Really, not only do you have to have a strong stomach for all the tropical intestinal diseases you acquire during your service, but you also need the patience of a saint and the mental capacity not to go insane, really.
I have been in Guatemala 15 months and in my town of service for 1 year, and to me this is a big accomplishment. Havent posted in a while but I try my best, plus sometimes I feel none of my friends or family back home reads this stuff anyway (Except for the lovely person in PC whose Job it is to read all blogs for unwantedness, dont worry, only positiveness come out of this Blog, Promise). I have managed to remain on top of work and at the same time sane. Let me see, some of the latest... Had to be evacuated out of site because of an on-going rivalry between my town and a neighboring town, (all under control now). Celebrated 4th of July Peace Corps Style with a Volunteer departamental B-ball tourney, (which my department got third place in! GO ToTo!), Volunteer Vs. PC staff Soccer match , Which the U.S Ambasador to Guatemala participated in, Barbecue w/ Burgers, hot dogs, Music and beer, after parties gallore.
In addition I have also been on the grind with AIDS workshops in my town, everyone including their mother plus the Mayor of S. Vicente and his buddies.
Happy Happy, Joy Joy! I also have someone to share my solitude with. I will be getting a site mate who will be working at the town´s health center. She is cool and fun.
So its another year and counting... I will dedicate the next year to remaining Sane of course, and ameoba free. Maybe a trip to Belize is waranted?, cuz Honduras is off limits and Mexico has the Flu. Also have been trying to study for the GRE´s which I can take here in Guate. I have several books, but TV is a major distraction and even though I dont have cable, bootleg DVD´s are very accesible here in C.A and us PCV´s love to trade them, so I will be looking for someone to borrow my DVD player within the next month, (only after Im done with the new transformer´s movie and the Breaking Bad series I am currently addicted to). Also Researching Scholarships through Peace Corps or anyone who would like to pay for this boy´s Grad school after his service for his country (preferably International development, or Political Science).
Well with that I will leave u, Holla if you read this, show a brother love. As always, ¨Will teach english, Aids Awareness, life skills, counsel your kid, or just show you around my town for food! ¨ Silly Motto.
Peace Out.
F.G.
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2 comments:
I just happened to find you via Twitter @pcjournals and as a former PCV in Uganda in the 60's I can relate to your feelings of "writing into a vacuum". In those days we only had snail mail and tiny cassette players to share our experiences with those at home. Often it was like dropping them into the ocean. But never the less, I continued to write weekly much for my own sanity and for one or two who cared enough to respond.
Continue to write. And continue your good work. This experience will change your life, the way you see yourself and the world all for the best.
I am a prospective PCV and enjoy your blog along with everyone elses. I would hope that your friends are monitoring this, but if not, you are at least helping those of us out here who are considering joining. You offer a glimpse into the trials and tribulations of life in the peace corp. Thanks for serving and for blogging about it.
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