Hands down- the most intense day of training thus far! All 40 something of us attempting calmness, hanging on until recieving the decision that would dictate our location, work and life for the next 2 years. I mean it´s crazy. It´s like christmas morning as a kid times a million because rather than presents waiting for you it might be a tiny mountain town in the sierra, the jungle or the beach. Each site is great in it´s own way but let´s face it.... we each have our own personal hopes and fears.
I am scared to be out in a tiny town without
another volunteer/english speaker for hours.
I quite honestly was hoping not to be placed in
the Sierra because the weather sort of brings me
down.... so yea, back to the Day of Destiny........
You don´t pick your site. You are placed there based on your skill, site interviews etc... site interviews meaning all the counterparts from each site make the journey to Cayambe to meet, present their site and they get to have a small say as to whom they think might mesh well with their organization.
The lack of control was tough and this whole process was, well scary. But then again, I applied to Peace Corps prepared to be sent anywhere in the world. So......where did they put me..................
A small town of 8,000 people called El Palmar in the province of Guayas! I am very excited and terrified and everything inbetween! I´ll be working with an organization called, Dispensario Nuestro Senora de Fatima and NeoJuventud. My principal jobs will be working with young people in sexual education/ HIV/AIDs prevention, leadership training, abuse prevention, environmental education (reforestation and conservation of Palmar´s Mangroves), small buisness (bakery, artisan works and quail egg sales) and community banks.
It is a small town without another volunteer nearby..... two huge fears to overcome but I know that I can overcome those! I will intergrate into my community! The work is very exciting to me! Also... Palmar happens to be directly on the beach..... um, pretty excited about that.
The Nun actually requested me... so I feel extra good about going there. I leave to visit for a week on Saturday! I think it is like 13 hours away...crazy.
So that is another update from Peace Corps training in Tabacundo. Still focused on August 31...when I swear'in and really get to begin this adventure!
Thanks for reading and for all your support and prayers... these past weeks have been really overwhelming. Paz, Hannah P
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