Tanto Tiempo...

Wow I did not realize its been so long since I’ve last updated my blog. I guess I really have been busy! Work has been going really really well. The kids absolutely love my charlas and having me in the class. They see me on the street and always ask when I’m going to come teach in their class again! Its been a lot of fun and I know the kids are learning things, they all like to tell me how much they’re bushing their teeth! And they always enjoy playing games. It’s been a fun experience to teach in the schools- very rewarding! And it has helped me further integrate into the community! Other work activities: I’ve been giving charlas in Pilar to “The school of tomorrow”, I do charlas with my neighbor Josh and its super fun and a little different! I like it because I get to collaborate with other volunteers and make more connections and do a little bit of networking. Because there is not a health volunteer in Pilar, so they aren’t getting any health stuff! I’ve also been rockin with my walking group. I now walk at 5:15 AM with my girlfriends and then again at 5 PM with a different group. My sleep has been lacking but I’ve liked the exercise and company! I’ve also started a group of women that are interested in learning how to sew and make clothes. Then I’m going to bring in a specialist from an NGO to teach capacitation classes. Next week is my last week of dental charlas then I’ll be starting in the high school only. I want to teach on values, self-esteem, career planning, healthy relationships, sexuality and HIV/AIDS. I’m very excited because its definitely a theme lacking in my community, but I’m also scared at the same time. Seniors in high school are very intimidating. But I have high hopes that it will be successful… Teaching how to put on condoms correctly is always a good laugh!

On the social side I’ve really made some good friends. I have two girlfriends that I trust completely- which is hard here because everyone gossips so much and you really have to be careful who you tell things to. Then I have a lot more good friends, who I don’t tell secrets to, but I really enjoying hangin out with, dancing, drinking terere. But with my girlfriends, comes lots of invitations to parties. Not saying I don’t like me a good party. But I feel like I am always at a party! Eliza has gotten so tired of me calling and saying I’m at a party, she now tells me to tell her when I’m NOT at a party! Ha! But I definitely feel more a part of the community and I’ve really enjoyed myself and getting to know people better and on a deeper level.

House news is good news. I have a house. I will be moving in probably next week. And I am thrilled! It is such a relief to have a house and know I have to place to myself. It’s a cute little brick house. It has two rooms- one for the bedroom and the other for the kitchen. Then it has a semi-outside part with a roof on it and the wall closest to the road is a half brick wall and half chain link fence. Then my bathroom connects to that part- complete with flushing toilet and hot water shower. Chuchi ville! It has a big back yard for my fantastic garden I’m going to have… and my puppy?! I’m looking forward to buying all my things on Thursday, but not really looking forward to spending all my money. I’m going to have to barrow a little from my American bank account until I get more to reimburse myself!

Lets see other than that, October is going to be a very busy month for me. Full of parties, our fiesta patronal- which is our patron saint day that we celebrate for like three days full of fun activities. Like a horse show, bull fight (just the toro part, not the killing), and a ridiculous amount of dancing! Hopefully Eliza and Danielle can come down and visit to help me celebrate! Ohhh and I also have a boyfriend… well not a real boyfriend. I’m really tired of creepy men and people that keep texting me. So I’ve decided to have a boyfriend. I asked a fellow volunteer, Jake to be my pretend boyfriend! So now I have a great excuse when avoiding men!

Everyday I’m learning, every day I make better and stronger relationship and every day I’m enjoying where I live more and more. Hope you all are well. And I’ll try and be a better blogger! Besos!