Lights Out

I apologize in advance for random information thrown here and there. I give up on trying to organize my thoughts. It takes too long to edit and given that I’ll never be satisfied with what I do (I’m a perfectionist) and that I usually go off on tangents anyway, why bother?

So, I’m taking a break right now from my English lesson planning because it’s making my head hurt. The thing is that as I plan what I want to teach, new words and rules pop into the picture and before I know it, I’ve included WAY too much information to teach in one lesson. It’s definitely a learning experience, this whole teaching business, especially since I’m creating my own lesson plans (with the help of several teaching manuals, of course). And teaching adults is a whole other process in which I have been training myself (I highly recommend Peter Renner´s The Art of Teaching Adults). So sometimes I feel myself getting overwhelmed with this and everything else going on as a volunteer. A month ago I was begging to be busy, almost like I felt after a long summer vacation during college, and now I find myself stressed sometimes and longing for peace of mind. I’ve even stopped watching the two soaps that were part of my quality time with Doña Susana (my host mom). I’d like to mention that these novelas are original and hilarious, not Univision junk. Then again, they do take up two hours of my evening but even the great book I’ve been reading has been sitting on my shelf and I glance at it often wondering when I can continue with it without feeling like I should be doing something else. Ok, so what am I so busy with? (I’m laughing at myself right now because I really wanted to fix that last sentence. I will try to ignore the grammar rules that were so heavily engrained by an unforgettable high school English teacher…in case you’re wondering: ending a sentence with a preposition is a no-no). Anyway, so I’ve committed myself to helping several people and projects that are now either taking up most of my time or making me feel guilty because I haven’t dedicated as much time as I promised I would. As a CED Volunteer, we have three main objectives: supporting micro entrepreneurs, teaching English and computer skills, and working with youth in business and life skills development. In the beginning, I really did NOT want to teach English. My reasoning was pretty selfish since I didn’t think I would be gaining much from it as opposed to working in business-related projects. But now my first real project is teaching practical English for people working in tourism (I’m all about practicality). And so far, it’s been a rather enjoyable and enriching experience. I’ve never taught adults, much less English. Thankfully, a World Teach volunteer is helping me facilitate the class. Before I steer away from the title of this blog, I chose it as a reason to finally write a new blog (I know it’s been a while). Last night, an hour into the class, the lights went out. Four out of twenty people had flashlights, and I was ready to call it a night thinking few people wanted to continue. To my surprise, and Kevin’s assurance, the class adjusted their seats to share the flashlights and continue correcting their homework. Someone went out to buy some candles, and we managed to cover nouns, articles and continue practicing the use of the verb ‘to be’ until the end of class. Despite the long hours of preparation (probably more than needed but nonetheless), the satisfaction I get with a successful class is worth it. I just need to try not to teach too many things at once. It doesn’t help that I have several teaching manuals from which to choose. I just want to make sure I don’t miss anything important. Even when I go shopping or out to eat, I have to walk through every aisle and read everything on the menu before I leave or make a decision. That’s if I do (85% of the time I ask for recommendations). Sorry…

On another note, I’m coordinator for a group that is supposed to analyze markets relevant to the solid waste management initiative that will affect all communities within the municipality. This is supposed to be a community-driven project but there is some skepticism about its potential, at least from my group members. I’m really happy to have met Ramiro, who created his own recycling center in his backyard. Unfortunately, he has received more problems than support from local officials. For the past four years, he’s dedicated himself to recycling, waking up early every morning to collect everything from plastics, metals, glass, and paper. He recently received intensive training in Guatemala, is a member of a nation-wide recycling network, and was named Protector of the Environment by PINDECO, a large pineapple-producing company in Costa Rica. Ironically, pineapples are horrible for the soil. Anyway, this man makes a living by selling these items to various buyers, and he knows what its worth. I admire his perseverance and my goal is to invite him to my community to educate and inspire others to take up this practice, if only to protect the environment. Residual water is another issue in my community but I would need to find experts and appropriate information as I am not familiar with this topic. My dilemma at the moment is finding the time to meet with my group and complete a diagnostic study of how the future action plan should incorporate and support micro entrepreneurs like Ramiro. The municipal building is an hour and a half from my community, and there’s one study that I need to read and share with my group before we present our information at the end of the month.

My third realized effort is working with a group of artisan women that wish to regroup after years of separation due to some disgusto (quarrel, I guess). The other two groups in my community are fairly organized, so I’ve decided to focus on the former as I feel I can be more useful to them. My group has the luxury of owning their own building and machinery that were donated to them in the past. It has been closed and sitting in the dust until now. Yesterday afternoon, I facilitated the first half of a very important meeting. My objectives: Explore and analyze motivation, leadership, and the qualities of a successful entrepreneur. An ambitious plan but the information was well received and understood. As I was taking down the newsprint with the objectives written on it, a woman asked if I could leave it up so they could have and see it alongside the ground rules and the list of a successful entrepreneur’s behaviors that I had printed for them to see. I stayed for a while after, and it was nice to hear a few of them refer to the suggestions offered during my presentation. Of course, I couldn’t have done this without a Peace Corps resource manual and careful preparation. Next meeting: creating an action plan. Apart from these commitments, I am finding the time to learn how to make masks and play the guitar. At least I’m not bored. And nothing has me happier than knowing that my dad is visiting in three weeks. Life is good. I just need to take a deep breath and take things one at a time.

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.

Attitude

Thought I would share some words that we received during training.

ATTITUDE by Charles Swindoll

"The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important then the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make and break a company... a church... a home. The remarkable thing is we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past... we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude... I am convinced that life is 10 percent what happens to me and 90 percent how I react to it."

Site Assignment Day

Friday was the long-awaited day for Tico 18. PCCR staff took us to a recreational facility for the day to relax after announcing our site assignments. After breakfast, we went to a room with a huge map of Costa Rica. Three PCTs volunteered to find out first, blindfolded. Think pin-the-tail-on-the donkey. Then, after brief descriptions of each site, we were called one by one to label our location on the map. From my interview, I was given little hints about where I would go but I really didn’t set myself up for any specific place. All I knew was that I wanted to work with youth and ecotourism. I had mentioned interest in immigration and indigenous issues but I didn't want to be too picky. I was sure that the staff would know best. So when I heard Luis mention the only indigenous site for the CED Program, I broke out a huge smile as he looked at me and said my name. I’ll be working in the “Dirty South” as some call it, a few hours from Panama and the Osa Peninsula. Next weekend, our counterparts will take us to our sites for the first time. From what I know, there are about 2500+ people in my community, who are mainly indigenous. It should take me four and a half hours to get to San Jose from my site. We were all given folders with detailed information about our communities and possible projects. Among the challenges I’m interested in addressing are problems with youth, improving business practices, English for tourism, and recollection of trash. Luckily, there are many organizations with which I can work, including a radio station and artisan groups. I’ll be living with a woman, her dog and cat, which is perfect. I’m so ready to go!

PCV Visits

This weekend, we all had a chance to meet and observe volunteers in various sites around the country. My group did so much, it felt like a week. The first community was my ideal site: semi-rural, pleasant and stable weather, beautiful views, and a laid-back atmosphere. Here, we met Emily who has been in her site for six months. After a game of soccer with local kids, Emily invited us to her home where her host mom showed us how to make empanadas de chiverre and cheese. During cafecito, Emily explained her projects and gave us some great ideas, such as organizing a community newsletter. After this, we went to the Feria Ambiental, where local artisans sold their work, among other venues and activities, including a bull ring attraction, in which people would ride and/or avoid getting attacked by angry bulls. Thankfully, no bulls are killed in the process. There was also outdoor karaoke and disco moviles, which was a fun way to spend the evening.

The next day, we went on a tour with the president of the community's Chamber of Tourism. In our tour, we visited a butterfly farm, a water-powered sugar cane mill, and hiked to see some springs, indigenous artifacts (known only to a few for protective reasons), and views of the valley. The sun was fierce, or as they say here, “Que luna!” After our tour, we walked to a nearby waterfall where we swam and ate our lunch. It was a long but worthwhile day. And my host family was great. I had two twin sisters who were always at my side, along with their cousins. Throughout my stay, the radio was always on a Catholic radio station. I heard a Christian reggaeton song for the first time, which was pretty amusing. During dinner, I would hear my host parents respond or sing to the radio programs. The girls also sang a really cute song thanking God for the food they were about to eat (with their dad’s request). Very different from my training host family.

For our next Volunteer visit, we drove to a small town similar to my training community. Instead of a main square, the town was long and centered on a main road. We met Rachel, who is leaving PC in six months. She invited us to a women’s group meeting, where we learned more about her efforts in the community. During this visit, our Program Director and PC Volunteer Coordinator interviewed each of us regarding our future site preferences. If possible, I would love to work with youth and indigenous peoples, with an emphasis in ecotourism and business education.

Behind my host family’s house is a waterfall and cabin, which my host dad built. On a break, I went with two other trainees to read there. My dream site definitely has a waterfall. All of us are anxious to know even just a clue about where they are planning to assign us. Two more weeks before we find out.

In the evening, I went with my host mother to a folkloric dance rehearsal for an upcoming presentation. I was excited to hear a song that my Spanish class had listened to one day: “Soy Tico”. The next day, Rachel invited us to her biweekly aerobics class. After a 45-minute walk uphill, we reached the salon comunal where five other ladies joined us. I would love to incorporate this activity in my future site. My arms are sore but no regrets.

In the afternoon, we had a tour of a local cheese finca. We divided into two teams for a series of fun activities to test our knowledge or to try something new. These included, identifying types of grass and supplemental diet for milking cows, extracting as much milk as possible from a cow, and making the best cheese. At the end of the day, we helped our tour guide plant some trees given to her by a government institution. Speaking of resources, I, among many, am truly impressed with the Instituto Nacional de Aprendizaje (INA). INA is an autonomous institution, created to prepare workers in a wide variety of areas, both independent workers and those needed by private companies. 1.5 percent of every worker’s salary is taken to fund INA, leaving it with a budget of approximately 40 million dollars. INA offers free courses and programs of study that include: agriculture, commerce & services, tourism, graphic industry, auto mechanics, metal mechanics, electric, fishing & sailing, textiles, food, technology of materials, and handicrafts processes. I hope I get a chance to work with INA while I’m here.

Overcoming my Fear of Cooking

I cooked my very first soup yesterday, and I am thrilled to say that it was a success (especially, with some jalapeño). It was a fish and root stew recipe I found online, a slight variation of the traditional olla de carne. My list of ingredients included tiquisque (which I needed to prepare for Spanish class), yucca, camote, carrot, potato, green plantain, onion, celery, garlic, cilantro, thyme, leek, chives, milk, butter, and fish. And I came out of this with only one cut on my finger. This may seem trivial but this really is an accomplishment for me. My parents would know. Anyway, we had a barbecue last night with a few other Volunteers. It was fun and the food was amazing. My host parents are really awesome and I'm really beginning to feel at home. I wasn't feeling too great last week but I thank God for listening to my prayers. Today, I went with the other Volunteers in my community to observe an English class in the local high school. We made observations, for future teaching reference. I also had the chance to interview some students about their educational and job opportunities, which were limited from their point of view. The best jobs require English and computer skills. In my community, the only jobs available are in construction and picking coffee. The other Volunteers and I have decided to ask youth that hang out by the park at night to be our focus group for our next non-formal education activity. If and when we get their consent and topic ideas, we'll plan a charla.

Semana Santa

I'm stuck in an internet cafe waiting for the downpour to subside. Entering our third week of training, I'm anxious to know more about our assignments. We practiced our first non-formal education activity last week, and I'm beginning to realize how patient and well-prepared Volunteers need to be. Different learning styles, maintaining participant interest, preparation...there's lots of things to consider when facilitating or co-training people, let alone cultural norms and individual circumstances.

On Wednesday, my Spanish class and I went to the Feria del Agricultor in Desamparados, where we bought fruits and vegetables we've never heard of. Each of us chose one or two, which we have to prepare (depending on the fruit or vegetable) and bring to share in class on Monday. I chose tiquisque. It looks like yucca, which I love. But now I have to cook it. Not my forté. And online recipes are scarce. We'll see how that goes. Here's a list of other fruits and vegetables that made me wonder: jocote, mamón, anona, zapote, nances, pejibaye, tacaco, ñame, zapallo, vainica (This was my second selection but it turned out to be green beans...names!), camote, ayote, chayote, elote, ñampi. So yea, there's a lot.
My host mom did make me cas and carambola (star fruit) juices, which I tried for the first time. I highly recommend them. I also tried dulce de chiverre, which is traditionally made during Holy Week. I hear it takes hours of preparation.

Speaking of first', I went to see my first Motor Cross event last Saturday. My host parents want to see Monster Trucks soon, too. Good times.