Sunday, September 23, 2007

A change in the wind...

I havent been as current with this blog as I would have liked, I have found it easier just to send email updates so if you are someone that is not on that email list and would like to be, just let me know.

It is a chilly windy day in Sta Lucia. I just returned from my site visit to Tutule, La Paz. My new home for the next two years. It was a lot of fun, it was awkward, I was nervous, I was excited, I was a mess but it was over all really good.

My site is pretty. I wouldnt say it is gorgeous, but I live in a flat of a mountain. There is a ton of green trees and vegetation around. I really havent gotten a chance to explore as much as I would have liked, but I guess I have two years to do that.

It was really weird to think about it being my home, so I decided I won't look at it that way for awhile, just way day at a time.

My host family is really really nice and I am very fortunate to be living with them. I feel like I have already made some friends in my site and I am looking forward to going back this friday after I am officially sworn in as a volunteer!

Look at honduras, Hondu 11 is coming through!

Thursday, July 26, 2007

One day at a time

Overall life has been pretty good for me. I am starting to gain more confianza with people in my training class and that is helping me a lot with adjusting. I also finished my second charla or presentation in Spanish. I spoke about Los Mayas and I did enjoy researching that.

For breakfast this morning they made me cinnamon bread french toast and it was soo amazing I can{t even express!!

I did find out that we leave for FBT ( Field Based Training) on Aug 7 and that will be for 6 weeks. I heard we will not have regular if any access to the internet...so if there are some gaps in communication that is why..so maybe look into that phone card??

I also learned more about how Honduran education is perceived and what are common practices and that will a challenge into learning how to adapt to a whole other way of looking at education. Right now I feel grateful for the way I grew up.

Our total people who ET (early terminated) is up to 4 people. One more and we will have already reached 10%. Overall I can respect and understand people{s decision for leaving...but it still is hard to have them go.

Still one day at a time and patience....
Sam

Sunday, July 22, 2007

Mi nueva vida

Im here, I made it, I cant figure out how to use the apostrophe on this keyboard.

This challenge that I knew I would be facing is one that has already challenged me in ways that I did not think were possible. I also know that I am just at the tip of the iceburg and I need to be patient with myself.

It is hard to start a whole new life when the one you left behind you loved and enjoyed so much. It is also hard to know that everyone else is moving on and growing forward without me.

I actually have some hw to prepare for because I have to give a 15 minutre charla or presentation in Spanish about some technical skill...um..I dont even think I could do that in English..so any ideas that you might have would be great!

Breathe in and Out..
Sam

Tuesday, July 10, 2007

and I'm off...

So tonight is my last night in DC. I have only been here a little over one day but I really like this town. I have meet sooo many interesting people and hopefully some potential good friends in the mix.

I leave for Honduras in 4 hours. 4!!! Unbelievable!!! All this planning and thinking about it and it is here! We meet our host families tomorrow too....soo many emotions soo little time. I also want to go hang out with other trainees, I want to see the new Harry Potter movie and I also want to sleep a little too...there is just no way I can do it all.

My last meal in the states was Lebanese cuisine and it was really really good...hopefully pictures will be posted soon!

There is so much going on that it is hard to process it all so I think I will just need to give myself the time I need. Much more to come I know...

Sunday, July 1, 2007

It's Been One Week...

Yesterday was my Graduation/Bon Voyage Celebration. I could not have asked for a more wonderful day. So many people came out to share their love and support for me in this endeavor. I tried to soak as much of the day in as possible as a sort of "shield" to protect me when times get rough. I feel truly blessed to have so many people in my life who care about me. Thank you to everyone!
***
Now I have one week until I leave. 7 days. Seven. Holy cow, I am really just beginning to let that sink in. I still have lots of packing to do. I still have lots of...everything to do. I think when all is said and done...I will be ready. I am prepared (trying) for anything. Bring it on Peace Corps. Bring it on Honduras. Bring it on Life. Wish me luck.