well, not too much has changed in my life since the last time that i wrote...but really, how much changes in three days? on monday, i started my spanish lessons, overall it went well. i still can listen to spanish very quickly, its talking that is the problem. i am quickly finding that my problem with pushing the words from my head to my mouth and out into the air is only worse in spanish than it is in english. anyone who knows me knows that i kind of talk in circles, and i cant do that in spanish, because i dont have all the words to do it, so it is hard for me to communicate. on the same hand, i am finding that i dont feel as smart as i usually do. not to be boastful or anything, but i consider myself to be reasonably intelligent, but when i have 1/4 the vocabulary than i am used to having...i dont feel so smart, you know? also, it is hard to be myself when i dont have all the words to say. i am finding, however, that i am a bit nicer because i dont know how to bitch at people in spanish, so i guess that is a good thing.
monday was a good day...it was tuesday when the problems came. my hormones are a bit out of whack, if you catch my drift, and i was feeling a bit nuvaring-esqe. so anyhow, we were at this rally for children´s rights, which was really cool to see. children dont have rights here like they do in the states, there are no laws about caring for your kids, not abusing them, minimum health requirements, or anything like that. so it was a rally for kids, not really their adults. the point was to teach the kids what rights they deserve...we learned that in every grade here, they have classes about their rights and about how their parents should be treating them. i think it is sort of like a life-skillsor self esteem class. anyhow, there were tons of schools at this one rally, and it was our assignment to go around and interview people from the organization that was having the rally and the teachers that were there with their students. it was fun, and i got really into it because childrens rights are kind of my thing, you know.
the part that was hard for me, or course, was talking to the kids. then, of course, i started to get down on myself, that i was not doing a good job intergrating into my community here if i could not go around and talk with the kids (i am in the youth and families program afterall). on top of that, there is this volunteer in my group, and he is really good with kids, and just with people in general. everywhere we go, people know his name and he meets new people and everything. well, that kind of stuff is hard for me in english, you know, so it is only harder in spanish. anyhow, the director of the organization invited us (from PC) up to sign the banner. well, we signed it and made a little PC symbol by our names. then i started to freak out more becuase the PC staff keeps telling us that we are not supposed to put the symbol anywhere. THEN, our language facilitator (teacher) told us that we were supposed to sign the banner and say something, like "thank you." duh, obviously...but all of us were so nervous and excited that we didnt, and so he kind of got down on us a bit about it.
and so, the tears began! what is my problem sometimes?... i am so sensitive! its not like i was sobbing or anything, but you know, tears, whatever...im sensitive, so sue me. so then we go to open our bank accounts and confess our wrong doing about the symbol, and we were told that it was no big deal at all! all that worry for nothing! but still, i was just a bit upset. i guess because my teacher kept making these small comments about being a "good volunteer" means this, and that, and that you are constantly surrounded by people from your town and whatever. well, clearly i am not a good volunteer then, right?....and so more tears. i think (i hope) that he was semi-kidding...i mean, they cant really expect us to know everyone and everything after just what...3 days of being here in town! ahhhh! but then i ate some fried shirp and i felt better.
so all i wanted to do was sit in my room, listen to a cd, and journal angry thoughts. but nooooo, we had homework to get together as a group and review notes about the rally to write a report for the next day. so off i went to the soccer field to meet my group. good thing i did! there were tons of kids there, and they all wanted to play with us, and i think that without the pressure of anyone watching and evaluating me, i loosened up and was able to just be myself. we taught them how to play kickball, and it was super fun! the other team had 2 volunteers, but mine just had me, so the kids would come to me to ask questions, or see who´s turn it was to kick or whatever. and my team won! oh yeah! then, the next day (today, wednesday) we saw some of them in the streets and they said hi to me by name! ah, que bien!
so today, our task was to work as a group to make a map of the city. really? a map? i can barely even read a map, let along make one. needless to say there are 4 of us plus our teacher, so 5 ideas on what to do and how to do it. i doubt i need to spell it out for you how that went and how my attitude was about it. arrrrrggggg! and the map is still not done! entonces, more homework to do as a group. dont get me wrong, i like my group, really i do. its just hard to do work all together because it is just our luck that we have 4 totally different learning styles. i thought that as a group that would be good, because we could play off of eachothers´strengths and weaknesses, but it didnt work out quite that well. on top of that with my hormones as they are and the weather as it was today (very warm!) i am incredibly tired today. after classes, i took a little nap, and then i came down here to the internet cafe to tell you all about it. y ahora, que mas? i am going to the panderia (bread/bakery shop) to get some pan (bread) and then i think i will go back out to the soccer fields and see what the kids are up to.
oh! very important, today we had an interview with our program director and the current volunteer assistants. that went really well (i think...i hope...). they asked about why i joined PC, my previous work experience, what kind of program i want to work in, all that kind of stuff. it was in english (!) so i could really speak about my experience and all that kind of stuff. i told them that i am most interested in children´s rights, children with special needs, and migration...especially the migration project and how it relates to kids. i told them also that i would like to work with an organization and help them assess their needs and develop programming to meet them. i think it went well because i do have a lot of social-worky experience, and that is kind of exactly what they are looking for. they seemed glad, also, that i am pretty open on what i want to do and totally open on where i live. i told them straight up that i care more about my job than i do about the region that i live in. and, that i am here to work, that i understand the concept of doing this for the people you serve and not for yourself, all that kind of stuff. so, i think we will have more interviews with them in the future as well, and it is really important because my future is in their hands!
well my friends, i hope you all are well! and just remember, if you are having a bad day, listen to one of becky´s mixed cds. if you dont have some, get some.
peace,
theresa
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Sunday, June 24, 2007
Training thus far...spanish, my new city, the weather
Okay...here we go for real.
We arrived in Ecuador on Wed. PM and were greeted by the PC staff at the airport. They helped us navigate our way through customs and told us to go outside and look for people with PC signs, but not to give our bags to anyone else. I was certain that we would not be able to find anyone because there were so many people at the airport arrivals. But immediately we heard people screaming "Yeahhhhh! Peace Corps Ecuador!!!" and there they all were! They gave us roses with fun little sayings on them...little tidbits about PC and Ecuador. They were so welcoming, and said that they are like a family here, and they welcomed us to their family.
We got on the bus (they split our group into 2, I arrived with the first group) and we went to the hostel (good thing I never saw that movie, because you know I would have been afraid to go!). The hostel was beautiful...I took pictures, but I was walking to this cafe by myself so I did not bring my camera to upload them (some other time, ya?). We had a snack and chatted with a current volunteer. I was getting super pumped about everything just listening to her talk about her site and everything she gets to do!
The next day, Thursday, we went to the PC (en espanol es Cuerpo de Paz) headquaters and were inroduced to all the staff. Filled out some paperwork about our background and what kinds of topics we would be comfortable teaching, etc. Shots were given, I only needed the rabies shot, although it is a 3 part seris so there will be more. We also took out first oral Spanish Exam. We road by bus from Quito to Cayambe to another training site. The bus ride was BEAUTIFUL! (again, pictures later). We did some days of training in Cayambe, nothing too exciting until they let us go to the mercado in groups and walk around town and talk to people. Parque Central was lovely, and there are fiestas going on in this region also, so there is lots to see.
I ended up testing at Spanish level IM (Intermedio Medio) which is were everyone needs to be to be sworn in, so it is a good starting place. I learned that not everyone here is that good at Spanish, so it was reassuring that i will not be leaning by myself! Saturday afternoon our Spanish facilitators brought us to our CBT (community based training) sites. Mine is in Tabacundo. It is a small, lovely city. My host mom says the name means old or antique. My host family is really nice, and I have a nice private area for living. I have gone with to buy pan, ir al mercado, and I have observed some washing of clothes (she scrubs them by hand before putting them in the machine). My family has cars, so we drive wherever we need to go in town, but most peple walk...there are lots of people roaming around the streets. The fiestas de San Pedro are here as well, so there is lots going on (not so much today, though, becuase it is Sunday).
So far, I havent had too many major mishaps, except for not being able to figure out how to make the electric shower work, calling a spoon a pig, and when I was entering this here internet cafe, I pulled three times on the door before I realized I was supposed to push...
I shared by scrapbook with my family last night, and you should all be delighted to know that they loved it. PC staff has told us not to wear our North Face backpacks around town (oh yes, they specified North Face, but worry not, I am not the only one with one), but said that once we get to our volunteer sites (in about 10 weeks) and get to know the people there, it should be okay.
Oh, and remember how I was certain that no where on the equator could be cold for a tough chic from Wisconsin? Well....I was wrong! It is cold here! We are in the friggin mountains, so I dont know why I did not believe what PC was telling me in the first place! I had to have staff go back to Quito to get my puffy vest for me (dont worry, he offered!). Its weird, because it will be cold enough for a winter jacket in the AM, and warm enough for a tshirt in the afternoon...but that easily switches on the minute with the moving of the clouds. And it is usually warmer outside than in, because of the direct sun (which when it hits me directly, makes me feel like my skin will turn to burnt toast on contact!).
Ahh...what can I say? I am having a great time adjusting to my new life!
Miss you all...
amor,
theresa
We arrived in Ecuador on Wed. PM and were greeted by the PC staff at the airport. They helped us navigate our way through customs and told us to go outside and look for people with PC signs, but not to give our bags to anyone else. I was certain that we would not be able to find anyone because there were so many people at the airport arrivals. But immediately we heard people screaming "Yeahhhhh! Peace Corps Ecuador!!!" and there they all were! They gave us roses with fun little sayings on them...little tidbits about PC and Ecuador. They were so welcoming, and said that they are like a family here, and they welcomed us to their family.
We got on the bus (they split our group into 2, I arrived with the first group) and we went to the hostel (good thing I never saw that movie, because you know I would have been afraid to go!). The hostel was beautiful...I took pictures, but I was walking to this cafe by myself so I did not bring my camera to upload them (some other time, ya?). We had a snack and chatted with a current volunteer. I was getting super pumped about everything just listening to her talk about her site and everything she gets to do!
The next day, Thursday, we went to the PC (en espanol es Cuerpo de Paz) headquaters and were inroduced to all the staff. Filled out some paperwork about our background and what kinds of topics we would be comfortable teaching, etc. Shots were given, I only needed the rabies shot, although it is a 3 part seris so there will be more. We also took out first oral Spanish Exam. We road by bus from Quito to Cayambe to another training site. The bus ride was BEAUTIFUL! (again, pictures later). We did some days of training in Cayambe, nothing too exciting until they let us go to the mercado in groups and walk around town and talk to people. Parque Central was lovely, and there are fiestas going on in this region also, so there is lots to see.
I ended up testing at Spanish level IM (Intermedio Medio) which is were everyone needs to be to be sworn in, so it is a good starting place. I learned that not everyone here is that good at Spanish, so it was reassuring that i will not be leaning by myself! Saturday afternoon our Spanish facilitators brought us to our CBT (community based training) sites. Mine is in Tabacundo. It is a small, lovely city. My host mom says the name means old or antique. My host family is really nice, and I have a nice private area for living. I have gone with to buy pan, ir al mercado, and I have observed some washing of clothes (she scrubs them by hand before putting them in the machine). My family has cars, so we drive wherever we need to go in town, but most peple walk...there are lots of people roaming around the streets. The fiestas de San Pedro are here as well, so there is lots going on (not so much today, though, becuase it is Sunday).
So far, I havent had too many major mishaps, except for not being able to figure out how to make the electric shower work, calling a spoon a pig, and when I was entering this here internet cafe, I pulled three times on the door before I realized I was supposed to push...
I shared by scrapbook with my family last night, and you should all be delighted to know that they loved it. PC staff has told us not to wear our North Face backpacks around town (oh yes, they specified North Face, but worry not, I am not the only one with one), but said that once we get to our volunteer sites (in about 10 weeks) and get to know the people there, it should be okay.
Oh, and remember how I was certain that no where on the equator could be cold for a tough chic from Wisconsin? Well....I was wrong! It is cold here! We are in the friggin mountains, so I dont know why I did not believe what PC was telling me in the first place! I had to have staff go back to Quito to get my puffy vest for me (dont worry, he offered!). Its weird, because it will be cold enough for a winter jacket in the AM, and warm enough for a tshirt in the afternoon...but that easily switches on the minute with the moving of the clouds. And it is usually warmer outside than in, because of the direct sun (which when it hits me directly, makes me feel like my skin will turn to burnt toast on contact!).
Ahh...what can I say? I am having a great time adjusting to my new life!
Miss you all...
amor,
theresa
Saturday, June 23, 2007
Hello my friends! I have to be quick because I am out on an assignment in Cayambe. We have to look for various buildings and write stuff down about them. Mostly it is so that we practice asking people en espanol para ayudarnos (to help us). Anyhow, I move in with my temporary host family tonight. They live about 15 min. outside of Cayabe: mom is a dentist, dad is a professor, 2 kids 12 and 16. Running hot water, private bedroom...the works en Ecuador realmente.
Anyways, I miss you all tons! I have had ounces of free time each day, so it has been hard to get on the computer. I will write something more than a quick update....hopefully tomorrow or Monday.
Te Quiero Mucho mis Amigas y Familia.
Paz,
Tere
Anyways, I miss you all tons! I have had ounces of free time each day, so it has been hard to get on the computer. I will write something more than a quick update....hopefully tomorrow or Monday.
Te Quiero Mucho mis Amigas y Familia.
Paz,
Tere
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Training in Miami
Hello All!
Okay, here is the real update on training. I have been in Miami for 2 days now for training and am writing this QUICKLY before I check out of the hotel.
Basically, training was a lot like Child Welfare CORE trainings. Lots of topics, group activities, etc. about cultural competence, safety, culture shock, living in another country, etc. I feel like it went well, the trainer was beyond excellent-he did PC Ecuador back in the day, and then stayed in Ecuador for like 20 years running a school. So, suffice to say that he was knowledgable. We learned all kinds of things, like food that is common, how to avoid petty theft and things, safety in general, all kinds of things.
I feel pretty good about leaving (we fly out to Quito today) but I still dont think it has completly sunken in yet. I feel a bit (more than a bit) behind in the Spanish language confidence and the living abroad experience, but I figure those things will even out. As I often told clients about parenting classes: you can be told the rules all you want, but you dont know the game until you play. I am hoping that is really the case with this. Because in the subtle "how versed are you in Latino Culture" game that is going on a bit, I feel like I am losing!
Anyhow, I have met some really cool people here! There are people here from ALL over: LSU, Virginia Tech, Hawaii, Ohio, Detroit, Chicago, everywhere you could imagine. Lots of folks are fresh out of college, a few are out a few years like me.
We will in Quito for a few days and then to Cayambe for several weeks, then THEN we will find out our post and job assignment. I cannot wait for that! Lots of people are concerned about where they are going to live, but I am more worried about what I will be doing (can you say American workaholic? yes, yes I know).
Thats all I have for now, I will write the next time that I can. With 40-some folks wanting to use the few computers we have access to, the pickings are slim!
I miss every last one of you kids.
peace,
theresa
Okay, here is the real update on training. I have been in Miami for 2 days now for training and am writing this QUICKLY before I check out of the hotel.
Basically, training was a lot like Child Welfare CORE trainings. Lots of topics, group activities, etc. about cultural competence, safety, culture shock, living in another country, etc. I feel like it went well, the trainer was beyond excellent-he did PC Ecuador back in the day, and then stayed in Ecuador for like 20 years running a school. So, suffice to say that he was knowledgable. We learned all kinds of things, like food that is common, how to avoid petty theft and things, safety in general, all kinds of things.
I feel pretty good about leaving (we fly out to Quito today) but I still dont think it has completly sunken in yet. I feel a bit (more than a bit) behind in the Spanish language confidence and the living abroad experience, but I figure those things will even out. As I often told clients about parenting classes: you can be told the rules all you want, but you dont know the game until you play. I am hoping that is really the case with this. Because in the subtle "how versed are you in Latino Culture" game that is going on a bit, I feel like I am losing!
Anyhow, I have met some really cool people here! There are people here from ALL over: LSU, Virginia Tech, Hawaii, Ohio, Detroit, Chicago, everywhere you could imagine. Lots of folks are fresh out of college, a few are out a few years like me.
We will in Quito for a few days and then to Cayambe for several weeks, then THEN we will find out our post and job assignment. I cannot wait for that! Lots of people are concerned about where they are going to live, but I am more worried about what I will be doing (can you say American workaholic? yes, yes I know).
Thats all I have for now, I will write the next time that I can. With 40-some folks wanting to use the few computers we have access to, the pickings are slim!
I miss every last one of you kids.
peace,
theresa
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Welcome to Miami
Hello All!
Theresa is doing just fine, no worries! My plane from Atlanta to Miami was 2 hours delayed, so I got to training late (super Theresa-style, I know), but it has all worked out just fine. Training is going well, there are lots of cool people here (although I feel like a bit of an old buck...) and I am really lookinf forward to leaving for Ecuador tomorrow! I have got to run to get some last minute stuff at the store, but I will write more later.
love,
Theresa
Theresa is doing just fine, no worries! My plane from Atlanta to Miami was 2 hours delayed, so I got to training late (super Theresa-style, I know), but it has all worked out just fine. Training is going well, there are lots of cool people here (although I feel like a bit of an old buck...) and I am really lookinf forward to leaving for Ecuador tomorrow! I have got to run to get some last minute stuff at the store, but I will write more later.
love,
Theresa
Monday, June 11, 2007
My attempt to being a gigabyter...
So, I am sitting here at the library in Brown Deer, WI trying to make this website. If I wasn't so dead-set on having polkadots maybe it would have been easier. I think I have created a way to do this well. This site will work as follows (check me out telling the site what to do, lets hope it listens!):
The mainpage is this: www.como-esta-theresa.blogspot.com
You can check this page for general updates on how I am doing in Ecuador and what new fun metaphors about life I have come up with.
I will make links to websites that are of interest to me and may be interesting to you as well. Some of these will link to other blogspot.com sites that I will make to connect to this one, and some to other pages. The link blogs will start with "c-e-t-" and whatever the link is for. I am doing it this way because I dont like having lists of things all on one page, I hope you do not mind the extra clicking.
I will update this mainpage as often as I can so that you all can keep tabs on how I am and soothe your minds that I am safe. Please check back often!
warm fuzzies,
theresa
The mainpage is this: www.como-esta-theresa.blogspot.com
You can check this page for general updates on how I am doing in Ecuador and what new fun metaphors about life I have come up with.
I will make links to websites that are of interest to me and may be interesting to you as well. Some of these will link to other blogspot.com sites that I will make to connect to this one, and some to other pages. The link blogs will start with "c-e-t-" and whatever the link is for. I am doing it this way because I dont like having lists of things all on one page, I hope you do not mind the extra clicking.
I will update this mainpage as often as I can so that you all can keep tabs on how I am and soothe your minds that I am safe. Please check back often!
warm fuzzies,
theresa
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