tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30466943186608414702024-02-18T20:38:04.515-08:00Mashi Moshkil: Not a ProblemJamie Albrechthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04010290631668450446noreply@blogger.comBlogger85125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3046694318660841470.post-56235906886780621352013-09-24T07:57:00.000-07:002013-09-24T08:00:46.453-07:00Closing Time<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Well I believe it is time to close this blog up. I should have ended it over a month ago when I finished my time in El Salvador, but buried deep in the process of leaving and closing my service, I could not find the words to wrap up two years in Peace Corps. After a month and a half of traveling (including many 12 hour bus rides of staring off into the distance) I think (think...) I can finally write this long awaited post.</div>
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I should start this post by saying that the conclusions I am about to draw after two years in Peace Corps El Salvador are not at all new or unique from the thousands of volunteers who have come before me. I think all of us finish with the desire to make some big, bold revelation to the rest of the populace. But most of the things we come up with have been said before, said more eloquently by someone else, and or are so cliche or obvious that at this point it is probably not worth much anymore.<br />
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For those reasons I will keep this post brief and to the point. The thing I most take away from Peace Corps is that every single place, person, and time has something to offer you should you let it. Therefore, try everything once, keep patience in your back pocket, and never underestimate your ability to adapt to the most frightening conditions.<br />
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I am thankful to Peace Corps for randomly sending me to El Salvador, for introducing me to a small little country with incredible people and communities, and for giving me the greatest group of best friends anyone could ask for.<br />
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Now for a photo recap of the greatest back packing trip of a lifetime!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP46EE7TfVk3DEEZNixkoQcZgu6q_Dnpn5qqjMGTc2pXecCT5LTAbuxFGFYLmllf3L_N-4A2pSAyhbCur2ylmccF1OZkT70HP1yTn_Tymuy4RAjrcfV8stWDsmnUs3KR4gTAl1SJ7Fggr0/s1600/lago.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP46EE7TfVk3DEEZNixkoQcZgu6q_Dnpn5qqjMGTc2pXecCT5LTAbuxFGFYLmllf3L_N-4A2pSAyhbCur2ylmccF1OZkT70HP1yTn_Tymuy4RAjrcfV8stWDsmnUs3KR4gTAl1SJ7Fggr0/s320/lago.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Starting in Nicaragua- Island of Ometepe <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNEWYVrl9jqPt0zyiRSnSavsTghrOadP865ZtscadYhrYgyygN4EsrZL8KWBUZlscYshD2Gv1ecq0ZlxF2O8gxRduHpZnp-PhADJCu5ZpLeJHhxj2vi2NByJGjQM9oeo25mxKosJif54v4/s1600/waterfall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNEWYVrl9jqPt0zyiRSnSavsTghrOadP865ZtscadYhrYgyygN4EsrZL8KWBUZlscYshD2Gv1ecq0ZlxF2O8gxRduHpZnp-PhADJCu5ZpLeJHhxj2vi2NByJGjQM9oeo25mxKosJif54v4/s320/waterfall.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waterfall and freezing</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEblNVqWJ79F7_dHEW2OAo9fEDvPk3Ms3AMRgoyq145PZckK42srNJm7RQoZWkf_6pEERuG6GaCu19Pw2wAqteOsTlyz41T_jsGjXLRbb230snlHwawrJIv9bgMHIkd8EcCm_sAPddX7mQ/s1600/arenal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEblNVqWJ79F7_dHEW2OAo9fEDvPk3Ms3AMRgoyq145PZckK42srNJm7RQoZWkf_6pEERuG6GaCu19Pw2wAqteOsTlyz41T_jsGjXLRbb230snlHwawrJIv9bgMHIkd8EcCm_sAPddX7mQ/s320/arenal.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Made to La Fortuna Costa Rica!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuv3lcRoCC-CbD45IU9Qy-uN2eJ5hmbgMFL9d2T64zGNttvd4WKyjTVmFupiEceXDx0lbCVBlHiFwqAep12JXajDiqWF9dCvNK-HYMZaOZlLnTqCCT5bLFrGxBuVw08NqhueYNbl_yqMoe/s1600/border+crossing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuv3lcRoCC-CbD45IU9Qy-uN2eJ5hmbgMFL9d2T64zGNttvd4WKyjTVmFupiEceXDx0lbCVBlHiFwqAep12JXajDiqWF9dCvNK-HYMZaOZlLnTqCCT5bLFrGxBuVw08NqhueYNbl_yqMoe/s320/border+crossing.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Weirdest border crossing ever?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW7bY0EvoEwaL8P2ZnfMrbag3yziC9kaTRKPpylzEaFDEihdiarAoHqgWPrhHWSXN1EvUy4esMm-Wklj-R7IquU3oddFZqmBEDo8X-09mqbTUXOwsHhWs3HxLSL2kMyoac_QYxPWYS4-xx/s1600/copan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW7bY0EvoEwaL8P2ZnfMrbag3yziC9kaTRKPpylzEaFDEihdiarAoHqgWPrhHWSXN1EvUy4esMm-Wklj-R7IquU3oddFZqmBEDo8X-09mqbTUXOwsHhWs3HxLSL2kMyoac_QYxPWYS4-xx/s320/copan.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Copan, Honduras</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8KyY4qpuQ5e5YIQTAAjgeQEarYjAb0tgGjAWnHiNBrZtTlDv08ap_jo5iCzzyWkcY_PZ55YeEEtNXOzsF8V_kZtKup0gtSQuxL_ENJOhVHRGO-mewOR1ubkf00hyphenhyphenil8a5StLha8MAP77I/s1600/bargaining.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8KyY4qpuQ5e5YIQTAAjgeQEarYjAb0tgGjAWnHiNBrZtTlDv08ap_jo5iCzzyWkcY_PZ55YeEEtNXOzsF8V_kZtKup0gtSQuxL_ENJOhVHRGO-mewOR1ubkf00hyphenhyphenil8a5StLha8MAP77I/s320/bargaining.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">bargaining in Chichi market!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzqQQvocw4ehMEojCmw3ppI_eCVACZHrn8TS60-kJtRZ1L9LdZZREeJ0R3DwDJV5HFWshrA3gb91Ewl6WzwJXlZz7G3BDvH2DLBnTzz7KLIcefBYqxCJxj0hMwue-aSZygaQ7qFcrljhkW/s1600/boots.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzqQQvocw4ehMEojCmw3ppI_eCVACZHrn8TS60-kJtRZ1L9LdZZREeJ0R3DwDJV5HFWshrA3gb91Ewl6WzwJXlZz7G3BDvH2DLBnTzz7KLIcefBYqxCJxj0hMwue-aSZygaQ7qFcrljhkW/s320/boots.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting boots made in Antigua, Guatemala</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf2mhz7nHZwtr97-BeXZxjhqXfMShX7ebi7HR9y11eC-rMgITLKHvZlZ3h7OSS0OlfeJy4FyNqnA6-eLWmqZzwQSAD9E3pFdmOauLKsz5gHH6CqV3nmid98rVShg3TF1bcAzjrSdqVWS3U/s1600/semuc+champey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf2mhz7nHZwtr97-BeXZxjhqXfMShX7ebi7HR9y11eC-rMgITLKHvZlZ3h7OSS0OlfeJy4FyNqnA6-eLWmqZzwQSAD9E3pFdmOauLKsz5gHH6CqV3nmid98rVShg3TF1bcAzjrSdqVWS3U/s320/semuc+champey.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Semuc Champey!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit6xo1kcbGuk9oUL7hWWPU-v45jYowSpliBo0cI3_XNYQMlqvP4PFp1tkON43D_uB0QM1btc6dbR5wSYrTud1zEklSXP0ODErGAbNYFY1mYpTvh2MPVoDZHWSADprZjnBhp0RP2mlh9C2j/s1600/traditionssss.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit6xo1kcbGuk9oUL7hWWPU-v45jYowSpliBo0cI3_XNYQMlqvP4PFp1tkON43D_uB0QM1btc6dbR5wSYrTud1zEklSXP0ODErGAbNYFY1mYpTvh2MPVoDZHWSADprZjnBhp0RP2mlh9C2j/s320/traditionssss.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting down with tradition on Independence Day in Guatemala! (tradition is to soak runners with water--google it)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLXOxrQiVynqz6n6wsU9rByVeEILMHyuWX0WIO4qyMDbO5txiqtiO2tdjoh6FEopO3-3JnO-LKnojsIwMYVb9ik2OBbw2CTlRWOBqWczGuyZ4v4AoQqB0hQ3k55dys4MniMdmCDZi9hbgx/s1600/tikal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLXOxrQiVynqz6n6wsU9rByVeEILMHyuWX0WIO4qyMDbO5txiqtiO2tdjoh6FEopO3-3JnO-LKnojsIwMYVb9ik2OBbw2CTlRWOBqWczGuyZ4v4AoQqB0hQ3k55dys4MniMdmCDZi9hbgx/s320/tikal.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tikal!!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTj-o7A1bHiYfp6Vnt3hfy7S6AtnGkd6U14s_EWsoXlI3bviSTQCYDq1w70EMzZA53WmApc0WbUQ5hAba-nLbPPK5CddvUvsW4NdepS9Xf-xF6Tq0batOiQ7XwUiA8zF8hidqyRxFh-qzZ/s1600/mcdonalds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTj-o7A1bHiYfp6Vnt3hfy7S6AtnGkd6U14s_EWsoXlI3bviSTQCYDq1w70EMzZA53WmApc0WbUQ5hAba-nLbPPK5CddvUvsW4NdepS9Xf-xF6Tq0batOiQ7XwUiA8zF8hidqyRxFh-qzZ/s320/mcdonalds.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">McDonalds in Antigua-Awesome place to hang out.<br />
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So those are a few pictures just to give you an idea. It has been incredible but now I am coming home!!!!!!!! APPLES beware!!! I am coming for you!!!!!!<br />
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Jamie Albrechthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04010290631668450446noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3046694318660841470.post-38282919762701866332013-08-14T06:29:00.000-07:002013-08-14T06:29:52.850-07:00Saying GoodbyeThe time has come...<br />
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to say goodbye to Upire, El Salvador, and my Peace Corps life. The goodbye process was difficult and just plain weird. I could not quite grasp my impending departure so I ended up just telling people I would see them later or tomorrow. That made it easier. I have grown accustomed to approaching goodbyes bye just ignoring them and acting like it is not actually happening. Seems to work...<br />
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Basically, all of August I have spent time just hanging out, going on random trips, hugging people, and trying to stop tears from flowing (mine and my community members).<br />
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These are just pictures of me saying goodbye to my peeps. I promise a more lengthy post documenting the actual mental and emotional process shortly.<br />
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<br />Jamie Albrechthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04010290631668450446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3046694318660841470.post-83171755736621611422013-08-13T21:57:00.000-07:002013-08-13T22:12:13.088-07:00One Year Anniversary of Dia de Comercio Upire<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
August 10th was a big day for Upire. It was the one year anniversary celebration of opening our community farmers market. For one full year now my community has been coming together every Saturday from 6 a.m. to 12 p.m. to buy, sell, and hang out together. Over the course of this past year the market has evolved. In the beginning it was a weekly (surprise?) event that everyone assumed would just end at one point. However, today it stands as a permanent community establishment that everyone looks forward to attending all week long. Saturday is now the day to go shopping, hang out in the community center, and enjoy Comercio with its frequent games, competitions, activities, and much more. On top of celebrating one year of comercio August 10th also become my "going away party" with my impending departure from Upire being the 13th of August. I think the best way to describe this incredible day is through photographs. Hopefully with the pictures you will feel like you were there. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Parade of our Queen, horses, motorcycles, people, clown, etc. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Queen of Comercio</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Community decided a Jamie shrine would be appropriate</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Town band performance </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crazy clown performing</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yours truly giving her speech to the community</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Raffle of apple pie provided by my Peace Corps bosses that came!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggSY_h9daJBDoKiedduVeskg7NxS5zZmTx3n_4CKJ5qEG8AWCDPBu3sPD5Ye0htoY5iE6WWCLvGitv2Wi4VdQgUTUnSlBovdYb_2x8ukb_21z6c3aW-lRVavbFZMKiYwCMFLCMuYwYYN3S/s1600/IMG_2821.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggSY_h9daJBDoKiedduVeskg7NxS5zZmTx3n_4CKJ5qEG8AWCDPBu3sPD5Ye0htoY5iE6WWCLvGitv2Wi4VdQgUTUnSlBovdYb_2x8ukb_21z6c3aW-lRVavbFZMKiYwCMFLCMuYwYYN3S/s320/IMG_2821.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Horses relaxing before the belt race!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Horse Racing!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">Mayor giving diplomas to superstar vendors!</span></span></td></tr>
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I hope this variety of random photos conveys just how packed this day was with fun and entertaining events. Between all the activities the streets of Upire were packed with people, cars, animals, motorcycles, different booths- basically more people than have ever been witnessed in this small, rural community. <div>
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As much as it was fun, entertaining, and packed with my closest friends, family, and neighbors it was also a sad, overwhelming day. This large community celebration/party so to speak also served as my goodbye party, which meant speeches made in my honor, this large banner (pictured above) served as the center of the event, and everyone came up to me with hugs, kisses, well wishes, gifts, and much more. I was also asked to make my final speech to the entire community which ended with me crying (not going to lie...couldn't really finish the speech)/ Afterwards, I began the long process of saying goodbye to the many members of Upire that have made the past two years some of the best and formative of my life. </div>
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Dia de Comercio has probably been the highlight and the best part of my service both personally and professionally. It has been a way for me to meet more members of the community, hang out every Saturday with everyone, develop an important relationship with the youth population, and hopefully leave a successful and sustainable project that helps Upire grow and develop. I feel so thankful that I was able to see it reach its one year anniversary and be a part of this pivotal year in the history of Upire. I hope when I return over the years to come that I still find them celebrating this special date.</div>
Jamie Albrechthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04010290631668450446noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3046694318660841470.post-6924548461404469052013-08-13T20:03:00.001-07:002013-08-13T20:03:34.467-07:00Celebrating July was a month of celebrations. Well I guess that depends on your definition of celebration. Here are my definitions:<br />
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4th of July with all of the volunteers in the country at a beach in the eastern part of El Salvador. It included the finest of American things found in El Salvador: water balloons, ridiculous games, and overall debauchery. I wish I had a good picture of this event, but I don't. I am sure you can picture it though... </div>
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Shortly thereafter I celebrated being parasite free at my close of service complete medical exam. Yay for coming home healthy! </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">YAY for zuccini keeping home gurl healthy.<br />
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or it might be the vitamins from my watermelon consumption...</td></tr>
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Dia de Alumno: celebrating all the students at the school. It included pinatas, a clown, and a show put on for the students. Here are the kids collecting all the candies from the floor. Semi organized chaos...<br />
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Then the youth group and I were able to celebrate reaching our fundraising goal of $1100.00 and buy our VERY OWN SOUND SYSTEM for Dia de Comercio! Needless to say, we were (are) happy!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixcznEh-Qj6CJwcl0dr9SCZk2sCc61NHzYJEeQcH-0HvxSqU_x8kZvLbFHucR151xmue2cQ4nLlI_IwUzg9IK8nA0aXKCXbrJI_7n1sqmNXJPuDg8G3OFYGc_zM5WH447K1E1Awznm_Uo8/s1600/IMG_2616.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixcznEh-Qj6CJwcl0dr9SCZk2sCc61NHzYJEeQcH-0HvxSqU_x8kZvLbFHucR151xmue2cQ4nLlI_IwUzg9IK8nA0aXKCXbrJI_7n1sqmNXJPuDg8G3OFYGc_zM5WH447K1E1Awznm_Uo8/s320/IMG_2616.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
This month I also had the pleasure of celebrating the amazing accomplishment of my good friend and fellow volunteer Mike. He finished his classroom made out of trash and plastic bottles!!!! I took my community on an excursion to visit his site and see his school. It was a fun day and my community is more motivated to begin this project on their own! Hopefully one day there will a classroom out of bottles in Upire or in one of the surrounding communities.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Rq8FHY9X8Q3YJUjQDyKizIS8XAzIuqDu9b2DZJYtkjoz50WPdJCfDkdGpmStljF2IxvEkL1xLscXc52EFFABGA0JDnspjSBQGfJ92mmSyweKKqEYravYnBmKbHpIwIzlQuiURetYZu7Q/s1600/IMG_2628.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Rq8FHY9X8Q3YJUjQDyKizIS8XAzIuqDu9b2DZJYtkjoz50WPdJCfDkdGpmStljF2IxvEkL1xLscXc52EFFABGA0JDnspjSBQGfJ92mmSyweKKqEYravYnBmKbHpIwIzlQuiURetYZu7Q/s320/IMG_2628.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Mike and my host mom!</div>
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The final celebration of the month was that the youth group and I finished painting our trash cans. Hopefully the BRIGHT colors will make people want to actually throw the trash in the cans. One can dream, right?!</div>
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Jamie Albrechthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04010290631668450446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3046694318660841470.post-5951439416319566252013-06-29T11:18:00.000-07:002013-06-29T11:18:05.048-07:00Surprise, Surprise<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">June has been a strange month. I have probably described a lot of months like that in my Peace Corps service, but once again it is so true. I imagined June so differently. I thought it would be relaxed and I would begin the smooth glide into the final months of my time in El Salvador. I had vacation time planned, trips with Tricia and her brother and friend planned, and lots of exciting, fun things lined up. JUNE WAS SUPPOSED TO BE A PARTYYYY! I was naive and so very wrong like I have been SO MANY times before believing in all of that, which I have had the pleasure of documenting on this blog for your reading pleasure. I should have known that just like the beginning and middle of my two years-- this journey (any journey) is never pure "smooth sailing." There always has to be some sort of surprise. Thus, I give you my June surprises:</span></div>
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The month started off okay...a few hiccups like my best friend getting sick, a training where my counterparts backed out at the last minute, and my bathroom broke (and there is still no replacement)... but then LUCK struck back and...<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I had the pleasure of hosting 20k Watts! From their web site (www.http://20kwatts.com/)"<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;">20K Watts is an international nonprofit dedicated to enhancing the current and future quality of life of children, and their families, living in extreme poverty through the use of solar and wind energies. 20k Watts seeks to power community development projects that promote children's education, clean water and sanitation, health, economic development, food security, and eliminate household kerosene consumption." </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">In Upire, we received 25 solar lamps for a portion of the community that does not have electricity. Here are some pictures of the distribution ceremony: </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVNmaIRUfQAukLJ-7bQx0wAtaay9BImtW8YOsLTvpcJ3euLAqsBdmHPxulrz9xR9hJb4n7Wnaj9jei5TE2AfwrY1Se-YbIR8s0BXkpdF75Mp43YIeYQjYMtT3ygzFFZuftsF_fsnhE_TW4/s1600/IMG_2385.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVNmaIRUfQAukLJ-7bQx0wAtaay9BImtW8YOsLTvpcJ3euLAqsBdmHPxulrz9xR9hJb4n7Wnaj9jei5TE2AfwrY1Se-YbIR8s0BXkpdF75Mp43YIeYQjYMtT3ygzFFZuftsF_fsnhE_TW4/s320/IMG_2385.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIVZ03SySDOQF4id8oLmNsPbZ9giJMVyfr7TpfNScXWV4CnxmMXz7XwWSs1Fa_O7kBrCdKfAZDIB4NmDrdqNvG8J2En8SOWIF2AogIhm7Rixv_8iacN_F9tDH2R-DEnKQkMJ_KmNkN3RHs/s1600/IMG_2368.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIVZ03SySDOQF4id8oLmNsPbZ9giJMVyfr7TpfNScXWV4CnxmMXz7XwWSs1Fa_O7kBrCdKfAZDIB4NmDrdqNvG8J2En8SOWIF2AogIhm7Rixv_8iacN_F9tDH2R-DEnKQkMJ_KmNkN3RHs/s320/IMG_2368.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The Youth group that works the market project on Saturdays needs funds to purchase a sound system. I am trying to help them accomplish that large goal before I leave in August. This means we are currently rushing to raise money. Of course to try and make money we had a community wide culto (basically hours of prayers, music, and testimonies to God) where yours truly not only rocked the token religious veil but also made papusas (2 monumental surprises for community members). </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeWskr6q9WOv_QyRiMkKKVL93QNVD93mr5YDekTXqpoSO0I2VY4V-DPC3Dhj4WudDwpjkTdPCSqTf_sGFqFxF92zGxfwmPXD8oWB6-t2CYXbxzPILRPn7AghvtjjbGU6EqWXwih8CpZ-yl/s1600/IMG-20130615-08123.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeWskr6q9WOv_QyRiMkKKVL93QNVD93mr5YDekTXqpoSO0I2VY4V-DPC3Dhj4WudDwpjkTdPCSqTf_sGFqFxF92zGxfwmPXD8oWB6-t2CYXbxzPILRPn7AghvtjjbGU6EqWXwih8CpZ-yl/s320/IMG-20130615-08123.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC3FRH6PIn9L49IuM81EZh1NbvZII96IMoT3jJXX8Ovr41hd5to9jBLldjrIUbic9CjNUryVp4s1wS7dipI_b54OwfLntmC8_NJgw9coH0S1wuVGkTPNX94qfFokeOllokOv_N5fhfBbnZ/s1600/IMG-20130615-08111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC3FRH6PIn9L49IuM81EZh1NbvZII96IMoT3jJXX8Ovr41hd5to9jBLldjrIUbic9CjNUryVp4s1wS7dipI_b54OwfLntmC8_NJgw9coH0S1wuVGkTPNX94qfFokeOllokOv_N5fhfBbnZ/s320/IMG-20130615-08111.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Then there are moments where I am ridiculously surprised--like when your school decides to put together their own follow up Environmental Education training workshop. My school director told me it was because she wanted to make sure the teachers were using the book we gave them. Thank you Nina Mary for promoting sustainability and allowing me to essentially just show up for the event and do ABSOLUTELY nothing :) Therefore, I give you Goin' Green Part 3 pictures:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtC9zgQtbMAheuzA5NkbUrFlewNZVg7bE9X4_G_N82LFB8znVkRHC4h1sCpjHcjYuLvvDikRdyEAOWC6zlKhLHJvFgYEFtGNRDS2OapmZ3AeiFu7YmsNHCEF5kjL1XhyphenhyphenUA40XCMAkNNGX6/s1600/IMG_2336.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtC9zgQtbMAheuzA5NkbUrFlewNZVg7bE9X4_G_N82LFB8znVkRHC4h1sCpjHcjYuLvvDikRdyEAOWC6zlKhLHJvFgYEFtGNRDS2OapmZ3AeiFu7YmsNHCEF5kjL1XhyphenhyphenUA40XCMAkNNGX6/s320/IMG_2336.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio0OXFo1ldv62VbEzinLirwY5NVET7QxyXLCr0rEFjtD-9ciG1PxLYqHTEitsOUmEn4YoojiinoDDJzNLb9QbzyZ5dZLfY7_o_E9yDbjtB88UAr9PiR4TI8iTxnDQae567_ElhvT-vsxvc/s1600/IMG_2331.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio0OXFo1ldv62VbEzinLirwY5NVET7QxyXLCr0rEFjtD-9ciG1PxLYqHTEitsOUmEn4YoojiinoDDJzNLb9QbzyZ5dZLfY7_o_E9yDbjtB88UAr9PiR4TI8iTxnDQae567_ElhvT-vsxvc/s320/IMG_2331.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Then there are surprise parties. Happy BIRTHDAY to my host mother, best friend, and amazing counterpart Nina Mary!!! Que Dios te Bendiga! Te quiero mucho!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlYuG3rTlRvYx69sDxApgJbc8TCk1xtjhbSXpqgHkHSq329d9p2wkIul1SjTKHE0_8rMHC7-QHgqHRZ_SdzEqP7NMh0hDyMCcEG245vhPO_OHROEGenhpin1LwktxKtTzhO4nHJdCRgIY0/s1600/IMG_2281.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlYuG3rTlRvYx69sDxApgJbc8TCk1xtjhbSXpqgHkHSq329d9p2wkIul1SjTKHE0_8rMHC7-QHgqHRZ_SdzEqP7NMh0hDyMCcEG245vhPO_OHROEGenhpin1LwktxKtTzhO4nHJdCRgIY0/s320/IMG_2281.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyf6fYD-SXTUfLQLiGwg3t1Bis6xssZ695ZygjYK0FEn7pJMlV49-uBbAUBzS2PhL6shr5Qfrv_vHy18uM-mJSkro3ZMSjO0mAliSZNtazvLFQ6FvVRPnUhP6zQr-dA7C_zpUBxg3T2SAg/s1600/IMG_2279.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyf6fYD-SXTUfLQLiGwg3t1Bis6xssZ695ZygjYK0FEn7pJMlV49-uBbAUBzS2PhL6shr5Qfrv_vHy18uM-mJSkro3ZMSjO0mAliSZNtazvLFQ6FvVRPnUhP6zQr-dA7C_zpUBxg3T2SAg/s320/IMG_2279.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Then there are sad surprises. Like when your best friend gets medically evacuated from Peace Corps. I had to start my goodbyes way earlier than I expected. I was not ready or prepared to watch one of my best friends leave me behind. I know it is not goodbye but simply See You Later, but it IS still so rough More than anything (besides wanting her to get better ASAP and wishing her well back in the states), I am just sad and worried that I have to make it through my final months without her. It is going to be tough...</div>
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Then there are happy, CRAZY, weird, overwhelming surprises like when your group has their COS (close of service conference). </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDATEuE4YuD4x4OkgLdBfoP1-uDAn5MD_bnw_XOqdMbKpQ5HqeS_CTbiEjc2Hgu5sw-Y4hCyPWBTAf2h5NyQSYEFeg42ZmaluQJkfclr69BlJmK1IjXdCEXxnkn15yf4DpUpAdvlxBzmSY/s960/cos+pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDATEuE4YuD4x4OkgLdBfoP1-uDAn5MD_bnw_XOqdMbKpQ5HqeS_CTbiEjc2Hgu5sw-Y4hCyPWBTAf2h5NyQSYEFeg42ZmaluQJkfclr69BlJmK1IjXdCEXxnkn15yf4DpUpAdvlxBzmSY/s320/cos+pic.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The process of leaving deserves a whole other post. So I will stop there. All I will say at this moment is that I am both excited and scared for the future. But that's no surprise...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-qtsjsf8ooBOHkJaYEFGTBG5yOhe6w8h4CjZbthVOJ5HHU0CQTZr7_QP3N59SsAfZAjQEfR32mBkqI9IPRh926hQ1x-3P7Ecg3M2RDs55VBr5fBYYawXQopJAdIU7YULDj2OQKMOlM97O/s1600/IMG_2367.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-qtsjsf8ooBOHkJaYEFGTBG5yOhe6w8h4CjZbthVOJ5HHU0CQTZr7_QP3N59SsAfZAjQEfR32mBkqI9IPRh926hQ1x-3P7Ecg3M2RDs55VBr5fBYYawXQopJAdIU7YULDj2OQKMOlM97O/s320/IMG_2367.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Until next time folks. </div>
<br />Jamie Albrechthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04010290631668450446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3046694318660841470.post-17061461384310661902013-06-11T02:53:00.001-07:002013-06-11T02:53:13.527-07:00BRO's
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Back in December during our camp for our scholarship
students I began pondering projects for my final months as a PCV. I think it
must have been afterwards because only when you are done with a camp can you
imagine doing another one. Camps are just draining. You have to be on your “A”
game for multiple days. Of course, I decided to take the crazy up a notch and
suggest a camp of all boys. Who does that? Not to stereotype but teenage boys
are ridiculous. However, my rationale was that because the sad fact (sad mostly
because I joined Peace Corps to find my future husband--failed) that most PCVs
in El Salvador are women we often find ourselves working on projects that aim
to empower more women and as a result we often ignore young men. We have done several
camps focused on all girls. I thought it was time to dedicate a camp to boys.
If we are concerned about gender relations and the treatment of women we have
to spend some time with the boys too.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Luckily, I found two amazing PCV friends (yoooo Kara and
Jess thanks for everything) who believed in the idea and together we began the
long process of soliciting money, planning a camp, and getting all the details
worked out. Unfortunately, because of PC’s radical changes regarding transport,
movement of volunteers, grant restrictions, etc we could not do the camp we
dreamed of in the western part of the country. We had to cancel that camp
completely. Just about impossible to pull off. I just about gave up the hope of
an all Boys Camp when my homegirl Els decided to give me the extra push of
motivation I needed to attempt to put on a regional Eastern camp. Thus, the
camp was reborn, but we unfortunately could not includ the western part of the
country, which means dissing some incredible PCVs and communities out west
(Jess and Kara especially). Despite leaving the west hanging, our eastern camp
was incredible. Thanks to my fellow PCV’s who made it all run so smooth. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The camp's focus was on male leadership, gender roles, HIV
prevention, and sports/athletic competitions. We had 19 boys from the eastern
part of the country (all from the communities of my favorite 5 PCV friends) for
an entire weekend in Alegria, Usulutan (a wonderfully beautiful cool town in
the east). We also had 2 volunteer university students who came from San Miguel
who helped us give lessons and provide a little more “BRO-ness”since Tricia,
Elsa, and I despite how hard we try, we can’t pull off being a BRO too
well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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The highlights of the camp included hiking to the nearby
crater lake, doing a relay race/obstacle course, having a soccer tournament
between the communities, as well as tackling 7 lectures on HIV/AIDS, gender
roles, and male leadership. We also included a fun movie night featuring The
Avengers and a “BRO Night” where the male volunteers got the boys together to
chat about all their doubts, questions, concerns, etc. The girls during that
time prepared ice cream floats (yes, unfortunately we stayed along gender
stereotypes on that one.) <o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">It was
a good way to end doing camps. Thank goodness I will never do another. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Here are
some pictures: </span><!--EndFragment-->
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If you are interested in seeing more pictures of the camp you can check out my buddy Elsa's public album: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.4779858654462.1073741826.1235520030&type=1&l=ada31d39f5">pictures</a></div>
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Take care everybody. </div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span>Jamie Albrechthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04010290631668450446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3046694318660841470.post-66160559061445624782013-05-28T14:04:00.000-07:002013-05-28T14:04:03.057-07:00Senioritis<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times;">Do you remember the month of May your senior year in high school? You have spent 4 years there and with about a month left you start to slowly lose motivation, patience, and the desire to do anything. Who would have thought that the month of May during my Peace Corps service would cause the same feelings? Is May cursed forever as the month leading up to summer? I am not sure but I do know that this year this month has been difficult. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times;">I have about 3 months left in my service here in El Salvador. Hence, I think I have Senioritis. I find myself bunkering down in my room dreaming of my future. Not just future in the sense of what am I going to do with my life, but a future of feeling clean, having a normal life of a 20 something, and having some amenities back (carpets, hot water, and a bug free bed). It is sad cycle though because those dreams cause me to feel so damn guilty—guilty that after 2 years here I am ready to go home, guilty that I constantly tell people that it is not worth it to go the states illegally yet I am dreaming about the day I move back home, guilty that 2 after years I need my amenities back but people live here their entire lives without those things, guilty that I want a normal 20 something life of meeting for coffee, joining a gym, and going out after 5:00 p.m. So, after I spend hours dreaming of those things, then feeling guilty about it, and then dreaming of a day when I don’t feel guilty for those feelings, it is usually 2:00 p.m. and I realize I spent all day not being in my community being a Peace Corps volunteer but instead have wasted away in my house fighting with an internet connection comparable to year 1999 trying to Pinterest recipes for grilled mushrooms for when I get back home in 3 months and wondering if I am going to become Tina Fey on 30 Rock (37, single, and quirky). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times;">It is a terrible cycle that I cannot break right now. The date is just so close I can taste it. It tastes like Wawa coffee, fresh picked apples, roasted veggies, and frozen yogurt. It is teasing me. And as a typically restless individual (since the end of high school I have not spent more than 1 year without going somewhere new), I am ready for the next adventure. El Salvador has been so wonderful to me, Upire has made me part of their family and it a part of mine, and I still love this country and living here most days. But, I am tired. I am tired of the dirt, tired of the guilt, tired of the restrictions, tired of feeling some sort of sick all the time, tired of giving, giving, giving, tired of certain cultural differences that are just wearing on me at this point, and to top it all off I am just ready to do something new. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times;">Yes, I feel so guilty for saying all of that. But it is true. And I can’t feel guilty for being honest here. It is a somewhat of a relief to say it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times;">However, just being honest about the problem does not fix it. I can’t spend my final months here salivating over recipes on Pinterest, locked up in my room away from Salvadorans, and living vicariously through characters in television shows who have hot boy friends. Or people who have bosses that look like Alec Baldwin (oh those dimples). Yes, I am current enthralled in 30 Rock if you can’t tell. So what am I going to do? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times;">MAKE ART!</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Masks from Cast material!</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnjwkPZpnIqkhRhzRfAq_5v-JHDwrB3cf5yX_Oz5cfjiJP7YjgVwkooo3cSJ-DxCppDfISYUSrrzGeaaFo3FL3ckpsYBIg1ttA9z5Ns2hPUeAwbB7Qs_e0Cyg_luuX7pwqU_Xp-vMn_bYT/s1600/IMG_2068.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnjwkPZpnIqkhRhzRfAq_5v-JHDwrB3cf5yX_Oz5cfjiJP7YjgVwkooo3cSJ-DxCppDfISYUSrrzGeaaFo3FL3ckpsYBIg1ttA9z5Ns2hPUeAwbB7Qs_e0Cyg_luuX7pwqU_Xp-vMn_bYT/s320/IMG_2068.jpg" width="240" yya="true" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaGsYoWboz43K8suw5hyphenhyphenBFb7DzDQNDdeXUHpPgIniAmdD6RK-LyIeVI27W9KRhRXhyphenhyphenF01KlQaprynE4n6cdfqjJqXL_0Ftem5q71cHRhbGSTNPGds2Gp0D2jRcLh6OUnd4cWRSCvci-BA8/s1600/IMG_2085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaGsYoWboz43K8suw5hyphenhyphenBFb7DzDQNDdeXUHpPgIniAmdD6RK-LyIeVI27W9KRhRXhyphenhyphenF01KlQaprynE4n6cdfqjJqXL_0Ftem5q71cHRhbGSTNPGds2Gp0D2jRcLh6OUnd4cWRSCvci-BA8/s320/IMG_2085.JPG" width="320" yya="true" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finished products!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoHac0UzaieQ_4JlKmQm-MXKbR1Mo5H2YeDSC1Dgp6Tq9CANbNr0XPj1UVCSm8Myx6sAwmL4BNska_gSBr25KdMIL0kTVuFnCG3yNpbEoBbIhawNWcmiWiLjaE8qkD7WYLvj-CmBE4DhnB/s1600/IMG_2174.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoHac0UzaieQ_4JlKmQm-MXKbR1Mo5H2YeDSC1Dgp6Tq9CANbNr0XPj1UVCSm8Myx6sAwmL4BNska_gSBr25KdMIL0kTVuFnCG3yNpbEoBbIhawNWcmiWiLjaE8qkD7WYLvj-CmBE4DhnB/s320/IMG_2174.jpg" width="240" yya="true" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Continuing the Post Painting!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBmPmMenDSw18Us_VjNyn7gESiWQo3DVA-MHk8yUWXbCn5_jQn1AxtKZESn3uSu6AiWvj5mg9WU_9Zg8x_3IYUo8Eliyslf6-BarW658d9jGhFup2UYZEYB4LRFyvnS5ZM8idVzpvoGkqu/s1600/IMG_2175.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBmPmMenDSw18Us_VjNyn7gESiWQo3DVA-MHk8yUWXbCn5_jQn1AxtKZESn3uSu6AiWvj5mg9WU_9Zg8x_3IYUo8Eliyslf6-BarW658d9jGhFup2UYZEYB4LRFyvnS5ZM8idVzpvoGkqu/s320/IMG_2175.JPG" width="320" yya="true" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hanging out and Making Bread is ALWAYS art!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Times;">Okay, so I don’t have a real solution. Basically the only way to avoid this stuff is to stay out of the house (my room), keep busy, and remind myself that I have 3 months to finish all my projects. AHHHHHHH! We have 3 months to paint all those damn posts!!!!!!!!!! When the pressure is on, I can usually get my act together. Well. that is how I survived high school at Charter. I guess it can work in Peace Corps too!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times;">Plus, it is on those busy, but fun days when I remember how much I have loved this “job.” </span></div>
Jamie Albrechthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04010290631668450446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3046694318660841470.post-19317886664366965682013-05-28T13:54:00.002-07:002013-05-28T13:54:40.765-07:00Goin' Green Part 2I am following "Part 1" way after the fact but deal with it. This post is going to be short but documents a big moment in Upire!<br />
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We finally got our TRASH CANS! :) It only took about 10 months...<br />
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Nearly 10 short months ago my youth group and I went to the Alcaldia (local Mayor's office) to solicit trash cans for our community. Our main reason for soliciting at this time was the impending inauguration of Dia de Comercio. We figured that a lot more trash would build up on Saturday mornings (and it does) and that it would be the perfect time for Upire to take the next step in trash management and educating the community that in some fancy places trash goes in a trash can. Our local Mayor read our proposal, our plan for dealing with the trash, and promised the trash cans to us at that meeting. Apparently there were some problems with the man in charge of the environment sector of the Mayor's office and we are just now getting our trash cans. Those problems lasted 10 months I guess. Oh well, typical development time frame here in El Sal. Needless to say, we are excited especially since we want to have them for our one year anniversary in August. We received 6 big trash cans which are strategically located around the main sector of Upire.<br />
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Proof:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfhmG1SkFdnhLPkc_paUL7IOu5eI5DLDmH0occbysAihXTM3bVZmIF83HZ4PWLNsNTcyU1N0ZGPccOzVz3XGzAWfaURM4ZvkC7USlyD29kLegIkOI3CzIn6TEFYhsXjym_VGjX6vNZlRM8/s1600/IMG_2198.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfhmG1SkFdnhLPkc_paUL7IOu5eI5DLDmH0occbysAihXTM3bVZmIF83HZ4PWLNsNTcyU1N0ZGPccOzVz3XGzAWfaURM4ZvkC7USlyD29kLegIkOI3CzIn6TEFYhsXjym_VGjX6vNZlRM8/s400/IMG_2198.jpg" width="300" yya="true" /></a></div>
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FYI: Trash maintenance is challenging here. In small rural communities there are no trash cans, no trash collection, or much recycling. Streets are either covered in trash or small piles of ashes where people have done the only thing they can do with their garbage, which means burning it. I am not sure if you have ever burned large amounts of trash but it is disgusting. Not only is it the bothersome smoke and fumes but also imagine the dirty, grimy job of burning used toilet paper. Unfortunately, burning trash is a way of life here. There is not much else people can do to dispose of their waste. What would you do? Travel 1.5 hours on a bus with your nasty toilet paper in tow to throw it in a trash can? I don't think so. Progress has been made in some ways though, especially in the area of recycling. The school and community members have learned (when they don't toss them on the ground) to save plastic bottles and resist the urge to burn them. Our Mayor then buys those products so that people collect them, resist the urge to burn them, and make a small profit.<br />
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The hope that with these new trash cans we can begin the slow process of educating the people of Upire to put the trash in those locations rather than on the street. The youth group has promised to take care of the trash cans and collect the trash (when we do our weekly cleaning round) and either (depending on what it is) send it to be recycled or burn it on behalf of the community. Hopefully this is a temporary solution and soon enough we hope Upire will have some type of maintenance service that will take care of the trash collected (actually IN the cans) so that it does not have to be burned. (this might take many, many years)<br />
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Until then, take this as a reminder to thank your garbage men. They do an amazing service ;)<br />
Jamie Albrechthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04010290631668450446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3046694318660841470.post-70628656321331183702013-04-15T11:53:00.003-07:002013-04-15T11:53:55.779-07:00Goin' Green
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A few months ago I attended an Environmental Education
Workshop in Perquin with the director of my school and one of our science
teachers. It focused on using a book put together by Peace Corps volunteers that includes
many interactive ways to teach students about taking care of the environment. I
used this book a lot last year when I was teaching the younger kids about the
environment (the project that ended with the trip to the children’s museum and
zoo in San Salvador). I consider this book an incredible resource for teachers
in El Salvador because the lessons are easy, cheap (little to no materials), and fun. Most importantly,
it covers a topic that is often neglected here--the environment. The problem with my project
last year was that I did most of the teaching, which does not make for a sustainable
foundation for giving environmental education here in Upire.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So when I heard about this workshop I signed my two teachers
up immediately. During the four day event they were able to see us volunteers
facilitate various lessons in the book, participate in hands on activities and
small field trips, and prepare and present their very own class. It was a very
practical and helpful workshop giving my teachers the confidence to actually
teach the classes on their own in our school. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My director left the workshop enthusiastic and motivated to
not only reproduce all of the lessons with all of the students in Upire, but
also share this information with our entire district (a group of 4 schools in
our area). Thus, the idea to replicate the workshop for our district was born.
We pretty much mimicked the one that Peace Corps held in Perquin only a smaller
version lasting only one day. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In the morning my teachers and I presented 3 different
lessons from the book. I opened the workshop with a brief presentation of the
status of the environment in El Salvador. Then my director followed with a
lesson on Erosion and how important it is to take care of our trees. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj3k4WuXwZbX-cYUOTrDaf816fZsL-OO6yaJ1kUyp7D0YdZWra8wwhy_qsE01GnOroNQbKEYJyCpWKsqTt07jKLTy7ob5J5u5AfDhg-iafvQxzlsS16qL0v0sVI_OW6Ayx0Ibwe0qY94Ai/s1600/IMG_2091.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj3k4WuXwZbX-cYUOTrDaf816fZsL-OO6yaJ1kUyp7D0YdZWra8wwhy_qsE01GnOroNQbKEYJyCpWKsqTt07jKLTy7ob5J5u5AfDhg-iafvQxzlsS16qL0v0sVI_OW6Ayx0Ibwe0qY94Ai/s320/IMG_2091.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I then presented on trash management and a project that some
Peace Corps volunteers are doing using trash and bottles to build classrooms.
In order to build the classrooms my fellow PCVs need 13,000 plastic bottles
FILLED with trash, so we decided to help them out by making bottle-filling part
of the day. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt5Yoxp12V8MKkWPBM_VH0SopWa4vrA5_qMv-YXVRnC4bYmYKmVueZSII2AEkDdDpa2r4ZN9sL_OopJwIYkXXHNxtc3NzXV5BOMhwejZRKGfpASI-sv2QtAywzevugR_xHEwJRxPwKduaV/s1600/IMG_2107.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt5Yoxp12V8MKkWPBM_VH0SopWa4vrA5_qMv-YXVRnC4bYmYKmVueZSII2AEkDdDpa2r4ZN9sL_OopJwIYkXXHNxtc3NzXV5BOMhwejZRKGfpASI-sv2QtAywzevugR_xHEwJRxPwKduaV/s320/IMG_2107.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzTcTVQbAmj6RuyURAnpbCCKixe1eY-L1k9cdQa1U03n80kqz-W2IP0GLKSPIB1NxP3nrBK13An97XN59nlbeuTA8QjLZK7WA_lOYSzTOmwYMGGWVrh6tH8cvLB-xoKdMErUv4oOglEEN5/s1600/IMG_2104.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzTcTVQbAmj6RuyURAnpbCCKixe1eY-L1k9cdQa1U03n80kqz-W2IP0GLKSPIB1NxP3nrBK13An97XN59nlbeuTA8QjLZK7WA_lOYSzTOmwYMGGWVrh6tH8cvLB-xoKdMErUv4oOglEEN5/s320/IMG_2104.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Following the contest to fill as many bottles as possible, Nina Tonita presented her lesson on ecosystems and how everything living thing is connected in a "web of life."</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMZvxdUPBrJrZL0P-up7Ooa3AnEnF5LFZIBR5OnSbCbygs56FbkEocOfynSiuhRXoUrfOQFYcBLSL1IcgY1i6fEBdkIWXa1NdOVdnNLEj-QmPzlSI3V5bEYKp2SIyVMPDf2VGikiov_ppq/s1600/IMG_2119.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMZvxdUPBrJrZL0P-up7Ooa3AnEnF5LFZIBR5OnSbCbygs56FbkEocOfynSiuhRXoUrfOQFYcBLSL1IcgY1i6fEBdkIWXa1NdOVdnNLEj-QmPzlSI3V5bEYKp2SIyVMPDf2VGikiov_ppq/s320/IMG_2119.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Following that lesson we had a small break and lunch. The afternoon was reserved for the teachers to prepare and present their very own lesson from the book. I am happy to report that all the teachers were enthusiastic and did a wonderful job presenting their lessons despite only having an hour to practice.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSCSZbIQfDrpdR12bitc41jBBFyFcBgjjVBojk-s18qTl279ck-5jL0ZH_tnpx8ckovwrTmtfN5f8na9dAHnpXWuLwX5-U5-HVAooY-WB4QRRl91iWGG3vviDKzRG4DkGlLz1sEeWtG4P5/s1600/IMG_2156.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSCSZbIQfDrpdR12bitc41jBBFyFcBgjjVBojk-s18qTl279ck-5jL0ZH_tnpx8ckovwrTmtfN5f8na9dAHnpXWuLwX5-U5-HVAooY-WB4QRRl91iWGG3vviDKzRG4DkGlLz1sEeWtG4P5/s320/IMG_2156.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivkzdiT_aC5jh08Lwo9FRYPshVoDQQ2_nsC3DDRV2A82-C_x5jBmIq7LOBMTnbIOutdK1Ep1SB6NsE6QFFyGnahOaGa5WSCfXKAU414C0CvmI0G2F3CzKRn9_AoJRFErV3lzPMf1cJM55c/s1600/IMG_2123.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivkzdiT_aC5jh08Lwo9FRYPshVoDQQ2_nsC3DDRV2A82-C_x5jBmIq7LOBMTnbIOutdK1Ep1SB6NsE6QFFyGnahOaGa5WSCfXKAU414C0CvmI0G2F3CzKRn9_AoJRFErV3lzPMf1cJM55c/s320/IMG_2123.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
I think the shortened workshop was a great success. The teachers seemed very interested and motivated the entire time and in the end ready to take what they learned to put in practice in their own schools. Luckily, I was able to get 4 books donated by Peace Corps so that each school could take one with them and hopefully use them in the future with their students.<br />
<br />
Also for me this was a great way to come back from vacation. I had not a minute to think about being home sick for the states as I was stressing about putting on a good event for these teachers. POST VACAY blues averted. Thank goodness.<br />
<br />
Until next time...take care of yourselves, each other, and the environment :)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTvm3M_INYkD7C2PvWFaX_0s4n2cjt-34Qs8vqI9bd5rbgEc0VjeAon3fiYTNb4ySJeeFHnrGDDJRLtykmjTMFpzn7Y2vmd8x4-d3xuoqaSYy7oS2tjMe7-2gDq0J5AfTgaZjvHBYO80Oh/s1600/IMG_2150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTvm3M_INYkD7C2PvWFaX_0s4n2cjt-34Qs8vqI9bd5rbgEc0VjeAon3fiYTNb4ySJeeFHnrGDDJRLtykmjTMFpzn7Y2vmd8x4-d3xuoqaSYy7oS2tjMe7-2gDq0J5AfTgaZjvHBYO80Oh/s320/IMG_2150.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Jamie Albrechthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04010290631668450446noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3046694318660841470.post-37334321436427796552013-04-12T18:13:00.000-07:002013-04-12T18:13:59.652-07:00Home is whenever I am with you<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Amongst the craziness that was the month of March I
neglected to mention here that I’d be traveling home at the end of the month.
To be honest I think it is because (luckily) I did not have much time to think
about my impending vacation. So, before I knew it I was heading to the capital
to catch my flight home for 8 days. It could not have come at a more perfect
time. I was exhausted from my March madness and it was also Semana Santa
(holiday), which means no school, endless boredom, and a lot of food I dislike
(weird fish concoctions). Plus, it had been 15 months since I had been home to
the first GREAT state of Delaware. Needless to say I was pumped. Mostly to see
and visit with my family and friends, relax comfortably, and eat everything I
love.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Vacation was wonderful. I saw many members of my family,
hung out with my mom (which included filming random videos in grocery
stores—haha boy I missed her craziness!), saw my best friend Julia, and ate
every hour. It was a fulfilling vacation in more ways than one.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Here are a few of my favorite things (I am sure this list is
similar to other times I have gone back to the states, so sorry to be
repetitive) :<o:p></o:p></div>
<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Going
out places with friends and family (FRIENDS AND FAM IN GEN)<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Greek
yogurt, almond milk, FRO YO (always), and roasted vegetables<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Keurig
Coffee Machines<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Driving<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Feeling
Comfortable, Clean, and Free<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Access
to Internet<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Hot
Showers<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Grocery
Stores<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Coffee
Dates<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Choices<o:p></o:p></li>
</ol>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Having said all of that (I could go on and on about the
awesomeness that is America) I also have to admit that the adjustment to life
in the states this trip was significantly harder than during my other
visits.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I believe one reason is
because I have so little time left and I know the “big readjustment” is just a
short 5 months away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Another reason could be that the last time I went to the
states I had Tricia (another volunteer, best friend) with me. Therefore, I
always had her around to help me with different readjustment issues. When no
one else understood something we were describing or we felt left out of a conversation or felt a
little weird being back we had each other there for support. But this time I
was alone in the grand ol’ USA without another Peace Corps person with me for
the first time in 15 months. It took this trip for me to realize just how long
15 months is and what an impact that truly makes on you and your life. Mostly,
it made the USA feel very lonely in four big ways<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;">Okay,
so I don’t want to be that person ragging on technology since I myself
have a bunch of my own gadgets that I like to play with, but I just wish people would PUT THEIR PHONES DOWN. I love the iphone as much as anyone, but
seriously when you are around other people try to focus on them not
whatever it is that is so pressing on your phone. <o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;">I
think as a result of problem number 1 comes problem number 2. People just seemed cold, unwilling to chat, and very unfriendly. They are glued to their
phones and barely (if at all) utter common courtesies while coming in contact
with other people. Maybe this East Coast gal has learned a little bit of small town charm
from El Salvador because I now find this almost unbearable. It made me miss Upire a
lot. People there know me, always greet me, and I everyday feel the warmth
and care of my neighbors. <o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;">On top
of all that, I just felt very lost in many conversations that I
actually did get to have (unless I was explaining my life, which I think
makes everyone else feel lost). I am so very disconnected from a lot of
current events, themes, trends, and unfortunately from the details of the lives of my family and friends that it makes conversing in depth and relating to one another almost impossible.<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;">Finally,
I think my biggest issue was that Delaware does not really FEEL like home
anymore. My place is no longer there. My life is no longer there. Of
course, it is where my mom and family live and it is where I grew up so it will probably always feel like returning home in some way but I
don’t really live there. I don’t have a house or even a room, my stuff is
in boxes, my job is elsewhere, and my friends have scattered across the
globe. I guess to be truthful Delaware really is not my home anymore. It is not where I currently feel most connected. And that is a hard pill to swallow. Because I know in 5 months or so, El Salvador will no longer be my home either. <o:p></o:p></li>
</ol>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I admit these challenges with the hopes that I won’t offend
my lovely family and my incredible friends. I hope they understand these challenges rather than feel hurt that I felt this way. This is a strange and temporary time of my life. I'll come back and after a short period in the states I am sure it will seem like I
never left as most of these challenges begin to fade away. I’ll have an
iphone. I’ll know the latest news and trends. I’ll stop talking about El Salvador as much. I will hopefully find my place and community there.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, I do
hope that despite going home and “readjusting” that I never forget what I have learned here. It is our connections to others and our relationships that make life splendid. It is our community. It is feeling connected to those around us. The things you share in person face to face...rather than on Facebook. That makes a home.<o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Jamie Albrechthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04010290631668450446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3046694318660841470.post-29449758005508348852013-03-25T17:12:00.002-07:002013-03-25T17:12:35.347-07:00Visitors Part 2
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First and foremost I hope you read “Visitors Part 1” because
it is a great post, but also because it will provide you with the necessary
context to process this next segment. This past week March 18<sup>th</sup>- 22<sup>nd,</sup>
Upire and I hosted 3 new trainees and a Spanish Teacher from Peace Corps Staff
in what is known as Field Based Training (FBT). FBT is a week-long immersion
trip (see Visitors Part 1 for information on Immersion Weekend) where trainees
are expected to help a current volunteer with executing some of their projects (FYI: This was not part of my training).
Current volunteers were asked to apply to host by submitting a schedule for the week and how the
trainees would be asked to participate and help. Additionally, we were asked to find
host families for each of them for the entire week.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My work plan looked a little like this:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Monday: Arrive to Upire around 5, eat dinner, and sleep at
Jamie’s house.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Tuesday: Meet host families, meet students in my art class,
begin painting light posts, continue painting in the afternoon, prepare for
Wednesday’s food festival, and stay with host families.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Wednesday: Sell American food in the First Annual Food
festival, help with games and activities, and help clean up at the end of the
day.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Thursday: Cleaning Campaign of the community, paint light
posts, celebration with host family of a week well done! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Friday: Trainees leave for Santa Rosa to go to San Salvador<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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Looking back on my plan we were very successful and I very content with the amount we accomplished in a week. We followed
that schedule almost exactly. The only hiccup was on Thursday afternoon we had
to cancel painting more posts because there was a huge rainstorm. I think it
was a blessing in disguise though. The trainees and I were exhausted and it
gave us a little time to celebrate finishing FBT, process the week, and have a
small question and answer period, which I hope was helpful for them. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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Here are some pictures of our week: <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvpxZYZdOvho9RbPOGpGOUgaD-5JmNgxfTrw0xnz8zAbqFGHsUsPNBqo_HEgR1YcSqNgfAeAgDD0LxJ5eZkZFgTp_6lU9JhdXfXsI7eRsUVPUeaLOKCWvI-igbVoJBUal912sOVETYOJIK/s1600/IMG_1822.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvpxZYZdOvho9RbPOGpGOUgaD-5JmNgxfTrw0xnz8zAbqFGHsUsPNBqo_HEgR1YcSqNgfAeAgDD0LxJ5eZkZFgTp_6lU9JhdXfXsI7eRsUVPUeaLOKCWvI-igbVoJBUal912sOVETYOJIK/s320/IMG_1822.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boys leading the way</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMUFCxE-KA7wjFIvkLU0i0Fr55fm8_feD-0T6enUNJrp-2NHDIOpJPjlgKWZv42KFPdj_6iArf1UFOX0vP_8KWxM9U-Y6JXE7ScO7EzZFDEnd8bhQbev-97C28VNwmKtHI5OektF-Xhnh4/s1600/IMG_1819.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMUFCxE-KA7wjFIvkLU0i0Fr55fm8_feD-0T6enUNJrp-2NHDIOpJPjlgKWZv42KFPdj_6iArf1UFOX0vP_8KWxM9U-Y6JXE7ScO7EzZFDEnd8bhQbev-97C28VNwmKtHI5OektF-Xhnh4/s320/IMG_1819.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yeah, girls can paint too!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtSwHulaRfq41swVxHIfesZuMckTrDCqcihO4J7u8FzGkJRY1CoXTvmQBkirNcEOrBYef8Ov9zsWrguh1IxoDK6uQgAvzUacQLaxLs5Tj8lqZY6GQJf25V55DQF1ecXN3PrCiE4sRkjbaK/s1600/IMG_1833.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtSwHulaRfq41swVxHIfesZuMckTrDCqcihO4J7u8FzGkJRY1CoXTvmQBkirNcEOrBYef8Ov9zsWrguh1IxoDK6uQgAvzUacQLaxLs5Tj8lqZY6GQJf25V55DQF1ecXN3PrCiE4sRkjbaK/s320/IMG_1833.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The painters and myself!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzjOcWNJW1euFqPSWAp2y9x2p2fLzh9zYo1QO0ggRMU9AFKGQL-fI5jV8qyOg7BELULETxxNaO0LnZomMmKJ9ApRwm6fHFkk36UMDUrGhiVvo2EkziyZCwDyvC9JxddJ4Je8qEQrsgqMbt/s1600/IMG_1837.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzjOcWNJW1euFqPSWAp2y9x2p2fLzh9zYo1QO0ggRMU9AFKGQL-fI5jV8qyOg7BELULETxxNaO0LnZomMmKJ9ApRwm6fHFkk36UMDUrGhiVvo2EkziyZCwDyvC9JxddJ4Je8qEQrsgqMbt/s320/IMG_1837.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We sold Mac and Cheese, PB&J's, Rice Krispie Treats, and Pop Corn!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjczyXUzVgdH_rzAbIspEiIMu_d6OQlArCPcfj1BbGq6v1OGF8eSc1p0efxsBXpEjiqGnaOC5cMGBV4_EemQgZe6FpP-ZLY9_XhsUoXB3uoOaGhPE5grR7R0TWXc7WBYwoWXAbuMmysi9g-/s1600/IMG_1863.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjczyXUzVgdH_rzAbIspEiIMu_d6OQlArCPcfj1BbGq6v1OGF8eSc1p0efxsBXpEjiqGnaOC5cMGBV4_EemQgZe6FpP-ZLY9_XhsUoXB3uoOaGhPE5grR7R0TWXc7WBYwoWXAbuMmysi9g-/s320/IMG_1863.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peace Corps Staff came to visit! Eating Soup with cow stomach :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Zpb3kJSEYe3SAAm4u77S0g7Ss5fBYsJ5qtSJQkWKFXXmZ5kPolSB4-fgcCp8O-4ZWX6zW2Ez10dE-JwaRhL8GbVyJKyonG_NidMfN-JhK-vo5NU5K-0pGnz93FYt4vtfMAvsRW5Lv4Jr/s1600/IMG_1847.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Zpb3kJSEYe3SAAm4u77S0g7Ss5fBYsJ5qtSJQkWKFXXmZ5kPolSB4-fgcCp8O-4ZWX6zW2Ez10dE-JwaRhL8GbVyJKyonG_NidMfN-JhK-vo5NU5K-0pGnz93FYt4vtfMAvsRW5Lv4Jr/s320/IMG_1847.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trainees enjoying food festival</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwg2QGbB3gJkX2VT4HCJa8xl32jFZYskQ9UlRFhSRJd8DLIuwJb9qVtSwW8mZ4J738TRW7O-QV_7s0yYyaslUNSXOlIdk44CmK_0zthRsDXkvGcF5WmnDGX3UUEtQBkOnptaGmYjEebw-z/s1600/IMG_1876.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwg2QGbB3gJkX2VT4HCJa8xl32jFZYskQ9UlRFhSRJd8DLIuwJb9qVtSwW8mZ4J738TRW7O-QV_7s0yYyaslUNSXOlIdk44CmK_0zthRsDXkvGcF5WmnDGX3UUEtQBkOnptaGmYjEebw-z/s320/IMG_1876.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cleaning the community campaign!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg2biN7d2uVA-del7I0XvZGiLRGzyKTq-SN-dHIj0Nf0stdpl1Kc9IE21HZLhxlg9EIqA4IyOo_rOXJCdtdQijnpTcEF8TgUz0QNxIeNV-2ZCm99xWbtrfdELcuj-poMG12y35h5seUBa5/s1600/IMG_1922.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg2biN7d2uVA-del7I0XvZGiLRGzyKTq-SN-dHIj0Nf0stdpl1Kc9IE21HZLhxlg9EIqA4IyOo_rOXJCdtdQijnpTcEF8TgUz0QNxIeNV-2ZCm99xWbtrfdELcuj-poMG12y35h5seUBa5/s320/IMG_1922.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>That was FBT in Upire. I am so grateful I was able to host because it gave me an incredible opportunity to move forward with the painting project, add a unique touch to our first food festival, and give my community a chance to show off a little bit for the trainees. It gave my community members (especially the kids who worked with us and the host families) so much pride that we were chosen to host and to do our best to provide the trainees with a rewarding and comfortable experience. I hope that we succeeded in that! Thank you so much to Ariel, Ismaldi, and Jacky for coming out and helping us! It was truly a pleasure to have you all.<br />
<br />
However, I also have to admit FBT was downright exhausting. It was like a more intense Immersion Weekend (see previous post for details). You can multiply the challenges, stresses, and frustrations by 3. I am so glad that I did it, but I am also so glad it is over. Selfishly, I am kind of ready to have Upire to myself again.<br />
<br />
Of course, until you decide to come!.....<br />
<!--EndFragment-->Jamie Albrechthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04010290631668450446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3046694318660841470.post-53032949784263166672013-03-25T15:39:00.000-07:002013-03-25T15:39:05.194-07:00Visitors Part 1<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
There is something special that happens when you bring
people to visit your community. I am not sure what it is exactly, but you get
so many points for it. Maybe it is that Salvadorans love to see that you
actually have other friends? And on top of that that you are proud enough to
bring them home? Maybe it is the allure of meeting a new person? Maybe it is
they are just bored with you and like a shiny new face? Whatever it is, I’ll
take it. I’ll never turn down the opportunity to gain more “cool points” in
life. (READ: COME VISIT and HELP A SISTER OUT).</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have not had many visitors (COUNT: my two bosses and the
previous volunteer, Brian ) up until this point in my service. I promise it has
nothing to do with me. I am a good host. I provide good snacks, a comfortable
house, and an amazing community that will welcome you with open arms. I’ll
chalk my lack of visitors up to Upire’s location—maybe just a little too far
for the average traveler. However, the word has spread, our luck has changed,
and rightfully so Upire has become a high-class tourist destination. I have
already received 4 visitors this month and this is just part 1. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Okay okay I am exaggerating a bit. Tourism is taking it a
little far. Most of my visitors came because they had to (work
related/training), but despite that tiny detail 4 new Americans over a 3-week
period in a small rural community feels like tourism is booming. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I know you are interested so here is the general breakdown
of my visits:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Visitor # 1:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A lovely volunteer friend of mine who just finished her
service came to visit me for a few days. (SARAHHHH! How’s the states?! I hope
you are eating the steak and potatoes you talked about as I write this. Miss
you every time I put on my sea horse (caballo del mar?!) shirt)…which is at
least every 3 days). She is the one visitor who came for the pure pleasure of
my company and to enjoy the cool climate in Upire. I should have put her to
work teaching my students how to make fabulous bracelets because she is a rock
star at it, but I had just come back from a workshop with my teachers and was
feeling pretty lazy and unmotivated to go to the school immediately the next
day. Instead, I just took her around the community and we hung out in my house.
I hope she didn’t mind the lackluster, unproductive visit. I really enjoyed
just having her up to hang out with me. Plus, she is so easy going I knew I did
not have to worry about her. It was a nice, relaxing, easy-going visit. The
best kind!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Visitors # 2 and # 3: <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Then for a weekend in the beginning of this month I had two
visitors in one weekend! If you recall during my training to be a PCV I wrote a
post entitled Immersion Days (or something like that). It documents my weekend
visiting a current volunteer in their site, learning what is means to be a
volunteer, and to live in the campo. It also documents my challenges,
surprises, and my infamous one time only chicken killing experience. Well now
the tables have turned and I find myself writing as the host of two future
volunteers. Our weekend was pretty relaxed for the most part (as weekends usually are). Plus, one of my trainees had a cast on her leg which made a lot of things seem impossible when I planned the weekend, but she had such a great attitude and can do mentality that I believe we could have done way more than I had anticipated. We arrived to my site late on Friday (9 p.m.) because we got off the bus and met my host mom in the community a little bit up the road to help her set up for a big birthday party. The poor girls were stuck setting up chairs and tying ribbons, but they also got a chance to meet my youth group and see just how flexible one must be during their service. On Saturday I brought them to Dia de Comercio and then in the afternoon dropped them off with host families so they could spend the rest of the weekend being "immersed."I hope they enjoyed the weekend. For me, hosting two trainees was a really fun, reflective, and draining
experience. I guess I should explain what I mean by all of those feelings. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
FUN: For the most part, hosting is really fun. It is a
chance to show people what you know best: the place where you live. It gives
you a unique opportunity to be a guide and convey the love and deep connection
you have to a certain place. Hosting other Americans also wins you cool points
(mentioned above) and provides sometime to chat in English, gossip about Peace Corps
or life in general, and feel a little more at home for a brief stint. For all
of those reasons, I really had a fun time hosting trainees. I got to meet two
new friends, to tell my random stories from the past year and a half, talk to
them about training and their current situations, and introduce them to a
community that I believe represents the best of El Salvador. Additionally, they
were a breath of fresh air for a Peace Corps program that has suffered quite a
bit during my time here. I am so excited to see the program rebuild again,
welcome fresh faces, and start a new chapter for Peace Corps E Salvador.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
REFLECTIVE: During the weekend, I could not help but find
myself reflecting on my service. For the first time since I arrived to this
country, there is a group that is newer than mine. I am no longer a “newbie.” I
think it took meeting this group of trainees for me to actually realize the
truth in that statement. I am that “older” volunteer that I remember during
training giving me annoying advice, telling me to suck it up, and learn to live
in rural El Salvador instead of the fancy USA. During training I often hated
the condescending tone of the older volunteers telling me let go a little more,
eat the food and gain the inevitable weight, and learn to be more patient and
flexible. However now that I am in the position of “older” volunteer I realize
just how right they were and how terrible it feels to give that kind of advice,
especially remembering how you felt in their situation. But, I realized in
order to become the volunteer I am today, I had to follow their advice. You
have to let go of your old life and embrace a new one, you have to eat with
your family and gain a little pudge, and more than anything you have to be
patient, flexible, and ready for an emotional roller coaster. I think the
quicker you learn the better off you are—hence I told the trainees the truth
with all the brutal honesty I have in me. I hope it helps them in the long run,
even if they hate me for it today. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
DRAINING: Well hosting can be fun, it can also be draining.
First, I have gotten pretty accustomed to being on my own in my site. Therefore
it was a little out of my routine to have two other people around me
constantly. Moreover, two people who actually relied on me to kind of take care
of them. I was in charge of their daily activities, their travel, their host
families, and just their overall well being while in my site. It sounds easier
than it is. Trainees are still new and adjusting to life in El Salvador, which
means they are a little more vulnerable to the elements. They are not quite
used to the dirt, bugs, stomach issues, travel time, language, host family
life, food, climate, lack of privacy, need to be social with everyone, etc. As
their host all of that falls on you to try and mitigate potential discomforts
if possible. However, this is virtually impossible and leads to some stressful
and frustrating moments for all parties involved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Visitor #4: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Following
Immersion Weekend I was so happy that my next visitor was one of my favorite
current volunteers, Kara, who is not only one of my best friends in country but
also a fantastic volunteer, person, friend, and human being in general. Hosting
Kara was awesome because she is flexible, ready for anything, and always has a
positive and energetic aura about her. Not only all of that but she also taught
my kids how to make wallets out of chip bags and make paper beads (all part of my art and leadership course). Talk about a
rock star! Here are the pictures: </span><!--EndFragment-->
<br />
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span>
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It was a really productive week with Kara. My kids loved her, the crafts that they learned, and are more motivated than ever to keep coming to class. Mission accomplished! Until the next visitor...here is a picture of me and Kara!</div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span>Jamie Albrechthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04010290631668450446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3046694318660841470.post-2716031796971004182013-02-21T07:25:00.000-08:002013-02-21T07:25:00.881-08:00The New School Year
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I know the New Year started
over a month ago now, but my posts since then have been only dedicated to
chronicling my vacation to Nicaragua and my hopes/dreams/challenges in
discovering my post PC future. Both are good posts in my humble opinion, but
lack information regarding my actual life in PC. So… here goes a general life
update post.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I feel I can split life in PC
El Salvador up into categories. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span><!--[endif]-->Daily living in the campo<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span><!--[endif]-->Work life in terms of projects<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span><!--[endif]-->PC Events/time off<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">All are unique parts of the
experience and one could write a book about each part and its influence on the
greater PC journey. But here is a post instead… <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span><!--[endif]-->Daily life, just like at home in the states, is both
comforting and boring, sometimes it drives you nuts, and other times you crave
its sense of stability and normality. Here in Upire daily life is pretty
simple- I wake up, have coffee and breakfast, go to the school, hang out with
people, help with housework, and finally have dinner with my host family to round
out the day. Yes, it gets old after awhile, but this experience is an important
part (maybe even the most important part) of a being a volunteer—learning to
live and embrace a different kind of daily life. Although it can be boring at
times for those of us used to being able to do a variety of activities at a
moment’s snap decision, El Salvador also likes to throw us Gringos surprises
and learning experiences almost daily. Never in the states would I spend a day
picking green beans and ZUCCINI:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG_9w-u8NVycfBYKLMFjD9YX-W7lFPLApU75Sk-r2KS7pUN4cUf0W2n0ZU7AUeMs4WIGt1F_azvUVEpJaL2yWRtMtg98z5cO2781aTNjFqABgEym5QxZRQj6i36m-xrmkqwc63duVmXS8w/s1600/IMG_1681.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG_9w-u8NVycfBYKLMFjD9YX-W7lFPLApU75Sk-r2KS7pUN4cUf0W2n0ZU7AUeMs4WIGt1F_azvUVEpJaL2yWRtMtg98z5cO2781aTNjFqABgEym5QxZRQj6i36m-xrmkqwc63duVmXS8w/s320/IMG_1681.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">YUMMMMMM</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2q1tJRdqWW38QnhMe59hkIkPc7nfzf7Qo0NZmlUu7w3XoeUVe4WKntbgFeMJTFDw7__RCz1ak7UFWFm2ElGmwRzLfEIQA2Gq5iCYOuqpQC_5RwPwLr5Cw_0wbfAtrkkMht8d06NqGb2Jo/s1600/IMG_1729.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2q1tJRdqWW38QnhMe59hkIkPc7nfzf7Qo0NZmlUu7w3XoeUVe4WKntbgFeMJTFDw7__RCz1ak7UFWFm2ElGmwRzLfEIQA2Gq5iCYOuqpQC_5RwPwLr5Cw_0wbfAtrkkMht8d06NqGb2Jo/s320/IMG_1729.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Showing zuccini</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDwx_xLgXU-I0ROnfuT2bjxznEXxg7PJ5ogNyzqo5p-M7lzeYdVytZr82KD__9S5lylXqnP02QsaUuzrvT6RqHLALxVZpappn_Jkf9p_ASLZqzM-Bfqnn12r03vLgEKJLqiZlTvF5AxXY6/s1600/IMG_1692.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDwx_xLgXU-I0ROnfuT2bjxznEXxg7PJ5ogNyzqo5p-M7lzeYdVytZr82KD__9S5lylXqnP02QsaUuzrvT6RqHLALxVZpappn_Jkf9p_ASLZqzM-Bfqnn12r03vLgEKJLqiZlTvF5AxXY6/s320/IMG_1692.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">relaxing among the green beans</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigNtR43LQwqxWz9ETqIm6MIMzS4L_8nifa-cSB7Nn_cop7jBsVpSJ3MNV9WK0BkPNC6svEp8pYG6rhubK8KY3zkzot8oao9uzO0EuV4Er7JJzEggF6f5NPRmYXmYjRvLLc4QrhfKIHEm90/s1600/IMG_1716.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigNtR43LQwqxWz9ETqIm6MIMzS4L_8nifa-cSB7Nn_cop7jBsVpSJ3MNV9WK0BkPNC6svEp8pYG6rhubK8KY3zkzot8oao9uzO0EuV4Er7JJzEggF6f5NPRmYXmYjRvLLc4QrhfKIHEm90/s320/IMG_1716.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Host Mom and Dad Picking Green beans</td></tr>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span><!--[endif]-->Work here, just like in the states, is a mix of
success and failure, frustration and ease, enjoyment and pain. This past month,
of course, I have experienced a little bit of all of them. In good news, I have
started my Art and Leadership Course with the introduction lesson, a few small
art projects like harmonicas and flutes, and taught my first big lesson in the
art of making a piñata. FYI: I never want to make a piñata again. We have some
really cool lessons planned for them including making wallets out of chip bags,
bracelets, making masks, doing tye dye, a “food as art” day, and painting our
light posts in the community. It is going well now, but a few weeks ago I had a
horrible breakdown when everyone bailed on every single meeting I had planned.
The youth group bailed on a meeting before a big market day, the kids did not
show up for the art class, and then during the market day the woman supposed to
bring the donuts (for our version of the Krispy Kreme Challenge foot race) did
not show up. Unfortunately, we could not have the “Race for Donuts” in Upire. I
guess it just was not in the cards. It is a hard lesson to learn, but sometimes
things just can’t happen the way you want them to and you just gotta keep
truckin’ along. Because once you keep moving you find that things turn around
eventually. First, I got wind of potential funding from the German Embassy and
have submitted a grant for my school to win $10,000 to update the kitchen,
cellar, and eating area for the students. CROSS YOUR FINGERS! Also in breaking
world news, I convinced my school to give SEX ED! Biggest success since Dia de
Comercio. We started already with one class—very easy and tame subject matter,
but I am so excited that despite the religiosity of my community, they are
finally willing to take the leap and educate kids regarding sex. So, all in all
work is good- some days great, some days just plain terrible.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">3. PC Events or anything involving other volunteers is always something special. I can't really compare it to anything. It is it's own animal. This month I have been around volunteers quite a bit. First, to say goodbye to the group 6 months ahead of us who are currently finishing their service this month. We had a goodbye party for them at the beach in the beginning of February. It is hard to watch them go since they have been the group who stuck it out with us our entire service. I will miss them all so very much! Right after that I headed towards Perquin to help translate for the Eye Care Campaign-another fun and rewarding experience just like last year. Now I am back in Perquin helping with a Environmental Education Training for teachers (including two teachers from my community). It should be a great training. I am really looking forward to it. Plus, Perquin is just so so nice.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">So that is the general breakdown of my current lifestyle. It is a good mix of everything. Just keep truckin'!</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjVGCSjaBvQkuSxVpTIVirF6bM3d-z8Q3mdgnl_chPhrAla-yClnf5I8rIcsz8ZgBJOPJ0RvCMue9DN0fXkpS7XCQkiVn4ecL6xiDldWcMOq1_dD4d-JQDr_PtngPsZtfxTbiyHmjByC6P/s1600/IMG_1675.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjVGCSjaBvQkuSxVpTIVirF6bM3d-z8Q3mdgnl_chPhrAla-yClnf5I8rIcsz8ZgBJOPJ0RvCMue9DN0fXkpS7XCQkiVn4ecL6xiDldWcMOq1_dD4d-JQDr_PtngPsZtfxTbiyHmjByC6P/s320/IMG_1675.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dia de Comercio- selling some soup</td></tr>
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Jamie Albrechthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04010290631668450446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3046694318660841470.post-22481971740420385102013-01-23T10:42:00.001-08:002013-01-23T10:55:31.025-08:00Looking AheadA few years ago, my two best friends and I sat down on New Year's Eve around the kitchen table not planning to go out, not even planning to leave the house nor remove our pj's, and barely even considering making "resolutions." Instead we created Bucket Lists. Really long ones filled with the easily attainable, the difficult but doable, and the nearly impossible, but still not impossible.<br />
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Today, I still have this list. It is obnoxiously long and filled with my funny, random, simple, and crazy desires. Despite being a little frivolous in some cases, it is probably one of the most important documents a person could and should own. With it you can reflect and ask yourself, how many things have I checked off my bucket list this year? Then you will know you are really living the life you dream of. </div>
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It is with that list in hand that I look back on this past year and a half and realize I am exactly where I wanted to be many years ago when I wrote it. I am living the life I had dreamed of then. The list is significantly shorter now and I have crossed off some big ticket items- joining PC ( and finishing...almost...), becoming fluent in a foreign language, living abroad for more than a year, and climbing a volcano among just to name a few. I realize I am lucky. I am fortunate enough to not only have dreams, but to watch them come true. There are so many kids around the world, including here in Upire, that don't even know how to dream. I am so grateful that my I was born to a Mother who constantly told me I could be anything I wanted to be, that I was born in a country and in a place with the resources and a school system that helped me learn, grow, and reach for the stars, and through that I developed the skill and confidence to dream BIG. </div>
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Although it is a beautiful gift that I love and treasure, it sometimes gives me great anxiety. </div>
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I guess to be politically incorrect I have "first world problems." I spent some (more than I care to admit on this blog ;)) time this month updating my bucket list and trying to figure out how to keep living my dreams. Tragedy struck when I realized I have too many dreams. I know what you are thinking...poor, selfish, little, ignorant Jamie wants to do and see everything. She actually spends her time creating a list of dreams. Yes, GUILTY.</div>
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Okay, it is not that bad....what I mean is that 2013 is a new chapter. I will begin and finish my final projects in Upire, I will finish my Peace Corps service, and return back to the states saying goodbye to the last two years of my life. It is terrifying because for the first time in my life I do not know what is next for me. I have a lot of dreams or ideas for my life, no sense of direction, and little sense of place geographically speaking (all I know is Mom lives in Delaware, but I can't say I want to, sorry Ma). So, the world is literally wide open (well as long as the world will have me and circumstances permit). </div>
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Many (even I) would call me lucky. Free to dream up a life. Free to pick and choose as I see fit. Free to explore for a bit. But as much as I like adventure, freedom, and change Peace Corps has taught me that although all of that is fine and dandy at times, there is also great beauty in security, stability, and having some kind of plan or schedule. So how does one reconcile wanting adventure and security, wanting change and stability, and wanting freedom but also some concrete plans and a schedule? </div>
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I thought 2 years in Peace Corps would give me time to think and "figure out my life." Although I have time left still, it does not feel nearly long enough. In fact, I believe it has been my relatively long time in the Peace Corps that has given me some tough love and opened my eyes to the reality of certain dreams. As a result, I find myself trying to reconcile the seemingly opposite personal desires listed above. </div>
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So my dreams do not seem so clear anymore. Barely clear enough to make a Bucket List I can make sense of. But maybe that is the point. As one proverb says, "A well beaten path does not always mean the right road." Maybe I am just carving a new type of road- something previously unknown, untouched, and unique. Something that right now does not make sense. Maybe my path is not there yet, it is waiting for me to make it. I know it sounds cheesy, cliche, and like a line from a stupid, romantic comedy, but it is probably true. There is a way to reconcile all of my goals. I just have to do the work and find it.</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;">"It may be when we no longer know what to do, we have come to our real work, and that when we no longer know which way to go, we have begun our real journey." </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;"><b>**Wendell Berry </b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">For your viewing pleasure a look into the current Bucket List (10 only):</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">1. Finish my Peace Corps Service </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">2. Upon finishing PC travel through Central America</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">3. Run an International Marathon</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">4. Find my dream job</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">5. Get my Masters Degree</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">6. Learn to fly planes</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">7. Live in Europe</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">8. Pay off debt</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">9. Know Love</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">10. Finish Top 100 Books to Read before I die List</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><b><u>What's does your list look like?</u></b></span></span></div>
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Jamie Albrechthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04010290631668450446noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3046694318660841470.post-8737826947126512612013-01-10T12:13:00.000-08:002013-01-10T13:11:02.524-08:00New Year's in Nicaragua<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Most of my closest friends know I am a travel junkie. Give me a plane ticket and I'll go. Just about anywhere. However, I have some places I DREAM about going, places that I just can't bear the thought of not seeing before I die. Places like India, Turkey, Denmark, Greece, Lebanon, Japan, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, South Africa, Tunisia, okay okay you get the point. Before I joined Peace Corps Central and South America were pretty low on my wish list. I mean I would not have turned down the opportunity to go (aka I came to PC El Sal) but those countries were never quite as intriguing to me as India or Lebanon for example. Of course, Peace Corps has changed me and my perspective quite a bit. Nicaragua?! Really...? It probably would have never made my top 100 of places to visit, but now I am already itching to go back. Even amongst the Central American countries I had it seriously underrated. Next to Guatemala, Costa Rica, and Mexico it seemed kind of meh. But those feelings were just symptoms of ignorance and my failure to truly understand that all countries around the world are beautiful. Let's see just SOME of the beauty that is wonderful Nicaragua:</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJAqzRcfMXulf_9u4V1RyXuhXTYVVsMGVhGvC9f1R3yRvSdOIP7PMDRW5xCfz2ugRrHcLjzBFsMnPVaY7O5lWKysH7OeQZ-xlpymZaOKVQHpNKa-wE3nbMTpnQa28Jc4Ds5kWvM-oq40-y/s1600/IMG_0055.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJAqzRcfMXulf_9u4V1RyXuhXTYVVsMGVhGvC9f1R3yRvSdOIP7PMDRW5xCfz2ugRrHcLjzBFsMnPVaY7O5lWKysH7OeQZ-xlpymZaOKVQHpNKa-wE3nbMTpnQa28Jc4Ds5kWvM-oq40-y/s1600/IMG_0055.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On top of Cerro Negro near Leon.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgDVO1uYaJOQQA3htg5uGjr6mPZj0xIhUMH9NAySOSMxJzrz_qqiGGH9RBYglaeVT2sys7wREyugtlk7KdYaOQN62Y8ETfSeuRqxlvGBOg4_YCIPU_mahOpT60jTGAmTp0QWamg6il25rx/s1600/IMG_0104.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgDVO1uYaJOQQA3htg5uGjr6mPZj0xIhUMH9NAySOSMxJzrz_qqiGGH9RBYglaeVT2sys7wREyugtlk7KdYaOQN62Y8ETfSeuRqxlvGBOg4_YCIPU_mahOpT60jTGAmTp0QWamg6il25rx/s320/IMG_0104.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Volcano boarding!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFV8Pg5pmtE8_yCSidLrg1jxorTscoSUTlVP62I6gm5dRX8Pi_0_HMvC0lWUtmUxIOW-HKVYMQCSkncYg_9eXmASlURb-vVrbQJ2b4j6O_NlTNI-bKCSUQ6nm1hCC6zMPYo_sqw3_bxOZY/s1600/P2040123.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFV8Pg5pmtE8_yCSidLrg1jxorTscoSUTlVP62I6gm5dRX8Pi_0_HMvC0lWUtmUxIOW-HKVYMQCSkncYg_9eXmASlURb-vVrbQJ2b4j6O_NlTNI-bKCSUQ6nm1hCC6zMPYo_sqw3_bxOZY/s320/P2040123.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Somoto Canyon Tour</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgowG5wXNPRwCbY8ec4WuBUoGAlSCEBrY9ZNwLpdSGf2AaYitZmghTXVihWFgxEd5kjlapbuuqC1wIBADB2CkojZ-ZIyrpL9nh3qfG0vhyphenhyphenqJzGGOzD5nzl4G_1aGutA-97klKn7pqBemDhE/s1600/P2040106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgowG5wXNPRwCbY8ec4WuBUoGAlSCEBrY9ZNwLpdSGf2AaYitZmghTXVihWFgxEd5kjlapbuuqC1wIBADB2CkojZ-ZIyrpL9nh3qfG0vhyphenhyphenqJzGGOzD5nzl4G_1aGutA-97klKn7pqBemDhE/s320/P2040106.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho3-CiNxLv3CfXXjgUO1-cLDgAozR10pyqZSnsLtAJnD7C2WUVSy-V41sd9gNiwTx4N7XAIJbdT5jCXKF7wZilkU_eZAlbdsQtQyt495DbY-SRw4iG_7xF4ktdyD7nxO0T5fD-3pMH7One/s1600/P2030081.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho3-CiNxLv3CfXXjgUO1-cLDgAozR10pyqZSnsLtAJnD7C2WUVSy-V41sd9gNiwTx4N7XAIJbdT5jCXKF7wZilkU_eZAlbdsQtQyt495DbY-SRw4iG_7xF4ktdyD7nxO0T5fD-3pMH7One/s320/P2030081.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tour of the Flor de Cana Rum Factory!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih3WG1u_8mCYLNnwAZPuFGN9rscvxuyfXHR8PpPzIlAFJnIXnUu1DJodaUoa89r1vp3S5d-FxOmhKeahD_5h6EjF1mZdIWDUn4DcamztvU24Gvu31Uq1hEfPmme8EpRsGs66SEK9R1oln6/s1600/P1300164.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih3WG1u_8mCYLNnwAZPuFGN9rscvxuyfXHR8PpPzIlAFJnIXnUu1DJodaUoa89r1vp3S5d-FxOmhKeahD_5h6EjF1mZdIWDUn4DcamztvU24Gvu31Uq1hEfPmme8EpRsGs66SEK9R1oln6/s320/P1300164.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lounging at the beach.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBwlIrVbAwmdS57P3pKgO_POdVfETjmKiKEnwKuHBnqH0U7m9Iyw1refXNLZ08Rr3cXMBQzUS2-Das2FXruntjgoXXBUEyWNpT1CQ6iBpAf4BMet3z8NARPCfbKi90pnKFL9kNNfGXOkCK/s1600/P1310253.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBwlIrVbAwmdS57P3pKgO_POdVfETjmKiKEnwKuHBnqH0U7m9Iyw1refXNLZ08Rr3cXMBQzUS2-Das2FXruntjgoXXBUEyWNpT1CQ6iBpAf4BMet3z8NARPCfbKi90pnKFL9kNNfGXOkCK/s320/P1310253.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">Popoyo Beach<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcF2K_ODAwLxzKKAXxLprtgniZpnCiqMDUIClDix3IrsdD_NTyFFnCqwx8vB4JfeYYMRGmXf9ArUHmrPHcWKD574ubtMwuae7H3RvwoHv4Gupg02elGQy9Y92rG6kWbBUwUAmE6uZ2K5lG/s1600/P1280088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcF2K_ODAwLxzKKAXxLprtgniZpnCiqMDUIClDix3IrsdD_NTyFFnCqwx8vB4JfeYYMRGmXf9ArUHmrPHcWKD574ubtMwuae7H3RvwoHv4Gupg02elGQy9Y92rG6kWbBUwUAmE6uZ2K5lG/s320/P1280088.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hanging in Granada</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdzhBUTYZxDOm2G2zPmT4U3DkqVJ92zf84NrXjqRkvfmVVt15q6ZeNHSHcC5YmjKggrwiL68kHxudWGsr_s7Yef56I-oE-OErHUE-y39BdxcQxNwoJBzLWMYtG-61l9hxTfZrXB7xW1hLh/s1600/P1270042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdzhBUTYZxDOm2G2zPmT4U3DkqVJ92zf84NrXjqRkvfmVVt15q6ZeNHSHcC5YmjKggrwiL68kHxudWGsr_s7Yef56I-oE-OErHUE-y39BdxcQxNwoJBzLWMYtG-61l9hxTfZrXB7xW1hLh/s320/P1270042.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eating tour of Granada</td></tr>
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That is vacation in pictures. Now a little bit in words. Four members of my PC training group and I went to Nicaragua for ten days visiting Granada, Leon, Esteli, and Somoto. It was a fantastic trip that included a variety of fun activities, plenty of time to relax, and a lot of great memories. We started in Granada which is the Central American version of a European city. I arrived there and thought for a brief moment I was in Italy. It is laden with beautiful plazas, amazing restaurants, and cobble stone streets. We basically toured Grenada indulging in the food that we don't ever eat in El Salvador: iced coffee, hummus and pita bread, falafel, eggplant, bagels and cream cheese, gelato, etc. It was delicious. From Grenada we rolled into Popoyo Beach where we met up with Cory (a RPCV from our group who left last April) is currently working as a surf instructor (among his many talents). We also met up with some volunteers from PC Nicaragua!!!</div>
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We spent the next three days (including New Year's) hanging out at Cory's stunning beach and hotel. I spent my time sleeping, reading, running, sleeping, hanging in the hammock, and more relaxing. From there we ventured to Leon which is essentially a college town providing us with tons of good restaurants, fun night life, great second hand clothing stores, and NEARBY VOLCANO BOARDING. </div>
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Volcano boarding was probably my favorite thing from the trip. Nicaragua is, I believe, the only place in the world where you can literally sled down (or snowboard down) a volcano. We carried our boards up the volcano for about 45 minutes to the top. It was a long 45 minutes mostly because I thought the wind would carry me off the side of the volcano, but we made it. After 45 minutes climbing it takes about 3 minutes to come down sledding. There is nothing quite like sledding down a volcano. I would FLY down and then have to flip myself to stop the sled from losing control. Surprisingly, it does not hurt. The terrain was rocky, but more of a soft, volcanic ash. It was thrilling, fun, dirty, and a once in a lifetime experience of pure adrenaline. I loved it.</div>
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The next day after volcano boarding we toured the Flor de Cana Rum Factory. For those of you who know me you know I am not much of a drinker. But Flor de Cana is different. It holds a special place in our hearts as the cheap rum that is ubiquitous at PC events. Therefore, when you are in Nicaragua (birthplace of Flor) you have to check out the factory. Plus, I had never seen a rum factory, nor tried the 18 year aged rum, so I HAD to go. I was quite surprised at the sophistication of the factory and just how much I could learn about rum from an hour and a half tour. Definitely worth its heavy price tag. </div>
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The last stop on our trip Esteli/Somoto. It was a nice change of pace because of its cool climate (NICARAGUA IS HOT--it feels ways hotter than El Sal). We were happy to sleep under blankets and walk outside in sweaters and jeans for a few days. Somoto was placed on our travel list when we heard from a bunch of backpackers in El Salvador that it has a one of kind canyon tour including a long float trip down the river, jumping from high rocks, and beautiful canyon views. We were sold! It was a beautiful trip and really fun. I highly recommend it, especially if you enjoy the thrill of jumping from cliffs! </div>
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Overall, it was a really fun trip. I am so thankful for such wonderful friends to travel with, the opportunity I have been given to travel here in Central America, and the realization that even places that you don't really think about going to have so much for you to discover. I am looking forward to discovering more.</div>
<br />Jamie Albrechthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04010290631668450446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3046694318660841470.post-76666108461925939212013-01-09T14:16:00.000-08:002013-01-10T06:49:02.239-08:00Not Going Home for ChristmasHappy New Year! I hope each and every one of you had a
wonderful holiday (whichever one you celebrate) and have begun 2013 with a
bang! I know January is typically the time to look forward and make plans for
the upcoming year, but before I get to that I need to document my December here
in El Salvador.<br />
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If you are a loyal reader of this blog you will remember or
if you are random reader you can look back in this blog to this time last year
and find a post titled “Going Home for Christmas” where I chronicle my
difficult decision to return to the states for the holidays. I look back on
that post and realize I spent a lot of my time justifying my decision to go
home- you know listing all the reasons why it was okay to do so. But I think I
was just too proud to admit that I was not strong enough to stay. At 3 months
in site, I just could not commit to staying here and missing Christmas at home.
<o:p></o:p></div>
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However, I am happy to report that 1 year and 3 months
later, the situation is completely different. This year I made the relatively
easy decision to stay in El Salvador for Christmas. I say “relatively easy”
because it is never easy to make an active decision to stay away from your
family, especially on the holidays. This year, however, as much as I wanted to
go home I also really wanted to stay here for Christmas. Last year, I would
have stayed only out of guilt and shame, but this year I believe I stayed for
the right reasons: the love I feel for my friends and family in Upire, the
desire to spend one Christmas with them, and the opportunity to celebrate a
little differently in a new place.<o:p></o:p></div>
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In a lot of ways I did not really even know it was December
(well the way I know it is December in the states). There were few, if any,
decorations, no Christmas music really, only some random Christmas movies, and
no shopping for gifts. The only time I really felt the hint of commercialized
Christmas was when I would go down to the city and into the supermarket—music,
decorations, food, gifts, toys, etc. Here Christmas seems to be defined by the
basics: family, food, and friends. You know it is December when everyone is
visiting family and friends (full houses!!!), enjoying vacation and relaxing in
the house, and mentally and physically preparing for the meals on Christmas Eve
(in El Sal, Christmas is celebrated on the 24<sup>th</sup>, not the 25<sup>th</sup>).
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Essentially, that is how I spent December: hanging out with
my host brother and sister, enjoying time away from the school, hanging out
with friends and family, and preparing for Christmas eve. Despite it being
vacation though, there was still work to be done too, which I will document
first before the festivities!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The
week before Christmas the youth committee and I were busy preparing for special
“Dia de Comercio” the Saturday before Christmas Eve. We decided to decorate,
play festive music, give out gifts (including a huge basket filled with food),
and have two piñatas for the kids. In addition, the youth committee was also in
charge with helping with a Christmas Lunch that was planned for the clients of
the community’s finance group. We had to decorate the auditorium of the school,
make all the food, and prepare the program. Needless to say, it was a long and
busy week. But it was well worth it! It was a really special day for everyone
in the community, brought a lot of people out to the community market, and
right before Christmas it really helped me (and others I am sure)get in the
spirit! Here are some pictures of that day: </span><!--EndFragment-->
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1ZUcvjtWKNbgVW1d8IJ-gjVYx90NaM44hgU1pug4xND1DoL5XR-58Md4G2_uoaww3x5dJSgbASBtF1VscNK0nvgcWZb-9Idqr85jWicczBL_rzt9kgI9_lEEsJs87K0kPUFAxskpjGXmA/s1600/551577_190283187777078_909672374_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1ZUcvjtWKNbgVW1d8IJ-gjVYx90NaM44hgU1pug4xND1DoL5XR-58Md4G2_uoaww3x5dJSgbASBtF1VscNK0nvgcWZb-9Idqr85jWicczBL_rzt9kgI9_lEEsJs87K0kPUFAxskpjGXmA/s320/551577_190283187777078_909672374_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Members of the Youth Group and the Gift Basket</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSVl2bxl9NcQf6p_SWaIqZWcjxKn43IT2or1VLp5JAcgEsMbSRzc0KnFStN6Cs0fJto8s0mPG4ZxqyqkwByAaVUeUM3vPfRAnO_RK-4C9fZYnJpsVltl93PvxwB9jjpHplIaLDBkuexwRj/s1600/400010_190283551110375_1141235448_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSVl2bxl9NcQf6p_SWaIqZWcjxKn43IT2or1VLp5JAcgEsMbSRzc0KnFStN6Cs0fJto8s0mPG4ZxqyqkwByAaVUeUM3vPfRAnO_RK-4C9fZYnJpsVltl93PvxwB9jjpHplIaLDBkuexwRj/s320/400010_190283551110375_1141235448_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bashing the pinata!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On to the best day of the year (CHRISTMAS EVE / more importantly the BIRTH OF YOURS TRULY): At precisely 4 a.m. I was woken up to the sound of singing and fireworks coming from outside my bedroom door. I jump out of bed and find my host family, a few best friends from the community, and a band singing Happy Birthday songs to me. I was SO SURPRISED. But the surprises did not end there. I would have been extremely happy with being serenaded at 4 a.m. and a small dinner with family at the end of the night. But Upire never ceases to amaze me. The youth group, teachers from the school, and my closest family and friends got together to throw me a HUGE SURPRISE BIRTHDAY PARTY. I should have known something was up when my host sister wanted to straighten my hair, loan me a dress, and paint my toe nails. But I just figured it was to look nice on my birthday...oh no, I was very wrong. I was sent a (odd?!) note asking me to go to the school and take out a book from the library and when I got to the library there was everyone shouting surprise! It was a lunch party filled with grilled vegetables, fruit, candy, a pinata, games, and just tons of laughs with my 25 closest friends.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Here is what it looked like:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzxy-aMFWiL96WV7NtC_Id6rm-JSXbgZ3V13wIn4bWnIgqmBNqZf90sNPbhNVcI42L7dBFhks39Wouh0cfI6AGVTLICBY0kj1GcjHgt7QjoVp4stgLUXZe9yz2vrTJsAgw9G041_cApfIR/s1600/IMG_1525.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzxy-aMFWiL96WV7NtC_Id6rm-JSXbgZ3V13wIn4bWnIgqmBNqZf90sNPbhNVcI42L7dBFhks39Wouh0cfI6AGVTLICBY0kj1GcjHgt7QjoVp4stgLUXZe9yz2vrTJsAgw9G041_cApfIR/s320/IMG_1525.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Host sister and best friend Kellye preparing plates!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg47O-LDBYjOmOvz12bVyqK_QG0QMxnMFTDLrBSfmfgSggKuGpcdOft8h3uWSFWEDJn9vzylRPZm0xE1EpVS5SWTyJ6qI4l1Z8w3n9F3r3R9sK5jtSAaJDjawSe1rXYoVm6mxfJDSlwWT0y/s1600/IMG_1523.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg47O-LDBYjOmOvz12bVyqK_QG0QMxnMFTDLrBSfmfgSggKuGpcdOft8h3uWSFWEDJn9vzylRPZm0xE1EpVS5SWTyJ6qI4l1Z8w3n9F3r3R9sK5jtSAaJDjawSe1rXYoVm6mxfJDSlwWT0y/s320/IMG_1523.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Youth Group Boys</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2y2AJ7uT6Tr0nT84lMUNHcFldfLZm2RR71uW5ohJUTRqKeHlTiI9n7SPR5GAxrHl6b4OX2AEF27Pr6s9Y8D5QmS4f-A-L-kZtQOJjkjOjadW4YXBddMCtiginrpYAhNhkExoTp64HrDq2/s1600/IMG_1562.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2y2AJ7uT6Tr0nT84lMUNHcFldfLZm2RR71uW5ohJUTRqKeHlTiI9n7SPR5GAxrHl6b4OX2AEF27Pr6s9Y8D5QmS4f-A-L-kZtQOJjkjOjadW4YXBddMCtiginrpYAhNhkExoTp64HrDq2/s320/IMG_1562.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pinata Time!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-KI2KU3ZdGXar5eJD5yXH6ZomKnngux1G-5fj08TjdbaH2zCvHr_aAg_LJ1LkjFQ2XL4tgUkC1whbb8hW09HLbA21kAfUwuNSQ12-MK4T2s7yzRWpXUDAweSh65phbEdUaWI1KMMwb3V7/s1600/IMG_1528.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-KI2KU3ZdGXar5eJD5yXH6ZomKnngux1G-5fj08TjdbaH2zCvHr_aAg_LJ1LkjFQ2XL4tgUkC1whbb8hW09HLbA21kAfUwuNSQ12-MK4T2s7yzRWpXUDAweSh65phbEdUaWI1KMMwb3V7/s320/IMG_1528.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Smurf Pinata and me</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyL7Prcf8NQU8CJY1QPL0s4NEPVUeFW_plI6DUz11lCsfQaN_bdwpGUOEBZUEmA9scMmQm4wxEjIfEz8nnaLwL3roEQxSxEN839r4cbTuuKtnHF40qopuosFPy4N5ib9wQUi4o7PQksRUv/s1600/IMG_1572.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyL7Prcf8NQU8CJY1QPL0s4NEPVUeFW_plI6DUz11lCsfQaN_bdwpGUOEBZUEmA9scMmQm4wxEjIfEz8nnaLwL3roEQxSxEN839r4cbTuuKtnHF40qopuosFPy4N5ib9wQUi4o7PQksRUv/s320/IMG_1572.JPG" width="320" /></a>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It was definitely one of the best birthday parties I have ever had. I almost teared up telling them how much this meant to me. I still cannot believe that they love me this much. I am so honored, blessed, and happy to live in this community. I am so lucky that I call Upire home now.</div>
<div>
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<div>
The rest of Christmas Eve was spent eating with the family. One family party included rice, chicken, and salad. Then afterwards there were chicken sandwiches. Lots of food and then sleeping late the next morning--haha just like home! :) I was on such a high from my amazing birthday party that the day passed quickly and I did not suffer much homesickness. I was surrounded my so much love and affection that it was virtually impossible to feel sad.</div>
<div>
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<div>
However, the 25th was nothing. Just clean up and saying goodbye to family and friends. I'll admit it was kind of sad--like a REALLY rough post Christmas blues. But I just tried to forget it was Christmas and that my family was all together without me. It worked for the most part, but I think only because I spent most of the day packing to go to NICARAGUA with my friends. Details on the trip in the next post!!!!!!!!!!</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
Overall, Christmas (December) in El Salvador was a very special experience - one I was cherish for the rest of my life. I am so thankful for both of my families- my Salvadoran one that made me feel loved and cared for so far away from home and my USA one who constantly supports me in all that I do. I love you all very much! My Mommom sent me a card with the perfect quote to summarize this Christmas: "It is the Christmas in the heart that puts Christmas in the air"- WT Ellis</div>
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<div>
As for making New Year's Resolutions, I don't really have any. My one resolution is to treasure time. Treasure the days instead of constantly looking forward.<br />
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Jamie Albrechthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04010290631668450446noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3046694318660841470.post-1585371630546450112012-12-16T11:38:00.003-08:002012-12-16T11:38:35.433-08:00Graduation<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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**Warning, this post is a little old, but I feel the need to post about our Kindergarten graduation this year in response to the terrible events in Connecticut this week. I dedicate this post to the fallen and their families and cast it as a reminder to treasure our children for they are our future and we owe it to them to keep them safe. To the kids around the globe struggling to go to school- keep going, learning and growing, and keep making us proud. Hopefully, we will turn these events around and make you proud too. This is a call to action, adults, in the name of our kids so that they may graduate not only Kindergarten but high school, college, and go on to make this world a better place.</div>
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Here in El Salvador the school year ends in the middle of
November culminating in the graduation ceremonies for kindergarten and ninth
grade (as well as high school in the main towns). This was my first year being
a part of the graduation ceremonies in Upire since last year I was in San
Vicente going through my second round of training. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Graduation resembles a lot of the formal events here in El
Salvador. A lot of people show up really dressed up in their Sunday best, there
is a long, pretty boring program, and a big lunch to follow (for the important
people, like me <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span>). I had the pleasure of sitting at the “Mesa de
Honor” or special people table for ninth grade and kindergarten graduation, so
it did make it somewhat more special for me than the usual events.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The kindergarten graduation took place first on November 13<sup>th</sup>
and I was asked to be the “Madrina,” which is basically just someone who is an
“honorable” guest at the ceremony, sits at the honor table and hands out the
diplomas, and typically buys each graduate a small gift. So instead of my usual
Peace Corps wear, I put on my Sunday best (an amazing dress I had made by a
seamstress (my host aunt)), straightened my hair, and sat at the special table.
During the ceremony I gave a small speech about learning to read and write, then
they presented the other Madrina and myself with a diploma of honor, we handed
out diplomas as the kids graduated, and at the end I gave each kid a small gift
(t-shirt). It was a small, entertaining ceremony, especially because the little
ones are just so darling in over the top cute outfits and they also performed a
few songs that were just too precious to describe adequately. Afterwards, I had
lunch with the other special guests, the kids had cake provided by the other
Madrina, and we were all home relaxing by 1:30 p.m. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Here is the ceremony in pictures: <o:p></o:p></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj65ebhmFaUAcZyWoXY9SeGrmLX9Ty-2qkMgmqSEAlsWtk6NAFVsT1zgUutBjxLczLQ9K2DTHE6yia-4RW-NdiJs_ZgIeCf_LFw3wdRVvPC9s7gGFPyYod8w4OTc3Qkn1tKpU2nFm_fD45m/s1600/IMG_1388.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj65ebhmFaUAcZyWoXY9SeGrmLX9Ty-2qkMgmqSEAlsWtk6NAFVsT1zgUutBjxLczLQ9K2DTHE6yia-4RW-NdiJs_ZgIeCf_LFw3wdRVvPC9s7gGFPyYod8w4OTc3Qkn1tKpU2nFm_fD45m/s320/IMG_1388.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Handing out Diplomas </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifNxJGtsWvpBoDDje3amptf9YdQFzJDAhyWlF8mFCWGAlxukyeb24kOK3YZTOqe56ZIwuxHncekLMrZqEvylkBy6JeQn7TCiEbNj2fp5-6MmujtkDeT2yo2opg7jdcSOfiRAa2NMQ0OKPp/s1600/IMG_1355.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifNxJGtsWvpBoDDje3amptf9YdQFzJDAhyWlF8mFCWGAlxukyeb24kOK3YZTOqe56ZIwuxHncekLMrZqEvylkBy6JeQn7TCiEbNj2fp5-6MmujtkDeT2yo2opg7jdcSOfiRAa2NMQ0OKPp/s320/IMG_1355.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can you really expect them to spell Albrecht right? ;)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidS6KIfCD_wDO1pv_8Te1xRYZRFlqvBt8il_hDuu3dcp_j18uaDkvUB4qUCWvcmnrySOvWsNN5G4fQ6UqbNCW6ed_ebWdtKPWiUxvMXcxmdFclhqIyyLMYyf-2F8uP-IYnay0ENh_VFnNi/s1600/IMG_1372.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidS6KIfCD_wDO1pv_8Te1xRYZRFlqvBt8il_hDuu3dcp_j18uaDkvUB4qUCWvcmnrySOvWsNN5G4fQ6UqbNCW6ed_ebWdtKPWiUxvMXcxmdFclhqIyyLMYyf-2F8uP-IYnay0ENh_VFnNi/s320/IMG_1372.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dancing Ninos!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The following Monday was the ninth grade graduation
ceremony, which was huge (more people at one event than I have ever seen in
Upire, except for maybe the day the market opened) and a little bit longer (but
not as long as I anticipated). For this event I was not anything special with a
title, but I still had the pleasure of sitting at the honor table. I still had
to put on a formal dress (another one made by my host aunt), straighten my
hair, and put on make up (such a rarity <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span>). But, I was Don
Brian’s beautiful ;) escort. Brian was actually the “Nominada” of the ceremony,
which is basically the honored guest who gives a longer speech and usually (but
not required) gives each of the kids a gift. Brian gave a short, but sweet and
funny speech and bought each of the kids a wonderful gift (a monogrammed towel
and a picture frame with pictures of each kid). <o:p></o:p></div>
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The ceremony was simple. The school director spoke to the
graduates, their professor, Brian gave his speech, a student gave a “thank you
speech” on behalf of her class, and then the ninth graders performed a song as
a way of saying goodbye. Afterwards, we had another big lunch with all of the
guests of honor. <o:p></o:p></div>
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More pictures: <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-UQBdC_nYr8TDGt7IPHFDseszsgRVJ-87quIiQc0VYul05OtvzBhZdYdrKehQIWmvV7swMCpR25yrizd9nvvfUEj4v6HPemCXVcAAsJp8t5nYQv4NXBFqO4TO6ZgqiYrDX9jReI7RcTti/s1600/IMG_1499.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-UQBdC_nYr8TDGt7IPHFDseszsgRVJ-87quIiQc0VYul05OtvzBhZdYdrKehQIWmvV7swMCpR25yrizd9nvvfUEj4v6HPemCXVcAAsJp8t5nYQv4NXBFqO4TO6ZgqiYrDX9jReI7RcTti/s320/IMG_1499.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEger6ujKmo1YptZ2olK4EicbeXXcKNvjVR0I52Aj5cs_UYJVr6Ha1vk3Nh5OHX_RsjNjiygGfBLNIAmQtwkubo-ggo-DHex9VKepCRH6eLFopUrVp8aAO4S0HejM384qRQPLVSz-WIj5cYa/s1600/IMG-20121119-06636.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEger6ujKmo1YptZ2olK4EicbeXXcKNvjVR0I52Aj5cs_UYJVr6Ha1vk3Nh5OHX_RsjNjiygGfBLNIAmQtwkubo-ggo-DHex9VKepCRH6eLFopUrVp8aAO4S0HejM384qRQPLVSz-WIj5cYa/s320/IMG-20121119-06636.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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That wraps the end of the school year. I’ll admit I am ready
for the tranquility of December. Everything is about to shut down and go into
vacation mode, including myself ( I might actually already be there). Although,
I am spending my birthday and this Christmas in my site in Upire, I am going to
Nicaragua right after the holidays. I am definitely a little bit sad about
missing Christmas at home with my family and friends (actually really sad, I
LOVE XMAS TIME), but I know deep down I need to give Upire one Christmas. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">P.S.
Hope you had a great Thanksgiving! I sure did. I got to enjoy it from the
comforts of a beautiful embassy home with a wonderful American Navy family. I
enjoyed all the fixings of American Thanksgiving and left super, squeaky clean
after a hot shower—it was glorious. Enjoy the holidays. </span><!--EndFragment-->
Jamie Albrechthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04010290631668450446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3046694318660841470.post-64102786060497784812012-11-22T18:01:00.001-08:002012-11-22T18:01:22.407-08:00Pa-ty, I think we are crazy My good friend and fellow volunteer Tricia and I have been
working on separate “healthy living” projects in our respective communities for the past few months. My
project has been focused on an exercise club in my school – focused mainly on
soccer, basketball, and baseball/softball for both boys and girls. Tricia has
been teaching cooking class once a week for some of the older students in her
school focused on healthy ingredients and techniques. Additionally, she has
been working on improving the nutrition of her community by trying to integrate
more protein into their diets with the future building of tilapia pools. Both
of our projects also included money to take the participating kids on an
excursion where we would try to tackle some sort of athletic achievement. In
our minds we both wanted to take the kids to hike the San Miguel volcano (a potentially amazing achievement for them and relatively close to our sites) but quickly learned that
it is a DIFFICULT hike and essentially impossible with 40 kids. When we both realized
that our original idea was way too out there we both were caught scrambling for
a replacement place of the same type of caliber to bring our students. You know they say, “Two minds are
better than one,” so we decided to put our minds, money, and excursions
together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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Somehow we ended up with the idea to climb the tallest
mountain in El Salvador-<o:p></o:p></div>
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Cerro El Pital. What sounds better than "I climbed the tallest mountain in my country?"We figured the kids would feel really motivated to go on the trip, which would help with keep attendance high for our lectures and classes. It sounded good on paper (not so much logistically speaking) to take 40 kids
from the eastern most departments of El Salvador to the opposite side of the
country to climb the country’s tallest mountain. The kids, teachers, and
community members were understandably stoked with the idea, especially because this would
probably be the only opportunity they would have to see such a noteworthy
place. Unfortunately, we got a little ahead of ourselves and announced the
location before having all the details worked out (plus even when we have details worked out ahead of time, something always happen). There were so many issues
during the planning that Tricia and I both almost quit the project about 100
times each. I think it is only because we had each other to lean on when they other one was feeling hopeless that we were able to pull this off. Additionally, neither of us could bear to tell our communities that
El Pital was impossible given our serious financial restraints and inability to
coordinate everything given the circumstances, so we brainstormed for two
painful weeks on all the ways we could make this dream come true. Even up until
two days before the trip we were unsure if we could make it happen, especially
when our contracted bus up the price from $600 to $1000. But our communities
together really came through in the end. My host mom (school director) was
able to contract a different bus for $800 and my community development
organization paid the $200 difference. Tricia’s community came through big and
provided endless amounts of energy food for all the kids—to keep the kids happy and occupied during the
long, long bus ride. So, we decided to go for it, but felt SO crazy to be attempting to tackle such a long journey, overnight with 40 kids with
just two Peace Corps Volunteers (plus Brian and our regional leader Jess who were nice enough to come and help us out). Crazy, but doable...<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Eventually, the
big day arrived and given the challenges of planning the trip everything seemed
to go pretty smoothly (well for El Salvador). We had a few problems here and
there throughout the day. My community arrived 2 hours ahead of Tricia’s at the meeting place (no
one’s fault, just unfortunate planning), my host mom freaked out about the bus
climbing half way up the mountain and the ability of the bus driver to drive
appropriately, then we all freaked out about getting down the mountain in time
and catching the last bus back to meet with our bus, there were definite struggles for some students and teachers trying to climb up the mountain as well (many did not finish), and of course the long
journey proved to be a little challenging for the students and teachers,
especially when we arrived at our lodging place at 9:30 p.m. after getting up
at 1:00 a.m. Needless to say, it was a long day. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">But the trip was worth
it in so many ways. </span><br />
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The journey up the mountain was a beautiful one--giving the kids a view like none other before in addition to experiencing the bitter, bitter cold for the first time too. Most of the students and teachers were able to get up the 5 KM to the top and say they conquered the tallest mountain in their country, which is something I believe they will never forget. We came down from the hike, played some ice breakers, danced a little bit, laughed, and reached the lodging area with kids still anxious to play all together on the soccer field. We stayed the night in Alegria which is another beautiful town in the southern part of the country giving the students and teachers a chance to see another incredible place in their country. The next day we had a nice tour of Alegria and finished up the camp with a small ceremony complete with paper ribbons and diplomas for each participant. My favorite part of this trip, however, is that it gave our two schools an opportunity to meet and talk with other teachers and students--a rare exchange and a unique experience for both of our communities. They are already talking about the next thing we are going to do together!<br />
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Here is a glimpse of the trip:<br />
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Group of students, profe, and I at the top!</div>
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Karen and I (she is my favorite girl-7th grader)</div>
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Look out point! </div>
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Playing dinamicas (ice breakers) while waiting for the bus</div>
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Kids playing soccer at 10 p.m. after our long day! What energy!</div>
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Next morning playing in the park at 7 am--more energy!</div>
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All in all a successful trip, but I am so relieved and happy it is over. I am not sure how we managed to pull off such a lavish trip on so little funds just her and I, but we did. I think Patty and I are just crazy, especially because we may have already started discussing the next project together. ;)</div>
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*Special hugs and love to Tricia, her teachers, and her students. It was such a pleasure to share this experience with all of them. I could not imagine a better partner in crime to tackle the crazy. Love ya girl. </div>
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Jamie Albrechthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04010290631668450446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3046694318660841470.post-60797182987825737972012-11-22T09:45:00.001-08:002012-11-22T09:45:24.337-08:00The new, old Gringo
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November has been a special month. Not only was Barack Obama
reelected at the beginning of the month (which I luckily got to watch with
other Americans and got to toast to when they called OHIO!!! <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span>),
but I also got to re-welcome a new friend to El Salvador. Ladies and gentlemen,
meet Brian:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Z2TYBHZ4kTKOnV_wGid9PwmGY80a2eUJ3nhxHDeTTOdnwt1trxR78fQ87dVONQ0PvBJxTGVPJ74qbqTco2baz0lDAzjkpMiWvk98KPqCvNC9BsHz9ZjGGgTB4s7rhhE2wWYRyu87Llhz/s1600/IMG_1399.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Z2TYBHZ4kTKOnV_wGid9PwmGY80a2eUJ3nhxHDeTTOdnwt1trxR78fQ87dVONQ0PvBJxTGVPJ74qbqTco2baz0lDAzjkpMiWvk98KPqCvNC9BsHz9ZjGGgTB4s7rhhE2wWYRyu87Llhz/s320/IMG_1399.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="240" /></a></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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A little introduction…Brian is the volunteer that was in
Upire before me (if you are a loyal fan of this blog, you may remember his name
from earlier posts). He returned at the beginning of this month to visit El
Salvador and Upire as well as be around for the 9<sup>th</sup> grade graduation
(which is a big deal here—especially for him to see these kids whom he taught
math to during his service). <o:p></o:p></div>
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I’ll admit I spent the greater half of October stressing
about his impending arrival worrying about what it would be like to share Upire
(and my host family) for almost a month. Most of us self-conscious volunteers
who follow another struggle a little bit with the constant reminders of the
that one preceded them. People always say “Brian did this…Brian did that…Why
don’t you do this?…Why don’t you do that?” It can be draining, annoying, and
even rude at times. COME ON…I am here now! Why must I always be compared to the
perfect volunteer that came before me? It only makes me feel inadequate and
second best, especially on days when I feel I have accomplished absolutely
nothing. Salt in a wound. But I digress…<o:p></o:p></div>
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Surprisingly, sharing Upire with Brian has not been at all
like I had imagined. To his credit, he is humble, generous, and an absolutely
wonderful supporter of others (even his previously unknown successor). He has
spent his time here these past three weeks building me up, complimenting my
work, and making me realize that Upire is mine (and his). I have come to realize
that this is not a competition (like I had made it out to be in my head). Brian
and I are partners, teammates, and friends both dedicated to seeing Upire
flourish. We tell everyone that we are “hermanos en paz” or brothers in peace
looking to do all we can to lend a helping hand to the community we both have
grown to love so much. So once again, Upire more than anything has given me
another brother and a best friend for life. <o:p></o:p></div>
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So what have Brian and I been up to this month? Well, I
(somewhat ashamedly) put Brian to work right away helping with a variety of
activities in the school. The first one: TYE DYE!!!! As a graduation gift to my
ninth graders this year I decided I would treat them to a tye dye workshop
giving them an opportunity to paint their own shirt and have it as a memory
forever. The kids loved painting but more so loved the unveiling of their
shirts when we finished and washed them the next day. My favorite part of the
whole activity though is now seeing the 30 or so kids running around rural El
Salvador with tye dye on! That is what I call bringing US culture to El
Salvador and accomplishing Peace Corps goal number 3. Mission accomplished.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Brian and I also decided to do a globo workshop (his
specialty not mine). Globos are basically hot air balloons out of tissue paper
and a candle underneath that can fly on a basically windless day. They are part
of the Salvadoran culture that was lost during the war, so it has become a
tradition of Peace Corps (the more crafty, smart volunteers aka Brian) to teach
kids about it, so they can remember the history, the process, and build them on
their own and hopefully pass it on to future generations. We decided to teach
the eight graders so that they could launch them after the ninth grade
graduation as well as teach the eighth graders next year, so that it would be a
little more sustainable. Unfortunately we did not get a chance to launch the
globos yet due to an obscene amount of wind, but I am hoping right before Brian
leaves next Monday we can launch them. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Finally, I also forced Brian to put on the volunteer suit
again and accompany Tricia and I on a camp that we planned for both of our
schools. This is getting a whole other post, so be on the look out for an epic
story. ;) <o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Needless
to say, November has been busy, unique, and special. I am so grateful to have
met Brian and shared this month and its variety of activities with him. It has
been a fun month of my service. He always says since he arrived a few weeks, “I
am so happy you don’t suck.” Right back at you Brian. Otherwise, this past
month would have been rough. Instead, I think this is the beginning of a
beautiful friendship!</span><!--EndFragment-->
Jamie Albrechthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04010290631668450446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3046694318660841470.post-29058629489521689502012-10-13T19:54:00.000-07:002012-10-13T19:54:34.915-07:00I love my job, especially when I am Queen<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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One of my favorite (sometimes not so favorite when I am
feeling particularly Type A) things about being a Peace Corps Volunteer is that
my job description changes daily or sometimes hourly. There are days when I am "teacher." There are days when I am "coach." There are days when I am a facilitator of a group or activity. And there are days where I sit in someone's hammock watching telenovelas talking about the rain. I try to explain exactly
what I do to Salvadorans and Americans and I don’t think I ever do it justice
or define it adequately. No one really understands how all of the above translates into a job, especially the latter part of sitting in someone's hammock. To be quite frank, most of
my job boils down to doing things that most people would not really see as
“work,” but in the Peace Corps world we call it building confianza (trust) with
our community members. Like today for example, my job title: Queen. And not to
brag or anything, but today I did my job pretty well. I think I was made to be Queen. Well, maybe just this kind of Queen. <o:p></o:p></div>
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So we all know that Mr. Christopher Columbus “discovered” the Americas on
October 12, 1492 and here in El Salvador we celebrate it as Dia de la
Hispanidad or formerly “Dia de la Raza.” The festival is supposed to honor the
discovery of this region of the world and commemorate the mixing of Europeans
and Native peoples, which forms today’s culture of diversity in both humans and
things. You know the Europeans brought their race of people, cows, and smallpox to mix with the indigenous population who could share the glories of chocolate, syphilis, and the turkey. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Enough with the (short) history lesson and back to me being
Queen. I was asked over a month ago to run for Queen of this ceremony as a
funny (what is more funny than making the gringa run for Queen with a bunch of
9 year olds?) way of collaborating in this festival and to help them raise some
funds by paying to participate and donating my dress to the school in the end. Of course, I
said “yes.” First, what “little” girl does not dream of being Queen for a day?
Two, as I mentioned above, this is my job—to make an absolute fool out of
myself in the name of building confianza. <o:p></o:p></div>
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So I started my campaign as Queen India Bonita. I tried to will myself to ask
people to buy votes from me, but I failed miserably. I was VERY embarrassed to be asking people for money, but luckily most people were really into buying
votes from me despite me NOT asking them (token white girl thing maybe), so I guess
I can call my campaign a big success. You know you run a good campaign when you don't do anything and people vote for you. Maybe I should go into politics...(wooops way off topic)Anyways...</div>
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The program started around 10 a.m. and included a small history lesson, a few artistic points by various students,
and the reading of the rules of the contest of crowning the queen of the
“Indias Bonitas.” Of course, I won (not to sound cocky). I had to since everyone wanted to buy votes from me. Plus, I am the Gringa therefore I must win out of pure default or I might cry or something. I felt kind of
bad beating out the 3 younger girls and stealing the saber and the kingdom from
them, but I knew they have rigged it no matter what I did, so I just had to go
with it. Plus, all of us got crowns and ribbons, so I guess that is all that
matters in the end, right?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I
was just doing my job as a PCV—doing what my community asks me to do no matter
how much it embarrasses me. ;)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> For your viewing pleasure here are p</span>ictures of my day as Queen:</span><br />
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Yeah so my duties were pretty limited to taking photos, giving out hugs, and marching in the parade waving at everyone. I did my duties well (say the peeps) so until next time kids, the Queen is out. Peace.<br />
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span>Jamie Albrechthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04010290631668450446noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3046694318660841470.post-58981822663670981972012-09-27T13:38:00.001-07:002012-09-27T13:38:55.647-07:00Reflections on Year Uno<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
A year ago this month I swore in as a Peace Corps Volunteer
and came out to Upire for the first time. I remember it like it was
yesterday—seeing Upire for the first time and my new home, crying myself to
sleep that first night wondering what the hell I had gotten myself into, and spending the first month of service in utter
confusion not only because of the language barrier but because of the drastic change in
lifestyle in addition to schlepping to every house, every event, anything I could just
to try and “get in” with the community. It seemed like those days would just
never end, that I would never get used to life here, and I would never quite be
“in” with my community. But then out of nowhere, in a blink of an eye, I find
myself half way done with my service, and moving into year dos. And boy have things changed since the beginning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My mom asked me numerous times before I left for Peace
Corps, “Do you think you will come back a different person?” I always replied,
“Probably, but who knows?” I think I always assumed I would change. Probably
from those hundreds of blogs I read with posts similar to this one documenting
how much the person had grown and learned in two years in the Peace Corps.
Sorry to be lame and copy their idea, but it makes sense to reflect especially at the half way point. Besides, we all use
Peace Corps for a little self-discovery and self-reflection.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, am I different? I still don’t know if I am different in
the way my Mom meant. I don’t think I have had some strange personality shift
or dramatic change in behavior since coming here over a year ago. I am pretty
sure she’ll recognize me just fine when I get home. Well, I might bring back
some weird habits, different food obsessions, and random and ridiculous stories
to share with everyone back home (I am sorry in advance for talking only about
El Salvador for probably a year after I return). But I am sure those things
will begin to change and disappear after while back in the states. There is something more
permanent, however, that is very different since coming here a year ago. It’s my relationships and my relationship to relationships.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One thing I have learned since coming to El Salvador is that
one of the most important things in life is our connection to others. I think it is one of those cliche lines that we think is obvious, but don't really understand. Although, now I think I understand. They told us in training we would do nothing until year dos because we had to spend the first one building trust and relationships. I doubted it during training, but has proven to be quite true. Not only that is
our human relationships that define us and make life worth living. When I first
got here to Upire I did not know a single soul. Not only that, but I was “The
Gringa.” I was new, different, and an outsider.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But over the past year I have spent hours dedicated to
changing this relationship with my community members not only to be able to
work with them on projects but also for myself. I did not just want to be here surviving, I wanted to enjoy it, and feel truly happy living here. Finally after a year, I can say that Upire is home now. I feel it when I
get off the bus and return here after being away even for a day. The fresh,
cool climate, the friendly faces in the street that always greet me, and
knowing that my people have missed me is what makes life here special. I feel
comfortable, safe, loved, and a part of the community. And that is the feeling
I have been waiting for since the beginning: to feel like I belong here.
Without the people and the relationships I have made in a year I am not quite
sure I would ever feel like I belong here in the slightest. I know because I
often dream about going home to the states and I truly cant wait to return to
the land of comfort, freedom, and familiarity, but it is the people who keep me
here enjoying this experience and worried about the day I have to leave them. It has been said that home is not some place, it is someone. I agree. Home is about the people. What good is a place if you don't have friendship, family, or love?<br />
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It is strange to write about the necessity of others. I
often believed that I was an independent, free, powerful woman and that I did
not really need anyone else in my life. Furthermore, even if I realized I need
others, I would never admit it out loud because I treasured my “take no
prisoners, bad ass mentality, where I didn't need anyone.” But part of growing
up is losing things like losing your pride, admitting when you are wrong and have some growing up to do, and
facing your weaknesses. And part of Peace Corps is truly learning how hard life is
when you are alone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, I am not
scared anymore and I will admit it openly to everyone…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I can’t do it on my own. No matter how strong we are, no
matter how brave, and no matter how wise, we all need the help of others, even
yours truly. Whether it is a few hundred people in a rural community in El
Salvador, a group of close volunteer friends (more like family), friends and
family in the states, or a dog, our lives are made by the connections we make. Right now for me Peace Corps life, living abroad doing aid work, and
“making a difference” is not just about me. It is about me being here with
others and what we do together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">So, I
feel that is how I can sum up year one. It has been a year dedicated to
building new imperative relationships, strengthening, maintaining, and
challenging old ones, and opening my mind towards them and their power. Anthony
Robbins once said, “The quality of your life depends on the quality of your
relationships” and I completely agree. Devote your energy to the people around you and in your life. And you
will be rewarded. </span><!--EndFragment-->
<br />
<br />
Here is to year dos and all the people I love around the globe.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhauW-I41EUS7nZd3M0yiw3Q_lI6WqjQXjwN52r3mZAGx02LFRIwP8F4-gZSLTY8FD-BRG20wltPy3nFUqx6rewq8kdsysC154-VYwm7vJHtnLqnCpHaD42oYYAJWiW9QsZCeE1W6sHUMth/s1600/IMG_0799.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhauW-I41EUS7nZd3M0yiw3Q_lI6WqjQXjwN52r3mZAGx02LFRIwP8F4-gZSLTY8FD-BRG20wltPy3nFUqx6rewq8kdsysC154-VYwm7vJHtnLqnCpHaD42oYYAJWiW9QsZCeE1W6sHUMth/s320/IMG_0799.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">mi familia salvadorena</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIKvjy0MJ_YOvKPYLfMdKsO74C6gK-cL4TvQb5iXDImCokqKSbpWKqth0bLg0gvfy40k_GzTvZE1y3QvWsCuVWxk1oS-YUFx46sBCwLDhaauLQw42pQpTHSMx7TYxnYcmZWFJk-G1MQUd0/s1600/IMG_0497.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIKvjy0MJ_YOvKPYLfMdKsO74C6gK-cL4TvQb5iXDImCokqKSbpWKqth0bLg0gvfy40k_GzTvZE1y3QvWsCuVWxk1oS-YUFx46sBCwLDhaauLQw42pQpTHSMx7TYxnYcmZWFJk-G1MQUd0/s320/IMG_0497.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">amigas</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1JVuTbWcP3nnTOhdf1-wSiPNCu66pvt5UDCjVnmNGunkwNXZEJemsmmCm5cFsFPL7wZqWWgNNv9kPEQ7unyT9JD6WTcbHeFifTlTl8HH6Xi8qYsZV-mbA2NnV8XIQa4YWUH3JUOH0TGRG/s1600/group+shot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1JVuTbWcP3nnTOhdf1-wSiPNCu66pvt5UDCjVnmNGunkwNXZEJemsmmCm5cFsFPL7wZqWWgNNv9kPEQ7unyT9JD6WTcbHeFifTlTl8HH6Xi8qYsZV-mbA2NnV8XIQa4YWUH3JUOH0TGRG/s320/group+shot.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My group celebrating our year in at Parque Imposible. I love these guys!!!!Brothers and sisters I never had.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Jamie Albrechthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04010290631668450446noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3046694318660841470.post-65807342986356864312012-09-20T12:31:00.001-07:002012-09-20T12:31:23.534-07:00Blue and White<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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September has been a month long dedicated to celebrating
Independence Day (the 15<sup>th</sup>). The preparations for this day often
begin up to 4 months ahead of time as the band begins to practice for the
parade, the teachers prepare the students to put on different shows, and the
school gets ready to host the entire community. To be perfectly honest my work in
the school this month has been diminished to nothing but acting as number one
cheerleader for everyone else’s preparations. But I think that is justified as
this is not my area of expertise. This is their holiday, their traditions, and
their celebration. My job is to be there, enjoy it, and support them. I did do
a little decorating here and there ;)</div>
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<br /></div>
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I think this experience is best described in photographs, so
here you go:</div>
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<br /></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Parade!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ4wc4yaS44cqi0OBP3FtY1sWWHzv3QhTXjwTKBiGk4PisHqjzVEh2Gev1cJ8g1lX93JTyyRLqtrl6z9DwW8auomfkzhbk4m0P0JGuIfq_cuXzZipD2AZPx4Wk6-2sqAz9nywHZF55AVZ_/s1600/IMG_1051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ4wc4yaS44cqi0OBP3FtY1sWWHzv3QhTXjwTKBiGk4PisHqjzVEh2Gev1cJ8g1lX93JTyyRLqtrl6z9DwW8auomfkzhbk4m0P0JGuIfq_cuXzZipD2AZPx4Wk6-2sqAz9nywHZF55AVZ_/s320/IMG_1051.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbcNM48jGAXRXP0MheJqsz7nssR-SIWMHrNQW8TWKHjS21Vb7bOS3Mv6Ikszy6n6cC8SUWuPxtxIaVEPpvU1ygR0KvCHNyVR9IZ5Bdl2m5G6GeXz9WDXjPSzg_Vv8IwkWVkK6c5_HEuAMp/s1600/IMG_1055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbcNM48jGAXRXP0MheJqsz7nssR-SIWMHrNQW8TWKHjS21Vb7bOS3Mv6Ikszy6n6cC8SUWuPxtxIaVEPpvU1ygR0KvCHNyVR9IZ5Bdl2m5G6GeXz9WDXjPSzg_Vv8IwkWVkK6c5_HEuAMp/s320/IMG_1055.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Band playing! Benjamin up front from my youth group ;)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0uLV26L1C8BqOMNesiljhsEkVi8Ln2KEioSmWfLAFwIvyRMj3yXWr1yf6qDoZOHowCdMr6yPzLU8w7GODjT7JxIQ9mXEdh7EYPoQWDskrbyTHlcDio0aJJ2nWp_zoZD1ne929HthmsrPi/s1600/IMG_1074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0uLV26L1C8BqOMNesiljhsEkVi8Ln2KEioSmWfLAFwIvyRMj3yXWr1yf6qDoZOHowCdMr6yPzLU8w7GODjT7JxIQ9mXEdh7EYPoQWDskrbyTHlcDio0aJJ2nWp_zoZD1ne929HthmsrPi/s320/IMG_1074.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">5th grade punto artistico!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik_qx4PmWkuU6AzkKVKiZAR9YgZ7V8mBvDjWMFob2iwye_RnkV9XUWLmCuG-wAU5c3EYzpymWTTEIkTVHCPqZ5ZLNVg3B06ovnAEMlACSo-hEPA35kZWTdKtvZqfdrWVAgmtLQsz4DGQ-8/s1600/IMG_1076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik_qx4PmWkuU6AzkKVKiZAR9YgZ7V8mBvDjWMFob2iwye_RnkV9XUWLmCuG-wAU5c3EYzpymWTTEIkTVHCPqZ5ZLNVg3B06ovnAEMlACSo-hEPA35kZWTdKtvZqfdrWVAgmtLQsz4DGQ-8/s320/IMG_1076.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">7th grade punto artistico!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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After the presentations in the school, the eight grade hosted a Carrera de Cintas, which is a belt race. Basically there is a large rope tied between two trees and there are small belt loops attached to the rope handing down. The object is to capture the belt by putting a peg, pen, or stick through the loop of the belt. Each time you capture a belt a small flag is placed on your back, so that in the end the person with the most flags wins. This was probably my favorite part of the day. I had never seen a Carrera de Cintas before and it really made me want to learn to ride a horse and participate in the next one! The kid below in the blue shirt actually won the race and offered to teach me, so I should probably learn from him, considering he is the best! </div>
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<br /></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaJ1lSy4b3VBsAiSbgq_hS_GvriBPq9ZE6uxYVES-dII4YOdwxKhN-iXAXxOynztHjUD6q5Pwe642_UsH7M-i1eKyO2gqZ-i-uQStryVtP0mRLLDKAamoRImdsAHs868h5GfUnak7L_wdU/s1600/IMG_1088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaJ1lSy4b3VBsAiSbgq_hS_GvriBPq9ZE6uxYVES-dII4YOdwxKhN-iXAXxOynztHjUD6q5Pwe642_UsH7M-i1eKyO2gqZ-i-uQStryVtP0mRLLDKAamoRImdsAHs868h5GfUnak7L_wdU/s320/IMG_1088.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
We also celebrated the 15th of September during Dia de Comercio. We played the national anthem at 8 a.m., filled the day with Salvadoran music, asked everyone to dress in blue and white (see below), and raffled a live hen (my idea of a funny joke). <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Linda (raffled hen) and I</td></tr>
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<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Equipo all dressed up in blue and white!!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The market day was a huge success on the 15th! Everyone got a kick out of raffling a hen and I think everyone enjoyed being together on the 15th in a party like setting (especially when we woke them up at 5 am with fireworks.) Even better yet, the team and I celebrated afterwards with a large lunch that we cooked together and a cake with the Salvadoran flag on it. It was the best way I can think of to celebrate Independence Day. Feliz dia de Independencia El Sal!!!<br />
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Jamie Albrechthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04010290631668450446noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3046694318660841470.post-763026751179415792012-09-08T14:53:00.001-07:002012-09-08T20:07:39.362-07:00A typical Salvadoran Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The day that I about to describe is actually not all that
typical. It is not everyday that I find myself in a bus packed with 40 students
under the age of 12, 30 parents, and 5 teachers from my school heading to the
capital. What I mean by typical is that this day represented perfectly just how
unstable and unpredictable life is here in El Salvador. Days here are often
filled with the both the best of times and the worst of times, so I find myself
describing life here as “disastrously okay.” What do I mean by that? Generally,
no matter what I do, how hard I try, no matter whom I am with, how much I plan,
life and its events always seem to end up with or in some sort of disaster.
However, even though there is always some kind of disaster, it always ends up
turning out okay. And for that part I am grateful. At least it always turns out
okay.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Back to the bus trip I mentioned above…</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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A few months ago my host mom/school director suggested doing
an excursion from my site to the capital to visit the Zoo and a very popular,
amazing children’s museum with the younger students. The inner nerd in me
agreed completely. I love museums (especially this one in the capital) and
educational field trips. The only problem was funds. How were we going to raise
over $500 to do such an extravagant trip? Very few parents would be willing to
put forth enough money to make the trip possible. So, I looked into potential
Peace Corps resources and applied for a grant (SPA), which focuses on variety
of different needs areas including biodiversity and environmental education.
For my grant application, I decided to develop a 1, 2, and 3<sup>rd</sup> grade
environmental unit (which features a trip to the museum and zoo) based on a
book designed for Environmental Education volunteers that includes various
lessons on different topics including: animals, trees, insects, worms,
recycling, water, forests, etc. The book is more suitable for older kids, so I
was forced to make a lot of my lessons and change different parts of others. Despite
my lack of knowledge in the teaching and lesson planning department, the class
turned out very well including lessons on the following topics: conservation,
ecosystems, the circle of life/food chain, animals, insects, trees, soil,
recycling, water, and a few more. I tried my best to make the lessons fun,
interactive, unique, and special each week. For example, I taught The Giving
Tree when I gave the lesson on trees. The week on water we watched Planet Earth
that documented the importance of water and its power. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The kids seemed to really enjoy the class. It even helped
raise attendance records in the afternoons (when I gave the class to 2 and 3<sup>rd</sup>
grade). The teachers made several comments that the students also seemed much
more motivated during class time. The promise of a trip to the zoo will sure do
that to a kid! We offered the trip to the zoo to the kids who came to the
classes the most often and their parents. The trip would be free for all except
that each parent paid $3 for the insurance of their child. With the grant
application I explained that a trip to the zoo and this children’s museum as
the final class would provide a real life example of conservation (zoo), a
special opportunity that these kids would otherwise never have, and be a real educational
but fun experience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Based on that
we were able to receive adequate funds to finance the trip completely (with the
parents paying insurance for community contribution). <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />
After all the classes the day to take the big trip to the
zoo arrived. And it arrived early. We had to leave Upire at 2:30 a.m. to arrive
in San Salvador at 9:30 a.m. to begin our tour at the museum. Just getting there involved some hiccups... </div>
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<ul>
<li>Disaster #1: Purely getting up at 2:30 and making sure 70
people fit into a bus together. Trust me, it is not fun.</li>
<li>Disaster #2: Bus breaks down. (It turned out Okay: we got in
running again. Eventually).</li>
<li>Disaster #3: 70 people who have to go the bathroom. No
public bathrooms. Use your imagination.</li>
</ul>
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We finally arrive at Tin Marin around 9:30 a.m., which is a
children’s museum in San Salvador that is absolutely stunning. It is filled
with all kinds of hands on learning and experiential activities for children
(and adults!) of all ages. This part of the day was my favorite—just seeing a
number of children from my community who never have had the opportunity to come
to the capital let alone experience this grand museum and all it has to offer
was truly special. The museum has a life size plane, train, model lunar
vehicle, a planetarium, a model volcano, a play supermarket, a Theatre, a bubbles
area, a painting area, among other amazing exhibits, which for kids in rural El
Salvador to see all of these things is a rare and memorable event. Of course, this part did not go as well as it sounds. </div>
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</div>
<ul>
<li>Disaster (not necessarily a disaster, but certainly buts a
damper on the day) #1: For every ounce of happiness the children had, the
parents were filled to the brim with negativity. All the things I thought kids
would complain about-being hungry, tired, cold, bored, etc all came from the
parents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When are we going home?
We have to keep walking? Where is the food? It is so cold here. I am tired. I
don’t wanna…Grr. Soon, I was a human disaster filled with anger and resentment listening to these complaints, rather than hearing just ONE thank you. Not a single Thank you came my way.</li>
</ul>
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**Here I try to remember that most of these parents are not
used to such long days. They are not used to excursions, walking all day, and
being in an unfamiliar place. So, I should be more understanding of their
feelings and frustrations.</div>
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</div>
<ul>
<li>Disaster#2: Stemming from the issue above leads to an
argument over whether or not we should continue with the plan and go to the zoo
too. The plan was to leave the museum at 12:30 and be at the zoo until 2:30-3.
We did not leave the museum until 1:30, so most of the parents wanted to bag
the zoo plan. My host mother stepped in lamenting the fact that we would never
get the opportunity to go the zoo with these kids again (for free!). So we
went. This leads to more of Disaster #1. Cue more angry, tired, annoyed
parents. Great.</li>
</ul>
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<ul>
<li>Disaster #3: We get to the zoo. Most of the parents don’t
want to pay to go in ($1—which was agreed upon before the trip that the parents
would pay this one fee) so that turns into another semi argument. Arguments are
not fun when: 1. you have 70 tired people 2. you have 70 tired people yelling
at 1 Gringa whose Spanish is mas o menos (so-so) 3. when said Gringa wins
argument and the resulting backlash…</li>
</ul>
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But eventually we all go in the zoo and are there for a
couple of hours (1:30-3:30). The kids and even parents seemed to really enjoy
seeing the animals. The snakes, zebras, and rare birds were probably the
biggest hits. The kids just would not stop talking about the snakes though. All
in all once we were in I think everyone really was thankful that we decided to
go there as well. By 3:30 everyone was pretty much done for the day, which was
fine by me (I had been up since 1 a.m.). We were leaving the parking lot of the
zoo around 4 on our long journey home (the bus smelling like weird fried foods
that everyone bought at the zoo). <o:p></o:p></div>
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The trip home was long. And eventful. </div>
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<ul>
<li>Disaster #1: A bathroom emergency of unknown proportions
(guilty, yours truly). When we finally stopped I had almost peed my pants.</li>
</ul>
</div>
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</div>
<ul>
<li>Disaster #2: We get about 1 hour from home and we come to a
complete stop. What do you know? A tree had fallen in the street prohibiting us
from passing. We call 911 and the police and the Mayor – of course none of them
come. We resolve to spending the night, but then the police come an hour
later.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>YAY! However, they end up
just watching and staring as my two neighbors (one being the driver) and my
host brother tie a long metal chain to the tree and to the bus and then proceed
to drag the tree out of the way. Problem solved! Although we did manage to ruin
someone’s entire front yard in the process…oops. I guess the police can handle
that…eventually.</li>
</ul>
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<ul>
<li>Disaster #3: We get home at midnight. I walk into my room
and it is covered in water. Yep, my room had flooded with that night’s storm. I
spent the next hour cleaning my room, the next hour eating ( I got home
absolutely starving), and finally fell into bed at 2:30 a.m. – a full 24 hours
later. </li>
</ul>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<ul>
<li>Disaster#4: Waking up at 5 a.m for Dia de Comercio. Talk
about a walking zombie. And because of a meeting in my community I was at the school all evening after market day until about 7 p.m. Body shut down. </li>
</ul>
<div>
The final disaster was the following Sunday. I probably looked like I had been hit by a train. But I digress...</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;">Needless
to say, a lot went wrong. Sorry this post is just a bunch of complaints (which
maybe on paper don’t look that bad, but trust me in the moment were pretty awful).
Ironically, I still see the day as a huge success. And I wouldn’t take it back
for the world. Despite the complaining parents, rowdy children, a 24 hour
experience of epic tiredness, the long journey in a crowded bus, bathroom issues (some of the worst issues you can have on a 6 hour bus ride), food issues (lack of snacks), and the worst of all not receiving
one thank you from anyone on the excursion, I (in the cheesiest of ways) still am so glad I
did this project. I got to see some my community’s poorest children have a
moment they will hopefully never forget. I know I won’t ever forget their faces that day as they
strolled the museum and the zoo asking questions, participating in the
activities, talking about animals and they things they had seen, and sharing
what they learned throughout the day. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;">So all in all through every
disappointment and challenge of this long long day, everything turned out okay. And after having been here a year and getting used to these disasters that are
just so typical, “okay” has become downright awesome. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><br /></span>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">kiddos and I</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></div>
Jamie Albrechthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04010290631668450446noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3046694318660841470.post-31166636116793999462012-09-04T14:15:00.000-07:002012-09-04T14:15:16.624-07:00You WILL love it!<br />
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I am an East Coast gal. Born and raised. I got a weird
Philly-Jersey-Delaware accent. You know…I sometimes say water or bagel weird
(all about the context). I got that “don’t talk to strangers in the street”
attitude (keep your eyes straight, don’t stare at others). You know walking
fast always in a hurry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Usually to
WAWA to drink my coffee like I am on some kind high intense mission. Although,
some of these generalizations might not be true (might just be crazy ol’ me), I
think a lot of people from the east coast would agree with them.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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I like the east coast and all of our wacky quirks (whatever
they may be in reality). It is home and will always be home. But I have say,
something has always drawn me to the west coast. Maybe it is the travel junkie
in me wanting to see somewhere new and live somewhere different, maybe it is
the hiking and green spaces and active people, or maybe I am just following my
inner yuppie, hippie, or whatever you call it—all “I like almond milk in my special
coffee. And could you pass the organic jam and fresh ground peanut butter.”
Whatever called me to the west coast brought me there FINALLY for an epic,
glorious vacation. And yes, I LOVED IT.<o:p></o:p></div>
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You might be wondering why a Peace Corps Volunteer would travel
all the way back home to states, but not visit her family on the east coast? I
have this friend- best friend actually who I met in here in Peace Corps. She is
another volunteer in my group, Tricia, and has become my rock during my service
here in El Salvador. When things are good, bad, in between, weird, crazy,
frustrating, or I just want to shoot the shit with someone, I call her. She is
an incredible friend, ally, resource, support system, sister, companera,
listener, advice giver,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>etc. One
of her many amazing qualities (yes, I am gushy with the cheese right now almost
as if she is my boyfriend ;)!) is that she is incredibly generous and invited
me on her vacation home to the states. She headed home in the beginning of
August for 3 weeks and invited me to join her during the last ten days. So I
went! I mean I had always wanted to see Seattle, the west coast, and imagining
3 weeks without Tricia here was pretty rough. I know what you are thinking:
what did your crazy, hovering, mother with only one child in the whole world
(me) say to this? Um well I can’t say she was thrilled at first. But then in
the end she actually paid for half of my ticket. Yes, I am aware that I have
the best mother ever. She is just a little too obsessed with making yours truly
happy, which has meant sending me to far away lands far away from her. I am so
grateful that she has allowed me to grow on my own, constantly dream big, and
travel far even though it means she sees me less.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thanks mom for letting me go and supporting my wacky
decisions!!! Also, thanks to my family for not hating me, too much! ;)<o:p></o:p></div>
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All of that said, vacation was amazing. I think I knew it
would be when I got on my plane and every time someone said Seattle a Frat like
boy in the seat behind me would say “Ohhhhhhhhh yeahhhhhhh Seattle. YOU WILL
LOVE IT.” Here is why (in no particular order):<o:p></o:p></div>
<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">The
west coast is beautiful, green, and the temperature was in the 70’s in
August. Glorious weather! <o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Froyo
and coffee (courtesy of either the amazing Keurig (sp?) machine in
Tricia’s house . Or the coffee shops on every corner.) Food in general. <o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Hiking
Mount Townsend.<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Spending
time with Tricia and her family at their amazing, stunning house. (They
are incredible people. Thanks familia Serg!!!!!!) <o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">The
gloriousness of Target and stocking up on the USA goodies I missed. (plus
getting some amazing and very necessary clothing aka underwear). <o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Comfortable,
stress free, without a care in the world waking up at 10 a.m. and spending
the day lounging on the couch watching cable and eating good food. <o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Having
no responsibilities, commitments, things I had to do, people I had to see
(no offense), work, etc. Just time to be.<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Seeing
the city of Seattle! I cannot wait to go back. <o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Being
able to leave the house in whatever I wanted at whatever time I wanted to
do whatever I wanted. Complete freedom! No rules (well kind of, you know).
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was thankful for the rules
of the road, but that’s a whole different conversation. <o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Batman.
Yes, it was that good. And getting froyo afterwards. <o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">One
more for good luck…getting my MAC fixed. Thank you Bryan!!!!!! <o:p></o:p></li>
</ol>
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I don’t think I need to say it anymore. The states was good,
too good. It was the perfect vacation and I am so grateful to Tricia and her
family for letting me crash their time together. The only thing that sucks
about vacation is that it ends. And you come back to a frightening reality that
is life as a PCV in El Salvador. I don’t want to sugar coat it. Coming back
sucks. And it sucks for a week or more. Now that does not mean that I don’t
like it here, that I don’t want to be here, and I want to give up life as a
volunteer. I just mean that it is a challenging readjustment period. And
although you are excited to come back, see your Salvadoran friends and family
as well as other volunteers, have more adventures (in comparison to the
potential job you would probably have (if your lucky to have a job in the states),
and do your work here, that excitement wears off quickly when you realize the
comforts you left behind in comparison to the lack of comforts here. It takes
about a week or two to forget those comforts and get back into the volunteer “I
can deal with it” mode. But as soon as you forget and let it go, things look a
lot better. I am getting there. I am lucky that the transition has been made
easier by not only being welcomed by my loving family, tremendous youth group,
and friends but also jumping right into work again, which I will document in
the next post! Until then, enjoy some froyo for me!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Pictures
from vacay:</span><!--EndFragment-->
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWwM7kd6hl2xTRIkd_Usx0MYHokw9r-GtWRa3aibhWGms2erUI_d5pd0Wzd2soA2jpiNteq9cTTvyu4VkU2NjE2kds80Tfex2LlRGQME4176u_RC7G_hJr1yOyugQImUKYipxU_XFk28IC/s1600/IMG_0927.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWwM7kd6hl2xTRIkd_Usx0MYHokw9r-GtWRa3aibhWGms2erUI_d5pd0Wzd2soA2jpiNteq9cTTvyu4VkU2NjE2kds80Tfex2LlRGQME4176u_RC7G_hJr1yOyugQImUKYipxU_XFk28IC/s320/IMG_0927.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On top of the Seattle Space Needle!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gum Wall!!!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hiking Mount Townsend!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paz en the wildflowers!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span>Jamie Albrechthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04010290631668450446noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3046694318660841470.post-17408893498806490322012-08-18T10:33:00.002-07:002012-08-18T10:39:06.337-07:00Dia de Comercio Upire<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
August 11, 2012 was a big moment in my Peace Corps service. On that day we inaugurated "Dia de Comercio Upire," which is a project that I have been working on for a few months now. It was a big moment for a variety of reasons, but mostly because it is, I believe, a truly sustainable project that I was apart of--something that I helped do in this community. I have spent the first year of my service constantly wondering if I would do something meaningful in Upire, wondering if I was wasting my community's time or my own, and wondering if I could make any sort of difference here in two years. Of course, uncertainty always lingers, things always go disastrously wrong here, and at the end of the day I am not quite sure what will become of this project, but at least for one day, one BIG day I felt like my service is important. </div>
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First, some answers to the big questions...<br />
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1.What is Dia de Comercio? In El Salvador it is really common for larger towns (pueblos) to have a "market day" where tons of vendors line the streets selling all kinds of goods. It is a basically an open air market where you can find food items, fruits, vegetables, clothes, shoes, movies, plastic containers, machetes, etc. "Dia de Comercio" is my small caserio's version of that taking place every Saturday from 6 a.m. - 12 p.m. where our very own community members can open up their own small businesses and sell whatever they can. It looks a little something like this:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nina Berta selling coffee and tamales!</td></tr>
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2. Where did this idea come from? First, I have to put on the disclaimer that this was NOT my idea, not a Peace Corps idea, or something someone from outside the community told us to do. This idea comes from the minds of the ADESCO (community development organization) in Upire (but mostly the idea of my host mother Nina Mary). The ADESCO has been sitting on this idea for about 8 years now constantly thinking that their community definitely has the resources and the capability to put on a great market day every week. The only problem was getting it organized and making the idea a reality.<br />
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3. How did you guys do it? haha I am still trying to figure out the answer to this question, but I am going to give you the general breakdown of how we got to Inauguration day. I mentioned in a few posts back that the idea really sprang into life when I went to counterpart training and we were forced to plan a presentation based on one project idea. We left that training excited and motivated to make it ACTUALLY happen. We called a meeting with the ADESCO to make sure they were still on board. With their blessing we called a meeting with the entire community to see not only make sure that we had buyers and sellers, but also to interview each person about the logistics of the market, their products, their ideas, etc. From that meeting we also began to form our organizational team of youth who are basically in charge of making sure that the market not only functions but also continues to thrive and improve. At that point we started sending out the project to potential donors and interested parties who might be willing to donate a little bit to project. We did not (do not) need much for this project-- just things like a few tables, chairs, notebooks, papers, aprons (gift to vendors), shirts for the team,etc. At this point we had a meeting with our local mayor who helped us with trash cleanup, buying us shirts, a huge banner, and by bringing entertainment the first day! After that the youth team in charge began meeting a lot putting logistics together. We organized a meeting with the vendors to go over details and provide a training session on how to have a successful business. Then we focused a lot on publicity, cleaning up the area where the market takes place, and just making sure everything was ready for the big day! (all of this was a lot harder to do than write)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The youth boys and I spent two full days in the heat cleaning<br />
the area and marking the vendor zones. ROCK STARS!</td></tr>
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4. Why is this project important? COME ON..is that really a question?! ;) This project provides a variety of benefits to Upire. My small little rural community is located an hour on the bus from the nearest town. This means that one must travel all day just to go to a market and buy their necessities. They also lose their entire day as well as pay around 4$ round trip. This seems absurd in a lot of cases especially given the number of people in my community that sell a variety of products--a lot of times travel is not really necessary, plus plenty of people have their own vehicle to bring goods for others. This market will provide members of my community the opportunity to start their own small businesses, make money, and increase their aptitude in math, business, marketing, organization, etc. Additionally, the market provides an environment of fun and enjoyment for families to spend time together with their friends. Finally, the youth who make up the organizational team are being given an opportunity to really make a huge difference in the development of Upire.<br />
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So with those questions out of the way, I am sure you are DYING to know how the big day went...? Right?On the edge of your seat...? ;)<br />
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The big day went surprisingly AMAZING. The night before was an absolute disaster which had me on the verge of tears, quitting Peace Corps, and moving home, but I guess that should have been expected given it being our first time and everything. But everything ended up working out and all the disasters resolved just in time to wake up at 4 a.m to the sound of fireworks (put up by my youth boys)! That is when I knew it was going to be a special day. (fireworks are very common in El Sal mostly around the fair times, but because my community does not have fairs or parties really because of the religious aspect, hearing fireworks was truly special and unique!)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fireworks!</td></tr>
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The team was incredibly busy the entire day first welcoming all the vendors to the first ever "Dia de Comercio," then preparing the food for the band, the lunch that we sold to raise funds for the market/team, taking care of music and announcements, welcoming honored guests, and handling the program.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Preparing food for the band!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Band from our pueblo!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT-dKfoPxih-iiLOBTIWPMI4qSCgNublZnpiewg-bNwaBar0TqTu4DqLkvrJ9LUFoqhpbfrGWmjYlA0IPLf6A0zIpakG6Hqlx-E_KPUvpY0gBvUOOHaoL6MRNaKDDXsFNoSCHmGzchUlnm/s1600/IMG_0827.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT-dKfoPxih-iiLOBTIWPMI4qSCgNublZnpiewg-bNwaBar0TqTu4DqLkvrJ9LUFoqhpbfrGWmjYlA0IPLf6A0zIpakG6Hqlx-E_KPUvpY0gBvUOOHaoL6MRNaKDDXsFNoSCHmGzchUlnm/s320/IMG_0827.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ribbon cutting ceremony</td></tr>
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Needless to say it was a busy, stressful, and nerve racking day mostly because I led the program and had to give a large speech regarding the project. Hands down one of the scarier moments of my life and my Spanish pretty much died through it, but I survived. The ceremony was wonderful. Everyone kept thanking me and Peace Corps, which felt really nice to hear. The day ended shortly thereafter for the vendors most of which left content and happy that they SOLD everything (we had over 25 vendors). We even had a number of people reserve spots to sell the next Saturday! To me that is a very successful first day and I am just hoping that every Saturday continues to get better and better.</div>
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Of course, my youth group had to stay afterwards to clean up everything. I was so impressed with them that they stayed 3 hours after the end of the market to clean all the trash! They are incredible! I am just so so proud of them for taking hold of this project and really making a difference in Upire.
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Jovenes Caminando Juntos!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Sharing a moment after the first day!</span></div>
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With this team, I am so confident that this market will continue for years. Primero a Dios! Thanks for reading this monster of a post. Until next time...jmE</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">next day relaxing in the milpa!</span></div>
Jamie Albrechthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04010290631668450446noreply@blogger.com1