I know...it's been too long since you've all gotten a proper update. What can I say...it's been busy! Dia del Nino turned into two weeks of Chocolatadas (where we play games, eat cookies, drink hot cocoa and harass the clowns), which meant lots of prep and going door to door to request donations. Canvassing the neighborhood and interacting with folks we don't normally chat with meant the development of some new relationships/contacts and an opportunity for the youth group to be recognized. The group is already gaining a positive reputation and becoming more known in the community thanks to the hard-working youth and an abundance of work to be done.
We are developing a relationship with a new Disco Pub that is scheduled to open in the near future, providing the Municipality OKs it...there has been some opposition from community members whose homes back up to the Disco, so our youth group developed a survey to take door to door to get the opinion of the community at large. So far, responses have been favorable because both youth and their parents prefer them to be close to home, especially late at night. The Disco is about 3 blocks from my house and provided they keep it secure and clean would be a great addition to the neighborhood. The owners are making our group T-shirts (with our group name as well as the name of the Disco) to wear when we have events or go door to door, and I'm hopeful we can work on developing positive activities for youth using their space (it's enormous!) such as Youth Night (dance night w/o alcohol) or as a space for youth to get together for informal classes such as English.
PC just celebrated 40 years in Paraguay with a visit from the Director of Peace Corps, Ron Tschetter, his wife, and the Regional Director, Allene Zanger. It was a weekend full of events and all went well. As an NVAC representative, I was invited to lunch with the Directors...turns out they are really good folk! Laid back, down to earth and genuine. Truly, I was impressed.
Been working with the Gender and Development (GAD) Committee on a leadership camp that we'll be putting on in Februrary and the Beca (scholarship) Program, which provides scholarships to women in PY to study at the University and Vocational levels. I'll be sending out more information on the Beca program soon and asking in lieu of a birthday present (if you wanted to get me something for my 30th) that you make a small donation. No amount is too small - it costs just $150/year for vocational programs and $350/year to attend University, and the benefits these young women receive as a result are priceless!
Charlas in the colegio continue to go well...completed the last of the Environmental Education charlas for now and am moving into Self-Esteem (one class is already working on this theme). Also partnering with a social service organization in the area to do more charlas outside of the colegio in the areas of Family Planning, Employment, Relationships, etc.
And no, I don't JUST work...I have some semblance of a social life as well. Have made some good friends within Peace Corps as well as in my community. Dancing is big here, and thank goodness because I love to dance! Have had the opportunity to check out some live music and will hopefully be going to see some live Jazz pretty soon at a little bar called Bohemia. And I'm close enough to Asuncion that I can go to the movies easily or catch up with friends when they come to town from other parts of the country. I'm also invited, qualquiere momento, to watch telenovelas with my youth...imagine soap operas in the states and take them down about 10 notches in terms of acting, plot, and videography and you've got telenovelas ;) Almost painful to watch, but people here love them so I endure.
Think that's about all for now...a doosey, I know. Until next time, be well, be happy, give hugs and love freely, and smile! :)
xoxo, L
Simon says "toca su cola"
Campamento fun...
full on tackle followed...
Maracas out of recycled bottles and beans...
Merienda time (snacks)
Yep...I've got the prizes
