The past few days have been very busy. On Wednesday I helped Guadalupe compile data of all the children that are receiving scholarships to go to school here in La Misma. It was boring, but since I am familiar with the Microsoft programs, I was actually able to be of some real help to her, regardless of the language barriers. Then in the evening, it was another volunteer’s birthday and we all went out to a bar to celebrate. She had really gone all out and bought party favors, balloons, snacks, and a cake. She was the life of the party and we all had a great time.
On Thursday I spent the morning with Guadalupe trying to help her tutor neighborhood children. For some reason she had me helping them with language and since my Spanish isn’t perfect I lost all credibility and the children ignored my advice the few times I knew what I was talking about.
After tutoring, I insisted to Guadalupe that I had to go to Machala and buy a few things. She agreed and off I went. Finally I was able to get the pillow I have been dreaming about for a very long time! The next thing on my list: a fan. It gets very hot in my room under my mosquito net. (I find it somewhat ironic that when I was a little girl I always wanted one of those big princess-like canopies to go over my bed. I thought it would be very cool! Now I have a bright pink canopy over me for protection from the malaria-infested mosquitoes. Unfortunately, however, it is quite stifling and I’m beginning to resent the canopy I once wished for.)
Anyhoo, once my shopping was completed, I returned to La Misma and Guadalupe and I continued doing my database work on the computer. I was about to fall over from boredom, especially since it lasted so long that I was unable to go for a run. Fortunately, she did allow me to have today to myself so I inwardly forgave her.
In spent the evening reading (I’m currently reading The Boleyn Inheritance. I highly recommend it) and chatting more with Dario and Michelle. I brought out my PC Spanish book and showed them my list of common Coastal Ecuadorian words. We went through the list and they told me which words were vulgar and which words they had never heard of. I know I complained a lot about this family (especially the father) but in reality the mother and kids are very sweet and I hardly ever see the father now that he has a job. Plus, they have the sweetest dog that they treat well and that doesn’t live on the roof!
I keep going back and forth about whether or not to get a dog. I really want one because it can keep me safe when I am home alone and it can be my family. Also, if I get one I will definitely bring it back to the states. The problem, however, is that I really want to continue traveling after my stint in Peace Corps. I’m not done seeing the world!! Advice?
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