¿Y Entonces...?

Today and tomorrow were supposed to mark a two day "capacitacion" or training for a group of 25 "brigadistas" or health volunteers (see how much Spanish you can learn when reading my posts?!). I arrived at the Hospital/Centro de Salud (they're in the same location in Jalapa) at 8, met up with my "colega" or counterpart and we waited for everyone to show up. At about 8:15 we had about 6 brigadistas show up. Fifteen minutes later about 3 more came. The bulk of the group was supposed to be coming from Managua, a 6 hour bus ride away.

...back up. I forgot to mention that we are in Semana Santa. The holy week. If they don't have the entire week off, people typically work until Wednesday and take Thursday thru Sunday off to enjoy their families, friends, and tend to do so near a body of water because it's HOT.

With that said, we probably could understand why the Manguans didn't show. At about 8:45 we said farewells to the brigadistas that DID show up (we gave them parting candies for their time) and decided to take a free day the rest of the day. We are, however, going to have another training on Sunday in which we travel to different areas where people will be for the holiday (rivers, local pools, etc.).

So I pretty much have the whole week off. Cool! I had a feeling it was going to be a slow first week in site, especially because of the holiday. I have been keeping myself busy, though!

Yesterday I went for a four mile run to test out the conditions and trails near me. I can run along side the main highway, where a lot of other women run, and it's perfectly safe. Getting there from my house is fun, though. I need to find the streets where the stray dogs DON'T come running after me so I don't have to slow down to a walk. I also learned that I need to run EARLY. At 7 in the morning it was hot and humid already; oy vey!

I've also bought some groceries (though I'm probably going to be stocking up again before the weekend). I'm becoming domesticated! I even made tortillas by myself! I'll be cooking all my own meals so I'll be helping the Dona pay for the gas I use.

Also, the electricity and water have been spotty these last two days. Yesterday and this morning, I took my first bucket baths! This morning I took it in the dark because the lights have been out all day. As a matter of fact, there WAS internet when I started this post about 5 minutes ago (6:17), and now I'm writing it offline...waiting for the electricity to come back. Let's time it and see when it comes back!

It's back! 6:24 now. Not too shabby! The water is still out, but that's ok!

That's all for now, I believe. Have a great Semana Santa (if you celebrate)!

WASHINGTON, D.C., Oct. 13, 2011 – Peace Corps volunteer Jamie Nations of Lorton, Va., helped build the first two pedestrian bridges in her rural community in Nicaragua. Nations organized the planning and construction of bridges that provide access to the local school, health center, children’s food bank, and the main highway. One bridge was completed in September 2011 and the other in June 2011.



“The two rivers in my community are constantly flooded during the rainy season, making it too dangerous for my students to come to school. Class attendance dropped by almost 50 percent from May to October,” said Nations, a Peace Corps Education volunteer who has been in service since 2009. “I quickly realized this was a huge problem in my community, not only for the education of my students, but also for mothers taking their children to the food bank for their only meal of the day and seniors seeking medical care at the health center.”

Construction began on the first bridge on April 11 and was completed on June 14. Nations worked with the community, volunteers from the University of Iowa, and another organization to construct the 37-meter (121.3-feet) bridge out of steel cable, concrete, wood, metal fencing, and rocks. Construction began on the second bridge on July 11 and was completed on September 14. Nations secured funding from the Peace Corps and U.S. Agency for International Development Small Project Assistance (SPA) program to construct the bridge using materials such as gabion, rocks, railroad tracks and wood.



“My community had been looking for means to build these bridges for 15 years and now it’s a reality. It is a gift to be able to see how these amazing people will progress and prosper because of the construction of these two bridges,” continued Nations.

The bridges are located approximately one kilometer (0.6 mile) apart and connect the community to the central highway.

About Peace Corps/Nicaragua: More than 2,020 Peace Corps volunteers have served in Nicaragua since the program was established in 1968. Volunteers in this Central American nation work in the areas of Small business development, community-based environmental education, sustainable food security, HIV/AIDS and maternal child health, and teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL) education. Many volunteers work through the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) program to address HIV/AIDS issues. Currently, 218 volunteers are serving in Nicaragua. Volunteers are trained and work in Spanish.

-Peace Corps

:D

YAY!!!!!

C/S America departing in mid-January to work in programs involving HIV/AIDS, malaria and nutrition*!

I have looked at the Peace Corps Wiki site and it could be Nicaragua (Jan 10), Panama (Jan 10), or Ecuador (Jan 18)!

We we so excited!!!!!

Who’s qualified for Peace Corps service as of today? Who should be getting an INVITATION within the next two weeks?

THIS GIRL!

It was a short interview, maybe 10 minutes, and boy was I sweating “um” bullets!

Questions I was asked:

• You have been actively applying since March. Are you still interested in the Peace Corps? What motivates you to seek a service position as a Peace Corps Volunteer?


• What experience have you gained since applying for the Peace Corps? Have you been in touch with fellow applicants/volunteers?
  


• Often, Volunteers are placed a fair distance from each other when based in rural areas. How would you handle possibly feeling isolated in this situation?


• When is the earliest you available for departure?


• Are you flexible to travel anywhere, even if that doesn’t include your original nomination?


•  Has your email or mailing address changed – or will it in the near future?


• Have you had any legal incidents or changes to your medical status since you submitted their application?


• What has been the response of your family and friends to your decision? How do you feel you will cope with the separation from family/friends for 27 months?


• Can you ride a bike? Can you walk long distances in heat?


• Are you worried about safety concerns?

YAY!!!!!

WASHINGTON, D.C., Oct. 7, 2011 – President Barack Obama announced the re-opening of a Peace Corps program in Tunisia. This announcement was made during President Obama’s meeting today with Tunisian Prime Minister Beji Caid el Sebsi, attended by Peace Corps Director Aaron S. Williams.

“We are honored that the government of Tunisia has asked Peace Corps to re-open our program in Tunisia,” said Director Williams. “The return of the Peace Corps to Tunisia offers our countries the opportunity to resume a partnership with a long and productive history. This Peace Corps program will contribute to the Obama Administration’s efforts to support the Tunisian people by working side by side on important education and economic initiatives.”

The first group of Peace Corps volunteers is scheduled to arrive in Tunisia in 2012. Volunteer assignments will focus on English language training and youth skills development. These two programs will build local capacity and help prepare Tunisian students and professionals for future employment.

Between 1961 and 1996, nearly 2,500 Americans served as Peace Corps volunteers in Tunisia, working in the fields of agriculture, architecture, education, health, and rural and urban community development.

About the Peace Corps: President John F. Kennedy established the Peace Corps on March 1, 1961, by executive order. Throughout 2011, Peace Corps is commemorating 50 years of promoting peace and friendship around the world. Historically, more than 200,000 Americans have served with the Peace Corps to promote a better understanding between Americans and the people of 139 host countries. Today, 8,655 volunteers are working with local communities in 76 host countries. Peace Corps volunteers must be U.S. citizens and at least 18 years of age. Peace Corps service is a 27-month commitment. Visit www.peacecorps.govfor more information.