Recap

I know it’s been awhile. And, I promise to start writing regularly again soon. It’s just been a crazy, busy few weeks. So here are the recaps.

Getting my women’s group together was a nightmare, but it finally happened and it was actually really successful. Ten women came (we invited fifteen), a high turnout; we discussed pelvic exams and cervical cancer. Everyone had a lot to contribute. It was so nice to finally be working with a group of adults for once; no one was shouting and interrupting, and everyone was actively participating. All of the struggles of daily school life disappeared. I mean, yeah women showed up with their kids, but that aside, I actually felt as ease for the first time in awhile. Hopefully these meetings will continue. So far so good. My health promoter is a big flake, but during the meeting she was amazing. I couldn’t have pulled it off without her. So, to be continued…

I had an end of the year meeting with my teachers. The results are as follows. My plan, still stands, to finish the library by the time school resumes in mid-January. I’m working on fixing my computers that are old and infected with viruses. Wish me luck. I am planning on holding a two week intensive computer workshop in January with my teachers to prepare them to teach their own computer classes the following year. For next year, I’m continuing my life skills course, como planear mi vida, I’m turning my HIV/AIDS course into a sexual health and education course, and I’m beginning and environmental class with the younger grades whom I’ve yet to work much with, so I’m excited about that.

This last week I spent a tremendous amount of time finishing up scholarship applications for some of my kids to go to high school. The applications were long and detailed. It required essays, recommendations from teachers, and recommendations from me. And per usual, it took forever to get everyone’s information in order, even before I began my contribution. But, at last I finally got everything together and delivered the applications to San Salvador on Saturday. A select few of you readers will be contacted to donate to the scholarship organization (sorry in advance), but no pressure. It’s called MJD (women and youth in development, mujeres y jovenes en desarrollo) and I had to include five contacts in order for the application to be processed. Anyway, six of my kids applied and I’m hoping at least one will receive the scholarship. Also, those other, non select few can feel free to donate too, just let me know and I’ll send you the info (you can do it online through Peace Corps). The more money we get, the more scholarships we can give out (they’re for high school and college). Okay, I’m done begging for money.

In the meantime, I’m working on my next women’s group meeting, planning for my Summer English course, set to start on November 23rd, and I’m getting together some of the students from my 8th and 9th grade HIV/AIDS courses to help me put on an event for World AIDS Day, December 1st. Post December 1st, I’m planning for my vacation time in the States!!!

Moving on, my indoor creature following has increased. Adding to the list of frogs, lizards, snakes, scorpions, rats, and bats, we have tarantulas and giant slimy salamander-like somethings (a new lizard breed, the old ones were smaller and less terrifying). I’m sure I’ll be able to add to the list soon.

-Kristina