First Talk

Well I addressed the community on Monday and I think it went well. I even went away from the script and spoke about some other things: like the fact that the last volunteer and I are different people, so our cultures are also different.  I talked about how well they had done with the water project and how I hope our next project is equally successful; but that in order for it to be I would need their help. I also explained that I didn't know their culture so if I did something taboo please be patient and teach me. The people here are AMAZING and I just really hope I can help them.

Also later in the day a Peace Corps rep came and talked with them as a community about peace corps. He got some key things they need to understand.  First: Peace Corps has invested a lot into the safety and security of their volunteers.  Second: Peace Corps gives us a small stipend to buy soap and things but they don't pay us. (There are some aid agencies here who pay their workers big salaries).  Third: I'm here to help empower them to do things, not do it for them. (Main reason I love Peace Corps)  Fourth: I am allergic to gluten so don't feed me Western food, feed me only things from the garden. No more. (PS someone send me gluten-free pretzels. I miss them more than ice cream! lol)  Fifth: Each volunteer is their own person so don't compare me to the last one. Work with my strengths and I'll work with theirs. Sixth: (and I think it's cool he explained this to them) In the US we treat animals kindly and it makes us cross to see them beaten. (My host family is AMAZING with animals. They feed the cat when they eat and have yet to hit it in front of me. They have 4 dogs who look thin but they are treated kind)

All in all I think they have a great understanding of Peace Corps expectations, and they have seen what community work can do. (The last Peace Corps volunteer, Jazzy, helped them get water taps which are gravity fed from the river.) Our goal is to work on toilets for every house, starting with mine!!

Until next time

Jump in the Jungle