So yesterday I received not only 1, but 2 things in the mail! The first was a package from Mrs. Capozzola. When Maria, one of the other volunteers, brought in the mail today I could tell from a mile away it was for me thanks to the Arbonne box :). And even though I knew it was coming, it did not take away from the surprise or the excitement in the slightest. It was FULL of the most amazing things I think I’ve ever seen…aka Chips Ahoy cookies, Crystal Light packs (peach and pink lemonade – yum!), Pringles, as well as lots of goodies for my kids! AND in addition to this wonderful treasure trove of delicacies, I also received a fantabulous letter from the one and only Summer Finck…which completed the wonderfulness that was today :).
If anyone else feels the desire to send me a package/letter/post card, you can bet your bottom dollar it’s going to end up on here (ps – thanks for my card Ma ;-)!)
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Xela
This weekend, Carrie and I took a trip to Quetzaltenango, more commonly referred to here as Xela (pronounced SHAY-la). I didn’t really know what to expect from the weekend except for a lot of sleeping and relaxing. While there was a LOT of that, our weekend also consisted of: running into two former volunteers who we had just said goodbye to at NPH, meeting lots of locals, the most delicious sugar cookies I think I’ve ever eaten (thank you XelaPan!), breakfast burritos, the cutest puppy EVER, an impromptu parade by local marching bands (HECK YES – pictures below!) and lots of Cabro (aka local beer.)
If you aren’t really into hiking, there isn’t much to do in Xela, or at least…Carrie and I didn’t do anything in Xela haha. It’s the second biggest city in Guatemala (although that isn’t saying much) and it used to be known for its hot springs. Unfortunately, all of the hot springs were destroyed when Tormenta Agatha (Tropical Storm Agatha) wreaked its havoc on the country. BUMMER. Regardless, we were able to have a relaxing, while also fun and interesting weekend...
So! After about a 3 ½ hour trip on SEVERAL chicken buses, we arrived at our hostel where we would be sharing a room with 6 other people. Little did we know, but 2 of those people turned out to be Sarah and Jenny, two former volunteers who had JUST left NPH this past week :). The two had left with the intention of ending up in Nicaragua, only to be stopped by various visa issues. So instead, we ended up together in Xela as they were trekking their way BACK across Guatemala to get to Mexico.
Now Sarah and Jenny, being the wonderful, friendly people that they are, were able to introduce us to a lot of people they had met in their year and a half in Guatemala. As a result, we spent a lot of the weekend hanging out with their friends, partying, drinking tea in the park (ok so I had a mint McFlurry and they had teas – whatever…), AND were even fortunate enough to get a free ride back to NPH with one of our new friends :). SO! On Sunday, instead of riding back to NPH in an overcrowded chicken bus for about 4 hours, we arrived back at NPH in style in only 2 ½ hours :). What a great way to end a wonderful, relaxing weekend :).
MARCHING BAND IN XELA! HECK YES!
Carrie and cutest puppy ever!
Aforementioned cutest puppy ever :)
If you aren’t really into hiking, there isn’t much to do in Xela, or at least…Carrie and I didn’t do anything in Xela haha. It’s the second biggest city in Guatemala (although that isn’t saying much) and it used to be known for its hot springs. Unfortunately, all of the hot springs were destroyed when Tormenta Agatha (Tropical Storm Agatha) wreaked its havoc on the country. BUMMER. Regardless, we were able to have a relaxing, while also fun and interesting weekend...
So! After about a 3 ½ hour trip on SEVERAL chicken buses, we arrived at our hostel where we would be sharing a room with 6 other people. Little did we know, but 2 of those people turned out to be Sarah and Jenny, two former volunteers who had JUST left NPH this past week :). The two had left with the intention of ending up in Nicaragua, only to be stopped by various visa issues. So instead, we ended up together in Xela as they were trekking their way BACK across Guatemala to get to Mexico.
Now Sarah and Jenny, being the wonderful, friendly people that they are, were able to introduce us to a lot of people they had met in their year and a half in Guatemala. As a result, we spent a lot of the weekend hanging out with their friends, partying, drinking tea in the park (ok so I had a mint McFlurry and they had teas – whatever…), AND were even fortunate enough to get a free ride back to NPH with one of our new friends :). SO! On Sunday, instead of riding back to NPH in an overcrowded chicken bus for about 4 hours, we arrived back at NPH in style in only 2 ½ hours :). What a great way to end a wonderful, relaxing weekend :).
MARCHING BAND IN XELA! HECK YES!
Carrie and cutest puppy ever!
Aforementioned cutest puppy ever :)
Friday, July 23, 2010
I'm definitely new at this.
I've learned a few important lessons after my second full week of teaching here:
1. Things that work for one class do NOT work for other classes.
2. Even if I'm having the worst day ever, ONE CHILD will be able to make me feel better :).
Lesson 1. This week in 2 of my classes I had students create dialogues and then present them in front of the class. With my first class, I made the mistake of telling them they didn't have to do the assignment if they didn't want to and that if they chose this path, they would receive a zero for it. The thing is, things like that work in the US, but not in Guatemala. Students here don't really think of grades. All they want is to keep moving on in school, but they don't care HOW they move on, or how well they do (most of them anyway.) That being said, this was an awful idea. Regardless, after 15 minutes of sitting there staring at me and arguing with me over the assigments, all of my students eventually decided to present...and did pretty well :). Meanwhile, my older kids LOVED this assignment and jumped right in! I'm looking forward to their presentations on Monday!
Lesson 2. Yesterday I was having the worst day ever. I thought I had lost a whole bunch of stuff (long story but I eventually got it back...), my first class was terrible, I misplaced a whole stack of papers that I had copied and which were ready for class, and I was ridiculously tired. But then I went to my third class. They are the ones that terrified me from the get-go who are only about 5 years younger than me. In this class, each of the students has a journal where they write messages to me. The messages are completely private between myself and the student, and then I write back to them the next day. They have part of class to translate what I said and then respond back. It's a great way for the kids to practice writing with a native English speaker and it's one of my favorite activities in all my classes. Yesterday, after all the stressful things I had going on, I came back to the English room to read my students journals. One of my students had written a really nice journal entry and at the bottom had written "Oh, and I love you too."
I really like it here :)
1. Things that work for one class do NOT work for other classes.
2. Even if I'm having the worst day ever, ONE CHILD will be able to make me feel better :).
Lesson 1. This week in 2 of my classes I had students create dialogues and then present them in front of the class. With my first class, I made the mistake of telling them they didn't have to do the assignment if they didn't want to and that if they chose this path, they would receive a zero for it. The thing is, things like that work in the US, but not in Guatemala. Students here don't really think of grades. All they want is to keep moving on in school, but they don't care HOW they move on, or how well they do (most of them anyway.) That being said, this was an awful idea. Regardless, after 15 minutes of sitting there staring at me and arguing with me over the assigments, all of my students eventually decided to present...and did pretty well :). Meanwhile, my older kids LOVED this assignment and jumped right in! I'm looking forward to their presentations on Monday!
Lesson 2. Yesterday I was having the worst day ever. I thought I had lost a whole bunch of stuff (long story but I eventually got it back...), my first class was terrible, I misplaced a whole stack of papers that I had copied and which were ready for class, and I was ridiculously tired. But then I went to my third class. They are the ones that terrified me from the get-go who are only about 5 years younger than me. In this class, each of the students has a journal where they write messages to me. The messages are completely private between myself and the student, and then I write back to them the next day. They have part of class to translate what I said and then respond back. It's a great way for the kids to practice writing with a native English speaker and it's one of my favorite activities in all my classes. Yesterday, after all the stressful things I had going on, I came back to the English room to read my students journals. One of my students had written a really nice journal entry and at the bottom had written "Oh, and I love you too."
I really like it here :)
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Despedidas
On Friday night we had a despedida (going away party) for all of the volunteers who are leaving today. There are 5 volunteers who will be going back home: Dorothy and Volker (who have two little kids, Leon (6) and Natalie (2)), Jenny, Sarah, and Celeste. Even though I have only been here with them for 2 weeks, it makes me really sad to think about being here without them. Sarah and Jenny have been a HUGE help with my classes and I have been living with Dorothy and Volker’s family for the whole time that I have been here. I’m especially going to miss the little ones, although I will NOT miss being woken up to their screaming and singing about 2 hours earlier than I want to wake up on the weekends :-P.
For the kids, despedidas are basically like mini talent shows. The kids get to thank the volunteers who have been here for a year (or more) by preparing dance routines, singing songs, and saying speeches. Everyone participates from the babies (who did an ADORABLE dance about monkeys) to the oldest girls who, thanks to Sam, did a rousing rendition of Britney’s “I’m a slave for you” :). All of the kids put a lot into their routines and it really showed (enjoy the pictures below!) The despedidas are a really nice way to say goodbye, although I’m not looking forward to more any time soon! Good luck to all of the departing volunteers – we’ll miss you!
Dorothy and Natalie in the comedor
Dorothy, Sarah, Jenny, and Celeste at their despedida
Some of my girls getting ready to do their dance
Sam busting a move with the girls from her section
The little ones doing the “monkey dance”!
Me and Deisy, one of my students :)
Natalie in our house!
Enjoy the pictures!
For the kids, despedidas are basically like mini talent shows. The kids get to thank the volunteers who have been here for a year (or more) by preparing dance routines, singing songs, and saying speeches. Everyone participates from the babies (who did an ADORABLE dance about monkeys) to the oldest girls who, thanks to Sam, did a rousing rendition of Britney’s “I’m a slave for you” :). All of the kids put a lot into their routines and it really showed (enjoy the pictures below!) The despedidas are a really nice way to say goodbye, although I’m not looking forward to more any time soon! Good luck to all of the departing volunteers – we’ll miss you!
Dorothy and Natalie in the comedor
Dorothy, Sarah, Jenny, and Celeste at their despedida
Some of my girls getting ready to do their dance
Sam busting a move with the girls from her section
The little ones doing the “monkey dance”!
Me and Deisy, one of my students :)
Natalie in our house!
Enjoy the pictures!
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Camionetas
Thus far, my blogging experience has taught me one thing. That I’m really bad at keeping a blog. That, and that without internet it’s pretty hard for me to remember to write! I’m going to try to be better about it – I promise! Anyway, for now, here are some interesting facts about Guatemalan camionetas…
Here in Guatemala buses are the easiest way to get from point A to point B. A one way bus fair costs about 35cents and will take you basically anywhere you want to go. The part that I’m having a hard time grasping as an American who likes things to be done effectively and efficiently, is exactly HOW these buses work without a set schedule or set pick up and drop off locations. It’s quite fascinating.
A lot of the camionetas down here are buses from various parts of the US (we even have one down here from Williamsburg, VA!) They are taken and painted and decorated in various ways, and I think the seats MUST be moved closer together, because there is only about a foot between the seats. Regardless, on a camioneta, you will sit WAY too close to a stranger, have at least one person’s behind in your face, and/or be smushed against the person next to you for at least half the ride… but it is definitely the fastest and cheapest way to get where you need to be.
On each bus there is a person who is responsible for getting patrons to the right locations and collecting money from everyone. When you arrive at a “bus stop” (sometimes marked, sometimes not), they will ask you where you are going and either tell you to get on, or wait for the next bus. When you get on, you sit wherever you can find room. And I seriously mean that, even if it is basically on the lap of the person next to you! Also, they don’t collect the money when you get on the bus. The person in charge basically remembers where you got on and when you’re getting off, and then after a stop they come around and collect your fair. Somehow they always remember who has already paid and who has yet to pay. It’s like magic. And as an American, I still don’t understand…but it works :).
Here in Guatemala buses are the easiest way to get from point A to point B. A one way bus fair costs about 35cents and will take you basically anywhere you want to go. The part that I’m having a hard time grasping as an American who likes things to be done effectively and efficiently, is exactly HOW these buses work without a set schedule or set pick up and drop off locations. It’s quite fascinating.
A lot of the camionetas down here are buses from various parts of the US (we even have one down here from Williamsburg, VA!) They are taken and painted and decorated in various ways, and I think the seats MUST be moved closer together, because there is only about a foot between the seats. Regardless, on a camioneta, you will sit WAY too close to a stranger, have at least one person’s behind in your face, and/or be smushed against the person next to you for at least half the ride… but it is definitely the fastest and cheapest way to get where you need to be.
On each bus there is a person who is responsible for getting patrons to the right locations and collecting money from everyone. When you arrive at a “bus stop” (sometimes marked, sometimes not), they will ask you where you are going and either tell you to get on, or wait for the next bus. When you get on, you sit wherever you can find room. And I seriously mean that, even if it is basically on the lap of the person next to you! Also, they don’t collect the money when you get on the bus. The person in charge basically remembers where you got on and when you’re getting off, and then after a stop they come around and collect your fair. Somehow they always remember who has already paid and who has yet to pay. It’s like magic. And as an American, I still don’t understand…but it works :).
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
So I’m a teacher now??
Monday was my first day of teaching and I can honestly say I was petrified. I have taught plenty of classes before – reading classes, math classes, science classes – I got a lot of experience this past year – but I never had to actually PLAN any of those classes. The teacher would always just give me the plan for the day and say “do this.” Well. Now I need to plan my own classes…and that scares me just a little bit.
My first day of work went as well as I could have expected. Lots of faces in all 3 of my classes looking at me thinking “what the heck is she doing here and what happened to our REAL teacher?” I’m not going to lie – that was the thought that was going through my head too – “what the heck am I doing…I’M not a REAL teacher!”
Monday was a lot of: being scared, not knowing what I was doing: trying to figure out where my classes were in terms of their English level, and introductions. And even though I was with another English teacher for all of my classes, it was a scary day.
But Tuesday. Well, Tuesday was my day :). It was the first time I “flew solo” and it went really well! I came very prepared to my classes, and was able to fill the entire class period for them without boring the kids to death! My 3o class (Tercero – the equivalent of 9th grade) who had scared me the most on the first day were REALLY good – and I think they realized that I actually could teach them something new…and that maybe I wasn’t going to be the worst teacher on Earth :-p
We didn’t have class today because today is the “Dia de los Ti@s”, which basically meant that this morning, the kids didn’t have school, and the teachers and “aunts and uncles” (who take care of the children day in and day out) got to have fun and run around outside playing ridiculous games that are actually meant for children. WM people – think orientation: wayyyyyyy too hot outside, really enthusiastic kids telling you what to do, and all the while you have to play games and get to know other people whom you are going to work with, although not as much fun when you don’t REALLY speak the language! Anyway, it’s been a good, but VERY busy 2 days – of teaching, planning, and playing games :) but despite all the business, this is a wonderful place to be :).
My first day of work went as well as I could have expected. Lots of faces in all 3 of my classes looking at me thinking “what the heck is she doing here and what happened to our REAL teacher?” I’m not going to lie – that was the thought that was going through my head too – “what the heck am I doing…I’M not a REAL teacher!”
Monday was a lot of: being scared, not knowing what I was doing: trying to figure out where my classes were in terms of their English level, and introductions. And even though I was with another English teacher for all of my classes, it was a scary day.
But Tuesday. Well, Tuesday was my day :). It was the first time I “flew solo” and it went really well! I came very prepared to my classes, and was able to fill the entire class period for them without boring the kids to death! My 3o class (Tercero – the equivalent of 9th grade) who had scared me the most on the first day were REALLY good – and I think they realized that I actually could teach them something new…and that maybe I wasn’t going to be the worst teacher on Earth :-p
We didn’t have class today because today is the “Dia de los Ti@s”, which basically meant that this morning, the kids didn’t have school, and the teachers and “aunts and uncles” (who take care of the children day in and day out) got to have fun and run around outside playing ridiculous games that are actually meant for children. WM people – think orientation: wayyyyyyy too hot outside, really enthusiastic kids telling you what to do, and all the while you have to play games and get to know other people whom you are going to work with, although not as much fun when you don’t REALLY speak the language! Anyway, it’s been a good, but VERY busy 2 days – of teaching, planning, and playing games :) but despite all the business, this is a wonderful place to be :).
Sunday, July 11, 2010
La Copa Mundial
So in case you’ve been living under a rock, today was the final game of the 2010 World Cup. And drum roll please………………SPAIN WON!! (Hope I didn’t ruin that for anyone!) Anyway! We don’t really have TV’s here in the home, but for each world cup game, there has been a HUGE television screen put into the comedor (dining hall) for the kids to watch the games. I went today and sat with my section of girls and hung out with them during the game. I have never seen a more enthusiastic group of kids!
About 150 kids sat in the comedor watching the game, screaming every time there was a card given, a penalty kick, an almost goal – it was ridiculous. And for the most part, they were all rooting for Spain. When Spain scored their goal against the Netherlands you couldn’t hear a THING in the comedor over all of their screaming and yelling. Talk about enthusiastic futbol fans! When the game ended, the kids began jumping up and down and screaming, clapping and dancing and hugging each other – it was one of the most beautiful moments I’ve ever seen…and one that I won’t soon forget :). Here are a few pictures of the kids in the comedor…
Some of the kids and volunteers watching the game
Some of the girls in my section watching the game
Fatima, one of the girls in my section :)
Elvira, one of the girls in my section :)
Enma and Roquel, two of the girls in my section :)
Enjoy!
About 150 kids sat in the comedor watching the game, screaming every time there was a card given, a penalty kick, an almost goal – it was ridiculous. And for the most part, they were all rooting for Spain. When Spain scored their goal against the Netherlands you couldn’t hear a THING in the comedor over all of their screaming and yelling. Talk about enthusiastic futbol fans! When the game ended, the kids began jumping up and down and screaming, clapping and dancing and hugging each other – it was one of the most beautiful moments I’ve ever seen…and one that I won’t soon forget :). Here are a few pictures of the kids in the comedor…
Some of the kids and volunteers watching the game
Some of the girls in my section watching the game
Fatima, one of the girls in my section :)
Elvira, one of the girls in my section :)
Enma and Roquel, two of the girls in my section :)
Enjoy!
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Sections!
Yesterday was a very exciting day here at NPH :) It was the day that we got to pick our sections!
Each volunteer that comes to NPH gets assigned to a section of children. This means that basically we have a group of kids that we hang out with twice a week for about 2 hours each time (or more if you want!) It may sound like another obligation for us, but every time I talk to an old volunteer, they say that it is the best way to get to know a lot of the kids and that it's their favorite time of the week :)
Yesterday we picked our sections and I'm going to be working with "Los Angeles"! My section is a group of 18 girls between the ages of 9 and 11 and they are ADORABLE! Don't worry - there will be pictures to come soon :) My section actually has 2 new volunteers, myself, and Corinna, a volunteer from Germany. The girls are SO excited and I (obviously) am too :) I can't wait to get to know them and share this year with them :)
Each volunteer that comes to NPH gets assigned to a section of children. This means that basically we have a group of kids that we hang out with twice a week for about 2 hours each time (or more if you want!) It may sound like another obligation for us, but every time I talk to an old volunteer, they say that it is the best way to get to know a lot of the kids and that it's their favorite time of the week :)
Yesterday we picked our sections and I'm going to be working with "Los Angeles"! My section is a group of 18 girls between the ages of 9 and 11 and they are ADORABLE! Don't worry - there will be pictures to come soon :) My section actually has 2 new volunteers, myself, and Corinna, a volunteer from Germany. The girls are SO excited and I (obviously) am too :) I can't wait to get to know them and share this year with them :)
Thursday, July 8, 2010
It's been a while...
Hello everyone! Sorry for the lack of response since I've been gone! This week is orientation for the voluntarios nuevos and I am EXHAUSTED! We start every day around 8 and end aroud 8 at night, sometimes later - not to mention the fact that all of this spanish is killing my brain! It has been quite a long few days but very exciting as well :). Little by little I am meeting the kids and getting to know them, although I must say I have a lot more to learn! So far this week we have: gotten a tour of all the facilities (including all 3 of the campuses that we have, met with the heads of all the sections of the children (more on that at a later date), learned about the philosophy behind NPH, met most of the staff members,etc. It has been quite a full few days! Now to explain some of the above...
The philosophy of NPH is that all children will be raised with a Christian background, learn responsibilities, share that which they have with others, get a good education, and be able to be productive members of society, all while living in a permanent residence where they can grow and be loved.
The children at NPH are provided with all of the things they need in order to grow up and be responsible individuals who care deeply for their family, the other children at the home. In addition, the hope is that NPH is a PERMANENT home for the children here. None of the children at NPH are adopted out. The reason behind this is that it eliminates the fear for the children that they will be separated from their family here (blood family, but also friends and people with whom they have grown up.) While many people think it might be better for the kids, here, it's said that the children have everthing that they need, and they can grow up in an environment without even more changes than they've already had in their life, while also having everything that they need, something they may not have outside of the home. In addition, they are loved unconditionally by everyone here - the staff, volunteers, and their brothers and sisters in the home - all 350 of them :).
Here, the kids receive clothes, toiletries, and food from the home, as well as a good education. In return, the children learn responsibilities by doing various chores for themselves, around their own little casa, as well as the entire home. Most of the older children are required to do their own laundry by hand and make their beds every day. In addition, the chores of the house vary depending on the ages of the children, but they can range from: washing dishes to cleaning the floors, to taking out the trash, to be in charge of all the dinner supplies (here, we carry plates, cups, and utensils to every meal and then wash them ourselves afterward).
Around the larger home (in the NPH community), many of the children work in various parts (in the office, helping out with the younger children, in the garden, or in the kitchen) and have different responsibilities. Don't worry - the kids have LOTS of time to play! Even though they have lots of chores here, the idea is that they grow up to be conscientious members of society who have a lot of experience in a lot of different fields. By having so many responsibilities, the kids learn to look after one another, while at the same time learning how to take care of themselves once they leave the home. It may sound like they do a lot of work, and it's true they do a LOT, but the kids never complain about the work, and are always happy to help with a smile on their faces. One big difference between the kids here and the kids in the US (while there are a lot), is that these kids are more than willing to help ANYONE who needs it, and they are always smiling. I love that :)
Anyway, I think this is enough for now - I'll bore you with more details later. But for now, know that this is a wonderful place to be, and that while I am very tired, I am enjoying every minute of it :) Hasta luego!
The philosophy of NPH is that all children will be raised with a Christian background, learn responsibilities, share that which they have with others, get a good education, and be able to be productive members of society, all while living in a permanent residence where they can grow and be loved.
The children at NPH are provided with all of the things they need in order to grow up and be responsible individuals who care deeply for their family, the other children at the home. In addition, the hope is that NPH is a PERMANENT home for the children here. None of the children at NPH are adopted out. The reason behind this is that it eliminates the fear for the children that they will be separated from their family here (blood family, but also friends and people with whom they have grown up.) While many people think it might be better for the kids, here, it's said that the children have everthing that they need, and they can grow up in an environment without even more changes than they've already had in their life, while also having everything that they need, something they may not have outside of the home. In addition, they are loved unconditionally by everyone here - the staff, volunteers, and their brothers and sisters in the home - all 350 of them :).
Here, the kids receive clothes, toiletries, and food from the home, as well as a good education. In return, the children learn responsibilities by doing various chores for themselves, around their own little casa, as well as the entire home. Most of the older children are required to do their own laundry by hand and make their beds every day. In addition, the chores of the house vary depending on the ages of the children, but they can range from: washing dishes to cleaning the floors, to taking out the trash, to be in charge of all the dinner supplies (here, we carry plates, cups, and utensils to every meal and then wash them ourselves afterward).
Around the larger home (in the NPH community), many of the children work in various parts (in the office, helping out with the younger children, in the garden, or in the kitchen) and have different responsibilities. Don't worry - the kids have LOTS of time to play! Even though they have lots of chores here, the idea is that they grow up to be conscientious members of society who have a lot of experience in a lot of different fields. By having so many responsibilities, the kids learn to look after one another, while at the same time learning how to take care of themselves once they leave the home. It may sound like they do a lot of work, and it's true they do a LOT, but the kids never complain about the work, and are always happy to help with a smile on their faces. One big difference between the kids here and the kids in the US (while there are a lot), is that these kids are more than willing to help ANYONE who needs it, and they are always smiling. I love that :)
Anyway, I think this is enough for now - I'll bore you with more details later. But for now, know that this is a wonderful place to be, and that while I am very tired, I am enjoying every minute of it :) Hasta luego!
Monday, July 5, 2010
Un hogar nuevo
Hola a todos! Hello from Guatemala! I arrived yesterday and am safe and sound here, although it has been quite a whirlwind day and a half! I got to the airport yesterday around 5 pm and was ready to check my bags, when I was informed by the man giving me my tickets that he would not allow me to leave the country without a return ticket, because I would most likely be stopped by customs in Guatemala and deported. So I had to buy a ticket last minute. Back to the states. For $400. I was NOT happy about it, but it is fully refundable, so I can use the credit for another trip somewhere else – hopefully back to the states for un poco vacacion :)
After a long and arduous trip, thinking that I lost my wallet (don’t worry I’m just an idiot and put it in a different bag…), and about 15 hours of travelling total, we arrived at the NPH house and were given our housing assignments. Unfortunately I cannot move into my house for another 2 weeks because the old volunteer is stilling living there, but once I move out of the visitors’ house, I will be living with 3 guys and 3 girls. One guy is from Germany and all the rest are American, and 2 of them are married – so cute! My house is REALLY nice, although very cluttered. All of the girls have already talked about it and we’re going to clean EVERYTHING when we can finally move in – I’m very excited – you know how much I like to clean :)
In other news, today was my first day of orientation here. Let’s just say it was a VERY long day of trying to understand a lot of Spanish and getting very confused. However, our volunteer coordinator has very good English and was able to say everything in Spanish and then translate into English. There are 11 new volunteers who started today at NPH – 9 from the US, and 2 from Germany. The English translations are VERY helpful…to most of us anyway :-p and after one day I already feel my Spanish improving – imagine what will happen after a year!
Anyhoo, I just wanted everyone to know that I have arrived safely, that everything is going well, the food is actually a lot better than I was expecting (!), and that todo esta bien. Now it’s time for me to head to a bonfire :) Hasta manana!
After a long and arduous trip, thinking that I lost my wallet (don’t worry I’m just an idiot and put it in a different bag…), and about 15 hours of travelling total, we arrived at the NPH house and were given our housing assignments. Unfortunately I cannot move into my house for another 2 weeks because the old volunteer is stilling living there, but once I move out of the visitors’ house, I will be living with 3 guys and 3 girls. One guy is from Germany and all the rest are American, and 2 of them are married – so cute! My house is REALLY nice, although very cluttered. All of the girls have already talked about it and we’re going to clean EVERYTHING when we can finally move in – I’m very excited – you know how much I like to clean :)
In other news, today was my first day of orientation here. Let’s just say it was a VERY long day of trying to understand a lot of Spanish and getting very confused. However, our volunteer coordinator has very good English and was able to say everything in Spanish and then translate into English. There are 11 new volunteers who started today at NPH – 9 from the US, and 2 from Germany. The English translations are VERY helpful…to most of us anyway :-p and after one day I already feel my Spanish improving – imagine what will happen after a year!
Anyhoo, I just wanted everyone to know that I have arrived safely, that everything is going well, the food is actually a lot better than I was expecting (!), and that todo esta bien. Now it’s time for me to head to a bonfire :) Hasta manana!
Saturday, July 3, 2010
On my way
It's finally here. The eve of my departure. And I still don't feel like I'm going. Despite having 3 1/2 months to plan, pack, and prepare, it still doesn't feel real. And although I feel like I should be floating on air right now, embarking on most likely the biggest journey of my life, I can't help but just feel sad and scared. I know it will be a very tough transition, and that things will get better over time, but right now I'm overwhelmed by the sadness of leaving so many people I love so dearly.
Thank you to all of my family and friends who have been here to support me thus far, I greatly appreciate everything. I'm going to try my hardest to update my blog as frequently as possible and to catch up with everyone whenever I can. Please don't forget to stay in touch!
I love you all :) Hasta pronto!
Thank you to all of my family and friends who have been here to support me thus far, I greatly appreciate everything. I'm going to try my hardest to update my blog as frequently as possible and to catch up with everyone whenever I can. Please don't forget to stay in touch!
I love you all :) Hasta pronto!
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Feliz cumpleanos Madre!
Happy birthday Mom :) and now, a haiku poem for you.
My mom is the best!
She always takes care of me.
Happy birthday Ma!
and an acrostic poem...
My mommy is very good to me
On days ending in "y" she loves me and lets me know :)
My mama deserves to have the bestest birthday ever.
Now you have 2 poems.
I LOVE YOU!
My mom is the best!
She always takes care of me.
Happy birthday Ma!
and an acrostic poem...
My mommy is very good to me
On days ending in "y" she loves me and lets me know :)
My mama deserves to have the bestest birthday ever.
Now you have 2 poems.
I LOVE YOU!
Getting there...
So. I have successfully packed 2 bags, 47 lbs and 49 lbs. Who would've thought?! Now all that's left is last minute packing and saying goodbye. BUT since I'm not ready for that, I figured I'd make a list of things I'm going to miss about living in the US of A...aka things that you can send me if you're thinking "I miss Jess so much and would love to cheer her up!"
SO! I will miss:
my family and friends and boyfriend (of course :-p)
sour patch kids
snickers bars
peanut butter
glee
doritos
ice (ok, so you can't send this one, but it doesn't mean i won't miss it)
propel powder packs
cup of noodles
chips ahoy cookies
chewy granola bars
sour cream and onion chips
now i KNOW things will be added to this list over time, but for now, these are the things I think I'll miss the most. feel free to cheer me up ;-)
SO! I will miss:
my family and friends and boyfriend (of course :-p)
sour patch kids
snickers bars
peanut butter
glee
doritos
ice (ok, so you can't send this one, but it doesn't mean i won't miss it)
propel powder packs
cup of noodles
chips ahoy cookies
chewy granola bars
sour cream and onion chips
now i KNOW things will be added to this list over time, but for now, these are the things I think I'll miss the most. feel free to cheer me up ;-)
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