No-Blog November

I know it’s not the greatest play on words, but it explains my blog activity haha. I would have to say that it can be mostly credited to the lack of actually sitting down and getting a chance to write about my life. Whatever it is, I have realized that over the course of my Peace Corps service that I’m not the most consistent blogger.

In that case, I will once again blog-vomit (yes, I just made up that term) all of November J

As some of you know I have a “godson” in site. Over a year ago my host sister in site named me the god mother of her baby boy. His name is Pedrito and his 1 year old birthday was the 2nd of November. In Paraguay, the biggest birthday celebrations are your 1st (or Tú Primer Añito) or your 15th (Quinceañera), which is only thrown for girls. It is kind of like their “coming out” party as a woman. Unfortunately, boys don’t get one, which also means that the 1st birthday party is kinda a big deal. So obviously I was in full birthday party planning mode with my host mom at least two weeks before the day. I did all the preparations for the cake and was the photographer, of course. He was so cute and the party went great even though it rained all day.

The little munchkin! 

Madrina y hijado :)

Family and Neighbors w/ Grandma Cristina

All the invitados! 

Giving out the present bags! 

With his Aunties 

With all the kiddies!

The next day, I actually had the first healthy cooking class with my health committee in site since we had built the fogons. It was a major vegetarian success! I wanted to prove to them once and for all that eating an entirely vegetarian meal would not kill or starve them haha! I was seriously impressed with how many green things I put into our food and that they genuinely enjoyed it. We made green salad, veggie/egg empanadas, veggie pasta, and corn bread (Sopa Paraguaya). Everyone ate it and didn’t complain at all. Instead, they all commented on how easy and delicious the meal was. They actually wanted to learn more vegetarian meals. Great day to be a veggie lover J

My Senoras enjoying their veggie meal :)

Wouldn't have accomplished a lot with out her!

Empanadas

Salad and Veggie Pasta

Proud Committee Members!

A few days later, I travelled to Asuncion for the Red Hot Chili Peppers Concert! Although I could only afford nosebleed standing tickets it was super fun and it was nice to be with Volunteers again!

 That same week, Peace Corps Paraguay had another AHENDU night. If you follow this blog you probably already know about the great shenanigans these nights involve. It’s a chance for volunteers and friends of volunteers to preform live and have a lil’ fun ;) Once again, it was a great time!

Some of my lovely G-mates! Almost done!

That next week, my VAC had the next Tour de VAC planned; however due to a variety of reasons it was postponed for March! Anyways I decided to play the movie I was planning to have before we were going to do our Gender and Development presentations (charlas). The movie is called Girl Rising and I highly recommend getting your hands on it. It highlights the lives of 7 or so girls that live all around the world, touching on their specific struggles and perseverance. It really gives a great insight to the general inequality struggle women all over the world deal with, yet really digging deep into the region specific problems. I loved it! Check it out! Girlrising.com

That same day I also gave a charla to my committee and interested members of the community about sanitary latrines. I explained the project and how we can find help with the costs. I have about 25 families that I plan to gather funds for in order to put sanitary latrines in their homes. All of these families lack sanitary means of disposing of fecal matter. It is the source of a lot of sanitation and health problems in many communities in Paraguay, like parasites and food/water contamination. I plan on asking the state government to help with funding. To be continued!

A little more on the status of projects I site: I have recently turned in all the paperwork for the PCPP Grant for the funding of my community library. You might be asking what is a PCPP. Well, it is a grant that follows the Peace Corps guidelines and policies in order to ask anyone, anywhere for funds to help complete a project. The grant asks that the community lie down 25% of the overall cost of the project, which shows participation and motivation. I am proud to say that the Parent’s Commission in my site has put forth a huge effort in order to get this project off and running. They have already helped me paint and organize the room, repair the electricity, buy new locks for the windows and door, buy shelves and tables, and install an overhead fan. All the funds that I ask for in the PCPP will go to purchasing more books for the library. This project will help the dire need for literacy improvements within the elementary and high school students. Books are not readily available in Paraguayan schools and even more scare within Paraguay. Implementing a library anywhere helps children in their education more than anything. If you are interested in donating please visit the peace corps donation page!! Link --> 

 https://donate.peacecorps.gov/index.cfmshell=donate.contribute.projDetail&projdesc=14-526-005

Or just visit peacecorps.org --> donate to volunteer projects --> search by name --> BATZER (A community library)

Another highly celebrated and rare occasion in Paraguay is a BODA de ORO, which is a 50^th Wedding Anniversary Party. Fortunately, I have been able to attend two during my Peace Corps Service. The second one was during the last week of November and it was none other than my Paraguayan “grandma and grandpa” who live right next door! Such an adorable and hard-working couple! I am really happy I got the opportunity to celebrate with them. Moreover, it was most likely the biggest campo event I have ever attended. Guess the more kids you have, the bigger the show because their 10 children all put in QUITE a sum of money each towards the celebration. Super lindo!

Maida, Angelina, and I

My neighbors who celebrated their 50th anniversary and my close Volunteer neighbor

Juliana, Angelina, and I in front of the band!

The Fernandez Vera Family!

Belen, Araceli, Cristel, and Magri <3 my little chiquitas!

This month was full of celebrations because just two days afterwards I got to attend my second Pre-School Graduation! This time it was a little more special because my neighbor Cristel graduated. I was super excited to be able to be there for such a big occasion for my Paraguayan friends.

After that, I headed to Asuncion to celebrate Thanksgiving with some volunteers at my friend's house. It was just a little get together but really nice to have a break from work. The bigger activity was traveling down south to Encarnacion, Paraguay to hang out at a really nice pool hotel with about 30 other volunteers. Catch some rays and celebrate giving thanks one more time. Love getting’ a little crazy with the PC crew. Always a good time J

Gettin' ready for Thanksgiving Day Olympics :) We're Team Hungary hehe

Until next time, stay classy.