Spring!

Today is the first day of spring here in the Southern Hemisphere, first day of fall for all you up in the North. It’s weird to think that winter just ended because it’s been ridiculously hot the past couple weeks. Paraguay does not conform to anything, not even the movement of the planets apparently.

Yesterday I went to the school to talk with the Director about starting charlas (short lessons) with the kids. I had kind of been neglecting the school for the past couple of months, I’m not sure why. When I first got here and was visiting the school regularly I always ended up sitting in a circle with the teachers while the talked about me in Guarani. It was uncomfortable but now I’m too the point where I understand more Guarani and sitting in a group of people not understanding much doesn’t really bother me anymore. So yesterday I decided to give the school another chance.

I thought I was planning strategically when I showed up near the end of the day so I wouldn’t get stuck talking with the teachers about my lack of a Paraguayan boyfriend for hours. But of course, nothing really ever goes as planned here. I talked to the Director for a few minutes and then he said, “by the way, you’re just in time for the meeting with the commission de padres (like a PTA). Would you like to say a few words or do you want me to talk?” I told him it didn’t matter. I did end up in a circle of women discussing my relationships, or lack thereof, but it was brief and the meeting began. A representative from PLAN (an NGO that works in many countries worldwide) talked about what they could do for our community. It was in Guarani so I zoned out. Then after about an hour the Director got up and said that I would like to say a few words. Crap. I had no idea what he wanted me to say so I just babbled on a bit about how I would be teaching their kids how to brush their teeth and that this summer I would be having a couple of summer camps for the kids. The end.

After the meeting I hung around for a bit and chatted with people. The Director was already planning on cancelling school for today because it was going to rain. And sure enough last night the storm started and it hasn’t stopped raining since! Volunteers love rain days. School is cancelled because the dirt roads have turned into muddy rivers and no one leaves their houses. It gives us a chance to rest, read a book, stare at the wall, without feeling like we are neglecting our community. I love my community but sometimes it’s nice to shut all my doors, think in English again and relax.

Work-wise, like I said before, I’ll be starting charlas in the school next week. I’m starting with dental health for 4 weeks. I’m also teaching the teachers how to make homemade detergent. I’ll also be working with the assistant director to get fluoride and parasite pills for all the kids in the school for next year and putting together a first aid kit with help from the hospital in Santani. Summer break starts in about 5 weeks, lots to do before then!