Well, its been awhile since I´ve updated anyone. I am now in my second living place in a city called Talanga. Our whole Youth Development group is here for about 6 weeks...at the end of which (Sept. 8th) we´ll be finding out where we´re living for the next two years! After we leave here we go back to our first site for an additional two weeks.
My living situation is different...its taken a few days to get used to. I live with a family who has 3 children and a nephew living with them...all are adults between the ages of 35-26. They´re nice, but sometimes a little quite and I still am not very good at interacting with families. I often don´t know what to say to them. The house is nice; my room is detached from the house so I am woken up every night by the dogs barking outside my room...then the rooster starts in between 4:30 and 5:30am. There is no indoor plumbing so I have learned how to flush a toilet with a bucket of water. There is a shower, but water comes out in two small, unpressured streams. So they said its better/easier to just bucket bath it. Its really hard getting up at 5:30 knowing that I have to throw cold water on myself. Showering at night doesn´t really happen here. There are also no lights in the shower/toilet. Which both are seperate small stall-like rooms. The shower area is about 3*4ft...and the toilet even smaller. Like I said, its taken some adjustment. Its not bad, just different. :o) And tomorrow I learn how to wash my clothes by hand in the pila (like a large sink/water storage area).
Besides that things have been good...training keeps us quite busy. I´m trying not to get sick again...I got a bacteria about two weeks ago...and that was no fun at all. My spanish is (I hope!) improving. There´s a lot that I´ve forgotten, but its slowly starting to come back to me. I´m sure within a few months I´ll be where I should be speaking-wise.
I just finished reading Animal, Vegetable, Miracle. It was a great book, but made me really miss all the opportunities that were in California. As of right now, I definately see myself going back there. I miss all the fresh fruits and veggies! Especially without worrying if they would make me sick or not. I love beans, eggs and tortillas...but its not the most healthy meal. My family does like to eat veggie soup...but I´m sure it has a decent amount of oil. They use a lot of oil, salt and sugar in their food. One reason why I can´t wait to live alone!
Unfortunately I don´t have any pics of the area yet. Maybe soon...
As far as packages, I don´t need anything yet. Amy and my parents are sending me some things...chocolate! Take care...Peace Out and Much Love!
Saturday, August 9, 2008
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Adventure of a lifetime!
I'm about to take off...currently sitting in my hotel room in Washington DC wondering if I'm actually going to get to sleep since we have to meet up in the lobby at 2:30am. The last two nights have been lacking in that department...
Orientation went really well and its a good group of trainees. It wasn't until this afternoon that it started to really hit me that the following morning I would finally be in Honduras. I'm excited, anxious and nervous all at the same time. I can't stop thinking about everything...wondering what its going to be like. I will find out soon enough!
On that note, the training location has changed to a city where there are no internet cafes and families most likely don't have internet in their houses. So there don't expect to hear much out of me for the first month or so. I will keep journaling and have something ready to post when I do get a chance at the internet again, as I'm sure there will be a lot to update on. With that said, I'm going to get a little rest before I have to get up again. We aren't flying into the capital due to the plane crash that happened the beginning of May, so tomorrow we have a 5-6 hour bus ride to get to the training site. I plan to catch up on sleep then! :o)
Take care and much love!
Orientation went really well and its a good group of trainees. It wasn't until this afternoon that it started to really hit me that the following morning I would finally be in Honduras. I'm excited, anxious and nervous all at the same time. I can't stop thinking about everything...wondering what its going to be like. I will find out soon enough!
On that note, the training location has changed to a city where there are no internet cafes and families most likely don't have internet in their houses. So there don't expect to hear much out of me for the first month or so. I will keep journaling and have something ready to post when I do get a chance at the internet again, as I'm sure there will be a lot to update on. With that said, I'm going to get a little rest before I have to get up again. We aren't flying into the capital due to the plane crash that happened the beginning of May, so tomorrow we have a 5-6 hour bus ride to get to the training site. I plan to catch up on sleep then! :o)
Take care and much love!
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Michigan in a week!
As the days are dwindling down I find it harder and harder to believe that I'm really leaving. I don't think it will hit me until right before I take off for DC! I know that these things are coming up but until I'm stepping on a plane or getting in a car to drive across the country, it doesn't quite seem real. I've been in California for just over two years and as much as I complain and say how much I hate Orange County, it can really grow on a person.
I try not to get too upset but its hard not to keep thinking "This is the last time I'll be doing _____." I was much better this week than I was the previous...way too emotional for a while. It always seems that as soon as I feel like I have a life somewhere, I pick up and leave again. That is my choice...and right now, I don't think I'd really want it any other way. There's so much to do and experience. I've made some great friends here and have wonderful memories... and I look forward to keeping in touch with everyone and seeing how we all are going to grow, learn and develop into our true selves. On that note...make sure that I keep in touch with you! Haha...I sometimes am not so great at that; I realize it and I apologize ahead of time. Its not that I've forgotten or don't care, but sometimes I need a good kick in the dupa!
I try not to get too upset but its hard not to keep thinking "This is the last time I'll be doing _____." I was much better this week than I was the previous...way too emotional for a while. It always seems that as soon as I feel like I have a life somewhere, I pick up and leave again. That is my choice...and right now, I don't think I'd really want it any other way. There's so much to do and experience. I've made some great friends here and have wonderful memories... and I look forward to keeping in touch with everyone and seeing how we all are going to grow, learn and develop into our true selves. On that note...make sure that I keep in touch with you! Haha...I sometimes am not so great at that; I realize it and I apologize ahead of time. Its not that I've forgotten or don't care, but sometimes I need a good kick in the dupa!
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Life Condensed...
I'm currently living out of a bag and crashing with a friend. I've been able to condense my things down to 1 hockey bag of clothes (which about 1/3 are work-related...and too big since I've lost weight...so they will not be traveling any further than Anaheim), 1 suitcase that's half-full with toiletries and a few electronics...and I mailed home a box of things to Michigan. My life officially could fit into a Mini Cooper. And I'd still have room for 2 passengers.
Its humbling...I like to not be tied down by my posessions or feel that they control my life. Its also sad in a way, but its the way it must be, eh?
Its humbling...I like to not be tied down by my posessions or feel that they control my life. Its also sad in a way, but its the way it must be, eh?
Friday, May 23, 2008
Peace Corps Aspiration Statment
After putting it off, getting ideas from others, then finally sitting down at the coffee house for about 3 hours with Ian...I was finally able to finish my aspiration statemtent. I figured I'd post it...so you all can get inside my head a little. And those who are spending time searching blogs for ideas (like I did) can hopefully have another piece of guidance. For questions regarding the post-invite resume...I'm not so much help! I had already altered my resume for the initial application...so I just added some coursework and a few other little things. I was so dead after working so long on the aspiration statement, that I went home, copied and pasted my resume into the format they wanted and went to bed. It was already a day late...I just wanted to be done with it and not stress anymore...at least about that. The only thing I will post is my interests/hobbies, which are as follows: Hiking, Sports, Reading, Baking, Music, Dancing at Grateful Dead Cover Band Shows. I hope the staff in Honduras have a bit of a sense of humor! Its all truth...
Aspiration Statement
Honduras - Youth Development
July 9th, 2008
A. The professional attributes that you plan to use, and what aspirations you hope to fulfill, during your Peace Corps Service.
I plan on using both my leadership skills as well as my ability to step back and learn from those who know more than me. I aspire to be an active observer during my Peace Corps service. I want to first understand the needs of my community and only then, when I understand these needs, can I step forward and facilitate change within my project.
B. Your strategies for working effectively with host country partners to meet expressed needs.
I believe that the most effective strategy in working with the host country will be to listen to their needs and concerns, then make sure their ideas are incorporated into the projects I carry out. It sounds simple enough, but I think people can be hesitant to take on projects in an area that they aren’t well versed in. Instead of stepping out of their comfort zone, they stick with what they know. While this can produce terrific results, if it doesn’t meet the needs of the community it’s not going to last long-term. When the community feels they have a say in a matter and are included, they are more willing to participate, which in turn creates a sense of pride and ownership and produces a sustainable program that will be carried on.
After building a relationship with the community and coming up with some agreed upon goals, what is the next step in working to effectively address them? Connect groups on a peer-to-peer level. Peer groups are social phenomenon which creates the day to day reality that young people live in. Youth often feel that they have neither the voice nor the means to directly influence change. As a group, they can more freely express their ideas and concerns without the fear of marginalization. Peer groups can directly address the present while building skills that will last into the future.
C. Your strategies for adapting to a new culture with respect to your own cultural background.
This can be tricky. It’s important to assimilate to the society that you are living in, but you don’t completely want to lose yourself either. I think my nature to see things across the spectrum instead of just black and white will greatly help me. I am more than ready to embrace the culture and become a part of it. While in the Dominican Republic, I found it easy for the most part to adapt as the people I met were very hospitable and wanted to make sure I was included in every way. I feel that my time living there has also given me the ability to easily transition to Honduras.
I don’t feel there are any strong cultural beliefs that are going to inhibit me from accomplishing this. I feel like somewhat of a chameleon in life, able to adapt and mold to new settings with fairly little conflict. This is partially due to the fact that I have had very supportive parents. While diversity was not big in my hometown (population ~300), they made sure that we were conscious of the differences between people in the world and that there is no one “right” way to do things. Between this and my family hosting many exchange students over the last 8 years, I am very aware of the different cultural norms, beliefs and attitudes that people may have.
D. The skills and knowledge you hope to gain during pre-service training to best serve your future community and project.
During pre-service training, I hope to gain a better understand on the modern history and current political situations in Honduras. The issues currently affecting the country can make a huge difference in the mind-set of the people. It is also important to understand where some of the current beliefs and attitudes are stemming, especially when looking at the history between Honduras and the United States, since there can be some mixed feelings towards Peace Corps Volunteers, one needs to be aware of why. I also believe that following current trends and issues will improve the effectiveness of the projects that are being carried out.
I also hope to gain valuable skills in learning how to work with a variety of age groups. I have a background in working with young children and their families and would benefit from a deeper understanding of how to apply this experience to the classroom setting.
Language training will also be vital in helping me during my time in Honduras. I would like to develop the ability to effectively convey my ideas to others, in addition to ways of introducing unfamiliar concepts. Job/area specific terminology along with local or country-specific words will be of use, especially for those terms that don’t often come up in casual conversations with friends.
E. How do you think Peace Corps service will influence your personal and professional aspirations after your service ends?
Upon successful completion of my service, I will have developed a skill set that will allow me to pursue non-traditional job opportunities. I feel that the Peace Corps offers me the chance to combine my passion for participating in direct service, while also engaging in an administrative capacity. Discovering this balance will fulfill me personally, thus guiding my professional attainment.
Aspiration Statement
Honduras - Youth Development
July 9th, 2008
A. The professional attributes that you plan to use, and what aspirations you hope to fulfill, during your Peace Corps Service.
I plan on using both my leadership skills as well as my ability to step back and learn from those who know more than me. I aspire to be an active observer during my Peace Corps service. I want to first understand the needs of my community and only then, when I understand these needs, can I step forward and facilitate change within my project.
B. Your strategies for working effectively with host country partners to meet expressed needs.
I believe that the most effective strategy in working with the host country will be to listen to their needs and concerns, then make sure their ideas are incorporated into the projects I carry out. It sounds simple enough, but I think people can be hesitant to take on projects in an area that they aren’t well versed in. Instead of stepping out of their comfort zone, they stick with what they know. While this can produce terrific results, if it doesn’t meet the needs of the community it’s not going to last long-term. When the community feels they have a say in a matter and are included, they are more willing to participate, which in turn creates a sense of pride and ownership and produces a sustainable program that will be carried on.
After building a relationship with the community and coming up with some agreed upon goals, what is the next step in working to effectively address them? Connect groups on a peer-to-peer level. Peer groups are social phenomenon which creates the day to day reality that young people live in. Youth often feel that they have neither the voice nor the means to directly influence change. As a group, they can more freely express their ideas and concerns without the fear of marginalization. Peer groups can directly address the present while building skills that will last into the future.
C. Your strategies for adapting to a new culture with respect to your own cultural background.
This can be tricky. It’s important to assimilate to the society that you are living in, but you don’t completely want to lose yourself either. I think my nature to see things across the spectrum instead of just black and white will greatly help me. I am more than ready to embrace the culture and become a part of it. While in the Dominican Republic, I found it easy for the most part to adapt as the people I met were very hospitable and wanted to make sure I was included in every way. I feel that my time living there has also given me the ability to easily transition to Honduras.
I don’t feel there are any strong cultural beliefs that are going to inhibit me from accomplishing this. I feel like somewhat of a chameleon in life, able to adapt and mold to new settings with fairly little conflict. This is partially due to the fact that I have had very supportive parents. While diversity was not big in my hometown (population ~300), they made sure that we were conscious of the differences between people in the world and that there is no one “right” way to do things. Between this and my family hosting many exchange students over the last 8 years, I am very aware of the different cultural norms, beliefs and attitudes that people may have.
D. The skills and knowledge you hope to gain during pre-service training to best serve your future community and project.
During pre-service training, I hope to gain a better understand on the modern history and current political situations in Honduras. The issues currently affecting the country can make a huge difference in the mind-set of the people. It is also important to understand where some of the current beliefs and attitudes are stemming, especially when looking at the history between Honduras and the United States, since there can be some mixed feelings towards Peace Corps Volunteers, one needs to be aware of why. I also believe that following current trends and issues will improve the effectiveness of the projects that are being carried out.
I also hope to gain valuable skills in learning how to work with a variety of age groups. I have a background in working with young children and their families and would benefit from a deeper understanding of how to apply this experience to the classroom setting.
Language training will also be vital in helping me during my time in Honduras. I would like to develop the ability to effectively convey my ideas to others, in addition to ways of introducing unfamiliar concepts. Job/area specific terminology along with local or country-specific words will be of use, especially for those terms that don’t often come up in casual conversations with friends.
E. How do you think Peace Corps service will influence your personal and professional aspirations after your service ends?
Upon successful completion of my service, I will have developed a skill set that will allow me to pursue non-traditional job opportunities. I feel that the Peace Corps offers me the chance to combine my passion for participating in direct service, while also engaging in an administrative capacity. Discovering this balance will fulfill me personally, thus guiding my professional attainment.
Monday, May 12, 2008
First Post!
It's starting to settle in...that I'm really going. I kinda figured I would be and that's what I told most people, but now its really happening. I'm excited, scared, nervous, anxious all at the same time. I haven't yet gotten much of a chance to do a lot of leisurely research on Honduras or what other PCVs have done there. These first two weeks are going to be crazy. I got a call on the 1st of May from the Placement Office in DC and I was told that I was being invited and they were going to overnight my package the next day. What a weekend...waiting until Monday...anxiously awaiting what country it was going to be. Then to sit through work all day...it was quite an unproductive day.
I told my supervisors on Wednesday, which was a huge weight off my shoulders. It was hard...I really like where I'm working now, but I truely believe that this is the best decision for this point in my life. I've waited and passed up other opportunites to (possibly) do Peace Corps in the past, I couldn't let it get by me again. I think I would have deeply regretted it and not been as happy or productive at work. We're telling the rest of the staff at our montly meeting this afternoon. It will be nice not to have to be hush-hush about it.
Right now I'm trying to focus on getting my room rented out and making sure my finances are in place. Once that's cleared up, I'll be able to relax a little more...I'm still stressing about it at this point though. This weeks to do list: aspiration statement, resume, passport info, clean and pack as much as possible and try to find a subleasor!
I told my supervisors on Wednesday, which was a huge weight off my shoulders. It was hard...I really like where I'm working now, but I truely believe that this is the best decision for this point in my life. I've waited and passed up other opportunites to (possibly) do Peace Corps in the past, I couldn't let it get by me again. I think I would have deeply regretted it and not been as happy or productive at work. We're telling the rest of the staff at our montly meeting this afternoon. It will be nice not to have to be hush-hush about it.
Right now I'm trying to focus on getting my room rented out and making sure my finances are in place. Once that's cleared up, I'll be able to relax a little more...I'm still stressing about it at this point though. This weeks to do list: aspiration statement, resume, passport info, clean and pack as much as possible and try to find a subleasor!
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