Two Thousand and Thirteen

I've been thinking about this post for awhile...maybe all year but defiantly in the past few weeks. This is probable the last free night I will have of 2013. I am spending the next few nights with families here in Paraguay and then Monday I will be flying home and hope to be with family and friends every night! Such a sweet sweet thought.

So I can honestly say this year went by the fastest in all my 23 years of life. I knew 2013 was going to be a big one, just wasn't sure how big. I guess I can thank Paraguay for making this year the best for so many reasons. I wanted to take some time to reflect on what this year was for me, because it was such a big one! So here are the top 10 things that have made 2013 big, fun and very very special.

Number 1. My one and only sister  got engaged and that started the year out perfectly!
2. I got on an airplane with 22 strangers to Paraguay and started a little life for myself
3. I learned how to speak and understand confidently a new language and can even crack some jokes!
4. Adapted to one of the most different cultures I could have encountered while questioning it daily I kept with it and am so happy I did.
5. Was adopted by a family who I am literally in love with, like they were my own.
6. Moved into my own house, on my own. And in that same house live my life daily and happily!
7. Have created friendships that have changed the way I look at life and how I live my life.
8. Found somewhat of an identity in Paraguay and looking forward to what that will look like in the future.
9. Have spent more of 2013 in another county then in the USA!
10. And all of this was down while still feeling so connected with all my loved ones from home in America! Never doubting me and always cheering me on!


So theres my reflection on the past year, I know there are so many more but those are what come to mind right now. For me this has been a year of growth and independence unlike anything I could have imagined. I hope for you as well that this year meant something big for you. As for 2014 I am ready for something bigger and looking forward to whatever that maybe!

As for Paraguay right now- I am sweating out the hot summer days, drinking lots of ice water and trying to stay cool. School is out and I've had some girls over to work on christmas art crafts. A lot of stuff has gone on hold and I am waiting till the new year to pick it up. I also received my mentees ( future peace corps volunteers) who will be arriving at the end of January. I will be in contact with them to share all the secrets of peace corps volunteers.. haha!

Wishing all of you a happy happy Christmas and a joyful New Year!! Sending all my love!

My First Birthday in Paraguay!

Last week I turned 23... now there really isn't anything special about 23, its not like there's a Taylor Swift song called 23! But what was special about this birthday was that it was my first one in Paraguay!

Birthday's in Paraguay are a big deal. I've been to my fair share of Birthday celebrations and have heard from other volunteers what a birthday in Paraguay can consist of. I love my Birthday so I was excited to celebrate it although it was very very different then a Birthday in the states. But i'm not in the states so different is good just another culture difference.

So in Paraguay when it's your birthday you invite who you want ( be warned everyone you have ever talked to will want to be invited to your party) and you buy everything and make everything...its not like oh hey its your birthday we wanna throw you a party and make your cake and do everything...its more like...Oh its your birthday, invite me, buy all the food and drink, make all the food, and then clean it all up... yay! Happy Birthday!!!

You think i'm kidding, i'm not. As stressed as this made me I went ahead with it and it all turned out so special. See I am constantly being taken care of by my host families here and my friends. They are always inviting me to eat with them, stay with them and basically be their daughter and they never let me pay or take care of them. But my birthday was a chance to do it all for them, an excuse to get into my kitchen and serve them. And if you know me you know I love hosting people, cooking and celebrating my birthday. So although it was a little different then America it was so special!

So what did I do you ask?? First, I had my very first host family over for lunch. They have hosted 9 volunteers and have never been able to go visit them at their house and I was the first! They loved seeing where I live, work and spend all my time. I bought a bunch a meat and made some salads and we had such a nice time. Normally my host mom is cooking and preparing everything but this time I was able to show off a little and I think they were impressed! Also my friend Alex who is a volunteer came over and joined us!

Then I tried to rest but people kept stopping by to wish me Happy Birthday and eat cake, I had a total of 4 cakes on my birthday... which I hope to never repeat. Then later that night we went to my other host families house who I spend almost every night with had another cookout. I bought a bunch of chicken and we had some salads and sausage and my favorite Paraguayan corn bread dish... it was delicious....

I had such a wonderful day and although I was away from my family in America I never felt sad because I was able to spend it with such wonderful people down here that I consider my family down here! Here are a few photos from the day!! And heads up American I'll be home in 16 dayss!!!

Summer Time In Paraguay

The summer here goes something like this-

You wake up in the morning ( usually from sweating) open up all your doors and windows to let the breeze in. Start the day with a cold shower to cool you down. Then go along with your morning routine. For me that involves water my plants, checking my email, making some ice coffee, sweeping, laundry and what ever else the day offers. Then around 10 its real hot and I am off in search of the coldest pitcher of terere and the shadiest yard. You may not believe this but I pick the families I visit based on their shade coverage and the time of day. The sun here is damaging and super strong and I do all I can to not be found under it.

For lunch even on the hottest of days it is a big pot of hot soup. Usually with some kind of meat, some kind of noodle and some kind of veggie...and its hot like the sun and the Paraguayans have no problem slurping it down. I am usually hotter after eating lunch and go for my second cold shower of the day. Then its either lay under my fan and enter a heat induced coma or find a mango tree and sit. After lunch everything closes and it is impossible to really move around and do work. Even the cows and sheep lay down. I usually find some task to occupy my time but by 5 I am antsy and ready to leave the house. So I take my 3rd cold shower and I'm off.

I can usually be found at the house of Mrs. Julia or Na Julia. Where everyone has just woken up from napping and starting to drink more ice cold terere. Once the sun sets I usually play a game or two of volley ball or soccer. Then we sit under the stars, drink more iced drinks and some dinner and cool off. I'll usually go home around 8 re open all my windows and doors and wait till my house cools off before going inside. Then I take my fourth and final shower of the day and try and sleep. Before laying down I usually pour water on my floor, they say that helps cool the house off... I am still not convinced but I do it anyways.

So as you have read, its a pretty slow time of year. No one does much in the heat. School is almost out and I am going to have some art classes in the December before I go home. Then in January I am going to hold a summer camp for the kids. Then I will start planning my work for the new school year. I am also going to my health post almost daily and working there with the nurses and doctors.

The heat takes a lot out of you and I am finding myself more tired each day. Drinking a lot of water and taking advantage of the shade in my yard! I know y'all are freezing that home but I cannot wait to get a little bit of that in only 35 daysss! Yes thats right I get to hug my momma in 35 daysssss! Its only been 284 days since I've seen her or America... yes you read that right 284 days since I've been home! HOLY COW! Can't waitt!!!

All and all this heat is hard and tough and super annoying. But I am smiling and still very much enjoying this adventure. My language is improving, my relationships are building and I am developing a home here that is really greater then anything I've ever experienced soo bring it on summer, I'm ready for ya... this is my ready face!

An update on Mary

A few weeks ago one of my friends/ co-workers/ and nurse in my Health post was injured. She was on a bus and had her cell phone out and was attacked. When they tried to rob here she hesitated and was shot in the neck. Here is a blog post about it if you would like to read more. Since then she was been laying in a hospital bed unable to move any part of her body in fear of the bullet traveling, it is lugged in the back of her neck very close to her spin. In fear of causing more damage they are unable to remove the bullet.

I went to go visit Mary in the hospital and it was shocking. I wish I had a better word for that but I am at a loss. Although this has been very tragic it has been a miracle watching her recover. Each day she is able to move a little more and starting to learn how to walk about in physical therapy. Mary was a big part of my community and since the accident we have all talked about how we want to do something for her to help support and raise money.

This past weekend my health post held a Pollada which is a chicken fundraiser. We sold chicken, rice and bread to the community. Sounds simple but to prepare for it there was a lot of work involved. I spent most of the day Saturday preparing the chicken which included cutting the fat off and the butt off. It was a lengthy process especially for 250 chicken thighs. Then we prepared a marinade for the chicken including; Mustard, vinegar, oregano, soy sauce, salt, onions, green peppers and garlic. Then we returned on Sunday to cook the rice. It was a lot of work but turned out so well! The chicken was 10 mil guaranis ( about 2$USD) and we sold almost all of it and it was delicious!

I had a great sunday afternoon with all the nurses and doctors from my health post. We had music playing and about 5 pitches of terere ( ice cold tea ) being passed around. It was a community event and it made my soul so happy to see everyone come together for Mary! October was a hard month but I am overjoyed to welcome in November and see whats in store for these final months of 2013... here are a few pictures from the even yesterday!

The Director of the Health Post going to deliver chicken!! 

The doctors and I selling the chicken! 

All the chicken before being cooked! 

Happenings

Lots of little victories happening around here, thank for the silver linings and little victories. When you in a rainy season like I seem to be right now-figuratively and literally... i'm taking it all and enjoying the little things.

To update you on my friend Mary who was shot. She is doing better. It is a slow recovery for her but it is looking on the up side for her. She is still in the hospital and not able to move much of her body. The bullet is still in her neck and it doesn't look like they will be able to remove it because it is too close to the spin. I went to visit her in the hospital, my 2nd hospital visit in Paraguay and it was hard. It was defiantly no Hopkins Shock Trauma trip... it was eye opening and humbling, as many of my experiences have been in Paraguay. But in all I was told she is in good hands and looking at a slow but successful recovery. Her sweet boyfriend flew in from Ecuador to be with her, and since has become a local celebrity/ hero in Paraguay, so theres her victory!

My attempt at rowing the boat.. fail! 

My friend and mentor came to stay with me last week for a few days and it was such a sweet time. I had been needing a friend, especially someone to really just understand me. I love my Paraguayans but sometimes I feel misunderstood and a lot of self doubt can come up from that... so having Michelle come was just what I needed. We cooked some really delicious meals, like out of this world or country, haha. She helped me with my garden and gave me just the confidence I needed to start planting and sowing. Michelle is just such a light, the kind that makes your soul feel good. I would have been fine just sitting with her all day but we got spontaneous and went to the Beach!

Michelle and I at the Beach 

The beach- Is on a lake and really unlike an actually beach that you would find in America but we enjoyed it! There was sand, shade, docks, row boats and water. We paid a little Paraguayan man to take us out on his row boat and it was so precious, he even let us try rowing which was nearly impossible. We drank ice cold tea and just took in the sun and the beauty. It was a fun getaway and so refreshing! After we went to a few art stores and I started my Christmas shopping! So crazy to think about but its coming up!!!!



Over the weekend- I had my english class. We are going strong! They are learning their colors, numbers, days, months and other fun phrases. Kids here never get the chance to be creative or color or think with their imagination. This is something I am learning from my class, I'm not sure why this is but they are lacking. I think if I had a coloring class they would sit for 5 hours and just color and color and color. So I am working on organizing an art club for just that purpose! The little victory comes after we play "go fish" and I watch them practice and struggle when they are trying to think of the number "four" and when they get it and scream "FOUR" I get the biggest smile on my face! My reply " No tengo, go fish"

The 5 of us enjoying the afternoon! 

I have really great friends here, I've been wanting to write a little about them. Ones 23 and her name is Carolina, the other is her daughter she is 1 and a half years old and her name is Paulina or I call her Paulie. The other two are Carolinas nieces. Monse is 12 and Valentina is 3. Carolina takes care of these 3 kids, yes she is 23 and is a fully time mom, aunt and sister. I would say her and Monse are more like sisters. Any way they all live together and are always together and when I'm not there Carolina is texting me wondering where I'm at! I love spending time with them, Paulie and Valentina literally melt my heart I seriously love this kids like they were mine. They each have such personality and character. I am usually at their house but sometimes they come to mine. Its always an adventure being around a 1.5 year old and a 3 year old...never a dull moment. They make my days lighter and fuller!  Here are just some of pictures that fill my library or the 4 of them!

This is Paulie and she always tried to touch my nose ring! Seriously how precious! 

One day I had them all over and we made a chocolate cake, then ate the whole thing! Probably the most American thing I have done with Paraguayans to date! 

This is the lovely Valentina, this girl steals my heart...
If you could spend 5 minutes with her you would know why! 

Heavy

This is a hard post, a lot of not so great things have happened this past week. I debated for a while about writing this...thinking it was too personal, would sound depressing and be too heavy. But then I realized a few things- my service is personal and yes, sometimes depressing and its real life down here too and that means heavy things do happen. So up until now this blog has been pretty mild with the occasional frustrations that come with living in a new culture but some real things happened that are affecting me and the community around me so if I'm being truthful in the purpose of this blog to inform you of the good, the bad and the ugly... here it is...

This is a picture of Mary. 

Cellphones. One of the first facts I read about Paraguay before coming here was that they have more cellphones then people...I had trouble believing this until I arrived. Pretty much everyone has a cellphone by age 14...and maybe even 2 cellphones. Yes people love their cell phones and they save all their money to get the nicest ones...and then they risk it being stolen every time they are on a bus...literally I know sometime about once a week who gets a phone stolen on a bus, sucks but you get over it... well this next story is a bit different and I'm having trouble getting over it.

I've been in shock, my thoughts are as follows- omg no this isn't real...over a cell phone...your kidding.. come on paraguay... and then the did I translate this right? yup, its still real...why her?

Today I went to the health post, there wasn't really any work to be done, but we all gathered just to be together. We shared photos we have of Mary...I think everyone was at a loss of words and just wanted to be together. I am starting to let go of all the voices that scream inside of me when there is silence, I've never been good at silence, ever. Here it is silent all the time and when that voice screams inside of me now I can handle it and tell it to just be silent.

This is a picture of Mary and I with another nurse
 giving a sex ed talk in the school. 

We do believe Mary will survive this and recover...in due time. Until then I am freaked out. With this accident and my last post about my friend dying last week my heart is heavy. I don't think I expected to feel so strongly for the people of paraguay but each one has become dear to my heart. With all of this all I can think about is how completely independent I have become... like I have to pick the pieces up, I have to walk myself home, make my dinner, tuck myself in and yes, I know I am 22 pushing 23 but some times you just want your Momma to love you and do those things for you. Since being here I am me, if I want it I go get it, I make it and i fix it. Thats the reality I am dealing with right now, as rewarding as it can be I some times feel stuck and very alone.

But I'm working with it, picking up the pieces, finding my silver linings and thanking the sweet Lord for his many blessings...being reminded that he gives and he takes away. Not to worry I am holding things down here and am very much supported by my friends and family of Paraguay. But please do keep sweet Mary in your prayers she continues to heal and recover.


On a different note- 
The Government Shutdown is making its presence known in Paraguay... the United States are never too far away and as of right now not to United as it seems. We have had trainings cancelled and other projects postponed. Here's the gist- Peace Corps reasons that sending the volunteers home would cost more then keeping them in sites, so they won't be sending us home. Given that they are keeping us in sites, they conclude that pretty much all staff is essential because we are dependent upon them for our safety and security. They will also continue paying us because we have no other source of income. We also cannot be furloughed because we are not actually employees and the money we are paid is not technically a salary.

To read more click here

So October hasn't been the best of months for you in the states or me down here... I'm picking up my pieces and marching on. Mary and I were supposed to start some projects this month but that will not be happening so I am taking this time to re-evaluate what to plan for the new year and continue with my kids club, which is going really well. I'd be lying if I said I didn't want to hop on that plane tomorrow and jet set into the 410 NapTown but then I'm slapped by reality and will wait till december! Waiting, something I'm becoming so good at, as mentioned previously.

Hope all is well with your soul.

Sometimes

Sometimes I want to write but just can't... this would be one of those times. Hang in there, I am sure it will come back to me...so for now I will leave you with this- it was a sad day in Paraguay today. I had to say good bye to one of my first friends in Paraguay. Here is one of the only pictures I have of us together. This is back in April when another volunteer and I were helping him build a composting pit. He was great and was always smiling, and always helping and that is how I am choosing to remember him. Its amazing how such little time with someone can have such an immense impact.  Christian, you will be missed, te quiero mucho mi amigo!

Fiesta San Miguel

You know I've been busy when it takes me this long to post... I have so many things to share with you but for now we will start with my communities patron saint San Miguel celebration. A little history-

Every community in Paraguay has a patron saint, literally every one. That patron saint has a special day and there is always a celebration. It usually starts 12 days in advance with a rosary each night at the church and lots of loud fire works. The community spends those 12 days getting the church and the road of the church cleaned up, they plant flowers and hang flags and decorations. Then the night before the big day there are traditional dance performances from locals and from the children. The day of there is a mass and then everyone goes home for a big cook out/ lunch...then theres a big party/ concert with lots of dancing... its a pretty big event and if you wanted to you could go to one every weekend and just work your way around Paraguay. Each one differs but thats basically what a fiesta patronal entails.

So my community is San Miguel and it was this past Sunday the 29th. The 12 days leading up we had a rosary ceremony at the local chapel starting and ending with bombas or fireworks but really just annoying and extremely loud noisemakers.

Then on Saturday we prepared the streets for the celebration. We hung flags and banners and I helped my landlord clean, cut and de-weed my yard. Saturday night there was an awesome dance performance, I am sad because I forgot to bring my camera...but there were lots of kids in traditional dresses,  dancing and performing. There was also the very paraguayan traditional dance where a girl dances with 7 glass bottle stacked on her head. It was amazing, I was in awe, she twirled and spun and those bottles didn't move an inch. Next time I will not forget my camera.




Sunday morning started with another rosary followed by a mass. So many people came out for it, it was my first time really being around my whole community at once... I enjoyed it but it made me realize again just how big my community is and how small I am! After the mass there was a parade with a replica of the patron saint.

Then I went to a families house for a big asado or sunday cookout. We made sangria and ate a lot of meat! Then the longest weekend got longer and that night we went to the big concert/ party. It was your basic Paraguayan fiesta...a first everyone is sitting around drinking and talking then out of no where everyone starts dancing...and then we danced and had a good 'ol time.

When Monday came I didn't leave my house. I had been gone the whole previous week with peace corps business and I needed a day of rest or 5.... I will blog about last week later because it is very note worthy! So I survived my first fiesta patronal and will be going back to my first host families this Saturday for their fiesta patronal!

Radio Show, House Visits, SVAC and Sopa Paraguaya

A lot has been happening this week and I am tired. So I am taking this morning to enjoy a hand brewed cup of coffee my sweet sister sent me and its a black cup of coffee kind of morning. Also I am enjoying what's left of the crisp air down here as we welcome spring this Saturday...hello primavera. Also it is a very special birthday on Saturday my lovely mothers 35th Birthday! More on that later! So here's what I've been up to in Paraguay-

Monday I had my first radio show...and it was a success. I struggled with a few words because who isn't a little nervous speaking a whole new language while it is broadcasted to hundreds of people? I was lucky to have a nurse with me that enjoyed my effort and we were able to laugh and joke about my mishaps. Also you know you have accomplished something when you can joke in your second language or third! We discussed how to have a safe and healthy pregnancy and what mothers can do for their babies during those 9 months. There is little education here for future mothers and this is a topic I plan do teach a lot on in the next 2 years. The show was about an hour long and we played music between takes. It was no Teen Talk, haha it was a bit more mature. But I do have to say there is less pressure with the radio, you can almost pretend its not real...but then when you get home and your neighbors comment on your program and your voice you jump back into the reality of it all!

Tuesday I went on house visits with the same nurses. I have a very active Health Post and because of that there is always something to do. We serve a very large community and there are constantly things to be done. On Tuesday we set out to take a census of a new part of the community and give a few vaccines. We walked all around -house to house. We took a census of the people living in each house, their health conditions, living conditions, martial status and job status. Then we gave vaccines to babies, well I didn't actually give the vaccine just helped. It was special. I enjoy the house visits, I meet new families and get to meet them where they are at. They don't feel threatened and I am not as intimidated. I am going to try and continue these house visits and helping out with my Health post as much as I can. Bright things for the future here!

Wednesday I made a famous Paraguayan food known as Sopa Paraguaya it's basically a corn bread but with cheese and onions and surprisingly delicious. Every house wife here claims there sopa is the best and whenever they make it they invite me to indulge. It is easy to eat half a pan of this and not feel bad about it. So I decided it was time to master a Paraguayan dish because I plan on making it when I am home for Christmas, gotta start some where! It was a success and I gotta say it was delicious. I shared it with my neighbors and they agreed we called it the Sopa Paraguaya de la Americana. This dish is a signature for Paraguay and is found at every big event and made almost every Sunday. To make this dish you will need-
Milk
Eggs
Corn flower
Paraguayan Cheese
Onions
Salt
Oil
I didn't put measurements because honestly I don't use them anymore, yes that sounds crazy! But I have learned to just guess and it always works out! If you would like to try this I will be making lots of it when I am home in December!

Finally, I have joined the Serving Volunteer Advisor Committee or SVAC. This is a committee made up of Peace Corps Volunteers from around the world. I am currently the Senior Advisor for Mentoring and will be helping with mentoring projects between different post. Here is a brief description of SVAC found on their website-

"The purpose of the NPCA Serving Volunteer Advisory Council (SVAC) is to create a regular two-way channel of communication between serving Peace Corps Volunteers and the NPCA, the nonprofit organization that connects the Peace Corps community at home and abroad.  SVAC’s job is to informally advise the President of the National Peace Corps Association on issues related to serving Peace Corps Volunteers who are currently in the field"

If you would like to learn more about what I will be doing you can check out the mentoring page here. I am very excited about this opportunity and will keep you updated on the projects I will be doing.  

Thats all for now, thanks for keeping up with me and reading about my endeavors. It means a lot to have people supporting me! This weekend I am going to a garden workshop and taking some time away from my site, it will be nice to change things up a bit and see some different parts of Paraguay! Ya'll take care and be well, thinking of you always. 

I never thought I would...

It seems that a lot of the time I find myself thinking....wow before Paraguay I never thought I would do this...insert weird peace corps habit... Well I decided these things should be written down, I imagine you will be entertained, maybe disappointed and definitely shocked. I know I was with most of these things when they first became a reality to me but like everything it seems so normal now. So before you freak out just put your self in my shoes for a hot minute and know that I am living in a complete different world then you so naturally the things I am doing down here are weird, strange and a bit questionable when compared to our western lifestyle! Enjoy! 

I never thought I would- 

eat so much meat, and love it 

crave more meat on sundays 

take 3 showers a day ( when its hot) and

3 showers a week ( when its cold) 

Master the art of cooking over a fire

become a master at waiting...for everything

Use a table cloth as a napkin ( this I am not proud of ) 

drink so much terere and buy my own thermo 

forget how to talk and write in English ( its a big struggle of mine) 

talk in so much spanish and guarani that when I try to talk in english it hurts my head ( fearful of Christmas vacation) 

make it out of training without getting back on an air plane 

become so okay with awkwardly standing in front of someones house clapping and yelling hola as if i’m just ringing the “door bell” 

live alone in a house all by my self in a foreign country ( not so foreign now) 

spend more time by myself then ever before and enjoy it, like really enjoy it 

drink after every person when offered with out any fear ( including water, wine, beer and terere) 

casual take walks with women while they are walking and breast feeding...talk about a multi- tasker 

cut my grass by hand using my machete 

drink beer by the liter and wine from a carton, always. 

hand wash everything I own 

take a bus everywhere and maneuver my way around a country 

speak a third language 

be able to joke in spanish 

not run for such a long period of time and be so content

be so happy!

There are many more... but these are just a few reflections right now! Have a great weekend everyone! And a big happy birthday to Miss Lauren Hammond! 

Now a few photos from the week! 

My friend Carol and Valentina and I at a confirmation last Sunday 

Me drinking my terere like a boss under the mango tree 

Feeding the little baby!

This little girl Sarah spent every morning with me this week and we colored a lot! 

Kids Club

Hello blog world!

I had my first kids club last Saturday and it was a success in the making...as all things in Paraguay it needs some time. At first only 1 girl showed up. I was bummed and so where the 2 little girls who helped me plan it. But then I realized what I have been told all along...

Paraguayans have no concept of time and most events that have a start time will most likely start an hour later. And sure enough an hour into the club 5 young boys showed up and we began!

I didn't know what to expect so I didn't plan anything too serious....but we played some games with the frisbees and jump ropes my mom sent me ( these kids go crazy for toys) and we got to know each other. Then at the end I taught some English.

 It was fun but I was so tired after 2 hours straight with 7-9 year olds! I am planning on continuing this club every Saturday.





They all really want to learn English but I really want to teach them about health and hygiene
since that is a really big need here. So I am planning on doing a small lesson of English paired with different lessons on health.

I am very excited about this. It is easy to get intimidated here with the language barrier but with kids I am super relaxed and always have a good time. So I can be found every Saturday morning at 9am with the ninos in my community!

Also I have recently started a radio show.....Every Monday at 9:30 I will go to the local radio studio in town with a nurse from my health post. Each week we get to pick our topic. We discuss different health topics and play music... more to come on this next week. As excited as this is... it is equally as terrifying and will force me to practice my pronunciation more and more!  Buneno!!!

Awkward Stories #1

This is titled #1 because changes are there will be more.... 

I should start this post by informing you that there is no word in the spanish language that translates to awkward...this is a blessing and a curse. A blessing because it is 100% accurate that when I think a situation is awkward the Paraguayans don’t. You may think this isn’t possible but really it is...they never feel awkward simply because awkwardness doesn’t exist to them....A curse because I feel awkward about 75% of the time and most every encounter with a Paraguayan is an awkward one and when they notice my discomfort I have no way of explaining it to them other then saying Me siento diferente o mal or I feel different or bad. So today reached a whole new level of Paraguayan awkwardness... and I had to share...keep in mind I love these people and have to daily fight for my right to be heard here and taken seriously.

This week I am starting a kids club in my community. There is very little open space in my community and I have to hold it in the yard of one of the community members, great no problem. Last week I asked this sweet family if that would be okay... they assured me no hay problema or No problem... So this week I made invitations to pass out to the community... simple stating the kids club, time, date, place and stick instructions not to bring your animals, because in Paraguay you need to be careful to leave your dogs at home...so I was told. 

Any who, this week was the senors birthday in which who's yard we are using for the kids club. Well his family heard about this “invitation” and thought I invited the whole community to their house for a birthday party this weekend...and to leave your animals at home because they have so many... and they were mad... I mean who wouldn’t be if you thought a norte ( me) self invited her self and 50 of the community kids to there house for a “party”....ahh this could not be farther from the truth. I was mortified and the awkwardness set in. 

I then had to explain that none of that was true and show them the invitation and read it to them... then I came to the conclusion that 1. Either gossip spread like rapid fire and this kids club got completely turned around or 2. They were unable to read the invitation....I am still working on those conclusions. 

But just imagine me.... trying to beg my forgiveness to this couple who thinks I just invited the whole neighborhood to their house.. in my half spanish/ guarani language... Afterwards i felt more awkward then ever... but could never begin to explain that feeling to the Paraguayans because there is no such thing. well bam. 

Doesn’t sound like much but it was and after the whole ordeal I wanted to be in America where the awkward turtle is real and understood. So for all you awkward people out there that feel like you don’t belong...there is a home for you in Paraguay! 

Also how awkward is it that Paraguayans think Ranch dressing is spicy and won’t eat it because so....words could not describe my reaction when my neighbors “tried” by tried I mean put I microscopic dot on their finger and said no me gusta es muy picante...I don’t like it, it’s too spicy......SAY WHAT?? so more for me, and I’m running out quickly so send.more.ranch. 

But whats totally not awkward are these wildflowers that I found on my walk home today! 

A thought

This blog holds many purposes and right now it is simply to savor this quote... so heres to all you storytellers out there!

People

A college professor once told me that "the places we go or the places we live don't matter as much as the people, the people make the experience." At first I was confused but once I figured it out, it made complete sense. It's the people that you make the memories with, the people you spend your time with and the people who's company you enjoy most. Yes I love places and they leave impressions on my heart...but I have no desire to go back to Lynchburg and spend 4 more years going to class and taking exams but I would love nothing more then to be surrounded by those people for another 4 years....its why when I go back to visit something is always missing, the people. Also when I think about home yeah I miss the place but I really miss the people....and I would never consider spending another moment in Wall Drug, South Dakota but if it meant being with Lauren and Gav for a bit, then sure why the hell not, again the people.

So today I was thinking a lot about my people here, how they greet me, how they make me feel and how I want more of them...I can now understand all the pre- cautious and anxiety I had in my first few months here...I didn't have people, almost the exact same feelings I had my first semester of college. I just needed people, but don't we all? We were created for community, and how sweet is it when we find it.

And I've found it. People are all around me and I want you to meet all of them but today I will tell you about one lady who I have been spending lots of time with recently-

Mrs. Julia is 52 years old. She has lived on the same street her whole life. She is married to Mr. Salvador. Together they have 5 kids- Myain who is 36 with a precious 5 year old, Carlos who is 32, Ceasar who is 29, David who is 25 who has a 1 year daughter and Julio who is 15. All but David live in the same house, there is not an open bed. David and his girlfriend Carol live in a house next door along with their daughter Pauli and Carol's 2 nieces. In the other house on the property is an Uncle and his wife, there is also a chapel on the property and we are building another house for Ceasar next month.

On the property Mrs. Julia has 6 dogs, 3 cows, 3 pigs, a parrot, a horse, a goat, ducks and chickens. Mrs. Julia runs the house, everyone calls her Momma and every listens to her. She is almost always in the kitchen cooking... on average 13 people eat lunch there each day and when I would like I am included, usually a big pot of stew, pasta or rice with really delicious pork.

Mrs. Julia and I set on her porch often and talk about cooking, she teaches me how to cook Paraguayan dishes and I teach her about American food. I sometimes help her feed the pigs, dogs, parrot and goat in the evenings. She never stops. She is a wife, a mother, a grandmother, a daughter, a sister, a friend and a rock star! I am very thankful for her. She and her family are the type of people I think about when I think about why I like this place...when I'm not at her house, I'm usually thinking about going. I want to be around them all the time. There is energy, people, laugher and I am included in that always.

So who are your people? Are they giving you energy? Are you living in a community? If your not I would encourage you to seek that out. I can defiantly say my life is enriched by the people I place around me...both in America and in precious Paraguay.

This is Mrs. Julia and her family. From the left-
Mr. Salvador, Carol, Mrs. Julia, David, Ceasar, Carlos, Julio, Myrian, Pauli ( baby)
Missing a few but still a great family picture! 

For the fun of it- A picture of Lauren, Gav and I in Wall Drug, South Dakota...
or the middle of no where of the west, fun times had by all! 

Bebé'e

In Guarani when something is tiny you put an "e" at the end of it... and last week I got to help welcome a little tiny new born or bebe'e in spanish/ guarani or BABY in english into the world! He is precious and so stinking cute... I find myself starring at him often.

Being a health volunteer in rural Paraguay has been such an experience thus far and up until last week I had thankfully not experienced a Paraguayan hospital. Well when my friend went into labor last week I went along with her to the hospital. There are many factors in this story that would blow your mind in the health care world...but I would be writing a book so I will do my best sum up.

We take a taxi to the hospital, barely anyone has cars. We get the the hospital which is also accompanied by a few straw cats, shocking. There is no check in, no beep in, no locked doors, no separate rooms, just open rooms of beds with people and a tiny hallway for labor and delivery. "OK I think to myself, I'm not in America thats for sure." My friend goes back and her mom and I wait, and wait and wait some more. She is told she is not ready and to walk around to induce labor ( mind you this is what I gather, keep in mind that they are speaking a mix of Guarani and Spanish and there is a huge language barrier) So we wait some more...

Then we are informed there is no doctor and no bed for her and we have to transfer hospitals... in an ambulance. So we go... its a nice ambulance...miniature as most things are here. But the new hospital was far from miniature...it was MASSIVE, like biggest building I've ever seen in Paraguay. At this point she is ready, it is 10pm and we are in for the long haul. We hop on an elevator, only the second one I've been on in Paraguay....get to the a labor delivery center...my friend goes back and we wait. The nurse brings out a list of medicine she needs and we go to the closest pharmacy to buy it, then we return and wait some more.

Between the first 5 hours of waiting I am thinking...hmm poor girl she is in labor for so long....I wonder when we will get to go back there for the delivery...because after all...when I go into labor you better believe I will have some family member, husband, sister or mom holding my hands...she must want that too, so I ask.  I am informed that no one is aloud in the room until 4.5 hours after the birth, but why? "THATS CRAZY" I think, am I translating this right in my head? Yes I was. So around 3am a nurse informs us of the birth of a baby boy, 3 kilos...but nothing else, no time...no nothing.

So I try and sleep, along with everyone else camping out, but I can't. It is cold, smelly, dirty and I start to internal freak out. 1. for my friend who just delivered her first baby and cannot have her husband or mother by her side. 2. because I am in a foreign hospital un able to fully understand what all is happening and feel completely alone.

That all passes, since no one else seems to be freaking out I calm down...leave in search of some type of food that might make me feel better. Naturally I find chipa and empanadas, because really what other food can you find at 6am ( which is the time by now...still have not seen baby). We eat, talk...I practice my Guarani....walk up and down the 7 flights of steps to keep my body warm and finally at 10am I am welcomed back to meet the baby, but only for 15 minutes. He is wonderful, my friend is wonderful and there are lots of smiles!

Overall it was a wild 20 hours or so in hospitals, I was shocked. But then humbled. These people work with what they have and yes to us their health care system and structures seem outdated and ineffective but its what they have and they make it work. I will say that I was thankful to be apart of such an experience but wish never to find myself in a hospital in Paraguay. I am enjoying being back at my house and holding little Eder Enrique when ever I please!

my first glimpse!

Fun fact- I gave him that outfit! Now we call him Monkey'e 

Waiting all day for him to come! 

Im an Aunt!!! 

6 Months!

Just as quickly as the 6 month marker came last week and has quickly passed and I am well on my way to 7 months in country! As I reflect on these first 6 months I have a lot of thoughts... In the Peace Corps world 6 months is nothing...a little sliver of time and I guess its that way with life. Although I did give myself a big pat on the back and made myself a big bowl of popcorn to celebrate! It is still very exciting and note worthy. I still have a ways to go and haven't really started projects, just laying ground work....but I have been here for 6 months and not in America and that is exciting!

I have been keeping a list of things I've been without for 6 months that to you my audience stateside might cringe to think of going without for 6 months....but for me it has become completely natural, and have sort of forgotten what life was like before..


1. hot running water that is shock free, consistent and flowing from all faucets in my house

on the city bus, what I have traded my car for! 

2. a microwave
3. driving and using a car as a main form of transportation
4. a washing machine
5. a dryer ( crucial for winter months like now)
6. central heating or let alone any kind of heating system
7. air conditioning

My washing machine and dryer 

8. a t.v

9. the ability to run to the store in less then 2 hours to get cheese or toilet paper
10.control over the amount of dirt on my body and everywhere around me






But with that I have had 6 months of greater things in return that I could never begin to list out....an attempt would be that I am more relaxed here without all of those things above, I am developing a deep passion for cooking, baking and all things domestic.

Meet Valentina, her laugh is contagious and she is beautiful!

     





I am finally in a place where I rely on public transit and not worry about a car, I am developing a greater passion for doing the little things we let machines do everyday in America. Also the friends, people, kids and family I have made here are constantly touching my heart and have made these 6 months beautiful....

the beautiful red dirt that is own or in everything I own

I am dirty most of the time and right now cold and wish nothing more to stick it out and welcome in this time because it is all about of this experience, because at the end of the day I am doing what I want to do and I am happy and all of those things will be at home after this.





So here is to another 6 months hopefully a little warmer, wiser and wilder! Viva Paraguay!  

Reconnect and a 50th Birthday party!

Peace Corps requires different training sessions through out a volunteers service. When I first arrived in country I was in pre-service training for 2 months... or prison...either way I got out of it alive and doing just fine now! For any future PCV's be warned that training will spin your head in every direction, preserver because service is a.b.s.o.l.u.t.e.l.y nothing like training! And thank the Lord for that truth! 

During one of out training sessions, as you can
see I needed to have my mate close by to keep my eyes open! 

So after 3 months in service/ site we had a training reconnect or also known as an in- service training. So last week I traveled back to my first host families house where I lived during training. I had language class and technical sessions all week. We had class Monday- Friday and it was exhausting, but rejuvenating at the same time if thats possible. I love my language professors and had a very successful time practicing my spanish more and actually being able to speak to them. During pre service training I could barely communicate in spanish...so it was fun going back and talking their ear off! We had some debriefing and reflection time on that last 3 months which was very helpful. We had some technical sessions on how to build fogones, how to request money for a grant and write a proposal, trash management in PY and a session on nutrition. It was a nice time and we all felt recharged and ready to start projects! It was weird being back in the class room setting but with some mate, coffee and snack breaks it was doable! We will have out next training in October on a more specific project. 

This is at my house host families house for the Friendship
party with some of my volunteer friends!

On Tuesday of last week it was Dia de Amistad or Friendship Day in Paraguay... so we celebrated! During the day in class we made a fruit salad and I made a squash cake ( thought it was pumpkin, common mistake in PY....but still delicious) and there was not a piece left. Friendship day is very big here in Paraguay... I had no idea but my host family has a big party every year for it. So after class I went home to find my host dad grilling, people cooking sopa paraguay, beer being delivered and massive speakers being set up and then we celebrated....again. It was really fun and I have come to love Paraguayan fiestas! It amazes me how everything comes together and how much fun I have!  

Me with my host mom( the Birthday girl) and the desert table! 

This is a long post- and its about to get longer! Be warned, but I will try and use pictures... they tell the story better anyways! Training ended on Friday but I stayed at my host families because..... Saturday was my host moms 50th birthday and we were having...yes another party! The party never stops in Paraguay! Or at least at my host families house! I told my host mom at the end of the weekend "when ever I need a party or a good meal I'll just come back here" She smile and agreed!

The preparation started Friday night we pealed 30 kilos of mandioca and started making jello and cake! Saturday morning we woke up and worked all the way up till the party.. tables and chairs were delivered with plates, knives, forks and glasses as well... then wine 

and beer arrived. We had 4 grills cooking pork and 

other meats, we made 13 pans of sopa paraguay   

( basically cornbread) people were 

everywhere helping.. cleaning and 

setting up, it was a mad house 

and I loved every minute of it. 

My whole host family

Later the DJ arrived and set up as well as the band... yes we had a DJ and band.. and in-between all of that we had a massive lunch with a chicken that we killed that morning, and a fish stew..everyone helping.. it was amazing!

My host mom with her 3 daughters! 

Then around 8 the guest arrived.. all 150 of them. It got cold, like really cold but we kept going like it was nothing..Paraguayans are tough! We served food by the plate, soda by the bottle and beer by the liter and then danced....till late or till I wasn't cold anymore... and it was so much fun! One of the high lights of my time in Paraguay! 

Dancing the night away! 

The next morning more people arrived to clean up the party.. we cleaned had some more drinks then made another lunch, I ate so much but was so happy. Paraguayans really know how to celebrate and I was so happy to be apart of that celebration! 

Me with my 2 cousin and my 2 host sisters