Well, well, well, what a week!
I've been running around like a headless chicken (which is a bit of a sour simile given the circumstances). Friday was one of my best days here in Guate. I visited my favorite school, the place just has an energy that makes me feel so alive (includes 20 minutes of getting kisses from the kids)! The school had an assembly with an 'acto civico' about trees and I got to launch a recycling program there. Side note: Guatemala has a beautiful national anthem, but it's literally 15 minutes long with like six verses. Each classroom now has a container for inorganic trash and next week we're adding cornflakes boxes for paper. The funny thing was that I thought it'd be good to present it as a competition between classes. Good motivation right? WRONG! At snacktime all the kids were buying tons of potato chip-like things so they could add it to their container. The principal and I just laughed it off but it just goes to show that sometimes even the best intentions can do harm.
Then in the afternoon at a different school I was a judge for a beauty paegent. Yikes. The girls were scored in four areas: athletic outfit, traditional outfit, speech and a dance. Lord help me. Yes, there were tears. Each school has one girl that will represent them in a district wide contest. Next Friday the teachers have a beauty paegent (they tried to talk me into participating reassuring me that I'd be a sure win). In other words, Guatemalans love beauty contests and this American cannot stand them.
Yesterday I did the unthinkable and went to Walmart. Evil place. I honestly felt like I was back in the states. What did this PCV buy? Couscous. And Campbells tomato soup. And an organizer for my folders (oh how I love the school supply aisle). And binder clips. And peanut butter (JIF extra crunchy to be exact). In my defense, all of the grocery stores in Xela are owned by Walmart, so much for my boycott.
Saturdays are my cleaning days. I sweep my floor and you would not believe the quantity of dirt that gets in there. It blows my mind. I also have to dust off my desk, so much dirt. Right now I'm doing my weekly load of laundry; crucial to do it early because the rain comes in the afternoon and the clothes will never dry.
No pictures, the cord to connect my camera was unbelievably expensive so my lovely mother is sending it. Working on grant proposals for infrastructure (sinks) at a few of my schools. It is kind of a bummer because the schools that need it most weren't interested in filling out the application, and I don't feel that I'm here to force them to do it if they don't want to. The organization is called 'Agua para la Salud' and they partner with Rotary Intl and PC here in Guate, it's a great opportunity to get more faucets so the kids have room to wash their hands and brush their teeth. Most schools have only one faucet, just a different mentality with construction here and the limit of resources.
Campaign season has officially started here in Almolonga... Just about every night a political party has a parade with tons of people and lots of fireworks. There are three main parties here and local politics is super important (strange considering I have no idea what mayors really do in the US, but here they control a lot of money for projects).
Well that's my life, random and busy for the moment...
29.5.11
22.5.11
rough week.
lots of miscommunication and lack of communication that involved me trekking out to schools where there was no principal to be found.
and what can i do? get mad? get lazy? get even? laugh. just laugh. and enjoy the views.
because after all, the sun rose this morning.
but you know what helps? tofu. yes, tofu is the food of the gods (preferably in the sandwich form from Artesiano, an awesome bakery in Xela).
so it's a new day, and according to our calendars here, a new week, and it is fresh. and full of possibility.
'For what human ill does not dawn seem to be an alleviation?' -Thornton Wilder
p.s. the chicks died. i buried them out back under the lemon tree with a rose, my bare hands and a machete.
lots of miscommunication and lack of communication that involved me trekking out to schools where there was no principal to be found.
and what can i do? get mad? get lazy? get even? laugh. just laugh. and enjoy the views.
because after all, the sun rose this morning.
but you know what helps? tofu. yes, tofu is the food of the gods (preferably in the sandwich form from Artesiano, an awesome bakery in Xela).
so it's a new day, and according to our calendars here, a new week, and it is fresh. and full of possibility.
'For what human ill does not dawn seem to be an alleviation?' -Thornton Wilder
p.s. the chicks died. i buried them out back under the lemon tree with a rose, my bare hands and a machete.
16.5.11
BIG BIG news!
I am the proud mother hen of two adorable chicks! My host sister and I decided on Saturday at the market that we HAD to get some (Q1 each or around 15 US cents) and botabing, botabang, chickens in my life... The one I picked out is yellow and I named her Luna. My host sister, Elisa, picked out a purple one (that's right folks, purple) and subsecquently named her Violeta. They lived in a cardboard box in my room mostly, but I take them upstairs to soak in the sun on the patio. For those of you who have been fooled before by my chicken tricks, I must assure you that this is 100% for real (confirmation can be provided by request from my family as they heard the chicks via skype)...
Unfortunately I was afraid that Violeta wasn't going to make it when this morning she looked just about dead but was still breathing. I held her over my little burner for about an hour and then had to go work, aka some school visits I had scheduled. And when I got home around 1pm, she really looked dead but alas I've been watching her all afternoon and forcing her to drink water and she seems to have perked up a little. I believe that she's going to pull through-that little purple people eater.
So while I was home nursing my chickens back to health, I made myself a fabulous lunch. This weekend I hit up the supermarket and stocked up on spices and specialty items. I made a lentil stew today with fresh carrots the size of a forearm, onion, tomatoes, cumin, and garlic. Then I got really domestic and decided to finally try making banana bread. I know what you're thinking, well geez that ain't no thang. But, I made it WITHOUT AN OVEN! Now even the expert baker will admit that takes a little bit of skill. Wondering how it works? A Peace Corps Oven: simply take a comal (like a large skillet without the rims, we use it for making tortillas) and put an empty can of tuna filled with water in the middle, over your burner, then place your cake pan with delicious dough on top of the can and cover the whole thing with a big pot put upside down. 50 minutes later you will have a wonderful smelling kitchen and delectible bread to accomany your afternoon cafecito. Honestly though, I'm pretty shocked that it turned out so well. It will definately be my signature dish here in Guatemala for repaying those amazing neighboors for their fresh spinach.
If we always had everything we needed, we'd never get to be creative!
Yesterday I got to conference call skype with my family who is currently displaced all over the world. It was pretty awesome. And come to mention it, they're pretty awesome too.
Speaking of technology: I would formally like to apologize for my butchering of the Queen's English, but my spellcheck here only picks up Spanish... sigh, I am incompetent and hence dependent on technology. But I could start writing this blog in Spanish if that was preferred by my readers
p.s. get excited. I am on the hunt for a cable to connect my camera to the compu this week so pictures are on the way
I am the proud mother hen of two adorable chicks! My host sister and I decided on Saturday at the market that we HAD to get some (Q1 each or around 15 US cents) and botabing, botabang, chickens in my life... The one I picked out is yellow and I named her Luna. My host sister, Elisa, picked out a purple one (that's right folks, purple) and subsecquently named her Violeta. They lived in a cardboard box in my room mostly, but I take them upstairs to soak in the sun on the patio. For those of you who have been fooled before by my chicken tricks, I must assure you that this is 100% for real (confirmation can be provided by request from my family as they heard the chicks via skype)...
Unfortunately I was afraid that Violeta wasn't going to make it when this morning she looked just about dead but was still breathing. I held her over my little burner for about an hour and then had to go work, aka some school visits I had scheduled. And when I got home around 1pm, she really looked dead but alas I've been watching her all afternoon and forcing her to drink water and she seems to have perked up a little. I believe that she's going to pull through-that little purple people eater.
So while I was home nursing my chickens back to health, I made myself a fabulous lunch. This weekend I hit up the supermarket and stocked up on spices and specialty items. I made a lentil stew today with fresh carrots the size of a forearm, onion, tomatoes, cumin, and garlic. Then I got really domestic and decided to finally try making banana bread. I know what you're thinking, well geez that ain't no thang. But, I made it WITHOUT AN OVEN! Now even the expert baker will admit that takes a little bit of skill. Wondering how it works? A Peace Corps Oven: simply take a comal (like a large skillet without the rims, we use it for making tortillas) and put an empty can of tuna filled with water in the middle, over your burner, then place your cake pan with delicious dough on top of the can and cover the whole thing with a big pot put upside down. 50 minutes later you will have a wonderful smelling kitchen and delectible bread to accomany your afternoon cafecito. Honestly though, I'm pretty shocked that it turned out so well. It will definately be my signature dish here in Guatemala for repaying those amazing neighboors for their fresh spinach.
If we always had everything we needed, we'd never get to be creative!
Yesterday I got to conference call skype with my family who is currently displaced all over the world. It was pretty awesome. And come to mention it, they're pretty awesome too.
Speaking of technology: I would formally like to apologize for my butchering of the Queen's English, but my spellcheck here only picks up Spanish... sigh, I am incompetent and hence dependent on technology. But I could start writing this blog in Spanish if that was preferred by my readers
p.s. get excited. I am on the hunt for a cable to connect my camera to the compu this week so pictures are on the way
11.5.11
Last year I went to see my doctor because I thought I was bipolar. You see, I was having these incredible instances of extreme highs and lows. She sat patiently as I explained how I was feeling, she asked me questions about my sleep patterns, and after a half an hour we determined that I was in fact, not bipolar. But I remember at the end of the appointment expressing my disappointment because I was hoping for some sort of medication that could make my days smooth, not these ridiculous emotional rollarcoasters. She smiled and said, 'But Sam, life's ups and downs are what make it worth living'.
Today was one of those breakthrough kind of days. A day when you just exhale and can't believe life is so good. Like a kid who ate half a cake covered in giant icing flowers. The emotional high of all emotional highs.
First, I finished visiting my last school! Let the real work begin...
Second, I was busy today. I like being busy.
Third, I had an amazing meeting with two of my school principals. They share the same building (one school in the morning and one in the afternoon) but they've never collaborated on anything before (they don't share squat). So I was able to get them together with representatives from their PTA groups to talk about the healthy schools project. They were so into it, then and there we sat down to type up a petition to the mayor's office for the funds to build a handwashing station that would benefit both groups. That's 600 kids total. And just like that, I felt like in such a small way as a coordinator/community organizer, I made a little difference today.
Forth, more spinach.
Fifth, the rainy season started. I like rain.
Dr. Cobb, you were right.
P.S. Happy Belated Mothers Day (it was yesterday here in Guatemala, May 10)... A special shout out to my beautiful mamacita but also to all the wonderful women in my life who have also supported me through said highs and lows.
P.S.S. Happy Birthday to my awesome nephew Gavin! The poor boy probably hasn't gotten my card yet (the epic line: 'but it's in the mail') and I was stuck in meetings all day unable to call him... Feliz Cumple Chico!
Today was one of those breakthrough kind of days. A day when you just exhale and can't believe life is so good. Like a kid who ate half a cake covered in giant icing flowers. The emotional high of all emotional highs.
First, I finished visiting my last school! Let the real work begin...
Second, I was busy today. I like being busy.
Third, I had an amazing meeting with two of my school principals. They share the same building (one school in the morning and one in the afternoon) but they've never collaborated on anything before (they don't share squat). So I was able to get them together with representatives from their PTA groups to talk about the healthy schools project. They were so into it, then and there we sat down to type up a petition to the mayor's office for the funds to build a handwashing station that would benefit both groups. That's 600 kids total. And just like that, I felt like in such a small way as a coordinator/community organizer, I made a little difference today.
Forth, more spinach.
Fifth, the rainy season started. I like rain.
Dr. Cobb, you were right.
P.S. Happy Belated Mothers Day (it was yesterday here in Guatemala, May 10)... A special shout out to my beautiful mamacita but also to all the wonderful women in my life who have also supported me through said highs and lows.
P.S.S. Happy Birthday to my awesome nephew Gavin! The poor boy probably hasn't gotten my card yet (the epic line: 'but it's in the mail') and I was stuck in meetings all day unable to call him... Feliz Cumple Chico!
9.5.11
In an effort to become more regular with these blog posts I thought that I might explain for you, as well as for myself, why I am bothering to even have a blog at all. Peace Corps has a list of three goals, one of which is helping promote a better understanding of other peoples (in my case, Guatemalans) to Americans. Thus, the blog. But how do I make you see how generous the people here are, how do I show you what it's like in this beautiful little valley nestled away in the mountains of Central America?
You see, before coming to Guatemala I had these lofty and rather thoreauian ideas of leaving technology and to put it more bluntly, civilization behind. I imagined living in a shack somewhere, boiling my water, killing big bugs, hiking miles up mountains to reach small isolated communities. And it was impossibly archaic for me to think that way. It was ignorant and imperialistic. My ideals of leaving the 'modern' world behind and finding a more simple lifestyle are now laughable. I've been learning, slowly but surely that if anything is important to the development of Guatemala, it's technology.
I am guilty of taking for granted my computer literacy. So many people, and considering my line of work, children, are not equipped with the skill set to look for information. As simple as that. The internet has allowed us to become experts in looking for information. But kids who don't have the opportunity to learn how to utilize that resource are, for lack of a better phrase, left in the dust. It seems so snobbish now that I was so disgusted by technology. Sure there is such a thing as too much, but the reality is, the internet has opened up doors, and windows, some flies may get in but either way people have a right to access all of that info.
With that in mind, I am determined to use this tool to show you this little piece of the world with hopes that you might learn with me all about the customs, traditions, work, economy and life here in Almolonga (and of course my funny stories too)...
Okay, so enough boring you... Here's a run down of the past two weeks:
-One more school to go on my initial visits, I'm up to 15 total! After that, I go back to each one to do a priliminary diagnostic and then start workshops with the teachers on what is a healthy school.
-I went to a women's group meeting hosted by the Office of Women that is a part of our Muni (mayor's office). I thought that we were going to learn to make ham (jamon) but when we started pour loads of sulfuric carbonate into the mix I realized we were making soap (jabon). Classic.
-One of my school principals, Rosa, invited me to her house yesterday. She has four awesome kids and I loved hanging out with all of them (we danced to Katy Perry, Taylor Swift and the Jonas Brothers). Already set to go back next weekend.
-I found and then lost a K'iche teacher. The hunt continues.
-Ate myself sick last Saturday. To the point that I spent all Sunday curled up in bed with bottles of gatorade. Note to self: I do not have the self control to shell peanuts without eating them. STAY AWAY FROM PEANUTS.
-Made a serious scheduling error with an important Peace Corps meeting. I banged my head on a rock a few times and then went to the nearest bookstore to buy a new agenda and avoid any future problems.
-Saturday art class is going well. I got to buy a fancyshmancy pencil for shading, felt pretty special. The other ten year old girls in the class have taken a liking to me, feeling doubly special.
-Went to a slow foods festival with my friend Andrea who works for Art Corps. We ate tofu. score!
-Washed my bedding at Doña Maria's request. Grandma would be proud!
-Doña Cata gave me a bunch of spinach from her land! Delicious
-Taught Chepe, 13 year old son of Doña Cata, how to use email.
-Bought purple lilies at the market on Saturday, while walking home some guy yelled 'You're as beautiful as the flowers you hold' (in Spanish of course). I've started confronting such guys with a firm handshake and explaining that I'm living and working here. But for some reason, I just kept thinking, 'we're only as beautiful as the flowers we hold'. Kind of deep, right? My flowers, I hope, will be my schools and my warmth. So go out there. Find something beautiful and hold onto it and spread it around!
You see, before coming to Guatemala I had these lofty and rather thoreauian ideas of leaving technology and to put it more bluntly, civilization behind. I imagined living in a shack somewhere, boiling my water, killing big bugs, hiking miles up mountains to reach small isolated communities. And it was impossibly archaic for me to think that way. It was ignorant and imperialistic. My ideals of leaving the 'modern' world behind and finding a more simple lifestyle are now laughable. I've been learning, slowly but surely that if anything is important to the development of Guatemala, it's technology.
I am guilty of taking for granted my computer literacy. So many people, and considering my line of work, children, are not equipped with the skill set to look for information. As simple as that. The internet has allowed us to become experts in looking for information. But kids who don't have the opportunity to learn how to utilize that resource are, for lack of a better phrase, left in the dust. It seems so snobbish now that I was so disgusted by technology. Sure there is such a thing as too much, but the reality is, the internet has opened up doors, and windows, some flies may get in but either way people have a right to access all of that info.
With that in mind, I am determined to use this tool to show you this little piece of the world with hopes that you might learn with me all about the customs, traditions, work, economy and life here in Almolonga (and of course my funny stories too)...
Okay, so enough boring you... Here's a run down of the past two weeks:
-One more school to go on my initial visits, I'm up to 15 total! After that, I go back to each one to do a priliminary diagnostic and then start workshops with the teachers on what is a healthy school.
-I went to a women's group meeting hosted by the Office of Women that is a part of our Muni (mayor's office). I thought that we were going to learn to make ham (jamon) but when we started pour loads of sulfuric carbonate into the mix I realized we were making soap (jabon). Classic.
-One of my school principals, Rosa, invited me to her house yesterday. She has four awesome kids and I loved hanging out with all of them (we danced to Katy Perry, Taylor Swift and the Jonas Brothers). Already set to go back next weekend.
-I found and then lost a K'iche teacher. The hunt continues.
-Ate myself sick last Saturday. To the point that I spent all Sunday curled up in bed with bottles of gatorade. Note to self: I do not have the self control to shell peanuts without eating them. STAY AWAY FROM PEANUTS.
-Made a serious scheduling error with an important Peace Corps meeting. I banged my head on a rock a few times and then went to the nearest bookstore to buy a new agenda and avoid any future problems.
-Saturday art class is going well. I got to buy a fancyshmancy pencil for shading, felt pretty special. The other ten year old girls in the class have taken a liking to me, feeling doubly special.
-Went to a slow foods festival with my friend Andrea who works for Art Corps. We ate tofu. score!
-Washed my bedding at Doña Maria's request. Grandma would be proud!
-Doña Cata gave me a bunch of spinach from her land! Delicious
-Taught Chepe, 13 year old son of Doña Cata, how to use email.
-Bought purple lilies at the market on Saturday, while walking home some guy yelled 'You're as beautiful as the flowers you hold' (in Spanish of course). I've started confronting such guys with a firm handshake and explaining that I'm living and working here. But for some reason, I just kept thinking, 'we're only as beautiful as the flowers we hold'. Kind of deep, right? My flowers, I hope, will be my schools and my warmth. So go out there. Find something beautiful and hold onto it and spread it around!
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