July 22, 2008

BEST DAY EVER!!!!

I found out my site today!! It is… drum roll please… one of the smallish town outside the big city of Manchala, the capital of the province of El Oro. Manchala is big on bananas. I think it may even be banana capital of the world, but I’m not sure. I will be replacing a volunteer who is apparently, umm, really enthusiastic… about everything. I think part of my job may be to be a mellow contrast. I will be working with the Instituto Nacional del Niño y la Familia (INNFA/ National Institute of the Child and the Family) and the Municipal Library. People tell me my counterpart (the person I will be working closely with) is really sweet, so that is good. Here is what my information sheet tells me my activities may be:
Principal Activities

1. Supporting and conducting the different workshops under the Program “Aventura de la Vida” (Adventure of Life) and other activities implemented in the community by INNFA
2. Organizing and implementing different extracurricular activities with at-risk children and adolescents, such as: leadership, sports and recreational camps, art and painting classes, and other activities that promote their life skills and self-esteem
3. Teaching sex education through Peace Corps methodologies: “Joven a Joven”, Jóvenes en Acción”, etc. in different schools, high schools, and neighborhoods
4. Supporting INNFA’s after school program with different students

Secondary Activities

1. Coordinating and identifying a youth group to work on youth themes in radio and television
2. Attending trainings organized by INNFA or other institutions

Pretty awesome, eh? I’m so freaking excited!!! Apparently it is ridiculously hot there… as in 80˚F is cold! I can’t wait for this weekend! I leave for my site on Saturday to spend a week there. YAYAY!

To make things even better, the trainees in the Youth and Families had a little pool going on who was going to go where. We each guessed where each volunteer was going to go and then put $.50 into the pot. And guess what? I won! $7!!! (Two volunteers didn’t participate… there are 16 of us for the mathematically challenged). $7 is a lot of money… as in lunch for a week! Holla!

Finally, my dearest mother sent me a package today (Kaitlyn Large/ Cuerpo de Paz/ Casilla 17-08-8624/Quito, Ecuador/ South America) full of coloring books, stickers, fake tattoos, and sparkly twisty ties. It was amazing and I was the envy of all the trainees. My mother is a rock star! When I finally got home today I whipped out the tattoos and the kids went nuts. They covered their bodies with a bazillion tattoos. When they finished, they descended on their mothers and aunts, covering their bodies with tattoos too. It was hilarious! What an amazing day!