SEIS MESES!!!

24-03-06

6 MONTHS! March 23rd made six months in country. 21 months left…. What have I learned since stepping off that plane in September? Too much to explain in a blog. I have become much more humble if anything. It’s the poverty I see, the mistreatment of women and children, the pollution, the alcoholism, the uneducated, and the illiterate. How can one country be so rich, so powerful and another be struggling to survive? These past months have made me examine my one personal life in the states. I’ve thought about how much water I’ve wasted, how much money I’ve spent on superfluous items, and how significant the inequalities between my home and theirs. And yet Peruvians continue pushing through life, struggling to make ends meet, staying optimistic.

I’m beginning to learn more about the national government here. As the presidential election closes in on us (April 9th) I hear nothing but talk of the candidates, their affiliate parties, dirty laundry and the history of political corruption. It’s hard to know who’s correct or if “the better party” even exists. The recent elections of Evo Morales in Bolivia and Michelle Bachelet in Chile has sparked interest in locals, especially because Morales is the first indigenous president since the mid 1800´s (last being Mexico’s Benito Juarez) and Bachelet being female. Of the three top Peruvian candidates (there are 23 in total!) one is a very strong female candidate named “Lourdes Flores”. She is currently well favored, but because she is from money people think she will only make change for the rich. I ask, aren’t all three top candidates from money? And the response I get is that of a light bulb going off in their heads…I just hope that Lourdes doesn’t get the boot just because of her gender, due to machismo. Another candidate (who is the people’s choice!) is likely to remove us from Perú if he is elected. I can’t imagine. Let’s hope that doesn’t happen, I would hate to have to finish my service in another country after living here for 6 months!

The first week of March was the last week of summer break for the local kids. I decided to run a kid’s camp to celebrate the summer and get them thinking about learning again. The camp ran four days, M-Th from 9am-12am. Each day was subject to a different topic within the framework of “OUR HEALTH”. We learned about hygiene and hand washing, nutrition, dental health, and the environment. I included as many games, art, music and ice breakers as possible. The kids ranged from 7-13 years old. I had between 7-10 kids each day. In looking back, I think it was a very rewarding week for me. I got advice and ideas from Ana, but organized and supervised the kids solo. Next time I’ll ask for an assistant from an older kid or one of the volunteer health promoters. I’m thinking about starting a weekly youth group to tackle more complex issues, like reproductive health, self esteem, gender roles, domestic violence, etc. See pictures!

I went to Lima on the 9th and stayed for a week. It was wonderful to leave my site, leave the department of La Libertad and take a break in the most developed part of the country. I got together with the small group of gay/lesbian volunteers. This was fulfilling as we shared personal experiences, offered advice to each other and caught up on some glbt related flicks such as “Brokeback Mountain” and “Trans-America”. If anything these few days gave me the opportunity to “vent” to others who understand exactly where I’m coming from.

The rest of the week was also memorable. Juan and I attended a PC training about counterparts. (This is what PC calls host country nationals who work directly with the American volunteer) We presented a power point presentation about our town, and what we’ve been doing since I arrived in Dec. I also had the opportunity to hear from other volunteers about their sites, and work.

Next week I’m beginning a series of home health visits in the town south of us. See PIC of sunset. With help, I will be interviewing every family (totaling 60?) about their specific health practices, the paperwork is overwhelmingly complete. It includes family make up, primary means of income, family communication, a house assessment, and current health concerns. From this information we will choose 10 families to work with for the next year. We’ll put every effort into promoting health habits, preventing disease and educating through pictures, skits, and group activities.

Jenni and Bill arrive during semana santa (second week of april), and will visit Machu Picchu (hella´ jealous!), then head north to see me and spend a couple of days in my town. I’m extremely excited to have visitors especially my sister. I’m very curious to hear what they think about Perú and witness their reactions!