-Habitat for Humanity (Areguá) 5/7--5/12/2012
Manuel (seasoned volunteer and semi-neighbor) sent out a
want add via Facebook about Habitat por la Humanidad being hosted in his town called Areguá
(aka Strawberry City) and the organization’s strong interest in working
alongside Peace Corps volunteers. Obviously this appeal stems from our
reputations as being super guap@s (very hardworking), but more
importantly we’re bilingual. Our main duty was to consist of acting as the
liaison between the Paraguayan masons and the non-Spanish speaking volunteers.
I’d heard Habitat for Humanity name floated
around a few times back in the States, but I never knew exactly how it operated.
So, with my curiosity intact along with the proximity of the worksite itself, I
decided to help out. The experience was not at all like I was expecting. The
hours were long (7am-5pm with only an hour break for lunch), it seemed like we
were being rushed (I later learned we actually were. The typical Habitat build consists of a minimum two
week stint, and ours was to be done in just one), I happened to be assigned to
the sole group with just local volunteers (which meant less translating and
more manual labor) and no, it was not strawberry season yet. However,
with all of these cons aside, I have no regrets. I was a member of the only
team (out of 10) to complete the effort within the week as originally planned.
Yet even more rewarding is the fact that I aided in the construction of
something substantial for a family in need, thus making all of the sweat,
mosquito bites, muscle soreness, and fatigue seem like a petty price to pay. By
no means whatsoever did I leave empty. I took with me and will carry forever memories
of wide smiles and tearful, elongated goodbyes. Oh, and just in case the gratitude
wasn’t demonstrated strongly enough, I also hopped a bus back with Snow White
and the Seven Dwarfs home in tow (true story, lol).
-Olympics-Inspired Exercise Camp (Yegros) 7/12/2012
Jamie (G-mate and closest neighbor) called me up one day
during Winter Break and notified me she was having an exercise camp. It was set
to take place over two half-days and to be held at her home
(just one bus and 20 minutes away from Isla). She asked if I could come for either or both days and due to a prior commitment I informed her I couldn’t do Saturday. However, I assured her I would be present for Friday (After all Jamie had been generous enough to assist me two years in a row with the Learn Serve group, so it was the least I could do. Not to mention she’s a pretty spunky/fun person to be around J) I then phoned David (a friend and English student) who loves to volunteer whenever given the chance, and he happily agreed to come along to aid as well. We arrived and were greeted by Jamie, Brendan (another G-mate) and about 40 children. After being given the low-down of the day’s agenda and distributing nametags bearing flags of South Africa, Australia, Canada, and Greece to one another then to each camper, the activities began. Things were kicked off with a little Flag Football game (moderated without the football), and then it was free play while merienda (snack) was prepared. Next we divided into two groups by age: the older kids to play Dodgeball in the neighborhood cancha (field) with Jaime and Brendan, and the younger ones stayed behind with David and I to play Wall-ball and color (or complete an Olympics Word Search if desired.) We united once more for a brief history of the actual Olympic games (from where they originated, what the Olympic rings on the flag represent, how the traditions are still carried out today, etc.) And we ended the morning with a Paraguayan crowd pleaser and friendly game of Bingo (Olympics-style of course). The winners (and later all participants) took home a brand new toothbrush and mini tube of toothpaste. It was an all around good time for David, myself, and the kids! Also, as an added bonus Jaime was even gracious enough to cook lunch for us so, yeah I’d say we left feeling more than satisfied J
(just one bus and 20 minutes away from Isla). She asked if I could come for either or both days and due to a prior commitment I informed her I couldn’t do Saturday. However, I assured her I would be present for Friday (After all Jamie had been generous enough to assist me two years in a row with the Learn Serve group, so it was the least I could do. Not to mention she’s a pretty spunky/fun person to be around J) I then phoned David (a friend and English student) who loves to volunteer whenever given the chance, and he happily agreed to come along to aid as well. We arrived and were greeted by Jamie, Brendan (another G-mate) and about 40 children. After being given the low-down of the day’s agenda and distributing nametags bearing flags of South Africa, Australia, Canada, and Greece to one another then to each camper, the activities began. Things were kicked off with a little Flag Football game (moderated without the football), and then it was free play while merienda (snack) was prepared. Next we divided into two groups by age: the older kids to play Dodgeball in the neighborhood cancha (field) with Jaime and Brendan, and the younger ones stayed behind with David and I to play Wall-ball and color (or complete an Olympics Word Search if desired.) We united once more for a brief history of the actual Olympic games (from where they originated, what the Olympic rings on the flag represent, how the traditions are still carried out today, etc.) And we ended the morning with a Paraguayan crowd pleaser and friendly game of Bingo (Olympics-style of course). The winners (and later all participants) took home a brand new toothbrush and mini tube of toothpaste. It was an all around good time for David, myself, and the kids! Also, as an added bonus Jaime was even gracious enough to cook lunch for us so, yeah I’d say we left feeling more than satisfied J
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| Jaime, David, Brendan and I post camp/lunch |
-Special Olympics (Villeta) 8/3/2012
I heard about this event through Rose (G-mate and friend) who’d
been actively participating in the planning since earlier this year. Surprisingly,
it hadn’t crossed my mind that an event of this caliber would be in need of
volunteers, specifically representing Peace Corps. Otherwise, I would have
agreed to help out when I first I learned of it, but when asked if I’d be
interested in assisting I quickly came to my senses. Not only was I eager to be
a part of The Special Olympics as I’d never be given the opportunity to do so before,
but Rose had also been kind enough to lend me a hand with LSP ‘12*, aside from an
ear (only for the past 1.5 years) so, yeah I’d say I maybe sort of owed her one
wouldn’t you? Lol. Anyway, every year the regional games are arranged and held
in each of the departamentos (like counties)
within Paraguay. Finalists from each department then move onto to compete at the
national games held in Asuncion. It’s kind of a big deal. The participants and
their communities understand this and obviously are very enthused. The selected
venue was a local soccer fields decked out in red and green (Side Note: The
Special Olympics’ flag bears these colors); also present were a radio station,
VIP’s like the mayor, and to complete the scene proud and anxious parents along
with curious spectators swelled the grounds. Rose and myself, in conjunction with
other PCV’s Marissa, Shannon, and Michelle were designated the honor of
rewarding premios (prizes). Our task
was to organize the higher and highest performing contestants by name, guide
them towards their respective podiums, and place medals over the necks of their
bowed and beaming faces. It was a duty that required constant movement into and
out of the glaring sun’s path, as well as, non-stop language translation, and by
the end of the day we were all drained. However, the firsthand observing of excitement
and strong sense of accomplishment over and over again made it all worthwhile. And
with Paraguayans known for their attentiveness towards outward appearances, likewise
it was a welcomed change to witness all prejudices and any unsolicited comments
being put aside on behalf of these unique individuals. All in all it was an
awesome experience, and I’m privileged to say I got to be a part of it!
*Refer to post "LSP 12'" for further explanation/more details)
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| The Team: Marissa, Shannon, myself, Rose, and Michelle :) |
Mural Project (Encarnacion) 9/15--9/16/2012
When Ellie (G-mate and fellow Southern belle) hinted at the
idea of a grand scale mural project to take place in her town a while back, I
made a mental note if my schedule was clear to try and go. The city of Encarn isn’t exactly close to Isla
Pucu, nor is the pasaje (bus ticket)
very cheap; yet for a volunteer in dyer need combined with my love/awe of art,
I’d bite the bullet any day. The trip there was the roughest part (2 buses;
about 8 hours of travel time) well, besides the early starts (we all know how much
I simply adore sunrises, ha.). I was assigned to work with Katie (another
G-35er like Ellie and myself) and we were to be assisting a teenaged artist named
Ceci in completely her perception of the Jesuit Ruins, a well-known historical
landmark located in a town just outside of Encarnacion. I found this to be my
destined group as I had also planned to visit the actual ruins as part of my
trip! (Information of which Ellie was completely unaware, thus making my fate
theory more credible). Our main roles consisted of catering to Ceci’s every
need, keeping an eye on the limited supplies, and overseeing tasks for the
other jóvenes (young people) kind enough
to volunteer also. Together in 1.5 days time, we were able to completely paint
and later assist further in the meticulous detailing of the mural. It was a sweltering,
messy job, but nothing a little aguarrás (paint
cleaner) and some terere couldn’t fix. For the most part it was a great experience;
a little pride was brought back to the city, a young girl’s artistic vision
became a reality, and I was just lucky enough to get my hands dirty J |
| helping out at another mural ;) |
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| Jeremy (our boss), Katie, Ceci, myself, and Ellie w/ finished product! |
Kid’s Camp 2012 (Itacurubi de La Cordillera 10/25-10/26/2012)
230 kids. 9 Volunteers. 2 Days. 1 Steadfast & Dynamic Spearheader.
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| The Guap@ PCV's along with the Directora |
Zach (G-mate, friend, the steadfast/dynamic spearheader)
spread the word about a camp his school had asked him to put on in late
September. Being that the camp was to be set somewhat near me (2 buses; 40
minutes away) and expected to be large scale, I agreed to help right away. Each
Peace Corps volunteer (including Zach himself) were designated to be with a
specific group. In addition to managing the behavior of our class, we were also
asked to teach or co-teach amongst a variety of topics. I was responsible for 5th
grade, as well as, a recycling charla
(lesson), a girl’s self-esteem forum and a Read-a-thon (the latter two with
help from Rose and Marissa). The first day was spent sending each of our groups
through 30-minute rotations por supuesto
(of course) with a lunch and snack breaks in between. Personally, I’m not sure
how much the students I interacted with got from my sessions, but the main goal
was for them to have fun. We played some checkers with bottle caps, made a
fire, and decorated bookmarks (check). While doing all of this, if the campers
happened to have learned something as well (check plus). By the tardecita (late afternoon, early
evening) we were all exhausted (participants and PCV’s alike), so post-dinner
was wrapped up with a bonfire and S’mores complete with comedy hour put on by
some of the teachers. The smallest kids were then sent home to sleep while the
older kids slept on site sharing tents with their Profes (teachers) nearby. A late-night showing of Spiderman
followed by lights out concluded Day 1. Thanks to a hook-up via Zach, us
volunteers lucked out and got to collapse into hotel beds complete with
air-conditioned rooms J
Day 2 was originally organized to consist of “Field Day”-inspired activities
and games, but this plan was more than likely to be cancelled because of an
unruly thunderstorm (or so we thought). As promised, our ride picked us up and
dropped us off at the campsite while Zach proposed a back-up plan. We ended up
making tie-dyed t-shirts with the impression the camp would be cut short due to
the poor climate. (Side Note: In this country one should never presume anything.)
To our surprise, the Directora
(Principal) of the school stated that we should continue on as scheduled
despite the mud and the overcast sky. Since we were all physically and mentally
drained, a few grumbles escaped amongst the volunteers (myself included), but
we stuck it out for Zach’s sake. He worked tirelessly over the course of a
month to put the camp together. Helping him wrap things up was the least we
could do. So, we divided up again. Rose and I conducted a soccer relay; after
lunch there was a school-wide water relay. The champion team received their
water balloons first for the fight. The final game was an egg-toss (water
balloon-style). To end things with an even bigger splash, the rest of the volunteers
and I were given the privilege to throw the remaining balloons into the waiting
masses. Everyone left soaked and/or sticky from egg yolks (via the actual egg
toss), but grinning ear to ear. Despite the odds against us (typical Paraguayan
weather plus minimal help from those non Peace Corps) we prevailed. And I think
all of us, but Zach especially should give themselves a pat on the back (or a
high-five, depending on your preference, ha.) for a job very well done! |
| PCV's Tie-Dying :) |
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| Water Relay! |
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| Kids Tie-Dying :) |
