Never a dull moment...

More good times in PY :)

So I found out that one of my TKD instructors (the brother of the one I started working with, who is now practicing English with me before class) is also a make-up artist, massage therapist, and hair brusher. Yes, there is a specific person to brush hair in the chuchi (up scale) salons here. Apparently my hair needs a good shampooing and "shape" so he's going to cut it on Friday...AND he offered to teach me how to put on make-up. My beautification continues...I'll post a pic soon so you can see the progress ;)

The teachers are still on strike around here (MY teachers aren't striking, but because others in Fernando de la Mora are, we don't have class either) and winter vacation starts on Monday...looks like they'll be getting a month off when it's all said and done. It's a shame because the kids WANT to go to school, and go there every night just to see if they'll have class. Last night, I saw a bunch of them in the street on my way to class...ever optimistic that today would be the day...and once I found out we were still out of comission, I rounded them up and we played Escoba Quince and Casita Robada...two of my favorite card games here :) The first one is all about math and logic, so it's a good game to play in vez de clase...or at least that's what I tell myself ;) I'm so glad I have such cool kids around (and that they want to hang out with me) - it makes a HUGE difference!

A bunch of folks were in town this weekend for the 4th of July celebration on Sunday, so it was a fun time seeing everyone. Got to spend some quality time with my Jennie and then we headed for Asuncion to meet up with the rest of the crew and go dancing. Danced until about 3:30am - still early here, but late enough for us. Sunday was a good time. Lots of folks came out to celebrate. The Marines here were selling beverages & playin volley ball, far cry from my cuz's experience so far - shout out to my cuz, Jeff, in Iraq - glad you're coming home soon!! No fireworks, but at least they had ice cream. Turned out to be a gorgeous day - sunny and low 80's...couldn't ask for a better winter day ;) Got to chat with a bunch of PCVs and trainees that I didn't know yet, so that was a bonus too.

Things are definitely going well. I'm loving every moment with my youth and am feeling more connected with my community every day. While there are certainly frustrations - strikes, meetings that don't happen, miscomunications... overall, I'm happy and making progress. Still doing lots of research about global warming and environmental education - if you have any good activities or info for either high school or little kids, please send it on! And Mary, thank you so much for the activity book for ninos!!!

Talked with Kris and baby Kaj is happy, healthy, and home :) Congrats again sister, I'm sooo happy for all of you!!!

Until next time,
Fuerza y amor - L