Big changes have happened- namely...I am now, officially, a volunteer!!! Life has been a constant motion of change! Here are some of the highlights of what I've done!
Dec 7-8: Did a 12 hour, overnight, "pilgrimage" to the sacred basilica of the patron virgin of Caacupe. This annual pilgrimage is done every year by Paraguayans from every corner of the country by any mode of transportation available- by foot, car, bus, cargo truck, etc. Those who are able to complete the journey to the basilica- built by the sacred place where the Virgin, herself, was said to show her presence- are supposedly granted one wish for their miraculous efforts. My spiritual journey was done, by foot, from Guarambare and included a series shortcuts through fields, highways, unlit and unpaved streets. I was accompanied by the whole group of hard core Agforesters, led by a very amiable host Paraguayan guide. We finally merged on the main ruta to be joined by MASSES of people- all ages, shapes, and colors =)- trying to push their way through the hoards, trying as best as possible not to step on everyone elses´beach sandaled foot! We stopped a few times to fill up on chipa or to rest our weary bodies, and finally made it to the basilia (amazingly without getting split up!) at around 6 or 7 in the morning. We made it (barely) to the main plaza and basically either passed out, shopped, or searched for something to eat for a few hours before catching a bus with any available seats back home. It was incredible- both physically and mentally- finishing the trip. Don´t know if I´ll do it again- in all honesty- but at least I can say I did it. =)
Dec 11: Officially sworn in as a Peace Corps Volunteer! The ceremony took place at the US Embassy (located in downtown Asunción) and lasted only about an hour, followed by a brief reception (check out Facebook to see the pics).
Dec 15: After a few short days of R & R in Asuncion, we all said our goodbyes to one another and set out to start our 2 year commitment in site! (I traveled, for the first time, by bus. Wow. The trip took 6 hours: two breakdowns, a flat tire, and packed with people inclusive. Thank you dirt roads!)
Dec 25: Merry Christmas!! (First Christmas spent away from family =/)
New Years!: Spent New Years week alone, in site, with the flu =(. On New Year´s Eve, I graciously joined my friend (first one I made at site!) and her family for asado at her house. We watched the celebrations worldwide on her family´s TV (yes, I´m in a spoiled site with TVs!). Her house is located right next to the Alberdi ¨beach,¨ which looks across the Rio Paraguay to Formosa, where they shot off a very nice fireworks display. The night was very pretty and tranquilo, and the water quite warm!
Jan 15: One month anniversary in site!
Feb 7-8: On a visit to Asuncion to get the H1N1 vaccine, I was able to check out a couple of really pretty places located in the district of Central! I went canoeing on the Rio Paraguay with some very friendly people who do national and internation marathon style races in events such as: rafting, biking, running, trekking, and swimming. They also took me on a short hike in Tobati, a protected national park, where we saw a cave with BATS in it!!! They drove me on a mini sight seeing day trip to places like San Bernadino (a popular lake resort-like vacation spot) and Aregua (where we had a BEAUTIFUL view of miles of land up by the church). Overall, it was SO nice to get out and see some beautiful scenery- (even though it made me miss home and all of the beautiful northern CA forests!!)
I have now been in site for about 2 months now, and in country for 5. Life is completely, utterly different- a constant change and challenge every second. Things I have to look forward to include: starting work in the escuela basica (doing some EE themed projects), teaching an English class through the local Cooperativa, trying to get in contact with World Wide schools, finding my own house!!, and trying to set up a reasonable life routine. Most of my days here are spent meeting people, drinking terere, and making myself busy checking out different places in my site. The summer break has been niiiiiiicccccceeeeee and hot/humid, destined to cool down sometime in March or April.
I miss you all beyond my ability to fully articulate. Thank you to all your amazing love and support (especially during the holidays and my birthday!). I try not to think to much about home- but would love, love any news/updates whenever possible! Enjoy the Winter Olympic (that I am unable to enjoy watching here) games!
