A Breath of Fresh Air

Amongst all the wind blowing in my face I finally got a breath of fresh air, metaphorically speaking of course. However, it's the only way I can really express the feeling I experience this past Sunday. For the last month I have struggled between two modes of interaction with my committee: over-involvement and passive oversight. On the one hand, I should take control and be a model for hard-working behavior so that one day the members will receive health and sanitation improvements to their homes. Yet, on the other, I must remember that successful work here depends on enabling the community in a self-sufficent manner. In other words they need to learn how to accomplish things on their own and understand the what it takes to do so, which means I need to stay back on the sidelines and coach (even if it would normally be done more efficient and quicker if I were to step in). That also involves watching them fail and not doing anything so that they learn from their mistakes. This is harder than it sounds. Until this Sunday, our group was lacking full attendance, participation, and punctuality. Our president was quiet and laid back; the speaker was doing the secretary's job and the men didn't think they needed to help out with the cooking for the food sales. Finally after reiterating the responsibilities of each position in the committee and importance of doing the previously mentioned, I had a full house promptly arrive at 3:00pm Sunday afternoon. Ready to get down to business! It was one of the best meetings we've ever had. We planned another event, talked about new interesting activities, and set out a date to send the recognition papers to now the state government office (since we are already recognized by the municipality). I then gave a requested presentation on treatment and prevention of the cold and flu, which they really appreciated and surprisingly learned a lot. Finally a very organized step in the right direction :) VERY PROUD. Also makes me feel like they are actually listening to me and it feels great! I even took a picture...take a look at my super guapo committee!

"Guavira Unido"