Hi friends!
I thought that it was probably time to update this with news from Alubaren! I am currently approaching my third month in site and am truly having a blast. I just feel unbelievably lucky to get to live a life full of adventure and beautiful kids and swimming holes and, well, I’m just seriously blessed. I am realizing that I am absolutely terrible at updating this blog with actual facts and details of my life here so here’s my best try. ☺
I am still living with my host family, a delightfully full and chaotic house that consists of my mom, Robertina, a teacher in the primary school, and my 4 host siblings, who range in ages from 22 to 3. In addition, my mom is currently renting out the extra rooms in the house to a mysterious man named Don Jorge, who in my two months I’ve only seen once when we happened to be brushing our teeth at the same time, and Jorgito, who lives in the room next to mine with his wife and 2 year old daughter. Add to the mix my mom’s boyfriend who visits on weekends and the mountain of aunts, uncles, and cousins that pop in every day and you’ll have a glimpse of my homelife. Thank goodness I love people, because I can imagine that for some, sharing a living space with 11 other people might seem like hell. I love it though! It’s a little bit hectic when sharing the one shower and bathroom, but absolutely never boring. I’ll probably live here ‘till January, and will then move into my own place, as my visitors will need somewhere to stay (i.e. seeester visit-February 2011-partayyyyyy!!). so that’s the fam.
As for work, we are currently starting summer vacation, so the past week has been a whirlwind of school parties and graduation ceremonies. I finished up Yo Se Leer, handed out diplomas, and listened to precious speeches by the parents, who are thrilled that their children can now read. With the school closing ‘till Feb, I’ll be switching my focus to the NGO in town and the centro de salud. Oh. And baseball. Las Panteras started training this week, and I can say that it was an unequivocal disaster. Ok. Those of you reading this that know me are aware of my limited knowledge when it comes to sports. So teaching baseball (a ridiculously stupidly technical sport), in Spanish, with VERY limited resources is an adventure in itself. In addition to these obstacles, my jugadores often arrive to practice with their younger siblings in tow, so while attempting to lead drills (lifted from the Cal Ripken Jr. guide on “Coaching Youth Baseball, The Ripken Way”, thanks dad!), I have 2 year olds dancing in batting helmets and trying on the catchers gear. Oh, and there are often the 8 year olds who, bitter about the fact that they’re one year shy of the required age to play, shoot off firecrackers in the hills behind the field. So, I don’t think it’s any shock that I am coming to dread MWF 3-5pm.
In addition to baseball, I’ll continue to do the pregnant women’s charlas in the health center and will be working more closely with ADACAR, especially in regard to utilizing the local library. Aside from my official work with my counterparts, I’ve continued to spend time with Doña Marta, the town matriarch, who feeds me and attempts to marry me off to various men that she has deemed as handsome, worthy suitors. Awkward, but endearing. I’ve also been to two quincenearas and the superawesome receptions that followed. There was a lot of sitting in silence and trying not to notice the fact that I was being stared at like some sort of tall blonde alien. Annnnd then there was dancing, where I found myself assaulted by young males smelling like cheap liquor who were curious about my marital status and my interest in finding a latino boyfriend. I’m not sure that I ever want to repeat that experience, so I might be skipping out on the receptions from now on. I also find time to hang out my posse of kids who keep me busy playing in the park and in the river.
So really, life here is abundantly more than I ever could have hoped for. I leave my house every morning and am greeted with shouts from the kids next door, hugs from the old ladies selling tortillas, and invitations to come in and have a cup of coffee from the families that I’ve come to know during my two months. In short, this choice to come and live here for two years has yet to feel like a sacrifice. I’ve received so many letters commending me on my decision to give up the luxuries of the States, and while I definitely appreciate the mail and the warm thoughts, I don’t feel like I’ve given much up. I absolutely miss my family and friends. I miss being able to effortlessly express my thoughts and moods. But, along with the luxuries, I’ve gotten to give up the ridiculously rapid pace of life in the US, the prioritization of monetary success over community, the tendency to live each day burdened with a mountain of obligations and stress. I don’t mean this to sound preachy or self righteous. I am aware that my choice to live here for two years is only possible because of the sacrifices that others have made for me. I simply wanted to marvel at the fact that my supposed sacrifice rarely feels as such.
I miss you guys so so very much, especially my amazing family (Hamricks included) from whom I’ve gotten a package every single week. Thank you mom and aunt tonda and mrs. Liz-I love you guys to pieces-know that your craft supplies and brownie mixes have been enjoyed by an entire pueblo full of beautiful kids. Also, to all that have written me letters-they lift my spirits and bring me so much joy. Thank you thank you thank you!!!!
Love, love, love.
Margaret
P.S. it’s Thanksgiving today as I post this! Mi familia-I love you guys so so incredible much. You’re so much of the reason why I’m here, why I’m able to live out this adventure. On the hard days, I know that I have your support and am daily strengthened and encouraged by your words and your belief in me.