Bienvenidos to my Blog!

Hello Family, Friends, and Curious Readers,

Thanks for stopping in to see what I am up to. This is my first blog, and I hope not to bore you too much with the details of my life. But rather hope to offer you some insights into development work, the highs, the lows, and well the boring.

But before I move away for 27 months, let me give you a little information about myself before I lose a steady internet connection.

So after graduating from Boston College in 2005, I decided I wanted to learn Spanish and "save the world" so I moved to Cusco, Peru. I began by volunteering for The Center for Traditional Textiles of Cusco by researching and writing a small business plan for the organization. I continued to work with the organization until February of 2008, when I returned to the US to prepare for my move to Madrid, Spain for 15 months to study an International MBA at IE Business School. And now, after a year of searching for the perfect development job, and taking odd jobs in the meantime, I have joined the Peace Corps and am volunteering again. So wish me luck, and PLEASE someone stop me from volunteering again!

Wednesday, August 31, 2011

One month in site!!!

Today is officially the last day of August, and therefore the end of my first month in site. It has been a good month I must admit. I had my site visit on Monday (site visits are when the Project directors come visit and see how things are going with you, your counterparts/teachers, and the Ministry of Education). It went very well and ironically, we had a better time getting in touch with people than I have had for a month. We had a great meeting with the department head for the Ministry of Education (She is the equivalent to a state's director, I guess?) and I am now going to be giving an entrepreneurship workshop to teachers from all over the department at the end of September. It's a huge challenge and very much an honor. If I can make sure I have a great first workshop, I am hoping it can open doors to doing more in the future!

So in preparation for my site visit, I was trying to think of what I have accomplished in my first month. And although by my normal standards, I would be worried I have not done enough yet, I have swallowed a HUGE chill pill and think I am right on track. So what have I done?
1. Fully settled into my home stay, bought necessary furniture,etc.
2. Joined a gym and have successfully gone to that gym at least 4 times a week since joining (all 2 and a half weeks so far!)
3. Due to my new love for soy meat (it's cheaper and much healthier) and my gym routine, I have lost 2.5 pounds without being sick.
4. I have survived my first sickness.
5. I have created a good relationship with my counterparts, and have started teaching classes.
6. I have gotten to know the routes of 3 buses!
7. I have joined a women's group, and attend once a week to reflect upon my life and the blessings I have in it.
8. Oh and most importantly, for me since I am so bad at communicating, I have successfully transitioned to Volunteer life and am still blogging! WOO HOO!

Classes seem to be going well, especially with my fourth year classes. (High school here is 5 years). You might ask, what exactly are you doing in these classes? Well that's a great question and for this post, I will focus on my role with my 4th year classes (I also work with 5th year, but we will save that one for another day!) At the moment I am only working with 1 school's 4th year Entrepreneurship class, but they are great, and have been very creative so far. Ok but not to get ahead of myself. So my purpose, with any grade, is to teach the teachers about business and the Entrepreneurship curriculum. This is a brand new class here in Nicaragua and the majority of the teachers who teach it do not have the formal training in the subject like the math or science teachers. So I work with the teachers in planning their lessons, making sure they understand the material, reviewing if necessary, and then helping in the classroom as needed.

Today our class went great. The teacher I am working with is really understanding the material, is enthusiastic, and overall is a great teacher. Our topic was "My life in 10 years," and we had them put on skits depicting their lives in 10 years. One group showed two different routes a person could take, a drunk, and a doctor. I hope most of my students decide to take the doctor route. Previously, in the same class, we covered the topic of what it means to be an entrepreneur and I made a puzzle with the characteristics on each piece (the puzzle formed a person) and put each piece in a balloon. Then a student came up and popped the balloon and read the characteristic out loud to the rest of the class. That activity was a joint creation between myself and my co-teacher. It went well I think. I am looking forward to see what we come up with next.

This past weekend was the corn festival here in Matagalpa. Corn is an incredibly important part of the Nicaraguan diet, as are rice and beans, and it was neat to see the different dishes prepared with corn. I was a little weary if it would make me sick or not, so instead of corn products I bought earrings and some sugar coated coconut that was delicious! It was a fun little fair, and I am glad I made good choices since some of my friends who did eat at the fair got a little sick. (My money is on their hands were dirty).

Overall, it has been a great first month and it went by very fast. Much faster than training. Speaking of training, today the newest group of trainees arrive in Nicaragua, so welcome Nica 57 - TEFL and Environment! I hope one of you becomes my new site mate! Well, I love you all, make good choices! Look for another update next week!

Friday, August 26, 2011

Jenevieve's Wild Ride

Normally, I plan at 8:30am on Thursdays. Normally I try to make it home before dark. Normally I take taxis if the sun has gone down just for safety. Yesterday however, nothing was normal. Since today, Friday, was the monthly planning meeting for all of Nicaragua's teachers, I did not have class. So that meant I did not need to teach today, and therefore had a day free of planning yesterday. Except one of my counterparts wanted to get ahead on planning so I decided to meet him at school at 4. By the time we had finished it was quickly getting dark and I knew that if I took the bus I normally took I would also need to take a cab (since I normally walk home from the main park). So I decided to walk a few blocks (before it was dark) to try and get me a cab to take me to the other side of the city where I live. But to no avail, no one wanted to go that far, etc. So I grabbed a bus to the main park (which was a new one for me) and the cobrador (the guy who takes the money) was very kind and told me when to get off, a gentleman on the bus offered me his seat so I did not have to stand. Overall it was an adventure, trying a new bus, but it was a pleasant one.

So I have to comment. If you are not familiar with buses in most latin american countries, they are either mini-vans that have been refurbished to fit 25 or they are large yellow school buses that are refurbished to fit 100. These buses can get so crowded that the air can get knocked out of you by just trying to squeeze out of them.

So once at the main park, I had two options, wait for another bus that took me only two blocks from my house, or I could take a cab that was twice as much (and yet in retrospect it was only $0.45 USD oh well, talk about being frugal!!!). So what did I do? I took another bus I had never taken before. And while this bus filled up to maximum capacity, and I almost lost my shoe trying to get out, several people on the bus also helped me figure out where my stop was, if we were even going in the right direction (I asked before getting on the bus, but you never know), and were overall very kind. I must say I was very overwhelmed by the Nicaraguan hospitality yesterday. It made me happy to be here. Good day overall.

This weekend is the corn festival. I have several friends that are coming in town so I am very excited. We shall see what type of fun we encounter!

Keep making good choices! I know I will. Haha

Monday, August 22, 2011

100 Days in Nicaragua

August 19th marked my 100th day in Nicaragua, and ironically I also had a class of 100+ students that day. If you have never had one of those moments where you go, "what the heck am I doing?" it surely would happen as you look at 100+ teenagers sitting a room waiting for class to begin. In reality I should have had two sections of class that day, meaning each section would have been around 55 students, but due to some unexpected circumstances, mainly the teachers not showing up, I combined my two classes to try to cover more material and have more time for them to work in groups with my help. I wish my camera battery was charged because I would have loved to have taken a picture of this very intimidating site. It also marked my 100th day in Nicaragua, and boy can I say it has been quite the 100 days.

Despite my previous experiences I don´t think I was quite ready for the Peace Corps when I arrived here. I was incredibly homesick, taking some very strong medications that I have since gotten used to (thank goodness) and it was incredibly hot. Plus I was assigned to work in high schools, and although I never admitted it before, I was terrified of teenagers. Not because my own experience had been scarring, but rather everything you hear about bullying and whatnot these days (here I go sounding old)I was just scared. Kids can be inspiring, but they can also just be mean. Luckily, my first class (which I taught by myself because the co-teacher I was assigned to was out sick for 3 weeks) went well, and like those great teachers I had growing up, I used my first impression opportunity to put the fear of God into them. Well not quite but I did make my rules very clear. Only by becoming a teacher myself, did I learn that yes it truly is necessary to be a rule stickler especially at the very beginning. Although I have found that in one of my classes at my permanent placement this technique is not universally implementable.

So on my 100th day in Nicaragua, I was blessed to have 100 great students, some of whom are very interested in the subject matter and those that were just respectfully keeping quiet until class was over. I find that I connect better with the girls (for obvious reasons) and after I finished class, some of them stuck around to get help on their assignment for our next class. It was nice to see some of them taking advantage of the extra time.

Also (pictures to come when I can get my camera charged) but I finally got my room together! This was one fo my goals for month 1. It sounds strange that I needed a whole month, but it takes time to shop around for furniture (the cheapest I can find due to budget restrictions) and then get the cash out of the bank (because not all shops take credit here).

Sunday, I was invited by the vice-principal of my school to a birthday party for her 5 year old niece. We had a great time, although I left with a sugar headache due to the Fanta, ice cream, cake, and candy served at the party. I was invited to come anytime after 2pm so I left my house at 2 to walk over (I didn´t want to be too punctual). It was about a 20 minute walk and of course I was still the first one to arrive. But slowly, one by one the other invitees came (most of whom were 5 or younger and accompanied by adults who may or may not have known each other). Then began the kids run around and go crazy while the adults sit and make awkward conversation until some food item is given to them. (I was the only adult there who did not bring a munchkin but oh well just another random Gringa moment.) Then the kids played some games including pin the nose on Hello Kitty, a dance competition, and then broke the piƱata. The funny thing is that while all of this was going on, I imagined that is was different from an American birthday party. But now that I am typing it up, I realize I haven´t attended a kid´s birthday party in the states for quite some time, and I can imagine that they are pretty similarly awkward in the states too. Sometimes I only see the differences, then later with reflection I realize how similar we really are.

I think that is the best way to sumarize my first 100 days in Nicaragua. The initial shock of something new leads to the instant preception that something is different, and only after more time and starting to feel more comfortable do I realize just how similar we all are. (I also believe this is classic culture shock theory). Well that´s it for me today. I am excited to see what the next 100 days will bring. Keep making good choices and I love you all!

Thursday, August 18, 2011

Routines are comforting no matter how many times they change... daily

Only once you have uprooted your life and moved to a completely new country does one understand how comforting daily routines can be, and sometimes how elusive they are to achieve.

For example, since most of my classes are in the afternoons, I decided to join a gym. So far I have been able to go without problems. I get up at 7:15, change, eat my yogurt and granola, then walk the 20 minutes to the gym where I get on a machine for 45 minutes then do weights, or bike for while, then do weights, walk the 20 minutes home again, take a cold shower (to stop me from sweating so much even though in Nicaragua sweat is inevitable) make an early lunch, then head off to class for the afternoon. Last week, foolish me, I thought I had it all worked out, that my counterparts and I had agreed on times to meet to plan for classes, that all was set and I could finally create a routine. As it turns out, I have been able to create a routine, the only problem is it keeps changing. My counterpart had to cancel our planning session today because of a training workshop she was called to at the last minute. And as ironic as it sounds, I think the most routine part of my days here is some part of my day getting changed. I will never get bored at least right?

But it is nice waking up and knowing that I have a purpose, that I have someone who is waiting for me at some point during the day. (Even if they have no idea I am coming.) I was lucky today that I got a surprise visit from one of the other volunteers today (she was in town for a doctor's visit) and we were able to hang out, have lunch, and go to my new favorite coffee shop and take advantage of the wi-fi. It is nice to see other volunteers and be able to stay in touch, however, I have come to notice that I am also ok being by myself. Having a coffee alone 4 months ago would have been something I would have never done... take it to go or something but not sit there alone. But now I an starting to be ok with being alone. (I only need to worry when I start talking aloud to myself I think.)

Update on the 50th Anniversary celebration. In traditional PC fashion we started with an ice-breaker and had presentations, a snack, more presentations, and then lunch, followed by another ice-breaker and 1 more presentation. It was more of a recap of what PC has done in Nicaragua than a party, but it was great to meet all the other volunteers that live here in the department of Matagalpa.

So far this week has been pretty routine, I had class the first three days, planned with one of my teachers today, and will teach 3 classes and plan for 1 more tomorrow. (Fridays are heavy for me) This weekend I will head to a birthday party for a 5 year old little girl (the niece of the vice-principal of one school) and try to finish getting my room organized. Its the small things I guess.

So be good and make good choices. I will continue to do the same. Miss you all!

Thursday, August 11, 2011

The best laid plans of mice and men...

Today was the day I was finally going to meet my counterpart in San Ramon. Last week I was sick, so I was not able to be there, but this week I was going to make the 45 minute trip (one way) and meet the Director of the school, get my schedule ironed out, and observe my first class at this school. But it turns out I just wanted to go visit the community and look at the gorgeous views on the trip there and back. I went to the Ministry of Education first, and as luck would have it, the Minister was out, so I will have to stop by tomorrow morning to present myself. Then I went to the school so I could talk to the director and hammer out the details of my schedule for this particular institute. Well as luck would have it, she wasn´t in either, nor was the sub-director. So I set off to find my counterpart teacher. At least she was in her classroom. But then I find out that that class is no longer being given because one of the other teachers is sick and so she had to drop Entrepreneurship and take over the other teacher´s load. So we chatted for a few moments, then I left as she was in the middle of class. I went back to the bus stop, bought a coke light and some peanuts, and hoped on a micro-bus heading back to Matagalpa (another 45 minutes back). But luckily it was a beautiful day and I got seats both times on the way to and back from the town so really, I am not complaining. I still have not been able to spot the Castle of Cocoa on the drive to or from San Ramon, but I will be sure to keep my eyes open. I hear they have amazing brownies and by golly I want to try one.

I will return to San Ramon tomorrow morning to observe a class (si dios quiere/if God wants - which is a common saying here), meet the delegada and then to return to Matagalpa to observe two more classes at my third school. It has been quite the week, but I am happy to say that I had some great planning sessions with some of my teachers and I look forward to seeing what other things come my way.

This weekend is the 50th Anniversary celebration in Matagalpa of the Peace Corps presence world wide. It is amazing to think that 50 years ago President John F. Kennedy was alive and asking the youth of America who was ready to serve abroad. And that there still are people who are willing to take up that challenge. And Holy Cow I am one of them. I still can´t believe that I am in the Peace Corps, you think it would have hit me and sunk in during training, but apparently not. It might not until much later. Who knows, who cares. I am here and that´s what matters. Alrighty, I am rambling, must be the heat, so I will go, but remember to make good choices and that I love you all (even if you aren´t an official follower of my blog ha ha).

Sunday, August 7, 2011

Week one in site complete!

Well week one has flown by, much thanks to my being ill for 3 days, but it is still hard to believe that at some moments the time can seem to crawl by at a others you blink and it's Thursday. I was able to work with two of my counterparts and even help plan for a class this coming week. I must make it a priority to make it to my other two schools though, get to my boss's office (the head of the Ministry of Education for the region) and invite her to the Peace Corps 50th Anniversary lunch this coming Saturday, I need to make a judgement call on my other schools to see if they should participate in this year's National Business plan competition, and present myself to the police. Boy am I glad I was sick this week so at least I am well rested for all the things I need to do this week.

I know that sounds a little harsh, but after all the go go go during training, its hard to get to your final site and not want to run headlong into things. But I keep reminding myself... I have two years to make the teachers I work with the best that they can be in the Entrepreneurship course, that Rome wasn't built in a day, nor was it in two years. I am here to do what I can over the next two years, and I should not kill myself or my health in order to do it. After all, one of the greatest things about Latin life is the pace at which it is lived. This reminds me of a guy I saw walking down the street the other day. He was very white skinned, red-haired, had a backpack his water bottle, and was walk/running down the street. At first I thought he must have been terrified of someone behind him because he was moving so fast, but when I saw him stop to buy some Bunuelos (a sticky fried ball of goodness) I figured he must just be in a hurry. As I continued to walk at a leisurely pace down the street (hey it was hot, I was still getting over from my illness, and I was trying to integrate better into my community), I started to think that if there is anything we all need to learn to do in this world is to just slow down, take it easy on ourselves. After all, some of my greatest memories are things that happened while I was waiting for some other plan to come to fruition.

So it's time for me to sit down, strap-in, and enjoy the next two years of a roller coaster ride. Hands up and screaming at the top of my lungs of course! Love you all and keep making good choices!

Thursday, August 4, 2011

What does any good volunteer who worked her butt off in training do when she gets to site?

She get´s sick of course!

Well I guess I did not take as great care of my health during the last few months of training because not only did I get a bacteria infection but I also got a cold that has kept me in bed for the past 2 days! I don´t feel like this is the best way to make an entrance into my new community, especially since the last volunteer here had to leave early due to illnesses. I can only imagine my counterparts are worried. But Alas, I did also make the decision to stay in bed and try to get better so that must show some level of intelligence. And despite my being ill, I have already observed two classes and planned for another, so I must be doing something right. Just wanted to give a quick hello and let people know that I hadn´t forgotten to write now that I am in site, I just haven´t been able to get far enough away from my bed to get to the internet. I will write as soon as I feel better! Love you all!