Wait, so this isn’t just a vacation?

So. Tuesday marked 3 full months in site, and also led to a minor freak out on my part. Throughout all of training, they encourage you to take the first 3 months in site as a ‘transition’ period. You are supposed to integrate, visit with families, and not really get into your work. In Paraguay, you need to build relationships with people before working with them, not just jump into it. When I heard this, I took it to heart! I have been working at the library twice a week (given it doesn’t rain), but otherwise, I have just been trying to get comfortable here in site. I read, visit with families, and visit my neighboring volunteers. Essentially, I have been on a 3-month vacation with a little work thrown in there. I’m pretty sure even last week I used the “3 month” card when talking with a friend about potential projects.

Well... THREE MONTHS IS HERE! Aka, ITS TIME TO DO MY JOB! Man, rough. Looks like less time spent in my hammock reading, and more time putting in the effort. I mean, that’s what I came to do here, and I have the full intention of following through with it, but it just happened so fast! I do have some things lined up to start after reconnect (a week long training I have next week), so that will definitely help. English classes, charlas (lessons) with the preschool class, and continuing my work with the library are on the schedule. My weeks will get busier, but it also means time to figure out bigger projects I can get going with.

So, while I will continue to live la vida tranquilopa, I will also become a little more guapa (hardworking) here in site.

And I will leave you all with my favorite photo from July. Jessica (4) and Auxi (10) came over to color, eat popcorn, drink terere, and swing on my hammock. It was a great afternoon :)

Birthday Shenanigans

For the past month, there have been lots of birthdays in my group of volunteers. The first weekend was at the end of May, when we marked our one-month mark in site. We were celebrating Kelley and David’s birthday. A bunch of us headed to Asuncion for some much needed R&R and celebrations! It was great to see everyone again, and live the city life for a bit!

The second was at the beginning of June, when I went to my friend Alex’s site to celebrate Karen’s 25th birthday. It was 10 hours of travel each way, but well worth it. We broke in her new house with lots of amazing cooking (homemade pizza, pita bread, hummus, huevos rancheros… yeah, it was incredible). Even though it was freezing and we jammed 4 people (and a puppy) in a 2-person bed, we had a blast!

And the last one happened to be my birthday ☺ It fell on the same day as the US Embassy 4th of July celebration, so I got to be surrounded by friends for the day (and party at the embassy, major plus)! We were also celebrating Bridget and Ian’s (people from my G) birthday, that occurred earlier that week. We ate bbq, drank coronas with lime, played games, laughed, sang, and danced. Then I went out to dinner at a Spanish restaurant and hit up the Paraguayan nightlife! It was the first time in 4+ years I didn’t celebrate at Wrigley, but was a pretty incredible way to bring in the big 2-3.

I would like to make a special shout out to all of you who sent cards/packages/emails/texts/facebook messages/any other form of birthday salutation. It really does make the whole day brighter here when you hear from people back home :) And to those of you here in Paraguay – thanks peeps! This year was definitely one of the best!

To end – just wanted to say congrats to all the exciting things happening back state-side! I have friends who just got married (or are going to very soon!), a new cousin on the Zaideman side, people getting awesome full time jobs, friends moving into their first ‘big kid’ apartment, home renovations, Rizzo playing like a champ for the cubs… the list goes on! Wish I could be there to celebrate and congratulate you all ☺

Pelota Tata, or, Flaming ball, for you English speaking folk

June 29th is the festival of the Patron Saint in my town. I was in Asuncion and missed the big festivities, but thankfully they do the best part the night before! So that night, I went to the church around 7, once it was dark out. I had heard of this “flaming ball” thing before, but it’s hard to really understand what someone means unless you see if first hand. (Apologies on the photography. I suck at taking night pictures, and when you add fast moving balls of fire…. Well, you will see how that goes).

Basically, they take these rags, or some sort of material, and soak it in alcohol. Then comes the fun part – you light it on fire! They have about 10 of these balls that they light, and all the guys are running around kicking it at each other. Everyone else is standing on the sides, running away anytime a ball gets near. It’s pretty hilarious!

Then, there is this ‘bull’ structure thing, where they attach 2 flaming balls to the horns. Then a guy picks it up and puts it on, running around and chasing after his friends with it. Possibly one of the funniest things I have ever seen (especially when the guy running with it full on wiped out).

The last thing they did with them was attach the balls to rope and a stick, and swing them around (while chasing after their friends, of course). This was also hilarious, until one of the balls got loose and flew into a tree. Thankfully, it fell out without much damage.

One of the funniest, scariest, and most dangerous things I have ever seen. So glad I didn’t miss it!!

Mi Casa!

I have had many requests for pictures of my home, so here they are ☺ Not gonna lie, when I signed up for the Peace Corps I never expected that this is what I would be living in, but I ain’t complaining! Most of the furniture I bought at a good price from the volunteer before me. The only big things I had to purchase were the fridge and my dining table. I also painted the doors and windows green, because before they were blood red (which I didn’t love). There are a few small problems with it, but nothing that is a deal breaker. So far I absolutely love it!

From the front:

My living room/dining room/bedroom:

Bathroom:

Kitchen:

Backyard (in the pictures there are orange and banana trees, and pineapple plants. If someone would like to come weed for me, I will be very grateful ☺)