Country Mouse City Mouse

So the first time I left the city I went to visit my main chica Conks!
I was so excited to finally get some Campo Living.

Since I've been writing all night I'm now tired and I really wish I had written about this experience right afterward. Our lives are Night and Day! We are Truly Country Mouse, City Mouse. I don't even know how I remember that story! But after that trip I was like, man, our lives are polar opposites.

Her life is my original Peace Corps dream. I know have had to realize a new dream and I do love my life here but the Campo is so what I'm talkin about!

First a little just about this visit. It was so good seeing my girl! I'm so proud of her. She has done such a good job integrating and he Spanish is awesome. She was in the beginners group with me and she was just using verbs ad tenses I had neva heard. I was like you go girl! She lives with the cutest abuelaita and a fam that loves her to pieces. Before when she went to her site visit she was like there is no way I can live in that place. It was a cluster of houses with no privacy, some of the floors were dirt and it was just way campo, way outdoorsy and roughin it. Now she's talking aobut stayin with the family and just moving into a house that's attached to them! I thought that was really awesome and shows tremendous growth. I got to met her youth group, her counterpart, her wonderful family and neighbors. Oh my lord she lives in front of a huge vast bamboo forest!! ITS INCREDIBLE its so beautiful I would be out there aaalll the time. Her family owns that land too. We went to a fiesta until three at night and walked back in the woods and across a bridge that was a single piece of bamboo across to a creek with a bamboo handle bar. So scary but so fun. See this is why I need to have a camera when I travel. I cannot imagine walking N E where at night like that without a care in the world. It was great. We went to a soccer tournament game that was ooodles of fun. She has an aerobics class that she gives in the front yard of a family and all the ladies came and we had so much fun. The men of course were looking out of the windows commenting or making jokes to show off. Men. lol. Def didn't get out of there hammocks or put down the beers to come work. No. They were so funny too. Not like the men here. So let me just give it to you the Country Mouse/City Mouse Comparison list...since I keep making the references....

Let's see...
The Campo has a certain quiet that is sooooo wonderful. I long for quiet all the time. It's soooo loud, and active and even when its quiet at 3 am it's more of a city eerie quiet. Like is someone going to jump out of a bush and stab me? quiet. Usually though it's just loud loud loud noise noise noise. In the campo even when there is music or people talking, all the trees and grass and dirt just pad noise and it's tranquilo. Here one car passing by sounds like it's driving through my room and I'm on the 7th floor! But this concrete jungle echos and carries noise everywhere. So quiet....

Oh Greeeeen, green, green everywhere! And wide open spaces! It's so nice. Again it's just easy on the senses. Of course with Green comes the bugs though right? So that's the trade off there. I long for green though. I do go to the Malecon where there is water to try to touch nature, but it's nice when your back yard is a forest.

The people. I love campo people. You can speak to them, actually it's expected. You can say hi, wave, smile it's all allowed. Here in the mean streets, you get to speakin and smiling and in a block you would probably have a line of men drooling at your heels wanting to know what's up with tonight. No.thanks. It's SO hard not to look at people and smile. I mean I'm from Missouri! I hear its a very New York thing. Get your mean mug face, walk brisk and fast and don't make eye contact. That's why I didn't move there! It was so nice and friendly and of course everyone knows the nice new gringa and it was really refreshing to be able to put my guard down. Having your guard up around the clock is BEYOND exhausting right?

The trade off there though is that she can Never disappear. She was not feeling well and wanted to nap but he fam kept coming to the door to just talk, offer treats, all sweet things..but I know how tired I am and how serious I have gotten about my naps! If I was worried people were going to wake me up I probably couldn't sleep for one and if I was asleep I probably wouldn't be so pleasant waking up. When I go to my barrio, it's a good, day, bad day...whatever. I go, I leave, I come home, and I do what I want. Be it sleep, get up with a volunteer, go see a movie...whatever. I can disappear. I can separate my Peace Corps project life with my personal life. The Campo Vols do not have that luxury at all. Anything she does outside of her house the people she works with knows, he youth group knows everyone... So I try to think of that when I find myself longing for campo life...

Fast friends vs Site mates... in the small campo life it seems like since you integrate you make Ecuadorian friends easier. Here since you're in the city and can't even make eye contact, it's kinda hard to make new friends. However, we are set with a small cluster of Vols living in the same city. How easy is that? Sometimes all you need is someone who knows Exactly what you are talking about. So I'm sure that's something I take for granted to. Just knowing your in the same city as someone is helpful. I want some Ecuadorian friends too though...I'm sure it'll come. Just slower. Maybe when I start my dance classes...

Little things like walking around at night, not worrying about your safety, having a sweet familiy that cooks and loves you is all very sweet and what she has, but she can't get up at 7 at night and go to Pizza Hut like can when she's tired of the comida tipico aqui.

All in all we are totally having an opposite experience and they are just different. One is not better or worse than the other. She lives 4 hours away and the bus ride was easy and peaceful. Translation? We both can have the best of both worlds whenever we want. When she wants sushi, pizza hut and honking cars (she's used to the East Coast and actually likes the hustle and bustle...) she can get it...when I want a piece of that bamboo forest and to feel a love of a fam, I can get it! So in conclusion our lives here in Ecuador serve us up daily challenges, but really our lives are pretty sweet :)

Hasta Luego!

Remind Me To Tell You The One About...

These are just titles or notes I've written down, that either are way to insignificant to write about, I forgot the whole story, or there just isn't time to write about it.... I don't want to forget the stories either, so it's a log for me. If I ever run out of stuff to update on...I can always go back to the RMTTYTOA Series jajajaja...

- The R-word Discoveries and My experience and skill
- The 66
- Day of Nutrition
- All of My Phone Calamities
- Getting pushed off of a moving bus...accident I'm sure
- The Rainy Season
- The One About the Metal Door

Camera Question

We Gquil girls are always saying we have a "bien fear" of the city. We bow down to the dangers that lurk around every corner. It's such a balancing act trying to not attract the thing you don't want by thinking too much about it and having pilas and not being a sucker gringa that gets got all the time. Having said that, it's almost 2010 and I need to make a decision about this here camera situation. My camera has not seen the light of day since I moved to Guayaquil. In my little cabinet forever more is where I told myself it will forever remain. Is that any way to live? I had the the thought am I going to regret not having captured any of these moments on my very own recording device. Sure other people are fearlessly toting there cameras around and I can always use there pics off of Facebook but I'm at the mercy of others. Plus I am having my own individual experience and since I don't have a personal photographer following me around there are just some things only I can capture. I mean a camera is just an item and anything happening to it would not be the worst thing. My camera is on it's last leg and it will probably be time for an upgrade anyway when I return to the states in 2011. Not to mention there are things one can do to make sure they don't lose their pics in case the case of a stolen object... like take out the chip and carry it on your person so that you keep your sentimental pictures and the ladron gets what they were after in the first place.

So what do we think? Start taking my camera on my trips? (that I need to start taking!) Let me know what you think. It sure would spice up my blog ;o) One day maybe I'll take my camera to my barrio...but no.day.soon.

Besos!

Have I Updated You on My Ladron?

I don't think I ever did!

Well that's because it's pretty anti-climatic.

He was hanging around and at first not speaking and I was like ummm that's not gonna work.

So I told Lottie that I needed to be introduced, because in the same way that I was hoping he wouldn't be there...and everday he was....he was probably thinking the same thing about me. I needed him to know that I was going to be there for dos años! So she introduced us and told him that I'm working with the Mujeres De Lucha and I will be there for two years. I held out my hand... weak shake from him...eyes on to the ground and he mumbled out a saludo.

Whatever, as long as he knows I'm gonna be there and that we are gonna have to make nice if we want our days together to be as easy as possible.

Well would you know day after day he would try to roll on the scene and not saludo me!? I was like naaaw naw now naw. That's not gonna work. The way in the US it's polite to great people when you come into there presence well it's times 5 here. Usually you go around and shake everyones hand and kiss them on the check. You acknowledge everyone! So he was being out of pocket. So I just started greeting him extra strong and in his face. Usually by the time I got out my extra loud, brava "Buen..." He come through the with "Buenas DIAS!" Like RIGHT I know better and I see your not letting this go.

That was how it was last month. For a few weeks there he stopped showing up to work. I was like "mmm-hmmm" but it is what is is. Just the other day though he showed up again. Apparently, with a story that his cousin is stealing the money he makes at the Panaderia or something. One of the ladies was like "Ha ha imagine that a thief complaining about a thief ha ha" I was like... I don't find any of this funny. As I never do when my ladron is the topic.

He does act way more humble around me though...if I'm walking he's stepping out of the way, if I roll up and he's sitting he makes sure I don't need a seat. And we are all clear on who sits at the table for lunch! Whew! lol. That was such a dramatic day man..shaking my head...

IT DID come up that Lottie did kind of corner him an was like, Look, we all know that you stole from our girl, Her purse, her books, her phone and her IDs. The lady that cooks us lunch and makes bolons to sell told me. I was like WHA!? She's like yeah, you're not supposed to know lol. You gotta love working with nothing but women! So now I KNOW that he KNOWS that I KNOW. Maybe that's where the new attitude has come from. He's gone from trying to avoid me in case I recognize him to. Oh snap well I'm caught. I wasn't clear what he knew before, but now I do. Maybe that's why he wasn't showing up for awhile. Who knows. I just know that I'm not trying to mess with Lady Karma at.all. cause we've all heard she can be quite the.....

I'm out!

More about What I Do: My Support Network

I'll try to make this quick...

I gave you a tour of the barrio and our projects so that's the heart of everything of what I'm doing. So thanks to the relationships the Mujeres and the past Volunteer built, we have angels and helping able hands around us ready to assist. This is just an introduction to some of them. I'm actually still trying to learn and figure out some other people/organizations that have contributed to the Mujeres. Again, could be a simple conversation, but my language limitations make it hard to get an exhaustive list as in the ten years they had been around, naturally they have received assistance from different organizations over the years.

My Main List of Organizations/Characters:

Again not wanting to name names....but...

The US Consulate here in Ecuador. Cool right? That's what everyone says. It just makes me nervous as I know the Ladies have a lot of expectations and I feel like any false move and I can ruin what was so delicately built. The credit of this relationship goes to the volunteer who came before me (Super Tere!) and all I gotta do is Maintain! the relationship. Why I liken it to an egg on a spoon relay race I have no idea...but that's how I feel sometimes. Everyone at the Consulate office that I have met is SUPER cool, SUPER helpful, A ton of them are Returned PCVs themselves so the get it. It's really a joy working with them. There is new Consul General now, that I haven't had the pleasure of meeting. He did say he is excited about coming to visit the Mujeres one day when his schedule allows! So that is going to be a GRAND Day indeed! The Consulate has already given us bags of food since I've been here so they are wonderful to work with. I work closely with two individuals that I really like and have been soooo instrumental to any progress I have made thus far. One of those angelic individuals at the Consulate Office put me in contact with...

The American School or Colegio Americano. I work with the Director who affectionately calls himself the Gringo Loco or El Guapo (from the 3 Amigos). He's such a character with a golden heart for service and helping people. He is over the whoooole gigantic Colegio and apparently took it from poverty to prosperity! I have only seen it at it's best and I can't even imagine all the work he must have done to get it there. He ALSO contributed to a huge donation when I first to Guayaquil. He really has a vision for making the Mujeres sustainable as well which is really awesome that we are on the same page. He knows what he's doing and it's always fun to visit. I learn so much just sitting in his office absorbing techniques on budgeting, fundraising and sustainability. It's so right up my alley in things I wanna learn so I feel fortunate for that. He knows other people too that really are good at business plans and things of that nature and at the level the Mujeres want to operate we need more know how in that. So he put me in contact with....

The Chamber of Commerce! These are like heavy hitters in Guayaquil I'm working with you see? and I'm just a non Spanish speaking gringa without a clue! But do you see why I work all day everyday? I just want to take advantage of all of these resources I have and really do everything I can in these next two years to help the Mujeres get sustainable! Okay so there is one gentleman in particular who I work with at the Chamber of Commerce and he is an ANGEL for REAL! He's so sweet, so knowledgable on all things business and even has gotten his wife involved to help us. I mean just one of those people who simply want to help because it's in their hearts. He's my main man on realizing the dream of helping the Panaderia to make enough to sustain the Comedor. We suffer highs and lows together all week long but he really stays the course so to him I am grateful. We had a meeting this Saturday and he was telling me of another woman he knows with a really good heart who can help and her name is...

Phyllis (not really thought, but it's not about her org it's just her so I had to give a name) Now the Mujeres and I have actually been looking for this woman since I got to Guayaquil! Our relationship is new, but I did finally speak to her and yes she wants to help with anything she can. She's also a business woman who is able to get donations as well. I'm sure she is business savvy as well and can be instrumental in helping us develop these micro empreses (micro enterprises). So that's my newest relationship and I feel really fortunate to have some helpers.

The feeling I have "to whom much is given, much is required". Yes I have a lot of help and resources around me, but that makes the responsibility all the greater! This does not feel as minor league as I thought my PC experience would be. However, I don't feel too far out of my league either. Oh sure, I'm jumping midway into projects and this Spanish thing is a nightmare a lot of times. BUT I feel like everything that is in front of me to dive into and learn is RIGHT up my alley and I'm eager and willing to be a sponge and take it all in and apply it here and apply it when I go back to the States.

So there you have it. My network of support :)

I Need A Tutor!!!!

Alright, I'm just out of my first three months and I really hung in there but now I NEED A TUTOR.

I can barely read in Spanish, my communication is sooo limited and when I'm trying to rally my ladies together and get them to focus I really need language on my side! We have so many miscommunications everyday that sometimes I feel like I'm doing them more of a disservice than helping them!

'They' say the first three months is the hardest, 'they' say just hang in there your first three months and then see how you feel.

Well I did and I'm dying for a tutor. I know I have improved probably exponentially and I promise I celebrate myself and those small victories but lets be honest. I really didn't have a Spanish background (SO should have taken it in College....) so of course I have improved, but the fact that I don't understand really anything of what people are saying, I can't express myself, I can't read, I can't really spell and since I don't know how most words are spelled I don't pronounce them right therefore I'm speaking badly and the cycle goes on. I'm sure if I just get some academics in my life, you know some formulas, some rules a touch of grammar I can continue to fumble along a wee bit more effectively.

Everyone thinks I'm being dramatic because, well, we all feel the same way, we all feel our language could be better...and we're right... but my skills right now are uber weak and me getting a tutor doesn't mean I'll blast off to perfection. It'll still be a lot of work and poco a poco, but I will be able to figure things out better.

So our language coordinator in Quito is super awesome and really supportive and at first gave us Rosetta Stone again (for those who asked) but only until Nov 15th!!!! Wha? So he just told me I can look for either an enligh/spanish exchange or a tutor and IF the price is right, then Peace Corps will support me.

Sigh. Thank you!

So The search is on. Wish me luck, send your prayers and keep your fingers crossed cause mama needs a tutor and BAD!!

Xoxox

Break In Case of Emergency/Light at the End of The Tunnel Part Duex

A Month by Month Break Down of things I know I have to look forward to in order to make the hard days just pass away....

November- Por supuesto Thanksgiving
I knew Thanksgiving was going to be fun because one of the girls in Guayaquil stated early on she is very serious about her Thanksgiving so we were very serious about making this a fun one. As it's turning out, good friend PCVs are coming to town. Some of gringa connections are also having some fun activities. The US Consul and the American School are having Feasts and Flag Football! We are going to be eating non stop from Wednesday night to Sunday Morn, we are going to be playing out in the field and having fun time slumber parties. Nov has come with its challenges but what a great light to have at the end of the tunnel right?

December- Navidad! I thought this was going to bring my first group of visitors but it turns out that isn't possible. Which is okay cause it is still New Apartment Month. My first month of real privacy and freedom! Yay I never have to put on pants or a bra to go to the kitchen ANYMORE! ooops sorry TMI. Look people its HOT here! Also, I am excited about all the fun Christmas activities we are going to be doing in the barrio. Plus December is the LAST month of 2009! This has been such a crazy, different, off, zany year for everyone and now it's over. I remember Jan 2009 like it was yesterday. Time waits for no (wo)man, that's all I know. It's an exciting milestone

Then already it's 2010!!!
I look at 2010 as the "the long haul" If I make it through 2010 the rest of my service is a cake walk. It's really all about 2010. '09 was getting trained and getting acquainted. 2010 is about really getting into projects, making a life here in Guayaquil, getting my travel on and really just taking advantage of my time here...

2010 Lights-

January- New Years! My birthday! Reconnect-An event where we travel to a location and all of the PCVs get together and discuss their progress so far. Reconnect will really be a validate our time here thus far I think. Its a week long so it will be fun to have that break and see everyone.

February- I was giving myself time get adjusted before I dove into my hobbies. I'm so tired at the end of the day I didn't know how I would do it. But now that Reconnect is over and it's time for The Long Haul I'm about to get my Dance Dance Dance ON! Feb is when I'm going to start taking dance classes at this one place I found. I think the adult classes "tropical" dances (that's what they call it) but I think it's all the Latin based favorites, salsa, merengue, bachata and other stuff I can't pronounce. I'm still looking for a modern and maybe ballet class as well. Also, Jan/Feb is going to be when EYE start teaching dance and wellness classes!!!

January-April- Marks The duration of my classes I will be teaching where I get to work with the youth in the barrio. I think this is really going to brighten my days and give me a sense of purpose. I need to remember to still be getting my travel on! Oh I forgot to mention I also REALLY hope to be getting some tutoring at this point!

May - My mama is comin to see her baby!! I have also been invited to Miami for a very important bbday bash :) Maybe May will be a wooo-sah break month to exhale after my classes with the niños y jovenes.

June- Marks a year I've been in Ecuador what can be better than that?

July- Will probably do some fun 4th of July stuff will probably visit the new kids on the block that will be starting training and visit my Cayambe Family. (all this time, I'm still enjoying Everyday with the Mujeres, Improving my language, making good on some projects I have started and dancing it up!)

August- A YEAR of being an official PEACE CORPS VOLUNTEER. We have our Mid Service event where we AALLL get together and I simply cannot wait for this! This is really going to be a grand moment for us. This is another real light at the end of the tunnel. I know it seems like so now we have another whooole year to go, but I KNOW after August time is going to really zip on by.

Sept-December- Apply what we learned at Mid Service (we get new ideas to implement from the PC staff during the event), Now is the time where I get to improve upon what I kinda messed up the year before. The Mujeres have event that they do every year. Well Sept of 2009 I was clueless and could barely speak. I'm hoping by Sept 2010 I can be real asset to the events such as Day of Nutrition in Oct, be instrumental in the Thanksgiving donations this year, and really contribute to the Navidad celebration now that I know what one looks like and how they get down! Really excited for a second go at these things :)

2011!! Already!

January- Family reunion in Orlando! My first officially planned US trip (we'll see about May '10) and of course New Years and 30th!! Birthday!

Feb-April- My last time teaching my classes gotta make it great!

okay so here's the deal. Right now I want to apply to be a co-trainer. Our co-trainers were awesome and fun and really added so much to our training experience. A Co-trainer is a volunteer who is currently serving in country who wraps up their service three months early to assist with a new incoming group. So remember those three months I had training in Cayambe? Well there were people that wrapped up their service early to be there with us. After we swore in, they left and returned to the US. IF I am able to be a co-trainer... Theeen...

May- is all about wrapping up my service officially!!

June-August- Will be training with a new Omnibus and COS ...Close OF Service. And then....just like that...the whole thing is over. Sad huh?

There are soooo many variables in all of that too.Peace Corps offers committees we can join, who knows the friends I'll meet, what opportunities that are going to rise. Something new pops up EVERYDAY with the Mujeres. Who knows who is going to be able to come to Ecuador and see lil ol me. Then there is just the new and strengthening of friendships here...the skys really the limit. This is just an outline skeleton of the most boring dull thing that can happen. Not too shabby! Anything added will only bring more excitement. So for the complete list of aforementioned reasons....my "super bad I can't do this anymore, I'm SERIOUSLY going to lose it on the next guy that hisses at me, tells me he loves me in poorly spoken English, or makes a kissy sound at me crap days"...are just bad days, because I know I have SO much to look forward too.

Peace and Blessings!!

Break In Case of Emergency Part I - Explanation

Peace Corps, a 27 month commitment. We all knew that when we singed up. True. However with all things, they are never what they seem. Also, when you apply saying, "Hey, I'm ready for something different, bring on the challenge!" Well that's pretty vague and it's just a notion. Oh and on top of that, "I really want to learn a new language!" as if just simply being in an area allows you to painlessly absorb vocabulary, ability to conjugate, comprehend and interpret words, and pick up on cultural subtleties. Bueno, needless to say there are some Challenges with a capital "C". I definitely was looking for a change of pace, wanting to partake in a different culture, learn a new language and, yes, be challenged :)

Well, there is technique that all of us PCVs have in common that we inevitably use from time to time and that is: when the going gets tough, the tough gets COUTING lol. Whether it's counting down the days to when a friend or family member is going to visit, counting down the days when you planned your next trip...which could be waiting at just at the other end of the week or the ubiquitous counting down your two years. I know I feel so SHAME even saying IT! But it happens everywhere, every volunteer everywhere does this countdown at some point.

Don't get me wrong, it's not about being eager to leave. Just when you think you can't take no mo' sometimes it puts things into perspective. So I made myself a Break In Case Of Emergency List...when I feel like the days are dragging on and I'm making no progress and I can't take not another DAY!! Wanna see it!?

First of all, I must have made it in September (after getting robbed...def a "how much longer am here?" moment lol) but now it's the middle of November and I can hardly keep up with time as it whizzes by!! I am VERY aware how short 2 years really is and I think that is why I CONTINUE to work 6 DAYS a week!! I can't stop myself. I so badly want to integrate, make a difference and soak up every second of my experience that I never stop go, go, GOING! I know this is going to be over before I know it and that's what I'm thinking most of the time. This is just for the days when someone has pulled your last card and you are "so over it!"

Every PCV knows to just have something to look forward to every month (sometimes ever week when it gets really tough) helps pass the challenging times. The old Light at The End of the Tunnel trick :) I'll break down what my months look like, but in an upcoming post so that it's not soooo long :)

Apartment Search

Okay every month usually has a light at the end of the tunnel and a challenge or project to work on at the same time. Well as always I have a ton of stuff going on with the Mujeres, but I actually have a personal project that must be completed by the end of November. That project ladies and gentlemen is the great apartment search. To your weary eyes delight, I haven't written about this sooner so you are spared hearing about various days I went out in the smoldering heat, walking around tirelessly, looking for alquilar signs only to have miss after miss after miss. Oh what the heck...here's a quick look of what it's like...

When you are walking around looking up at buildings to see if they have a sign in the window, it makes you look lost. If you are a gringa and you look lost then you get attention making the daunting task even more annoying blah. (attention usually in the form of hombres wanting some of YOUR attention double blah) Usually you have to check the number on the sign and then call the number even if you are right at the building and could just knock. People want the call. All of us HATE talking on the phone in Spanish because it's just SO difficult. You have no facial cues, can't read lips, no body language and then phones you know all the subtle sounds don't get through and you need every clue you can get. Plus pulling your phone out on the street is never recommended...especially after you were observed seeming lost to those around you observing..eye roll... Welcome to my life people. Simple tasks are now so hard. Hard tasks...those are like impossible and no matter what, you are ALWAYS being watched. If you are female then you are getting the hissy, kissy, yicky calls from the hombres, and on the wrong day that can reeeeeaaaaalalalalallllly get on your last nerve and make you feel like you are going to snap. It's not awesome.

So anyway in general those are how those days went. Then there was the Saturday that i found the most awesome most beautiful furnished apartment with two bedrooms and bathrooms and even a nice duena and everything. We talked aaallll day and I missed worked and missed hanging with my friend and shopping for costumes that day. Only to find out days later... there is water in the floor so I can't move there. The place was worth twice what our limit is, but she was willing to cut it in half for me cause she just wanted a nice person up there and I came based on a recommendation. Sigh...Oh well. I tell myself a) that was the nicest place I've ever seen and if I moved in there I probably would never leave Ecuador b) it would have been the party house for sure without a doubt and I really would have no right to not let it be cause there was sooo much rooooom c) I seem to keep to one or two room and I didn't really need all that space to myself. Did I mention I probably would have neeeever left?

Yeah. So the newer and might I add the very first place I saw and I liked is the one I'm going with. The only reason I even continued a search was because who goes with the first place they see? I was just trying to make sure! Since another Volunteer almost moved in to that apartment it has been pre approved so I THOUGHT I could just move in. Found out this week that is so not the case. It needs new locks on the bedroom door and the outside door. It needs a Metal Door installed!! and I need to cover the hole in the bedroom wall were an AC unit is supposed to go. We PCVs can't afford AC units... Also, I was under the impression that PC pays for these items since they are the ones saying we need it. No and No. We pay for them and if we don't get them, we can't move into the place. Drat! Our PM is coming the last day of November. So that means I have until then to either get these upgrades done or I can't move! If I don't move then when can I move? Whenever the PM can come down again but its annoying for them because they schedule their apartment approval trip in advance so that everyone has their stuff together. If they come and have to come back just for an individual, best believe they are in no hurry to do that. My dueña as sweet as she is, rents a room as a business, so I do'nt think my extra days here would be all that appreciated either.

So needless to say I gotta get that going sooner than later. So picture it. I gotta go tell the ladies that own the place. I need you to install a door, put up something to cover this hole and you need to change the locks BEFORE I move in, before I can sign a contract and before I can pay basically. Who does that!? Then I gotta convey this in SPANISH? Let's be real. Sigh. Also, this building wants 3 months rent as a deposit which Peace Corps doesn't support. I was hoping my PM could help me negotiate that when she comes...but by the time she comes I would have needed to get those upgrades!

So either I just pay for the 3 months, have NO money to actually by a bed, stove and fridge and stuff...but at least have my own place... or....yeah...I'm still working on my options.... our PCVL (3rd year volunteer that helps us little freshman out ;oP) is going to come with me on Friday to see what we can work out...I guess I need to post that this week for this to make any sense :) Cool...

Wish me luck and stay tuned!

Halloween

I have fallen so behind in blogs... I have ideas of stuff to write, but I'll never stop writing if I do them all. I wish you all were here for every moment! It's a daily adventure, comedy, drama series. Something I couldn't even write about you just had to be there. I'm sure a lot of it I still have yet to discover as usually the joke is on me.

One event I guess I can pick out is Halloween. Now while here in scary Guayaquil I feel older than ever. Not only am I just older than a lot of my Volunteer friends, but they seem to be WAY more fun than me too! lol. I know to anyone who knows me is like what? Not you J "where's the party at" Cov lol but it is SO true. All I think about when I'm in the loud busy streets getting hissed and kissed at my the men in the street, is my room and my bed. It's my perfect safe haven. I'm not sure if its fear or age or a deadly mixture of both :)

Either way my fun friends had been talking about Halloween aaaalll month. I kept saying don't care what we do, don't really want to do anything and I'm not spending a lot on a costume. I KNOW so grumpy old lady right!?!? Told ya! My poor new friends have to put up with me daily. Anyway. Long story short (too late!) We all were going to Cuenca to meet up with a bunch of Vols for a party but then we 102ers (the equivalent to the freshman class of Volunteers here in Ecuador) couldn't go because we are still in our first three months in our sites so that means no vacation days. Don't ask.

So I was like great i'm staying here, everyone that's wants to party is going somewhere else and everybody is happy. Wrong again! Another long story short. The Gquil folks got the spirit to kick it and friend new by got the word and felt the vibe and came ready to ppaarrtaaay. Now turns out Halloween weekend turned out to be one of my absolute worst as far as my Spirit goes, but that was just due to stress and not honoring myself. Besides that it was a fun time. I cannot go into all the drama and shenanigans that went on that Saturday and into Sunday trying to get costumes (ugghghghg) mega slumber parties and what not. But we went to a 3 story club that was just like being on the MetroVia when it's so crowded if you jump you wouldn't land back on the ground cause it's so stuffed. Sounds pretty undesirable huh? Yeah, maybe, but we had fun. I was a...well... I was "sporty" for Halloween. Didn't want to spend a dime so I wore my busted tennis shoes, my bright green knee socks, and my soccer shorts from the 4th of July futbol game in Cayambe, my selecion camiseta that every good Ecuadorian has and then I put those smudge marks under my eyes like football players do. Which makes no sense...but it just made me look Sportier... Whateves.

We had a major slumber party at my crib which is always fun. And then actually skipped town for the day, but I had a TON of stuff to do in the coming week and I REALLY I mean REALLY paid for it the whole week ugh. I was trying to not be such an old fogie (sp?) but hey if the shoe fits...I knew I was going to be paying for it too so I wasn't able to enjoy myself like I really wanted to. but it was good being around my girls so all in all it was a success. If pics of Halloween ever surface I'll add it to this blog.

The weekend AFTER Halloween, friends that are teachers at the Colegio Americano (the American School) had a big costume birthday bash the weekend after. The Theme was Heroes and Villians. Well "Generic Sporty Person" is no Hero! Again, I had that busy week that I was talking about and had no time to rethink a costume. I can always pull out "hippie" from my wardrobe...So I put on my Peace sign tank top my mom sent me (love it thanks mom!) my flare leg jeans...this sash from the Sierra and a scarf around my head. Now how do I make hippie a hero. I I was like I'll be Janis Joplin. But looking at me...it didn't really translate...I was looking more Jimi than Janis. So when people I asked what I was... I said I was the off spring off Janis (hero) and Jimi (hero) which makes me a super hero! Right? Looking at pictures I could have just been "Peace Personified" that's a hero if I ever have known one right?




Chao Gente!

Estoy Aqui!

Hola Loved Ones,

Just wanted to send a quick note to let you know I am still here and kickin. I knew when it was the last week in October and I didn't have my post already written I was going to fall behind in my blogs.... I kinda wanna get it done tonight, but I kinda feel like this is a go to bed at seven and wake up the next day kinda night. So i'm going to honor myself, and study a bit then go to bed... Just know I'm here, life is still challenging, exhausting, but good. Life is for the living right? So stay tuned updates to come!

Xoxoxo

Last But Certainly Not Least: La Guardaria

Oh yes, the Guadaria. Another one cerca de mi corazon (close to my heart). This is the nursery! You gotta love the Nursery. Look at all of those kids. The idea of the Guadaria is a place for the kids to go freeing up the mothers and fathers to go to work and earn money. See how something so small can be so big?

I don't know why I try to act like I don't like kids lol. I'm always coming up with a reason why I need to go peek at the kids at the Guadaria. They are sholl nuff all over the place, but it's always a lot of fun. It needs A LOT of help though! 

There are diapers that need to be changed, there is only one crib, we are always scrapping to have enough food for them for breakfast, lunch and snacks throughout the day. 

It would also help if we had more toys, books, art supplies etc. 

Right now there is a program similar to the Padrino program for the Guadaria. A person pays $5 a week to provide the meals for a child in the Guadaria. A great cause right? Let me know if you are interested in this program as well!!! (CovingtonJennifer@Gmail.Com)

I also have visions of fixing up the place so that it's has a cheerful, hopeful upbeat feeling to it. 

They also have some land in the back of the Guadaria that I would think would be Perfect for a jardin. That way the Mujeres could start growing their own food and it doesn't get more sustainable than that!

Second to Last: El Gabienete

The Gabienete De Belleza is the Beauty Shop! Hey now! You can get your hair done..excuse me, hair did, nails right, and get all lined up.... Well you could... right now the Gabiente doors are not open. All of the work had fallen on one individual who could only work on the weekends from what I understand. The Mujeres never knew when she was coming in and where the money she was earning was going...sooo... We have closed the doors as of right now.

We would need to find a couple of people who can work all week and the weekends to make the Gabienete a more thriving business for the Mujeres. That shouldn't be too hard to find since the Gabienete was also a location where these wonderful courses were held to train people. In my opinion we have our hands full, so we can focus getting some of these other projects off of the ground first. It's really awesome though that the Mujeres have all these locations that great things are being done. They have the space and some of the necessary equipment so that's a huge hurdle we are already over once we are able to open the doors again. Hopefully you will be getting a post one of these days about the doors opening again to the Gabienete! 

Comin Up Next: La Costura

The Costura is actually located in Lilly's living room. It's amazing. There are a ton of machines just waiting to be used. Pictured here the people who took advantage of the course that was held for sewing class.  Just recently we opened the doors again to the Costura. There are people in the community trained to sew and tailor and the machines are there so anything that we made would be nothing but profit. Right now we are working with just finding where to get the clothes. We have some ideas of what we can do. One, we are going to have the ladies sew the uniformes for the Colegio I'm working with at the beginning of next year. Also, the ladies are asking for people's old clothes and they are fixing them up and selling them on Saturday at discounted prices. We are hoping that once we are up and running for awhile people in the barrio will catch on and start bringing their clothes there. I'm sure one of my tasks will be to look for more outside business, but we are just taking it one step at a time. The Costura is another service that we provide that can help bring money INto the barrio and is a possible way another one of the other projects can be sustained. Ah, I just love possibility!

Third Micro Empresa: La Panaderia

The Panaderia is located right next to the Comedor. The Ladies wake up bright and early and make the bread fresh everyday. In these pictures the Panaderia along with some of the other micro empresas had actual courses where they trained the people in the community skills so that they could go out and get work in these fields. Que Bueno! 

 Right now I am working with the Director of a Colegio here on making the projects of the Mujeres De Lucha more sustainable (your gonna hear that word a lot...at least if I'm doing a good job you will...) We were thinking that if we can get sales of the bread up and maybe sell it in other places besides the barrio, then the Panaderia can be a source of funds that sustain, the Comedor for example. That would be such a shining moment, if we no longer had to look outside of the barrio for a way to make sure the kids eat! But all of that takes time and planning, so that's another thing on this hot and full plate of mine :) I think it is very possible to see that happen in the two years I'm here. Vamos a ver! :)

Next Stop:El Comedor

Ah the Comedor, what could be better than feeding the community? The Comedor doesn't turn anyone away and they feed over 150 people from what I understand. That's only counts the people I have down of paper. Rose in the picture to the left is the boss of the Comedor. She cooks, decides what is going to be made and just all things Comedor.

I'm going to be working with her to get an exact head count of home many children are eating at the Comedor and how many elderly people. Also, working getting a process in play of how we decide what is going to be served everyday and what is being taken out of the Tienda. That way we will have an exact dollar amount of what we either need on of the micro

 empresas to earn each month or how much we need to secure in donations each month.

The children not only are given nourishment daily, but they are taught manners (like saying buenas tardes and saying thank you when they get served) and etiquette as well at the Comedor. It's a really great experience. 

Right now we have the Padrino system that anyone can be a part of. For just $2 a week you can feed a child! How great is that! I just became a Madrina (the female version of Padrino or God father) and I couldn't be happier. However we need a TON more! It's $2 a week or $96 a a year for a child to get a serving of soup, rice, meat and vegetables or fruit, for a whole year! Let me know if you want to sponsor a child! I can't think of a better cause!!!  

Hit me up at CovingtonJennifer@Gmail.Com and we can get the ball rollin! 

Close up on The Projects, First Stop: La Tienda

To me the Tienda is the heart of it all. The Tienda is the community store where the Mujeres De Lucha provide everyday goods and affordable prices for the community. 

There is also the yard in front of the Tienda where special events are held, where we eat lunch, where the ladies make bolones for extra income and more. There is a stove and a table and always a good time there. 

 The challenge with the Tienda are many... but I'll just list a few things...we take inventory on notebooks so it's kind of unofficial and hard to keep track of the items. Also since the tienda feeds the Mujeres, our lunch, the Comedor AND the community...there is a lot that is taken out of it, but the tracking is mas o menos. That's one thing I'm trying work on right now, keeping track of what is leaving and how much it is costing the Tienda. Another huge challenge is keeping things in stock. In these pictures the Tienda looks full and thriving! Right now however, the shelves are getting bare, and we just went to the market and got a ton of food! We rely heavily on the kindness of others and donations.   My Focus while being here is sustainability of all of these projects. So while donations are great, it's not guaranteed and it's not consistent. Sometimes, often, we have to turn customers away because we don't have something in stock. We also don't like the venders come by looking for there money! Hooo Wee! We all go running. We have to keep our lights on, the phone on, the electricity for the refrigerators so the food doesn't go bad on. It's a struggle for sure. I'm currently looking for grants and more people to donate but it's still a challenge. Foundations that give you money also want to see that they are giving to a sustainable project. People who donate want to know Exactly where there money is going. 

The Mujeres Always land on their feet. I see that. I just want them to not have to be Women of Struggle (Mujeres de Lucha) I looked up "Lucha" in my Span/Eng Dictionary and it means :Struggle, Fight or Strive For...So I want them to be Women who are just Striving...Striving & " Working for a Better Tomorrow" (their slogan). 

Get This....!

I haven't actually sat down and written in awhile... I love pre posting!

I have a close up look of all of the micro empresas (micro enterprises) coming up, I have posted the pictures but I need to put some words it...Maybe I will today...

Okay, do I give you the long or short version of this story...

I'm so tired and have been sick con gripe, all weekend. Still hacking up a lung and blowing my nose incessantly...that is when I'm not uber stopped up and can't breathe..Ugh...

Other than that it's been quite nice spending the ENTIRE weekend in bed :)

This was going to be a fun weekend full of friends coming to visit for they mental health :) and a race, but since there are people protesting everywhere right now, we have been put on a travel restriction :-X boo hiss. Ah well... next time...

Let me just dive right into the story...(we are going with the long version) 

Get This!!

So at the beginning of the week (can't remember if it was Monday or Tuesday)

It was the end of the day and I was eating lunch minding my business. Usually there are about 6 of there, but today it was only myself, Ms. E and Lottie (I'm giving the alias names cause I'm going to have pictures and I don't want to just have them all out there on the internet ya'mean?) Ms. E makes the us lunch and Lottie is the boss lady :) So per usual I was sitting near the entrance of the gate that you go through to approach the tienda (community store).

When someone walks in we always greet them with a Buenas Dias/Tardes (depending on the time of day) cause that's just the proper Ecuadorian way. So as I slurp my scolding hot soup in the scolding hot sun, like every other day...a gentleman walk through the steel gate doors. I begin my saludo (greeting) only to stop mid sentence as I look at him... Same thing happened to him...he was bout to saludo until he looked at me....and then just kept walking forward to the Tienda....

The guy was unsettling familiar..*I KNOW him* I thought to myself...Of course the memory he conjured up I did NOT want to remember so I just kept on slurpin my soup. Even if it was the worst case scenario, all he's going to do is go to the tienda, buy some eggs or something from Lottie and then be on his way. It's good, now he knows I work with the Mujeres and that'll be that on that. Oooor not.

Instead of leaving like every other customer we have...he sits and is talking to Lottie while she eats her lunch in the tienda. From afar we are both eyeing each other. I was just trying to see what he was doing and what his interaction was with Lottie. Why was he watching ME!? Mmm-hmmm I know why. But I don't wanna be right...

So with out trying to sound suspicious I ask Ms E. what was his affiliation with Lottie. She said he's a guy from the barrio whose fallen on some really hard times and wants to work at one of our establishments. Ooookay. So he goes kinda way back with the Mujeres and he's trying to stay around. That's a concern. We start wrapping up lunch. As usual I have to go into the tienda and get some items to take my food to go because I cannot ever finish all the of the food that Ms E. Gives me. I mean a HUGE bowl of soup (think small punch bowl) and then a moutain of rice with some other side and usually meat (which I also don't want to eat everyday, but that's been an up hill battle) so I gotta walk past this guy to get my tarina (what we put our food in to take home). 

So When I walk up I'm thinking, let me get a better look and I'm sure he's going to do the same... Well I got a good look at him but he was desperately trying to look every which way but at me. Suspect. When I enter the tienda I hear him talking to Lottie. *shudder* Ugh that voice. I know that voice. At this point I'm pretty sure this guy is my ladron (translation: theif/robber..etc) 

Ughhhh no way! What to do NOW? Do I say something? 

I'm not sure, how can I be sure? I know that when people are in traumatic situations their memory recall is less than reliable. It's been proven that eye witnesses to a, say, a car accident, report completely different stories. Color of the car, people who around, what the people involved looked like etc. I KNOW this. But, man, not only that gut feeling, but I know that voice, that jaw line....and why is he actin so shifty? Plus if I say something, I could be talking about one of the Mujeres, cousins, sons, so-in-so-in-law....Do I wanna do that? The ladies have known me for a month. They probably have known him for most of his life...

Also, I've recovered my items. I just got a new phone (way jank, the phone that got jacked was better, but whatever) I got a new Dictionary, I drew myself a planner and then Ms Edie sent me a planner (thanks Mom!) I have re written all of the planning notes the Mujeres and I had written. I got my IDs..well sort of...Soooo It's not like I want to pin him up against the wall and shake him loose of all my stuff. There is no reason. 

Great...so maybe I just won't say anything. Suffer in silence. But is that the way to be when you are trying to create trust and confianza with the Mujeres. No matter what I say I know they wouldn't judge me, and I know if I thought this they would want to know....hmmm...let me just observe more....

So we are closing up the store now, the guy leaves...watching me from afar then averting his eyes when he gets close up (maybe he's shy?) I REally didn't wanna probe more, but I ask Lottie..."So he wants to work in the bakery?" She's like yeah, he's really poor (the Mujeres always talk about how poor they are so for them to call someone else Really Poor is saying something...) I think she said his mom is either sick or just passed away and he wants to work in the bakery. Great a sob story. I have made up my mind. Not saying anything. He's got it rough and if he is my ladron I totally get why he would rob me. THEN Ms. E says.... Ooooh so he's poor, but he doesn't rob people right? 

Lottie raises her eyebrows and is like "SI!" I was like really? She's like yeah, I know he does, a lot people here do when they don't have another way. The door was swinging wide open and it was just us three girls....what's the harm in.... "Sooo I didn't want to say anything but I think that guy is my ladron" Ooooh snap the cats out of the bag now! 

Lottie is like "Are you sure!? Seguro?" I'm like NO I' not sure at all...but I just got the feeling, and his voice is familiar and he won't saludo me and he was watching me from afar and he won't even face me though when I am up close. I thought he was shy, but he was quite chatty with everyone else. 

Oh the other thing I didn't want to do. Is make up my mind he was my ladron and then just see him through those lenses ya know? Like then everything he did would be a "yep see! I knew it!" even if it was really nothing. So I tried not to do that...

Anyway, Lottie was like...well it's possible and he needs to know you work here. I was like well he just saw me here with you all, so no big deal. Happy day, just had to get that out there, let's keep this just between us.

I guess they thought US meant the entire Mujeres de Lucha caaaause when I came in the next day.... It was the topic of discussion. Great! I sure hope he isn't someone's cousin! Everyone is all "You are sure? It's him? Really" No no not sure, just maybe...either way it doesn't matter...I have everything I need and I didn't take it personally. 

Lottie informs me that he's coming back today to see what the answer is about the bakery. I have never known anyone outside of the Mujeres work at any of the micro enterprises. Por supuesto (of course) this guy is getting special treatment...but it's all good. I'm usually at the tienda and the bakery is on a different street and the people that make the bread do it at like 4-6 am or something, so I won't have to see him right? So great.

So Lottie starts telling me that we three need to have a meeting. Please understand also that these are the times that I wish I understood EVERY single word in Spanish, because this is getting to be a sticky situation and it would be difficult in English, but it's a bunch of us ladies, gossip, a clueless gringa, and a possible thief we are dealing with here. It would be the perfect situational comedy. Why don't I have a reality show so my agony and discomfort could actually be fun and entertaining to someone! But alas, this is just a Thursday in mi vida ahora. 

So Lottie is hitting her fist in her hand saying, we need to have a meeting, and we are going to ask him to his face what's the deal and then we are going to tell him that he needs to respect you because you are a Mujeres de Lucha now. You are one of us and he needs to respect you as such. Eeeemmm I'm not confortable with that. Can't we just keep it between us? It's reaaallly not that serious. I wasn't harmed in anyway (except for my own stupidity resisting resulting in an arm bruise and jammed ankle) and I have my stuff now. Plus I get why it happened. I got it back when it happened. When people are in desperate situations, things like this happen.

I'm trying to express this with my horrible spanish. All the other ladies are just co-signing Lottie. Ahhh such an nightmare!!! They are like, so great, when he gets here we'll have the face to face. Has no one understood what I said? I don't want that. It's just going to make us Forever uncomfortable. Cause if he's not my ladron Then, I just accused an innocent guy and no he really isn't going to like me. If it is...is he going admit it to the ladies who can possibly employ him? Not to mention at that face to face I would want to know what everyone is saying, and I know I wouldn't. Pass!

So I'm in the office that's linked to the tienda making phone calls and organizing stuff for the comedor (cafeteria)...and Lottie comes up to me and is like, he's here let's go. I guess I never Really say no to her (i.e. working 6 days a week...I'mma work on that Ya'll!!!) the nice Jen, doormat me, was like you just gotta go, they aren't understanding you, and it's time. but the Me ME was like I.Don't.Want.To....so in fact, I don't know how I'm going to express it, but No means No in Spanish and English so start there!!

I was like I don't want to! I really don't want to! I'm not going to do it, No. I went through the list again. I'm not 100% positive it is him. Either way I don't want to offend him. It's not important to me. I have all the things I need, I wasn't hurt and I didn't take it personally. If we have a standoff it's only going to make it hard for both of us. I also said if it IS him..is it NOt enough from him to have to walk up in here and see that the girl he jacked is actually in his barrio because I'm working with the Mujeres De Lucha, the most respected org on that side of town? I was like it's bastante! He's got his lesson if its for him to get...

After all that ...she's like Bueno...I get it...but then he can't work he can he? Its up to you. I say he can't work here. GREAT another freakin decision on my shoulders. I said that he can. At the time I was like Of course he can! I explained that if he is the ladron, the reason why he is, is not because he's a bad person, it's cause he's poor and desperate and has no other choice. Who ever that guy is outside, is trying to to better with his life and do an honest days work. If we the Mujeres de Lucha are about making this community better wouldn't it be doing the opposite denying him work, based off of a guess......

Lottie just looked at me...and I was like ooohkaaay that didn't make sense...then she says something about my heart and maybe being of gold? And then gives me a big bear hug and says something about what Dios is going to do in my life. So I guess she got it?

(Dad are you reading this and not pleased right now? lol I just had that though. Don't be mad dad!)

So she goes out side...and is like "She said No" I don't know WHO she said that too, I look at one of the ladies....yikes are we good...and she just gives the same crazy face back and just shrugs.

So I'm thinking, bueno, he's going to go off to the panaderia (bakery) and I'll never see that guy again.

Ummmmmmmm no. Why was he hanging out all day. He was running errands for the Mujeres, going to fetch milk, cooking food with Ms. E....and every time he wasn't around...the topic was him being my ladron. So uncomfortable! He never spoke to me and was acting way shady. At one point we were both in the (Comedor) Cafateria. I was talking to Rose about sponsoring a child to eat at the Comedor (you can too but details on that in the comedor post!) then up rolls...Frank we'll call him. He was carrying a bunch of stuff...and me on auto pilot asked did he need help. His reaction was clearly like...Um I'm trying to act like you don't exist and you talking to me has really thrown me off. Me and Rose just look at each other like...weird. 

So then I call my girl to tell her about the maddness...and I'm just hiding out in the office which I never do. It's almost lunch time so I'm like well I'll probably gotta get off the phone to go out and eat by the entrance. Case I know he's hanging out more than any one has ever hung out before, but when it comes to lunch ONLY the Mujeres Eat at the table. Lottie eats in the store to hold down the fort, but NO one eats with us. If they want a lunch they go to the Comedor. So I peak out of the door to see if the coast is clear. Why is THIS dude sitting where I usually sit sippin HIS soup. Awwwww Nawwww. So I just go back in the office asking my girl what do I do NOW... During that time Lily (not to be confused for Lottie) comes and brings me my soup segundos (seconds, i.e. the rice, and that day fried egg) ....soooo everyone is clear. He and I don't want to be near each other. I NEVER eat in the tienda...but I did that day. 

It's way awkward cause usually I'm like hey,I can eat here with Lottie and the Mujeres are like NO you sit at the table. But not that day. Also I know that HE knows I eat there cause he was watching me that first day. So it's obvious the change happened JUST cause he was there. When me and Clementine (one of the ladies I walk with) were leaving we both said Chao and he was saying Bye until he turned around and saw me and then got all weird. ARG! It's sooo weird.

Of course the whole walk Clementine was like your sure right? I'm like NO.I'm.not. And it doesn't matter! She was asking is he the guy with my bolsa...Oh that's another story and another thing (welcome to my stream of consciousness, I love blog writing, no rules)

Okay first off, my main girl Mary hasn't been there all week. I really feel like she's a level headed thinking and maybe could have aided all of us during this maddness but she had thangs to do this week. Anyway, the same week I got robbed (Cause was on a monday) Mary and I were taking the bus somewhere and a guy got on the bus selling milk! My eyes got huge and I was like that's my bag! It was the little bag that Peace Corps had given us that had my IDs and flash drive and 30 cents in it. The same knot the same dirty, the same bag I looked at everyday since I had been in Ecuador. She's like oh that's the guy!? I was like m I don't thnk so he seemed, shorter, lighter, jaw not so defined. I was like maybe his friend or something, but I don't think that's the guy, but that is So my bag. 

So the Mujeres keep asking. Is Frank the guy I saw on the bus with my bag? I'm like no it's not him...cause logically he got the stuff to sell not to keep. One of us being fluent in either Spanish or English would REALLY help right now, but that would be tooooo easy.

Friday I had a meeting and Saturday I was sick so I didn't go to the barrio...so I have some decisions to make about this week coming up.

I thought the guy would be gone out of my hair and someone I never saw. I also was hoping it was my imagination and he would treat me normal, like speak, allow me to speak to him and not be shifty acting. None of these wishes have come true. So. We Do need to have a talk (as usual Lottie is right...that woman is always right...) now I dont know if I should just catch him maybe when a ton of people aren't around and try with my horible Espanol make amends? Or have Lottie do the talking and have an awkward 3 way convo? Do those ever work? Ugh that really sounds uncomfortable to me.

I think I'm going to prepare something short and simple to say, make amends and hope we can just moooooove forward....

Thanks for sticking with this post.... I was just writing as I thought...lol as usual.

Don't be worried for my safety. It really is an advantage any way you look at it that he knows I work with the Mujeres. That is the whole point of people walking me in and out of the barrio, so people see me with them and know that I am one of them. He's going to spread the word either way. I'm safer now than I have ever been. He also knows or whoever my ladron is, knows I don't have money so what's the point. I go to my barrio with next to nothing...and all that I have is stuff in various places that you can't see. I don't feel as though I'm in any danger, but I do feel that I'm missing a opportunity to build a relationship if I continue to have this staticky relationship with this guy. 

The point of Peace Corps is to have an exchange, so that's what we should be doing. I KNEW this story wasn't over and I knew that I was going to see this guy again. Why do EYE have to be right even when I don't want to!? 

So wish me luck all....Here goes nuthin....

Operation: Back to Me

As we all know the first month here was a rough transition, but being Sunshine Builder I am determined to not let anything get me down. Look at things as opportunities, not obstacles right? So I I'm launching a back to me plan. 

And it goes little something like this (I of course have it all spelled out in my journal but I won't bore you all with that) 

-Prayer/Meditation time cada dia (I've way off of my routine...can't be missing my appointments for annointment (ha, just made that up))

-Find My Piece of Heaven  (you know a place I can always go and feel safe and happy)

-Find some dance (having trouble finding safe, dance spots for adults...this one is major for me)

-Fitness (I eat all the time and luckily I walk a lot as a part of life...but no working out, a lot of PCV's here are Really into working out. Think I should jump on board...Endorphines anyone?) 

-Set some boundries (tough one!! I work 6 sometimes 7 days a week. I'm no good by day 3...we'll see if and when I do this one...) 

-Focus on the positive ( be smart but don't be scared all the time..it's no way to live...)

-Travel (I'm sure getting out of this place now and then will be good for me...just gotta get some off time...)

That's the gist...and by the time This posts hopefully I have put most of these action items into...well...action :)

Wish me luck! 

Thanks for the Comments and Keep on Reading!

Just wanted to send a message saying thank you all for keeping up with me through my blog! It really means a lot. I was so unsure of blogging, but it has definitely served the purpose of keeping my loved ones informed a receive love and support in return! Que bueno! So just wanted to say keep reading, keep those comments coming (so I know you're out there!) and I will keep writing!!

I'm happy that I went to work writing and posting enough pictures to get me through the month. I posted everything pretty much my first week here and had enough to take me though the second to last week in September. Perfect, just enough time to get over my two week slump of the hohums after "the incident" (yes that's what we're calling it..)lol. I was so bummed and just inconvenienced and had a lot of ick thoughts and reeaally didn't want to post all that ickyness. I think I'm on the upward swing of things...well hopefully I really will be by the time this posts. Hopefully my two weeks with no cell phone will be no more and I will feel safe and not so creeped out. 

My time with the Mujeres has been really great. They have just become so protective of me and it feels more like a family now. We are still new to each other though. I'm more like an in-law that married into the family, but we have that sister- girl- I-got-your-back thing going on that goes beyond any language barrier and I really appreciate that. 

Que mas?

Pictures. Yikes. I dont know when I'm goin to bust out pictures in this city. Maybe the other volunteers will, and when I start traveling to other sites I may take pics then...but right now you are going to be getting photos off the internet I think. Why didn't anyone tell me that blogs are so boring without pictures? And why didn't anyone tell me that you don't need a ton...just one or two will do sometimes?

Oh I know, it's just my whimsical and witty writing is so entertaining you don't even need pictures. Is that it? Oh well mil gracias to you all. 

I wonder if the next coming months I will have bastante material to write. I think at the minimum every month I can do at least 4 posts for every week. We shall see. For October I am going to be outlining the projects we are working on and the plans we have to mejorar them. So there will be plenty of posts and pics (taken from the computer in the Mujeres oficina) for Oct. Maybe even take it all the way into November...we shall see...you gotta read to find out.

Thanks for the love I'm reflecting it right back at cha!!

Paz y Amor!!! (just trying to add photos!)

In Case You Missed It...

I have an new mailling address and for some people it´s hard to see on the side of my blog page apparently.

So here it is!
Jennifer Covington
PCV Cuerpo de Paz
Casilla 09-11-11805
Guayaquil, Guayas, Ecuador


Start sending me your packages of love! I had a wish list, but it was stolen...so I am going to be working on a new one....or maybe by the time this posts I will already have one...

I have a post office box so anything that is sent is secure and easy for me to get to.
Let me know if you have any questions about this...

Lot´s of Love!!

The Things We Do... Finale Journey Through Pics...

Things we Do....Just to Name A Few (We = PCVs)

Hike in Bamboo Forests


Non-Stop Charlas at the Crib



Make friends for life...(just an example don't be mad everyone)


Work with the Youth of today for a Better Tomorrow (they have all the answers...)

Join the Winners Circle


Sleep 5 To Bed...in rooms with no water, toilet, sink, windows...etc...


Play Ball!!!


Get Judged...


Smile through the Discomfort...(well most of us...)


Find Paradise Where ever We Go



Integrate...then become part of a Family


Learn that We Never Know What Tomorrow Will Bring....



Laugh at it All...


Good Luck to Omnibus 102! The Skys The Limit!



Stay tuned for a Journey Through Pictures the Guayaquil Edition....(don´t hold your breath I have two years to complete that one...)