Tuesday, July 7, 2009

Achachay!!!!

Hey there!

So I know it´s super cliché to say that time is flying but SERIOUSLY.... these last 4 weeks have blown by. We have so many activities and lessons and assignments packed into each day that I can hardly keep in touch. Basically our training so far has been technical sessions in the morning and language training in the afternoon. Sometimes we meet in our individual communities and sometimes we gather together in a central town.

But here is a quick update on the last four weeks…..

Week 0 (transition time): Lots of settling in and getting accustomed to life in a new country and speaking a new language. There were non-stop festivals around the area, which were a great way to integrate into a community because everyone seems to be happier and more social during fiestas. I had my first sad moment when I realized I couldn’t communicate with my family the way I would like which left me feeling lonely and helpless…. But while sulking in my room I played a little Miley Cyrus and decided to be proactive even if I looked ridiculous. I also ate waaaaaaaay too much until I effectively communicated with my family that 7 potatoes, 2 cups of rice, bread, and soup is just toooooo much! I missed Fathers’ Day but that doesn’t mean I wasn’t thinking about my wonderful family.

Week 1: I started Spanish language sessions in my little town with 4 other girls and had enough technical sessions to earn a graduate degree. I heard 1001 brilliant things about the trainee who lived in my house before me (the perfect David), which basically means I’ve got some big shoes to fill. But I think I’m putting up quite the fight to become my family’s favorite! Half of our training group went on a cultural trip to a small indigenous town outside of Otavolo where they speak Kichwa and make knitted things from scratch. It was an exciting trip but was overshadowed by some of the trainees’ attitudes. We were only there for 28 hours but the living conditions and activities weren’t exactly what we were expecting (obviously) and the pessimism spread like wildfire. BUT after a few days back in our training sites, everyone realized how helpful the trip was to expand our idea of culture, Ecuadorians, and the many types of sites we could be placed into!

(View from my room with Mt. Cayambe in the back)

Week 2: My town had their big festival where we had a bus parade (all 27 buses paraded through town) which ended with the priest blessing each bus! It was crazy cool but I defiantly felt like a foreigner taking pictures and getting so excited because it’s pretty normal to all of the other people. The 4th of July we had a BBQ with some of the staff and volunteers. We had a soccer tournament (we lost 1st round), ate “American” food (hamburgers, potato salad, chips & guacamole, etc.), and got to know other volunteers from around Ecuador. I also gave my first “charla” about self-esteem… in Spanish! We worked with some youth in our town to create personal flags that represent their lives and aspirations. Oh, and I met my “big brother”, William, who is a volunteer and he brought me some Reeces from the states! YUM! Things that I wouldn’t normally eat in the states, I would pay triple price for here…. Like if I could get my hands on a Snickers I would probably give my left leg!

("Achachay"= "It´s freezing" in Kichwa)

Week 3: I went to Cayambe to watch the big parade with my family and I was not being very cautious with my camera and it got stolen. Therefore, all of my pictures will be barrowed from other people until I can replace it. I played soccer in the park with some kids and it boosted my Spanish speaking confidence. Kathleen (PC Ecuador Country Director) brought us candy from the US and I had an Almond Snickers!!!!! This shouldn’t be that big of a deal but it was probably better than any gift I could have asked for. We had more language sessions, tech training, presentations, and meetings. I made spaghetti and meatballs and garlic bread for my family and they absolutely LOVED the bread! It was the easiest to make yet the best part of the meal.

(My host family basically triples on weekends, and these are the younger one I hang out with)

Week 4: I started running, which really means I run about 2 blocks and then start wheezing from the altitude and walk around trying to catch my breath for an hour! The U.S. Ambassador came to talk to our training group with a 4 car entourage! Our first trainee decided to return to the states (one of my favorites!). But most importantly we found out our sites!!!! I will be living in Macas which is a jungle-ish town in Southeastern Ecuador. I am going to be working with special needs children to develop life skills, integrate into the community, and increase skills to enter into the workforce. I am more excited than I thought I would be. I had an idea I was going to Macas but it is just so relieving to get a piece of my future and build on it to complete the crazy puzzle that will be my next 2 years! I leave today to visit Macas... There are 2 other trainees going there and 1 volunteer already there.

Check out more photos here: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2044965&id=120500814&l=161729676f