weekend
Oct 22, 2011
Can't believe another month is coming to an end. With every month i complete here, another group of volunteers is One month closer to ending their services, while another group is ready to depart the USA to start what i have already begun... Sooo What's new? Let's see.
I've been working on my garden. My friend came out to my site this past week to set up the frame to the fence. I know NOTHING about gardening. But I've come to realize I know little in life. Since I've been living here I have learned a lot. We go through 3months of training but that really is just the start of it all. It is not until we are put in our individual sites that we begin to learn and I have trained myself to survive. I'm not on some island, or alone in the middle of nowhere. I have great neighbors who are getting a real kick out of watching me daily. But in 18mths I am sure they will agree I've come a long way. Cuz already I've learned how to pull water out of a well, wash clothes and dish by hand, grow vegetables, attempt a forign language & more.
My language is getting "better". I talk to the kids In simple sentences. Like "rejapohina" (what you doing) "moo rehota" ( where you going). "tereho nde roga!" (go home!) my fav! It's a very interesting language and I'm amused by it. I've learned to laugh at myself but also be proud when I speak and get my point across. At least I know more guarani then 99.99% of my friends and family back at home! I remember when I saw "Mba'echapa" in the welcome manual and thought to myself what the heck does that mean. Now I say that at least 20times a day : ) hopefully in 6 more months I can spit out full sentences.
Work. Well living in the campo alone is work. But for PC work. I'm keeping busy. Some of my friends who live a couple hours away are always in the school teaching. I have chosen to go another route. I continue with my model home. I've had 4 more people ask me about my hand washing station. My garden is coming along. My latrine is always clean with a tapa. I've noticed my neighbors r burning less trash and using their plastic bottles for storing water, beans and even putting a hole in the lid for a watering can like I HAVE! Causal conversations about using carne de soja instead of red meat have come up. I plan on doing a charla with my womens group about simple nutrition. I might even make banana bread or something to share. "guapo/a" in Mexico and many other Latin countries means good looking. But here in Paraguay it means hard working. My community has expressed that I am very GUAPA! Weather I am carrying bamboo 1km or just getting water out of my well they consider it guapa. And that makes me feel good! Well I least expect it I am doing work. When I go above AND beyond no one notices, and it's frustrating.
As for this first spring here in PY! It's HAKU! (HOT!) it's not even summer yet and I don't think I've ever sweat so much in my life! If it wasn't for the tradition of terere I wouldn't be surviving. To drink terere in the shade with neighbors any time of the day is heaven! A couple sips and im more refreshed than super cold water alone! Amazing! Keep joking that I'm taking a suitcase back full of "Yerba". And PY's can't believe the states and many (all) parts of world don't have the same tradition. I'm starting to think the rest of the world is crazy for not having it as well. Especially hot countries like Mexico or states like Arizona!
There are many stories to be told. But not enough energy or time to share them all. Stamp prices here have gone up. So on my budget I'll have to figure out who I owe letters to next and send them out. I broke my fridge too. So having to pay to fix that is going to be expensive and suck. But lucky enough my neighbors send over ice with the kids for my terere and I store my food at theirs. My neighbors dog is pretty much mine. Sleeps outside my door on a sack. Protects my house, and follows me around my communities. His name is Terry but since that is my old roommates name I find it hard to call him that. So I renamed him to Dingo cuz he looks like a dingo. Speaking of Terry (old roommate) i use to enjoy going out to target ranges in Flagstaff. I left that behind in Flagstaff and I've adjusted to the local form. All my neighborhood kids have sling shots. Mostly to herd cattle and keep chickens,pigs and horses out of their yards. But I've set up targets in my yard and the kids love it. (so do I)
Well all is well here.I keep preparing myself for the number one question I am sure you are all asking yourselves..."are you happy?" the simple answer is Absolutely!
Until next time.... All my love from the campo here in Paraguay!
Can't believe another month is coming to an end. With every month i complete here, another group of volunteers is One month closer to ending their services, while another group is ready to depart the USA to start what i have already begun... Sooo What's new? Let's see.
I've been working on my garden. My friend came out to my site this past week to set up the frame to the fence. I know NOTHING about gardening. But I've come to realize I know little in life. Since I've been living here I have learned a lot. We go through 3months of training but that really is just the start of it all. It is not until we are put in our individual sites that we begin to learn and I have trained myself to survive. I'm not on some island, or alone in the middle of nowhere. I have great neighbors who are getting a real kick out of watching me daily. But in 18mths I am sure they will agree I've come a long way. Cuz already I've learned how to pull water out of a well, wash clothes and dish by hand, grow vegetables, attempt a forign language & more.
My language is getting "better". I talk to the kids In simple sentences. Like "rejapohina" (what you doing) "moo rehota" ( where you going). "tereho nde roga!" (go home!) my fav! It's a very interesting language and I'm amused by it. I've learned to laugh at myself but also be proud when I speak and get my point across. At least I know more guarani then 99.99% of my friends and family back at home! I remember when I saw "Mba'echapa" in the welcome manual and thought to myself what the heck does that mean. Now I say that at least 20times a day : ) hopefully in 6 more months I can spit out full sentences.
Work. Well living in the campo alone is work. But for PC work. I'm keeping busy. Some of my friends who live a couple hours away are always in the school teaching. I have chosen to go another route. I continue with my model home. I've had 4 more people ask me about my hand washing station. My garden is coming along. My latrine is always clean with a tapa. I've noticed my neighbors r burning less trash and using their plastic bottles for storing water, beans and even putting a hole in the lid for a watering can like I HAVE! Causal conversations about using carne de soja instead of red meat have come up. I plan on doing a charla with my womens group about simple nutrition. I might even make banana bread or something to share. "guapo/a" in Mexico and many other Latin countries means good looking. But here in Paraguay it means hard working. My community has expressed that I am very GUAPA! Weather I am carrying bamboo 1km or just getting water out of my well they consider it guapa. And that makes me feel good! Well I least expect it I am doing work. When I go above AND beyond no one notices, and it's frustrating.
As for this first spring here in PY! It's HAKU! (HOT!) it's not even summer yet and I don't think I've ever sweat so much in my life! If it wasn't for the tradition of terere I wouldn't be surviving. To drink terere in the shade with neighbors any time of the day is heaven! A couple sips and im more refreshed than super cold water alone! Amazing! Keep joking that I'm taking a suitcase back full of "Yerba". And PY's can't believe the states and many (all) parts of world don't have the same tradition. I'm starting to think the rest of the world is crazy for not having it as well. Especially hot countries like Mexico or states like Arizona!
There are many stories to be told. But not enough energy or time to share them all. Stamp prices here have gone up. So on my budget I'll have to figure out who I owe letters to next and send them out. I broke my fridge too. So having to pay to fix that is going to be expensive and suck. But lucky enough my neighbors send over ice with the kids for my terere and I store my food at theirs. My neighbors dog is pretty much mine. Sleeps outside my door on a sack. Protects my house, and follows me around my communities. His name is Terry but since that is my old roommates name I find it hard to call him that. So I renamed him to Dingo cuz he looks like a dingo. Speaking of Terry (old roommate) i use to enjoy going out to target ranges in Flagstaff. I left that behind in Flagstaff and I've adjusted to the local form. All my neighborhood kids have sling shots. Mostly to herd cattle and keep chickens,pigs and horses out of their yards. But I've set up targets in my yard and the kids love it. (so do I)
Well all is well here.I keep preparing myself for the number one question I am sure you are all asking yourselves..."are you happy?" the simple answer is Absolutely!
Until next time.... All my love from the campo here in Paraguay!
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Another day....
Sept 20, 2011
I wake up everyday. I make coffee or mate. Open my door and thank God for giving me the life I have. I sit on my front step, remind myself I'm living in Paraguay, South America. That I am in the Peace Corps. I have been in country for 8months basically. Yet I still am shocked that I am doing what I said I'd be doing. Paraguay is such a beautiful country. My sites are amazing. I walk or bike around to visit people and I can't believe I am so lucky. I have never seen so many beautiful birds and butterflies. All different colors, shapes and sizes. I lived in Arizona for4years the home of the Cardinal football team. Never once did I see a Cardinal bird... Every morning here, or while I wait for a bus I see more than one in a day. Its amazing!
Along with that though I feel like I am camping 60% of the time. The whole no running water, sleeping under a mosquito net, with a sleeping bag, not always having electricity and sometime building a fire out of wood or coal makes me feel like camping. A 2yr camping experience should make up for all times I didnt go camping during my childhood. I do miss luxury camping though ; )
I am currently working on my garden, small personal charlas, cooking classes with my neighborhood children and managing the commissions in my communities and trying to stay healthy. To add to the list of sickness, I just recovered from slight concussion. Don't worry it wasn't a big deal and I HAVE the BEST doctors. I basically got hit in my face with a soccer ball and fell backwards. I recovered quickly. So keep your fingers October I have no medical issues! I laugh about it all because as many of you know I am a healthy person. Paraguay is testing my limits and I won't let them get the best of me.
There are 65 days before thanksgiving mas o menos. At the end of Oct is my friends bday here and Halloween. For thanksgiving all the volunteers and Peace Corps Staff are invited to the south of Paraguay for a thanksgiving dinner weekend. We stay at a nice hotel with pools and hangout. The week before thanksgiving I plan on going to a training for HIV/AIDs than taking the bus down to the south to celebrate. Christmas I will be "alone" technically but prob spend it will one of my many host families and experience a PY Xmas. For the new year I'll be in Chile, South America. 4 of my volunteer friends and myself will be together. We rented a house on the beach and since it will be mid-summer we will enjoy the heat and beach to the fullest! I am very excited... And before I know it I will be sipping on Cider in the Fat Cat! (pub in Norwich, England)
So there you have it.. An update. My job is stressful, since I never know if I am actually helping. But when I find out someone has picked up on cooking more healthy or brushing there teeth it is once step closer. I don't clock in or get a huge pay check every month. I sometimes question what the heck I am doing.. THAN I play soccer with the kids or have a kid smile and I remember I am NOT here for me but for them. At the end of the day I am HAPPY and consider myself lucky to experience this life here in Paraguay!
I miss you all, but months fly by here.. And I hope all of you are doing well. Get skype credit or calling card and call me! I'd love to hear from you all! I have more letters to send out but low on funds and internet in my site isn't working! But every 3 weeks or so I go to a city. So keep writing emails or facebook msgs and I'll get back to you!
Adios!
Got bday gift from auntie sue! Love the shirt. Telling all the kids about grandad being a futbol player..they think that's why I am "good".
I wake up everyday. I make coffee or mate. Open my door and thank God for giving me the life I have. I sit on my front step, remind myself I'm living in Paraguay, South America. That I am in the Peace Corps. I have been in country for 8months basically. Yet I still am shocked that I am doing what I said I'd be doing. Paraguay is such a beautiful country. My sites are amazing. I walk or bike around to visit people and I can't believe I am so lucky. I have never seen so many beautiful birds and butterflies. All different colors, shapes and sizes. I lived in Arizona for4years the home of the Cardinal football team. Never once did I see a Cardinal bird... Every morning here, or while I wait for a bus I see more than one in a day. Its amazing!
Along with that though I feel like I am camping 60% of the time. The whole no running water, sleeping under a mosquito net, with a sleeping bag, not always having electricity and sometime building a fire out of wood or coal makes me feel like camping. A 2yr camping experience should make up for all times I didnt go camping during my childhood. I do miss luxury camping though ; )
I am currently working on my garden, small personal charlas, cooking classes with my neighborhood children and managing the commissions in my communities and trying to stay healthy. To add to the list of sickness, I just recovered from slight concussion. Don't worry it wasn't a big deal and I HAVE the BEST doctors. I basically got hit in my face with a soccer ball and fell backwards. I recovered quickly. So keep your fingers October I have no medical issues! I laugh about it all because as many of you know I am a healthy person. Paraguay is testing my limits and I won't let them get the best of me.
There are 65 days before thanksgiving mas o menos. At the end of Oct is my friends bday here and Halloween. For thanksgiving all the volunteers and Peace Corps Staff are invited to the south of Paraguay for a thanksgiving dinner weekend. We stay at a nice hotel with pools and hangout. The week before thanksgiving I plan on going to a training for HIV/AIDs than taking the bus down to the south to celebrate. Christmas I will be "alone" technically but prob spend it will one of my many host families and experience a PY Xmas. For the new year I'll be in Chile, South America. 4 of my volunteer friends and myself will be together. We rented a house on the beach and since it will be mid-summer we will enjoy the heat and beach to the fullest! I am very excited... And before I know it I will be sipping on Cider in the Fat Cat! (pub in Norwich, England)
So there you have it.. An update. My job is stressful, since I never know if I am actually helping. But when I find out someone has picked up on cooking more healthy or brushing there teeth it is once step closer. I don't clock in or get a huge pay check every month. I sometimes question what the heck I am doing.. THAN I play soccer with the kids or have a kid smile and I remember I am NOT here for me but for them. At the end of the day I am HAPPY and consider myself lucky to experience this life here in Paraguay!
I miss you all, but months fly by here.. And I hope all of you are doing well. Get skype credit or calling card and call me! I'd love to hear from you all! I have more letters to send out but low on funds and internet in my site isn't working! But every 3 weeks or so I go to a city. So keep writing emails or facebook msgs and I'll get back to you!
Adios!
Got bday gift from auntie sue! Love the shirt. Telling all the kids about grandad being a futbol player..they think that's why I am "good".
Monday, September 12, 2011
27-7= 20mths
Sept 8,2011
For every peace Corp moment I seem to have several reality checks. I love being here & get such a high from helping people. I am so proud of myself for how I act and what I do it's crazy. I look back on my life a year ago, 5years ago even more and then look at where I am now. Of course I am still Alexandra D Murillo. But my mind and body now a days is almost unrecognizable. Besides the minor weight loss my body has been fighting for a normal healthy since I ventured out to site. As I've mentioned the common cold to minor accidents have occurred. Nothing to worry about, because not only do I have the best health team at my disposal but I have a great group of friends and bosses to call. Of course it is frustrating but I NEVER thought for a second I would be coming to Peace Corps Paraguay for a vacation. I came here to work. I came here to help. So a "couple" hiccups have happened in my road to success. I know I'll look back at my service time here in 2+ years and laugh. Actually that's were my mind is unrecognizable. I also NEVER thought I'd be able to laugh at myself. I thought I had a pretty weak mind, that i wasn't able to handle disappointment and failure. I thought maybe I would throw in the towel when things got rough. Maybe some of you at home think different of me?.... I always hear my friends and family telling me that they are proud of me. But very rarely do I tell myself that I am proud of myself. But I AM!
Example: yesterday after many years of my community never coming together to work. I had hand written 25 invitations in guarani to hand delivery to every house. I explained in Spanish and broken guarani to please come to a meeting on Wednesday at 3pm. So on Wednesday I drew a poster describing what it would take to start a committee. I walked from my house the half KM to our little chapel. At 2:55pm (EARLY for PY time, Super Early) 15 women from my community showed up.I lead the meeting in Spanish and got my point across of how a womens group works and the pros and cons. We voted for our president, vice,treasurer and secretary. At the end of the meeting I had a total of 17 out of the 25 women involved. Maybe this doesn't sound like a big deal.. But to me it's HUGE! After 4months of living in a community all the terere sessions and simple hellos I have been able to gain respect in my community. 2months ago I asked the same 25 houses plus another 25 in my other community to come to my site presentation. I had 5 people show up and 2 were from the other community as well as one being a host mom.
So basically no matter what obstacles Paraguay will throw at me, for one hour of success it is all worth it to me. I hope my women's commission will work hard. Not for me, but for them! They are so guapa(hardworking) when it comes to how they live (carrying wood, getting well water, cooking on an open fire, washing clothes for families of 8+ people etc) but the projects we will work on is FOR THEM! Maybe a fogon ( brick oven) project so they don't have to inhale smoke nemore or a garden projects they can afford vegetables! Who knows! Keep ur fingers crossed!
I miss and love you all! I got a letter from Liz and Nigel, a package from dad and Laura, and bday card from kate and mark! Thank you ALL!
For every peace Corp moment I seem to have several reality checks. I love being here & get such a high from helping people. I am so proud of myself for how I act and what I do it's crazy. I look back on my life a year ago, 5years ago even more and then look at where I am now. Of course I am still Alexandra D Murillo. But my mind and body now a days is almost unrecognizable. Besides the minor weight loss my body has been fighting for a normal healthy since I ventured out to site. As I've mentioned the common cold to minor accidents have occurred. Nothing to worry about, because not only do I have the best health team at my disposal but I have a great group of friends and bosses to call. Of course it is frustrating but I NEVER thought for a second I would be coming to Peace Corps Paraguay for a vacation. I came here to work. I came here to help. So a "couple" hiccups have happened in my road to success. I know I'll look back at my service time here in 2+ years and laugh. Actually that's were my mind is unrecognizable. I also NEVER thought I'd be able to laugh at myself. I thought I had a pretty weak mind, that i wasn't able to handle disappointment and failure. I thought maybe I would throw in the towel when things got rough. Maybe some of you at home think different of me?.... I always hear my friends and family telling me that they are proud of me. But very rarely do I tell myself that I am proud of myself. But I AM!
Example: yesterday after many years of my community never coming together to work. I had hand written 25 invitations in guarani to hand delivery to every house. I explained in Spanish and broken guarani to please come to a meeting on Wednesday at 3pm. So on Wednesday I drew a poster describing what it would take to start a committee. I walked from my house the half KM to our little chapel. At 2:55pm (EARLY for PY time, Super Early) 15 women from my community showed up.I lead the meeting in Spanish and got my point across of how a womens group works and the pros and cons. We voted for our president, vice,treasurer and secretary. At the end of the meeting I had a total of 17 out of the 25 women involved. Maybe this doesn't sound like a big deal.. But to me it's HUGE! After 4months of living in a community all the terere sessions and simple hellos I have been able to gain respect in my community. 2months ago I asked the same 25 houses plus another 25 in my other community to come to my site presentation. I had 5 people show up and 2 were from the other community as well as one being a host mom.
So basically no matter what obstacles Paraguay will throw at me, for one hour of success it is all worth it to me. I hope my women's commission will work hard. Not for me, but for them! They are so guapa(hardworking) when it comes to how they live (carrying wood, getting well water, cooking on an open fire, washing clothes for families of 8+ people etc) but the projects we will work on is FOR THEM! Maybe a fogon ( brick oven) project so they don't have to inhale smoke nemore or a garden projects they can afford vegetables! Who knows! Keep ur fingers crossed!
I miss and love you all! I got a letter from Liz and Nigel, a package from dad and Laura, and bday card from kate and mark! Thank you ALL!
Thursday, September 8, 2011
A month of travel!
Sept 8,2011
For every peace Corp moment I seem to have several reality checks. I love being here & get such a high from helping people. I am so proud of myself for how I act and what I do it's crazy. I look back on my life a year ago, 5years ago even more and then look at where I am now. Of course I am still Alexandra D Murillo. But my mind and body now a days is almost unrecognizable. Besides the minor weight loss my body has been fighting for a normal healthy since I ventured out to site. As I've mentioned the common cold to minor accidents have occurred. Nothing to worry about, because not only do I have the best health team at my disposal but I have a great group of friends and bosses to call. Of course it is frustrating but I NEVER thought for a second I would be coming to Peace Corps Paraguay for a vacation. I came here to work. I came here to help. So a "couple" hiccups have happened in my road to success. I know I'll look back at my service time here in 2+ years and laugh. Actually that's were my mind is unrecognizable. I also NEVER thought I'd be able to laugh at myself. I thought I had a pretty weak mind, that i wasn't able to handle disappointment and failure. I thought maybe I would throw in the towel when things got rough. Maybe some of you at home think different of me?.... I always hear my friends and family telling me that they are proud of me. But very rarely do I tell myself that I am proud of myself. But I AM!
Example: yesterday after many years of my community never coming together to work. I had hand written 25 invitations in guarani to hand delivery to every house. I explained in Spanish and broken guarani to please come to a meeting on Wednesday at 3pm. So on Wednesday I drew a poster describing what it would take to start a committee. I walked from my house the half KM to our little chapel. At 2:55pm (EARLY for PY time, Super Early) 15 women from my community showed up.I lead the meeting in Spanish and got my point across of how a womens group works and the pros and cons. We voted for our president, vice,treasurer and secretary. At the end of the meeting I had a total of 17 out of the 25 women involved. Maybe this doesn't sound like a big deal.. But to me it's HUGE! After 4months of living in a community all the terere sessions and simple hellos I have been able to gain respect in my community. 2months ago I asked the same 25 houses plus another 25 in my other community to come to my site presentation. I had 5 people show up and 2 were from the other community as well as one being a host mom.
So basically no matter what obstacles Paraguay will throw at me, for one hour of success it is all worth it to me. I hope my women's commission will work hard. Not for me, but for them! They are so guapa(hardworking) when it comes to how they live (carrying wood, getting well water, cooking on an open fire, washing clothes for families of 8+ people etc) but the projects we will work on is FOR THEM! Maybe a fogon ( brick oven) project so they don't have to inhale smoke nemore or a garden projects they can afford vegetables! Who knows! Keep ur fingers crossed!
I miss and love you all! I got a letter from Liz and Nigel, a package from dad and Laura, and bday card from kate and mark! Thank you ALL!
For every peace Corp moment I seem to have several reality checks. I love being here & get such a high from helping people. I am so proud of myself for how I act and what I do it's crazy. I look back on my life a year ago, 5years ago even more and then look at where I am now. Of course I am still Alexandra D Murillo. But my mind and body now a days is almost unrecognizable. Besides the minor weight loss my body has been fighting for a normal healthy since I ventured out to site. As I've mentioned the common cold to minor accidents have occurred. Nothing to worry about, because not only do I have the best health team at my disposal but I have a great group of friends and bosses to call. Of course it is frustrating but I NEVER thought for a second I would be coming to Peace Corps Paraguay for a vacation. I came here to work. I came here to help. So a "couple" hiccups have happened in my road to success. I know I'll look back at my service time here in 2+ years and laugh. Actually that's were my mind is unrecognizable. I also NEVER thought I'd be able to laugh at myself. I thought I had a pretty weak mind, that i wasn't able to handle disappointment and failure. I thought maybe I would throw in the towel when things got rough. Maybe some of you at home think different of me?.... I always hear my friends and family telling me that they are proud of me. But very rarely do I tell myself that I am proud of myself. But I AM!
Example: yesterday after many years of my community never coming together to work. I had hand written 25 invitations in guarani to hand delivery to every house. I explained in Spanish and broken guarani to please come to a meeting on Wednesday at 3pm. So on Wednesday I drew a poster describing what it would take to start a committee. I walked from my house the half KM to our little chapel. At 2:55pm (EARLY for PY time, Super Early) 15 women from my community showed up.I lead the meeting in Spanish and got my point across of how a womens group works and the pros and cons. We voted for our president, vice,treasurer and secretary. At the end of the meeting I had a total of 17 out of the 25 women involved. Maybe this doesn't sound like a big deal.. But to me it's HUGE! After 4months of living in a community all the terere sessions and simple hellos I have been able to gain respect in my community. 2months ago I asked the same 25 houses plus another 25 in my other community to come to my site presentation. I had 5 people show up and 2 were from the other community as well as one being a host mom.
So basically no matter what obstacles Paraguay will throw at me, for one hour of success it is all worth it to me. I hope my women's commission will work hard. Not for me, but for them! They are so guapa(hardworking) when it comes to how they live (carrying wood, getting well water, cooking on an open fire, washing clothes for families of 8+ people etc) but the projects we will work on is FOR THEM! Maybe a fogon ( brick oven) project so they don't have to inhale smoke nemore or a garden projects they can afford vegetables! Who knows! Keep ur fingers crossed!
I miss and love you all! I got a letter from Liz and Nigel, a package from dad and Laura, and bday card from kate and mark! Thank you ALL!
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Update!
I can't believe it's September 1st! What have I been up to...? Between VAC meetings (15 of us who live in this department meet to keep updated and work on other projects together) and getting my garden started it's been a fun couple of weeks. I enjoy living on my own and pretty much have adopted my neighbors dog to protect my house at night. He is a really skinny dog so when my dog passed away I started feeding him a bit and now he follows me everywhere and protects me. Pretty cool. Also every afternoon I've been playing soccer with the kids at the local field. It's pretty amazing because the sun sets and it's amazing view from the field. The next couple of weeks (September basically) are travel packed. Right now I'm heading to another volunteers house so that in the morning I can go to a special olymics meeting. I'm excited to help with that. The olymics will be at the end of the month. Next week I'll be traveling with a contact to a retreat center to learn about project management. Should be interesting but the problem is getting someone from my community to come with me. We shall see. Before I know it I'll be in OCT! It's getting warmer here.. As we head into Spring and Summer. I've lost 10lbs since I've been here in PY as well! (I got a letter from Liz)
All the best! I sent a couple letters out today! Hopefully I'll be setting up wifi in my house this upcoming week!
Adio!
All the best! I sent a couple letters out today! Hopefully I'll be setting up wifi in my house this upcoming week!
Adio!
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
My little House!
Morning of my 23rd Bday. I was not alone on my Bday thank goodness!
Where i keep my food and plates. Along with my Fridge.
My Oven. Decorated for my bday by my friend.
My little puppy Soja. RIP: She passed away after a week of getting to Love her.
SO this is where ill be living for the next 2yrs. I am very happy and will try and be better at sharing my pics and stories.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Everything in between!
After July 4th i finshed my house and go ready for our week long training in the Capital.
Training went well. From Language to First aid. Training ended on Friday 29th of July. I had 8 friends go out to dinner with me for my bday celebration. The resturant was a nice mexican place that gave me a shot of tequilla for my bday!
I then came back to site with one of my friends for my bday. It was a rainy weekend and bday but i was glad i wasnt alone in site. My friend and I went to my host families house for lunch on sunday to celebrate my bday and on Monday my actual bday i didnt do much at all. My friend however made me a bday cake and put ballons in my house so it differently felt like my bday.
i am currently living on my own in a house that is one room. I got a puppy a week ago. Her name is Soja which translates to Soy Bean. Paraguay produces a lot of Soja and i dont eat meat anymore so i thought the name fit.
besides that nothing much to report. Live is very calm here and i am enjoying my site. The days are getting longer and hotter! I will try and put pics up on Saturday finally!
i finished my census and plan on working in my school shortly on their garden and world map.
lastly i recieved a package from Liesel last week. ( towel and spices) THANK YOU!
must go for now but hopefully soon ill have internet in site. and not forget my password and get locked out of this blog like the last one!
all the best till next time!
Training went well. From Language to First aid. Training ended on Friday 29th of July. I had 8 friends go out to dinner with me for my bday celebration. The resturant was a nice mexican place that gave me a shot of tequilla for my bday!
I then came back to site with one of my friends for my bday. It was a rainy weekend and bday but i was glad i wasnt alone in site. My friend and I went to my host families house for lunch on sunday to celebrate my bday and on Monday my actual bday i didnt do much at all. My friend however made me a bday cake and put ballons in my house so it differently felt like my bday.
i am currently living on my own in a house that is one room. I got a puppy a week ago. Her name is Soja which translates to Soy Bean. Paraguay produces a lot of Soja and i dont eat meat anymore so i thought the name fit.
besides that nothing much to report. Live is very calm here and i am enjoying my site. The days are getting longer and hotter! I will try and put pics up on Saturday finally!
i finished my census and plan on working in my school shortly on their garden and world map.
lastly i recieved a package from Liesel last week. ( towel and spices) THANK YOU!
must go for now but hopefully soon ill have internet in site. and not forget my password and get locked out of this blog like the last one!
all the best till next time!
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