Our deepest fear isn't that we're inadequate.Our deepest fear is that we're powerful beyond measure

Sunday, December 25, 2011

Seasons Greetings!

Merry Christmas, from the Mitad del Mundo (Middle of he World), where Salsa is played in place of Jingle Bells, Coconut Batidos are consumed in place of Egg Nog and sand castles are made in place of where snow angels would be. My third Christmas here in Ecuador. Thinking of my friends and family during this (very hot) holiday Season. Love you and miss you All!

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Camping & Traveling with the Jovenes!


I can't believe I took this long to write about my camping adventure with the jovenes! I have so much to say and so many pictures! I will do my best in trying to give you the run down without boring you and also try to post as many pics as possible!


Let's just open with the fact that I was pretty nervous about this camping trip. Anyone that knows me knows I LOVE Camp! I love the idea of it. Maybe not the bug bites and and poison ivy aspect, but more of the bonding and taking people out of their element to stretch themselves to new heights. However, I had NO idea if all of that would transpire and I had NO clue how I was going to do it all in Spanish!

We were taking 20 of our kids and meeting up with another group of 20 in Portoviejo. There were only 4 facilitators total so I was on edge about being one of the few adults.

We left late in the evening and took a night bus to Protoviejo to meet up with the Aldea. The kids were pretty good on the bus. Really, myself and the other facilitator were in the front and they were in the back. There were some up front with us but the majority were in the back so either they were behaved or they knew how to keep their madness to a minimum : )

The Aldea of Portoviejo was Beauitful! Lot's of green trees and wooden houses. We got in at a crazy hour, like, 4 am in the morning. Since I hadn't slept on the bus due to my colleague wanting to talk all night and not sleep, I was anxious to get a morning nap before we started the day. We were divided in two houses, one for the guys and one for the girls. That meant I was in charge of all the teen girls! I was nervous about that, but I thought to myself, being nervous will only make this situation that much harder, so I decided to suck it up and go with it. Well it those girls were so crunk about being in a new place (with new boys) that they did NOT sleep, there were blasting music, fighting of bed arrangements and simply doing the most.

My way of dealing with my limited Spanish with all these girls talking at once was telling them that this experience was about team building and part of team building is resolving conflicts in a camp and compromising way. Well that worked they figured there stuff out, sure I didn't get to sleep but we had a fairly peaceful house. Even though we weren't supposed to leave our little house until 9:00 am the girls were going crazy with cabin fever so I finally said we could walk around. That's when we met all the lovely people of the Aldea and it was great.

Later I met with the other two youth facilitators and we pretty much had mini meetings all morning. Then we hopped on a bus and left. I was actually in a van with a group of my jovenes from Atacames and again I was alone and in charge. I was with some of the older boys who can be intimidating and they were Certainly testing me. After some strong words and getting upset in English they seemed to calm down and we were good after that. Discipline is SO hard in Spanish!

Once we arrived to the site I was blown away. It was sooooo beauitful. It was a location called "La Finca" and they are used to receiving groups. They provided the tents and items to use for our cook out. The first item of business was ICE BREAKERS...well that and the ground rules of Camp. I had to introduce myself as one of the leaders and that was a bit nerve-racking only because half the kids originally thought I was just another joven, sigh. Once they got that though we were good to go.

The Facilitators were worried about a couple of things 1) That the kids from the two different Aldeas would not get along 2) That they would be cliquey and not mix between the two groups 3) They wouldn't participate with all of their hearts and be too cool for school.

Well the I felt that everyone did a great job at the Dinamicas and people were being really respectful to one another. Next we had tent assignments. Two to a tent..Including ME! That was a bit of drama but it worked out it made for a lot of hilarious encounters. Speaking of hilarious, can I just say there were SO many times I was supposed to be disciplining the kids cause they would be talking out of turn or just doing the most, but it would be so funny I would just have to hide my face so they wouldn't know how funny they are. Argh, those kids especially the ones from my Aldea ALWAYS have something to say and they are actually pretty fun. There is just a time and a place for everything...but man was that a challenge.


We also ran down the schedule and the rules. The biggest event of that night was the COOKOUT! I was SOOOO Excited for this. We put them in mixed groups i.e. boys and girls and from the different Aldeas and told them that the group that worked the best together and who had the best finish product would win. We also informed them that we would be observing them over the next couple of days to see who cooperates the best, who participates the most and who keeps their tent the cleanest... and so the games began.

Building a camp fire can be a challenge anyone who has tried knows that. We were sure our well meaning teens would try a few times and throw in the towel, but that never happened, not once in any group! They were fanning those flames like crazy, choking on smoke and laughing the whole time. It was SOOO great to see.


They were given veggies for a salsa, verdes to cook on the grill and of course Carne! They dug holes in the ground, were given a grate and coal and were told to have at it. The facilitators basically just rotated around giving a hand when needed and observing how everyone worked together. People who got the hang of the fire went to other groups to help them, I was really impressed with them. We also had music going to so dance breaks were a Constant and I was Loving that!

I ended up hanging out with and helping Mesa 4 (table 4) the most. In my opinion they were doing a great job of rotating tasks (not just giving dicing veggies to girls and hard fire work to the boys) and were respectful of each other. They were also closest to the radio and the hammock but SURELY that had nothing to do with it. Plus, I figured if I was going to be eating red meat it should be from the best team. It was funny how the two male facilitators were "taste testing" the meat of Every group to make sure it was okay :)


At the end we went into our big ol' tiki bamboo hut and had a big feast among everyone. It had gone from day to night and everyone had worked hard from their grub and grub we indeed did!



After that it was time for the festivities, Talent show and Mixer. We had a system and those kids let loose!!! Maybe some tried to act shy at first, but there was singing, dancing, maybe even the boys were inspired to some pole dancing? I dunno. What happens at camp stays at camp. All I know is the kids from my Aldea were not holding back and wowed the crowed. I was so proud. The girls are already pretty much a groups so they had plenty of routines to choose from. Our boys...ahem, improvised and had everyone Dying with laughter. Actually it was from that night that one of our boys who is normally incredibly shy broke out of his shell and ended up winning one of the awards at the end. Those are the camp stories I LOVE.

We had sing a longs and then after the singing, dancing and laughter ended we had a Baile or Dance. It was so fun to cut loose and kick it with the kids. I feel like they are the happiest when they are dancing. They just light up and throw caution to the wind. Getting those revved up kids to go to bed was a task. Everyone was hype and love connections were being made. We were close together in our tents so everyone was talking back and forth through their tents, so once again being the adults was not the best position to be in. All thing considered though I think they quieted down at a reasonable time. They were being SO funny though and we were standing outside of the tents covering our mouths and hugging each other trying to muffle our laughs because we were trying to be serious and tell them to go to be but I tell you the stuff that comes out of their mouths!! Ha Ha!







The next day were up bright and early to start the fun all over again. We made breakfast in the same groups and talked about the challenges of making the cookout fires and how that related to life. So Camp, I love it. We also told them how pleased we were overall wit how they worked together. We did some morning exercises which I got to lead and then we went on an epic hike. When we had "hike" on the schedule I thought it was going to be some leisurely stroll over a grassy knoll. No sirma'am. This was a hike in the sun with a beauitful view of the mountains, into a thick forest with no joke inclines and slippery rocks which all culminated at a huge rocky clearing that was just monumental! I could hardly look up at it because I felt like I was going to fall back. That was a rigorous hike but so worth it. I thought there maybe be a lot of complaining but everyone was a good sport about the whole thing. We definitely hung out and rested at the clearing though for a good minute before heading back.




Once we got back we finally got to partake in the event the kids had all been waiting for. The RIO! (the river) They changed into their swim gear and went crazy in the water for about 4 hours. It was a cool river.
There were shallow parts for the beginner swimmers a bridge that had a super strong (and fun) current rushing under it and then deep waters down current. They were all screaming, laughing and helping one another climb up on rocks, grab onto the rope attached to the bridge and inventing new river games to play. It was SO great seeing them all so carefree and happy. I really enjoyed that part. After that we had a grubbin fish lunch before heading back to the Aldea.


Once back at the Aldea we continued the fun. I thought it was going to be an easy night since we were enjoying ourselves playing co-ed soccer and basketball. However, once all the boys came over to our house and starting trouble we had some conflict mediation issues. Of course all in all it worked out, but my co-facilitator almost quit and we almost cancelled the last part of our trip! Drama. At the end though the kids apologized for acting up and we were still on for Monti Cristi the next day.

(trying to wrap this up since I'm just rambing on and on)

We just took the Atacames kids to Monti Cristi and again my co facilitator and I were anticipating it being a challenge just us two maneuvering our kids through the city. Well we were pleasantly surprised by their behavior. We went to a museum and were given a personal tour and the kids were quiet and attentive. They were being obedient and I was really pleased. After seeing other sites in the city we took another short trip to the beach. I didn't know if the kids would care to see ANOTHER beach since they live near the beach in Atacames, but they Loved it...of course.


We once again had a grubbin lunch and the kids were excited to try tiny lobsters for the first time. We took a fabulous boat ride which was amazing. The water was so clear you could see to the bottom in some parts. I wish I had pictures of it, but I was in the Splash Seat so I left with hardly any pics of the boat ride and a pair of sopping wet pants!! After that we had ice creams, kicked it a bit and headed back to Portoviejo to get our bags to head back to Esmeraldas.



There were sometimes I was alone with the kids when we would be waiting on my Co to pay for something or get something and THAT was stressful because just having a bunch of teens sit and wait sometimes up to 30 mintues....whooo weeee. However, we all bonded and I felt the respect of each and every one of them.


As we were waiting for the bus the boys were going through my camera and showing me the girls they liked, who had exchanged phone numbers and Facebook information, I loved it. So cute. I was so ready for the ride back because I pretty much hadn't slept since we left Atacames and I big plans for sleep on the night bus. Well I did get to sleep but I also got Got by one of the teens I let borrow my camera. All is fair in Love and Camp!

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

The Pescadores Outside Are So Loud....

How Loud Are They?...

No but seriously folks... I don't know if I've blogged about it, but I have definitely told the people that I talk to about it. I live next door to a port where the fishermen park their boats. What does that mean? From anywhere from 4:30 am to 8:00 am, those men are outside hee-in', haw-in' and guffawin' all in front of my house and all in big groups after a long night out at sea. They have no regard to the fact that it's the crack of dawn and the rest of the street is sleeping. My house is the main spot people park in front of and post up and get to gut busting, diaphragm resonating loud talking, laughing and yelling. Now always in search of my zen, I have "gotten over" this by accepting what is. If I am jolted out of my sleep at 4:30 am, instead of waking up grumpy and cursing this beautiful life I've been given, I just go outside, or turn on music and mediate. (I think making me some kind of zen master meditating with all that noise, right?) If it's more around 7 or 8 I just give thanks for the natural alarm clock and get up and start my day. I haven't set an alarm since living here because there is really no.need. thanks to them.

Well today, as normal, my piscine-amigos were outside doing The.Most. I was preparing for my day writing some things down and referring to my spanish dictionary. After about an 30 min I was like, man, they are really excited today! After about an hour and half I was like MAN they have kept the volume at a steady 10 without any fluctuation. As I go to the kitchen to grab a banana, I peek out the window only to see AN ACTUAL Parade was going on outside!!!! When it started I don't know. It was then that it dawned on me. Those men are LOUD as Heck sometimes... SO Loud, that when there is an ACTUAL Parade going on outside, I don't even know the difference.

So now you know how "festive" it is over here most mornings. So as you rise and shine this week, instead of grumbling at the alarm clock, just be happy it's not 30 men outside of your window acting like it's an afterset of a party. As for me? I'll just be happy I'm really honing in on my inner peace mediation chops.

Until the next time!

Thursday, November 24, 2011

States Recap

I totally ran out of time to blog about my plan to go to the States. I was awarded, I´ll say, of month leave for extending my service for a year. Before leaving I was so nervous and thought I was going to feel so many things. I started writing a blog about it, but I seen now I never posted it! Whoops! It´s all good though cause I was worried for nothing. The trip was amazballs! I chose to go home in October when there seemed to be a plethora of reunions, that proved to be a GREAT decision.

Saint Louis is my Home of Record so I flew into the Lou and was there for a couple of days. My first few days were really just getting acclimated to being back in the States, Televisions with thousands of channels and seeing my parents. I got a track phone eventually too so that I would be able to communicate with people while I was local. I had a list of people to call while I was in the US but since even moment was filled with visits it didn´t happen. Still coordinating and setting up dates was facilitated 100 fold having a cell phone, unlike that last time I was in the US.

After, finally unpacking and getting myself together it was time to RE-pack for my Cali leg of the trip. I had lots planned for California, my grandma turned 90 (and is still as fiesty as ever) so it was party time and a family reunion all in one. Also, it was time for my sweetie to meet all of my family and for me to meet his friends and fam that live in the Bay. So off to Cali and went and what fun it was. I flew into LA to drive up to Stockton with my sister because that is our tradition. I wish I had been able to have some time in LA but I flew in at midnight and we drove out at 5 am. For Grandma´s celebration we had a host of activities planned such as dinners, lunches, bbqs, bowling, and of course the main event, The Party! We had so much fun and it was so amazing seeing my family. I am really glad I was able to come back to celebrate and see everyone at one time!

The next stop was the Bay. My sweetie came to the party Saturday and graciously came BACK on Monday to swoop me back to his neck of the woods. The night I arrived his mom had invited her friends and family that lived in area and we had a big grand feast. Come to think of it maybe THAT is how I gained a fast 10 lbs while in the States. We ate so much cause it was SOOOO good. It was a fun party with really great people. So that went well. It was really great seeing were my love grew up and went to school and all of those little things. We also went to San Francisco to meet his college roommates and we also got to check out Oakland to visit my Uncle Cousin and one of my friends who is like family to me. Since I am strongly considering moving to Northern California upon my return to the States it was great to hang out and get a feel for the area. Once again, on the Cali let I got to see so many people and met even more, so I considered the Cali let a success as well.

One back in Missouri it was time for Homecoming and the Expressions Reunion! My soros and I have been Deltas for 10 years and even though we felt old, we knew it was time to get together and celebrate. To be able to be with them and participate in this event was so great! My line sister from Sweden also made it, so we came from far and wide for this auspicious occassion. As always it was all screams and hugs when we all saw each other. We stayed at a hotel and had a major slumber party, which we all know I Love!

We had a fabulous dinnner and night out that was planned by my amazing Anchor. It was great because we got our own private room and we were able to go around and catch up on each other´s lives. Getting a recap on 15 people is not easy but hey we had good food and drinks so it was just a joy. Then the next day we got up Bright and Early to drive to Columbia, Missouri to make to the Epsilon Psi Luncheon. I didn´t think we were going to make it but we totally did! We got to meet the current chapter and they are absolutely amazing. They put on a great luncheon and are doing great work, so that was amazing. Mizzou has changed so much! It´s so high class we were all freaking out..in a good way. It was great to see that it´s on the rise and doing well. We made it to the football game which was a great time and then we went to an outside stepshow which was such a highlight for me. It took me back to the old days and we of course were clowing! It was the best time and we even got to do the Founder´s Step and Stroll! I know some of you reading have no idea what I´m talking about, but just know those things all equal a good time and it had been 10 years since I got to do that, especially with my line sisters. We drove back that night (hardcore, right!?) and went our separate ways. I was really proud of us making such an effot to get together. Everyone who wasn´t there was missed but it was so great that so many of us were able to come out.

After that it was serious see your people in STL time. It was all about dinners, lunches, coffees what have you. My ride or die friends came to visit me, my mom had a happy hour for me to see all of her friends, I got to hang out with my besties and it was just a whirlwind of fun. I know one thing, my brain had no problem "switching" to English. It wasn´t even a switch. I kept marveling at how easy it was to talk. I just opened my mouth and spoke. I didn´t have to think about it or figure out how I was going to do it. It just came out. I also ate a TON. I am not joking when I say I gained 10 lbs...easily! I also was taking a GANG of showers and washing my hair about every 4 days. I was obsessed with hot water. I was also washing clothes I knew I wasn´t even going to be wearing. Just how easy the machines were and how fun it was for me to do laundry! That´ll wear off when I come back officially I know.

All in all it was an AMAZING trip. I mean for the limited amount of time I was there I got in a LOT of visit. I even kept it going during my layover in Miami. My Back rushed her work schedule to come pick me up for lunch and cocktails! All in all such a great trip. I got to at least hug so many people but at the same time I knew it was only for a moment and then I was off again which is hard. I got to see my Aunts on both my mom and dad´s side which was special and of course got to spoil my mom´s dog before I left. It was sad leaving, but this trip helped me feel good about going back in a year and to have even more reslove to give this year my all and then come back and be ready to live my life in the US of A.


Until Next time.....

(p.s. by the time you get this post I will be in the wilderness with my teens, which me luck and Give Thanks!)

Monday, November 21, 2011

Rewards & Punishments or Enrichment?

In light of us proposing to take the teens into the wilderness to fend for themselves, arguement has erupted.

This isn´t the first time either.

There seems to be a difference in point of view and I´m trying to see where I stand on the issue.

Before, as readers of this blog know, I was taking the kids to what I called "Enrichment" Classes to a place outside of Atacames. I thought it was great for them to get to leave the premises learn new things, like painting, dancing and even capoiera. However, sometimes when I went to get the kids the madres would tell me their kid wasn´t going to be able to come that day because they were punished. Well the counterpart I was working with on the enrichment program got increasingly annoyed with the fact that we were trying to do something creative and therapuetic and yet the kids (who probably needed it most) were being prevented from coming.

Now the second example comes from a meeting we had last week. We were trying to get a final list of who is coming camping and who isn´t. Again, the same arguement came up. Some of the moms and even office staff feel that some of the teens can´t attend because they are acting up at the Aldea or in school or some aren´t even going to class. The thought is if they are misbehaving in the Aldea they shouldn´t get "rewarded" with being able to go on the trip and instead they should be "punished" for their behavior and not allowed to go. That´ll teach them a lesson!

Others argue that those misbehaving are the ones in need of leaving getting out and doing something different. They are teens let´s not forget. A time in ones life when no one understands you and you have a LOT going on internally. This camping trip is not meant to be a 5 star reward experience, it´s supposed to be a team buildling and learning experience.

However, those against it do bring up a good point, that how are the kids going to not go to school and do what they want when they want and then get an all expense paid trip to spend the weekend away. Do we really want to "reward" that behavior? Or is it really an reward?

I am pretty sure I am a fan of the "enrichment" experience. I know that the kids that the office and some of the madres point out as the "problem" kids work with me just fine and I know they are the ones who have told me they feel trapped, like they have no freedom etc. You know...teen stuff. I think first of all, if they were not allowed to go they would just act out more and second of all, camping is no walk in the park either! I think maybe there could be some criteria, such as, if you don´t go to school you can´t participate in the jovenes programming. However, as far as talking back and not doing the laundry I think is teen stuff and not grounds for preventing the jovenes from participating in the programs designed specifically for them to get out and expand their horizons.

I´m not youth expert though, that´s why I´m here learning? Those of you who work with kids or are just good with kids, what do you think?

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Taking the Teens Camping!! Thanksgiving with a Twist

So I have jumped right back into work and things have changed a bit. I am going to start work more closely with jovenes (i.e. the teens) . The idea is that they will one day, soon, be leaving the ofanato and they need to be prepared for the real world. THe means doing things outside of the safe walls of the Aldea and learning different skills.

My first task is going to be doozey. It would be in any situation but when you layer it with me having to speak Spanish I look to the heavens and ask "how am I going to pull THIS off?"

For the weekend of Thanksgiving I have been charges with taking the jovenes camping! Now anyone who knows me knows I actually love camping so I am pretty stoked about it but also freaked out. There are going to be between 20-22 teenagers and myself plus another (totally capable) facilitator. We are taking a bus Thursday or friday night (details still up in the air) Traveling to the Campos of Porto Viejo and spending TWO nights in tents. We will be cooking outside and becoming one with nature! These kids are use to CITY living and I just can´t even imagine how they are going to react, but I know it´s going to be dramatic.

Like I said I´m apprehensive but at the same time it´s kinda a dream come true, so I am hoping to take tons of photos and hopefully will have funny stories and hopefully some breakthroughs as well.

Sunday, November 13, 2011

Back from the States!

What up Loves!

I´m back from spending a fabulous month in the US of A. I went to Saint Louis, Columbia, San Francisco, Vallejo, Oakland, Stockton...the list goes on. The point is I am back, but without internet and no pictures uploaded. So if everyone could be patient with me I will do my best to give a detailed run down with pics as soon as I can. I just hadn´t written in awhile and I wanted to let everyone know I´m here alive and kickin. As alway, stay tuned for updates!

xoxo

Friday, September 23, 2011

5 Ways I'm Still the Same

Earlier in the Week I listed a few ways that I had definitely changed as a result of living here as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Ecuador. Well, here I present to you...

5 ways I am still the same old me!


1. I still Love my planner. - while I can go with the flow, I definitely still love to make my list, I rely on my planner and I actually still make plans even though I know the people around me aren't as steadfastly scribbling in their own agendas. I see now that after all this time this is a habit/ritual/personality trait that isn't going away.

2. In that same vein, I still look at my watch. Even though I know time isn't honored or monitored in the same way, I still find myself asking "what time is it" to which most people do not know because it doesn't matter. Sure it matters if it's the mañana (morning) or the tarde (afternoon), generally speaking, but that fact that it's 2:37 definitely does not matter to anyone but me. I don't know I always care what time it is, but I guess that's just my US ways drilled into my being.

3. I still love my "me" time. - Here the culturally appropriate thing to do is to never walk alone, be alone and to always chop it up with your neighbors. Me? I love having ME time. Time to sit by myself and do whatever is my hearts content. In fact if I don't get that time I get anxious and irritable. After ALL this time I should have been able to get with the program of being around people all the time (especially as a single female because that's the expectation) and while I've gotten better with being "neighborly" I still love/require my "me" time.

4. Language Resistance - While I do give myself a shout out for being able to communicate in Spanish, I feel like my brain is VERY resistant against taking the full plunge into the language. I live in a country where Spanis his spoken Everywhere All The Time. This isn't one of those countries that while Spanish is the official language you hear plenty of English too. I very much still form my thoughts in English and then try to translate them into Spanish before speaking. When will I start dreaming in Spanish? When will my thoughts flow in Spanish first and not require the extra step of translating? In thinking along the lines of Zhaungzi I feel at some point I should go from a Volunteer who is translating English thoughts to Spanish, to a Spanish thought that is Expressing itself as a Volunteer. Ha! Hey, it's a stretch but that's the only way I can explain how I feel about it :)

5. Style! I want some! I have spent two years wearing frumpy, hole-filled threads to deflect attention, appear modest and stay thrifty. Well, lately that has just depressed me. I know in a machismo filled society I shouldn't be showing my knees or wear anything that would even give a hint to my shape, but how many times can you a) be asked if you're pregnant and b) wear the same tent like gear before you go nuts. I'm going to the states soon and I think I am going to have to upgrade my wardrobe for the next year. I am going to try to make it as modest and non attention grabbing as possible, but man girls just wanna have fun and I want to have some style! (materialistic american much?) Hey I can have only 5 outfits, I just don't want those 5 outfits to be tents, trash bags and maternity wear!

The end :)

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

5 Ways I've Totally Changed...

While reflecting about spending another year in Ecuador I was thinking, man I have really changed and then at the same time I was like, no... I have my old ways about me and really haven't changed a bit....

So I don't know, you be the judge. I feel that in the beginning I was so stuck on integrating that I didn't even know what my own opinions were anymore. What food did I prefer, how do I walk, dress etc... now I feel like, I've tried the cuisine, seen the daily routines and now I've finally reached the middle of the road...whatever that is. I can't decide..have I tried a new thing on, abandoned it and started doing my own thing? Or am I just in a different country and finally comfortable in my own skin?

I'm still figuring it out but here are

5 Ways I Have Definitely Changed:

1. I Speak Spanish Now! - when I left the country I pretty much felt comfortable with Hola, Adios and Gracias so the fact that I can hold a conversation no matter how basic is still an accomplishment!

2. I can Cook! - Matter of survival? Who knows, but on a Peace Corps budget you're not able to go out and eat all the time plus if you want the kinds of food you like....sometimes you have to DIY! I'd like to take this time to give a big thanks to "Buen Provecho"

3. More Mellow- I like to think that I've mellowed out some. My days used to start with me making a 45 action item to do list. Now I have learned (though the lesson was a toughie to get!) that things move at a much slower pace and to just go with the flow. I am no comfortable with accomplishing 1 to 2 things daily ;o)

4. Soy pilas-this one I'm not sure yet if it's a positive or a negative. "Pilas" in Spanish means aware, savvy, dare I say even street smart. While I do NOT give myself a street cred badge just yet, I do know that I no longer walk around with my head in the clouds, I am aware of my surroundings (even though sometimes there is nothing I can do, I always see it comin...) and I'm always ready. I mean before I left the states stuffing my bra, shoes, socks, pants, you name it with money, keys and other valuables just to leave the house, was a behavior I never even knew existed...now, I know that it's a necessary precaution. That's a definite 180 for me. I would say

4b. Just to piggy back off of #4, If would have known that I now have to be so pilas, I would have NEVER thought that I would happily live in a place where all of that is necessary. So 3 gold stars for that!!

5. No longer scared of kids! I used to be scared of kids in so many ways. How do you make them happy? What if they don't like you? How do you relate to them? etc. The list goes on. Those fears also affected the way I thought about having some of my own! Now, while I'm no expert, I feel perfectly comfortable with the unpredictability that comes with hanging out and working with kids!


Stay tuned for 5 ways I haven't at all changed or tried, but am just stuck in my old ways...

Friday, September 16, 2011

Field Day @ The Aldea




















Just some pictures I came across when the Aldea had a soccer tournament and we also had a presentation of the first two months of classes we had with Via Via. So much fun! It's hard for me to do Piccture Blogs on Blogger cause it's hard to gauge what photos will fit were, so excuse the haphazardness of it all. Enjoy :)












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