Monday, September 27, 2010

Finally an Update

What better time to write a blog when you are sitting in a hotel room thinking about what to do next. That's right, I'm in a hotel room. Why so posh? you might ask. Well, it because this week is All Volunteer Conference, which is a 3 day get together with all the other volunteers to get together, have a bit of fun, and also do some project updates/information sessions. It also means that volunteers come a little before and after to hang out and enjoy each other's company.

So what else have I been doing besides enjoying the capital. Well, I am still teaching English to adults and kids. My adult class has dwindled down to 4 students, which has its ups and downs. Most of my former students have left for bigger (or at least for different things) such as employment opportunities or college. And while its sad to see them go, I am really glad that they are finding bigger and better things for themselves. The students I do have are great. We have a lot of fun and its nice being able to basically be a private tutor. I think they get more out of the class and its more intimate. Although, I should be requiring more English only, but I'm a pushover sometimes.

My little kids are also going well. Every day with them is a challenge, because again I'm a giant pushover so have little classroom management skills. But they are fun and I can tell that at least most of them at least enjoy seeing my face, whether or not they enjoy learning. And some of them are just so darn cute, its hard to not love them to pieces. Right now we are learning about family, and going on to clothing. I've really started to incorporate art into ever lesson, or every "unit". I think this is incredibly important since they don't have a "art" class. I know that art was one of my favorite things to do, and I can see that art or even having to think creatively and/or uniquely is something that kids here don't do because of the lack of resources (teachers, materials, time to name a few).

My big projects (or project) is getting the aqueduct system put in. We just had a man from AyA (the water company) come in to check the natural springs that would feed our aqueducts. He was really positive about putting them in and we are moving on that side of the table. Now we just have to come up with a solution for managing all this. Which means we need to somehow create an ASADA. Now that wouldn't be challenging, but AyA wants us to work with other communities, but my town wants to have full control of their water (understandable, I think). Compromise is going to have to come, and maybe I'll have to start using my negotiation skills.

Some smaller things that are going on are that we are starting to plan for the town fiestas. They should be great this year, with a mountain bike race, a cabalgata, and of course dancing and eating. I'm going to be helping out a lot, asking for donations, cooking, and general set-up/take-down. But it should be fun and I want to make the most of it since it will be my last one.

Also, we just had a Grandparents' Day party. It turned out great, most of the older people came and we even had Channel 13 there filming the whole thing. And we're looking to get bigger. Next year, we want to take all 30 of them (about) to the Nicoya Peninsula. Most haven't left Herradura, or least not the Perez Zeledon region. This would be a great chance for them to see the country and get out of their homes for a while. A lot of planning and fundraising is going to have to happen to accomplish this, but I have hope. I may even write to Oprah, no I will write to Oprah (can't hurt).

On a more personal note, I am applying to graduate school. I am really excited but also absolutely terrified. I have to take the GREs, ask for recommendations, and fill out really tedious applications. But, hopefully in a year, it will be all worth it when I am attending one of the schools I am applying for. So wish me luck and any advice would be a godsend.

Take care wherever you might be. Ciao for now.

Sunday, September 26, 2010

I Fail

So, I apparently can't keep up with blogging, no matter what tricks I use. I'm sorry, but I promise (cross my heart) to update my blog sometime this week since I'll have internet all week. Its All Volunteer Conference time so hopefully (no definitely) I will fill you in on all my going-ons.