Settling In

It's been a month since I arrived in my site and it feels like so much longer. In fact, I've been worried that people are beginning to wonder "What exactly IS she doing here?" Not that I haven't presented myself hundreds of times (I deliberately change my explanation so as not to drive myself crazy hearing myself repeat the same thing over and over). Anyway, I know that this concern stems from my eagerness to "hit the ground running" and already have projects started. But I am happy to say that I’ve met many motivated and influential people with whom I hope to work for the next two years. I’ve also gathered most of the information I need to write up my community analysis report. That's actually what we're supposed to be focusing on during the first three months. The idea is to get to know our community first through interviews, focus groups, and observation before starting any serious projects. The list of possible project ideas is already long, and I’ve decided to start with an English course for people working in tourism. I've also joined a committee that will meet for the next few months to organize a solid waste management plan for the municipality. There have been failed attempts in the past to start a recycling program in my community so I'm hoping that I can make it happen by working alongside youth and children in the schools, Guias y Scouts (Boy & Girl Scouts), and the local radio station. I'm also planning to work with a World Teach volunteer on improving the appearance and promoting the use of an abandoned building in the center of town, with the help of local artists and the local development association. The neighboring salon comunal needs a makeover, as well.

On another note, my host mom is wonderful and we're secret novela buddies. I kind of live in her daughter's home next door, too. It's actually a house full of women, and they're great. I'm beginning to learn a lot about myself, like how much I hate feeling bored so I'm definitely keeping busy, whether it's visiting neighbors, going for long walks, or learning more about things I should know, like how to use Excel and waste management.

Many people question whether I'm really from the U.S. I'm not really a gringa, they say. It's funny because when I visit my parents' country, I tell them that I identity myself as Colombian-American. But then I'm told that I'm a gringa. Go figure.. I'll try to post more often.