Its official!Yesterday my host sister and another girl from the neighborhood helped me move into my new apartment. It is amazing how time flies. It seems like only yesterday I arrived at my host family's door with my luggage. Now, 3 months later, I am here, with my puppy, in my own apartment. Today Michel and I went into the pueblo to buy some stuff for the apartment. I bought a table stove, clorox, towels, cubetas, some food,light bulbs some other little things. I am waiting until next month to get the fridge. Later this week I will go to the hardware store to buy planks of wood. I want to mount lots of shelves around. The apartment is small and shelves will take up minimal space. I am so excited to finally have my own space. Living with my host family was great, but it was time for me to move on. I know I will be over there at least once a week though. They hav been really supportive of me during everything and I know I can count on them! They helped me out with the bed, two plastic chairs, and light bulbs! Yes, I do have electricity (whenever there is luz of course) And I also have running water (also whenever there is luz) My set up is actually pretty nice. I have two entraces, a bedroom, a living room, and a small kitchen and bathroom. There is also an outdoor sink out back. The back yard is really big and has some orange and platano trees too. It think there may be some mango trees as well! Cant wait for mango season! Now it is just a matter of be accomadating all of my things. Right now everything is still pakced because without the shelves, there really is no where to put my things. But thats okay. It was so funny to see peoples reactions to my moving in yesterday. The conversation always went the same...."Ya te mudaste verdad?" >>> "Si, hoy mismo, hace como 2 horas nada mas.">>>>"Y tu companera? Esta ahi?" >>>> "Ay no, ella era alergica a Esencia...Nada mas vivimos yo y Esencia en la casa?>>>>"QUE?!!! Vives sola?!!!" >>>> "No...con Esencia...nunca estoy sola">>>>"Ay dios mio...ten cuidado con los ladrones...no le habras a nadie...Ay dios...Solita" .... Here NO ONE lives alone...It just isnt part of the culture. I always take opportunitites such as the one I described to explain to people that in some parts of the world it is perfectly normal to live alone. Even for women. I am glad I could introduce them to this idea though. I really do feel safe here too. My neighbor is super nice and is always home since she has 4 kids and must take care of them. Last night, at around 7:30pm she yelled my name out because "no me sentia" (she didnt hear me) and she wanted to make sure I was okay. Talk about looking out! So, friends and family...please do not worry about me...Even though, voy a dormir sola...OH and please do not hesitate to send any house warming gifts! :)....portraits...towels...chocolate...posters...movies...music...pillows...candles...you know whatever!
On another note. Our 3 month service traning was last week and it also went really well. I took a young girl from my community with me and we presented the community diagnostic to the other volunteers and some peace corps officials. Everyone really liked it and I enjoyed learning about what everyone else has planned for the next two years! Now with this diagnostic business behind, it is time to get to work. I am starting 3 girl's groups, a women's group, and 2 english classes in about two weeks!I will also be spending some time at the school where I going to see if I cant incorportate a book club and art club as well. Why not before two weeks you might ask? Well, because my mother, grandmother, and aunt will be in town!!! YAY! They arrive on Saturday actually. I cannot wait to see them. I miss them so much. And I cant wait to have some good old Dunkin Donuts French Rolls either! They are only staying for a week, but I will take it! Saturday needs to hurry up already!
Check out the photos link for pictures of yesterday's move!
What a wonderful experience was to meet your host families and to lively be in your community. The community of Boruga Abajo in San Cristobal is as beautiful as it could be. The people was exceptional. The tour you gave us was amazing it was breathtaking. We loved it. I can't wait to go there again, see you in March. Thanks. DC
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