Ten cuidado- this post may not be suitable for those with weak stomachs...
Yes- I shared my 50th B-day with the Peace Corps 50th Anniversary!
My 50th brought with it much time communing with nature and some interesting desicion making..... Do I have time to run to the outhouse to puke? Do I really want to go to the outhouse to puke? In the end, my body made the decision for me- around the corner, in the grass suited me fine. :)
Then, body awareness continues, even at 50. How long do you have after intense internal swishing sounds, followed by the "rush to the gate", before you need to swing that outhouse door shut? Happily, the self control I´ve developed over the years helped me to remain an outsider to the popular, "I crapped my pants" trainee club, even though the president was hoping to increase membership...
After an herbal remedy prepared by Antolina- a tea brewed with plantain root, a Clean Canteen filled with boiled water and a little rice with cheese, I was as good as new!
The icing on the cake was the visits from fellow trainees, despite my ability to unknowingly share the dreaded chivivi. :) Lots of B-day wishes, hand made cards, a b-day crown, a beautiful ao poi blusa, a b-day card from the states, (thanks Mom!), and a special card from my Maxwell buddy Kim, (Thanks!), and my entire conservation environment group sporting black in my honor. :)
Despite a rough start to the day, overall, I had a great 50th b-day in Paraguay. I just need to look at the gorgeous scenery that greets me every time I open the door to my casita- I´m living in the Heart of South America- Paraguay!
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Wielding a machete, (and keeping all of your body parts intact)
Learning tecnical skills is part of the training we are all receiving in PC Paraguay. As part of a huerta, (garden), project, we built a fence made of bamboo, using machetes. Some things to consider in the fine art of machete wielding:
1. Locate your feet and legs- do not allow the machete to come in contact with them.
2. Maintain a safe distance between you non-wielding hand and the machete.
3. Sharpen your spatial awareness- good friends don´t let friends wildly swing machetes, especially near them!
Once the ground rules were set, we went to work splitting and quartering four foot long sections of bamboo. These were lashed to bamboo cross members, attached to fence posts.
Our bamboo fence turned out great and will do a fine job of protecting our garden from the chickens, ducks, dogs, and cows that live on the farm. Not to mention the awesome machete skills we learned in the process!
1. Locate your feet and legs- do not allow the machete to come in contact with them.
2. Maintain a safe distance between you non-wielding hand and the machete.
3. Sharpen your spatial awareness- good friends don´t let friends wildly swing machetes, especially near them!
Once the ground rules were set, we went to work splitting and quartering four foot long sections of bamboo. These were lashed to bamboo cross members, attached to fence posts.
Our bamboo fence turned out great and will do a fine job of protecting our garden from the chickens, ducks, dogs, and cows that live on the farm. Not to mention the awesome machete skills we learned in the process!
Cultural Discoveries!
When you come to visit Paraguay, (and I know you will), here are a few cultural adaptations you may encounter. Here are a few of my observations in the form of a top 10 list...
1. If you want to say hello, don´t say "Hola", instead say, "Adio".
2. If you want to say goodbye, don´t say "Adios", instead say, "Chao".
3. To visit someone´s house, don´t knock on the door. Instead, outside of the property, clap, clap, clap your hands until someone comes out, then exclaim, "buen dia!"
4. Get rid of the dinner bread basket, replace it with a steamimg bowl of mandioca.
5. A regular medical check up may include vaccinations for: Yellow fever, Hepetitas A and B, Rabies, Typhus, and tetnus.
6. Get rid of your germ phobias and get ready to share a bombilla and guampa, (a special cup and straw that are shared with everyone in the group), filled with delicious terere, (cold yerba mate), while enjoying conversations with visitors to your home.
7. Slow down- long pauses during conversation are the norm while sharing terere.
8. Be prepared to assume "moto formation" while walking in groups as several motos will be passing you on your trek.
9. Enjoy your fruits and veggies in the states- these are seasonal in the campo and are not available year round- like now :).
10. Be ready yell a friendly "Adio!" to every house or moto or house you pass- Paraguayans have to be some of the friendliest people in the world!
Chao!
1. If you want to say hello, don´t say "Hola", instead say, "Adio".
2. If you want to say goodbye, don´t say "Adios", instead say, "Chao".
3. To visit someone´s house, don´t knock on the door. Instead, outside of the property, clap, clap, clap your hands until someone comes out, then exclaim, "buen dia!"
4. Get rid of the dinner bread basket, replace it with a steamimg bowl of mandioca.
5. A regular medical check up may include vaccinations for: Yellow fever, Hepetitas A and B, Rabies, Typhus, and tetnus.
6. Get rid of your germ phobias and get ready to share a bombilla and guampa, (a special cup and straw that are shared with everyone in the group), filled with delicious terere, (cold yerba mate), while enjoying conversations with visitors to your home.
7. Slow down- long pauses during conversation are the norm while sharing terere.
8. Be prepared to assume "moto formation" while walking in groups as several motos will be passing you on your trek.
9. Enjoy your fruits and veggies in the states- these are seasonal in the campo and are not available year round- like now :).
10. Be ready yell a friendly "Adio!" to every house or moto or house you pass- Paraguayans have to be some of the friendliest people in the world!
Chao!
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Rivers are roads which move, and which carry us whither we desire to go. - Pascal
Even though it´s only been one week since we set foot on Paraguayan soil there is so much to share. What an amazing place! I´ll try to give you some highlights of our experiences so far... Here we go:
1. Living Situation- we´re living together! Yeay! (Peace Corps originally told us we would have to live separatly for training). We live with a woman and her two sons in a little house in the campo on a dirt road. The family has been so kind and welcoming. They are very patient with our stuttering Spanish, and teach us new words in Guarani every day. We also share our house with ducks, chickens, and cows. We do have electricity and running water- very chuchi! We have our own room with an earth floor and even a fan. Our outdoor bathroom has a flush toilet and a cold water shower. We wash our clothes with buckets of water in a cement scrub sink. We use the same bucket for washing our faces and brushing our teeth, while waving to the ox cart man every morning!
2. Surroundings- The landscape is lush and green with lots of trees and wildflowers. The main crops grown in the area are mandioca, (cassava root), and sugar cane.
3. Food- Lots of meat and mandioca. Because it is Spring here, there are not many fruits or vegetables yet. Antolina always gives us huge amounts of food- I think she´s trying to fatten us up!
4. New Learning- Cooking over an open fire in the kitchen; making cheese with milk and cow intestines; washing clothes on a scrub sink; flagging down the collectivo, (bus); identifying herbs in the area used as natural remedies; and working hard to learn Guarani, the indiginous language of Paraguay.
5. Training sessions- We have about four hours of language class in Guarani 6 days a week with homework every night. The other half of the day is spent learning about self-care in remote locations and getting shots- Rabies and Yellow Fever). We´ve been learning about Paraguayan culture and how to navagate and get around in this area.The other trainees are great, most of whom are in their 20´s with one other couple older than us! :) We are all working hard together and forming some close bonds, already. Our teachers and PC staff are fantastic, too! We will complete our training in 9 more weeks , ( then will be assigned our permanent site).
6. Awesome extras- There are fireflies ; toads as big as softballs; lots of red dirt roads; amazing electrical storms with torrential downpours; lots of warm and friendly people; and two marraige proposals for Tyler based on our family photo, (muy guapo hijo!).
The direction in which the river carries us is a good one, we can´t wait to see what´s beyond the bend!
Even though it´s only been one week since we set foot on Paraguayan soil there is so much to share. What an amazing place! I´ll try to give you some highlights of our experiences so far... Here we go:
1. Living Situation- we´re living together! Yeay! (Peace Corps originally told us we would have to live separatly for training). We live with a woman and her two sons in a little house in the campo on a dirt road. The family has been so kind and welcoming. They are very patient with our stuttering Spanish, and teach us new words in Guarani every day. We also share our house with ducks, chickens, and cows. We do have electricity and running water- very chuchi! We have our own room with an earth floor and even a fan. Our outdoor bathroom has a flush toilet and a cold water shower. We wash our clothes with buckets of water in a cement scrub sink. We use the same bucket for washing our faces and brushing our teeth, while waving to the ox cart man every morning!
2. Surroundings- The landscape is lush and green with lots of trees and wildflowers. The main crops grown in the area are mandioca, (cassava root), and sugar cane.
3. Food- Lots of meat and mandioca. Because it is Spring here, there are not many fruits or vegetables yet. Antolina always gives us huge amounts of food- I think she´s trying to fatten us up!
4. New Learning- Cooking over an open fire in the kitchen; making cheese with milk and cow intestines; washing clothes on a scrub sink; flagging down the collectivo, (bus); identifying herbs in the area used as natural remedies; and working hard to learn Guarani, the indiginous language of Paraguay.
5. Training sessions- We have about four hours of language class in Guarani 6 days a week with homework every night. The other half of the day is spent learning about self-care in remote locations and getting shots- Rabies and Yellow Fever). We´ve been learning about Paraguayan culture and how to navagate and get around in this area.The other trainees are great, most of whom are in their 20´s with one other couple older than us! :) We are all working hard together and forming some close bonds, already. Our teachers and PC staff are fantastic, too! We will complete our training in 9 more weeks , ( then will be assigned our permanent site).
6. Awesome extras- There are fireflies ; toads as big as softballs; lots of red dirt roads; amazing electrical storms with torrential downpours; lots of warm and friendly people; and two marraige proposals for Tyler based on our family photo, (muy guapo hijo!).
The direction in which the river carries us is a good one, we can´t wait to see what´s beyond the bend!
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Reflections
Can miles truly separate you from friends….If you want to be with someone you love, aren’t you already there? ~Richard Bach
The countdown has begun- just 13 days until we leave for our Peace Corps training in Paraguay. It seemed like a good time to reflect on our summer and the amazing family and friends we were fortunate to spend time with and who included us in their life celebrations and milestones. Here’s a snap shot….
- Our daughter Ashley and new son-in-law Eliot’s wedding!
- End of the Year Bash and Farewell to my Maxwell team
- Our son Tyler graduated from college with his degree in Civil Engineering
- Whitnie’s Baby Shower; Lori’s Birthday Party; Ben’s Farewell Party; Dennis’ Wedding; Stephanie’s Bridal Shower; and Mike’s Retirement Party
- Road trip to Washington to visit Bob and Kathleen- Hey Dinner for 10 group!
- 22nd Annual New Brighton Beach Camping Trip with the gang!
- A week at an Intensive Language Institute in South Lake Tahoe
- 3 days in Yosemite checking out Tyler’s favorite climbing routes, hiking in Tuolomne, and having dinner at the “Mobile”.
- Laughing, eating, kayaking, talking, getting new “ya-ya names”, and hiking with 8 great friends of the SHCOMs.
- Hearing all about our daughter Amber and son-in-law Dave’s crazy/amazing Burning Man trip
- Alves- Abreu Family reunion at the farm
- Farewell lunches with the RCIS gang
- Packed up our home of 20 years, with some help from our kids, and found “foster homes” for our 2 horses, 4 chickens and dog.
- Our awesome kids presented us with a 30th Anniversary/ Farewell party!
What an amazing summer, spending time with the people we care about most! The circle of love created by this mix of family and friends is truly a powerful force- how fortunate we are to be a part of it all.
There is a saying, “You are drawn to those from whom you most need to learn.” The lessons, joy, and contributions brought to our lives by our family, friends and colleagues have been formative and lasting. In this way, we take you all with us.
Abrazos
Monday, June 20, 2011
Grabbed by the Wrist
Another turning point, a fork stuck in the road. Time grabs you by the wrist, directs you where to go.. ~Green Day
On the last day at the school where I served as Principal for the past nine years, I packed the final box, made the rounds for one last hug, and removed the name placard from my office door. A few reflections as I pulled out of the school parking lot:
* I had the opportunity to work with a team who had the courage to try new things, adjust to new systems, and continue to persist and insist on putting kids first.
* Kids are brilliant, amazing, resilient, not so resilient; courageous; intuitive; transparent, small people who give their opinions and hugs freely.
* Sitting down with a colleague/friend for a quick coffee and debrief at a conference, only to realize four hours had passed.
* Magic carpet rides; double chocolate brownies; staff vs. 6th grade soccer games; year end toasts; crazy costumes; Dancing with my "Soul Sisters" and brothers; wild tractor rides, rocks with ribbons, and "Aha moments."
* Brainstorming with staff over the "tough stuff" and discovering a team who has equal amounts of instructional expertise AND moral purpose.
What a privilege it's been....
The fork in the road is in front of me. Until I return from my leave of absence and the path that has led me to service in the Peace Corps, hasta luego, adios and mucho abrazos!
On the last day at the school where I served as Principal for the past nine years, I packed the final box, made the rounds for one last hug, and removed the name placard from my office door. A few reflections as I pulled out of the school parking lot:
* I had the opportunity to work with a team who had the courage to try new things, adjust to new systems, and continue to persist and insist on putting kids first.
* Kids are brilliant, amazing, resilient, not so resilient; courageous; intuitive; transparent, small people who give their opinions and hugs freely.
* Sitting down with a colleague/friend for a quick coffee and debrief at a conference, only to realize four hours had passed.
* Magic carpet rides; double chocolate brownies; staff vs. 6th grade soccer games; year end toasts; crazy costumes; Dancing with my "Soul Sisters" and brothers; wild tractor rides, rocks with ribbons, and "Aha moments."
* Brainstorming with staff over the "tough stuff" and discovering a team who has equal amounts of instructional expertise AND moral purpose.
What a privilege it's been....
The fork in the road is in front of me. Until I return from my leave of absence and the path that has led me to service in the Peace Corps, hasta luego, adios and mucho abrazos!
Monday, May 16, 2011
Invited!
Update,
Thank you all for your support on our goal. We have officially heard from the Peace Corps that we are invited to Paraguay leaving in late September. I have waited to update everyone because of recent discovery that many applicants have been receiving letters explaining the Peace Corps would not be placing any more volunteers in their field this year. The Peace Corps is experiencing the same budget crisis everyone else is.
The good news; Sue is assigned to an Enviromental Education position which is awesome since she will be educating Paraguayans on issues using Science which is part of her favorite teaching subjects. Her extensive background in Education will enable her to work with Paraguayans of all ages and backgrounds. Teaching others to teach each other will make her endeavors sustainable.
Mark is assigned to Agricultural Extension Agent working with Farm Families. Most Farms in Paraguay are small family operations and they have issues with production and erosion issues. Over use of Chemicals and Mega-farms from nieghboring countries grabbing land have sent locals into the Forest to reclaim land to make a living. I will work with other Ag Extensionists to assist families in retaining soil and lowering inputs so agricultural products will be more economic and profitable. I will also help families find alternative products and markets to enable them to live more comfortable productive lives.
Please, let the questions flow. We will be learning and finding out more about our assignments as we go along. Your questions will help us to be better prepared for our adventure. Again thank you that have helped us get to where we are today. The application process is long and daunting with many hurdles along the way. There is no way we could be where we are without the help we asked of you all.
Sue has started a Blog (yes Sue did it) that you can follow us on our adventure. We will try to update it often. The title is Twokeepgrowing. http://twokeepgrowing.blogspot.com
We are on a super high right now. We will update you again soon.
Thanks again for everything!
Woo-Hoo (whooping for joy)!!!!
Thank you all for your support on our goal. We have officially heard from the Peace Corps that we are invited to Paraguay leaving in late September. I have waited to update everyone because of recent discovery that many applicants have been receiving letters explaining the Peace Corps would not be placing any more volunteers in their field this year. The Peace Corps is experiencing the same budget crisis everyone else is.
The good news; Sue is assigned to an Enviromental Education position which is awesome since she will be educating Paraguayans on issues using Science which is part of her favorite teaching subjects. Her extensive background in Education will enable her to work with Paraguayans of all ages and backgrounds. Teaching others to teach each other will make her endeavors sustainable.
Mark is assigned to Agricultural Extension Agent working with Farm Families. Most Farms in Paraguay are small family operations and they have issues with production and erosion issues. Over use of Chemicals and Mega-farms from nieghboring countries grabbing land have sent locals into the Forest to reclaim land to make a living. I will work with other Ag Extensionists to assist families in retaining soil and lowering inputs so agricultural products will be more economic and profitable. I will also help families find alternative products and markets to enable them to live more comfortable productive lives.
Please, let the questions flow. We will be learning and finding out more about our assignments as we go along. Your questions will help us to be better prepared for our adventure. Again thank you that have helped us get to where we are today. The application process is long and daunting with many hurdles along the way. There is no way we could be where we are without the help we asked of you all.
Sue has started a Blog (yes Sue did it) that you can follow us on our adventure. We will try to update it often. The title is Twokeepgrowing. http://twokeepgrowing.blogspot.com
We are on a super high right now. We will update you again soon.
Thanks again for everything!
Woo-Hoo (whooping for joy)!!!!
Thursday, April 28, 2011
An-ti-ci-pa-tion...
An-ti-ci-a-pa-tion.........
This is the latest communication we recieved from the placement desk:
Hello Mark and Susan,
I am writing to let you know that the post I was considering you for unfortunately did not feel that your skill sets were a good fit for their programmatic availability. This means we will not be moving forward with the interview process. Please keep in mind that this is in no way indicative of your skill sets, but rather the site availability in that post. I will return your applications to your appropriate Skill Desk, in your case the Agriculture and Environment Desk, where your Placement Specialist will work to find a new program that matches up with your skill sets and backgrounds. Please keep in mind that couples placement can take a bit longer because we want to ensure that both of you have viable projects. You have already been qualified for Placement, though, so it is my hope that we will be able to identify a new program as soon as possible. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns and I thank you for your patience.
The placement officer told us that if the post mentioned above did not work out, she would be saving a spot for us with a departure date in late September. So... we will continue to study Spanish, create check off lists of things to take care of before we leave, spend quality time with family and friends, and enjoy this beautiful Spring weather!
Monday, April 4, 2011
What's your prediction?
So, today the placement officer told us that she was sending our resumes to a specific country for consideration due to our "unique skill sets." She said that our work would likely be in a "more urban setting, working with governmental counterparts", and to expect communication from the country office for an interview. Our new nomination is for Central/South America working in Agriculture /Environmental education with a new departure date in August or September. Where do you think we are headed?
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