Holy Crap…I can’t believe I have already been here for a month. That blows my mind. My first week was pretty tough because my Spanish was so bad. Now, I am at least at an intermediate level where I can converse with others and make it by. I feel more comfortable and am having a really good time. I will be done studying Spanish in a week or two and then I will live full time in Pinula.
Last weekend I went to Pinula and was able to spend a little time with Mimi, the lady who runs the family center that I will work at. I was also able to meet some of the kids who come to the center. Simply seeing the kids showed what kind of situations they were coming from. Many of the kids were dirty, had on dirty clothes, some smelling really bad. If you placed a hand on the back or side of one of the kids you could easily feel every rib. Some of the kids were watching their younger siblings (10 year olds watching 2 year olds). All of them were by themselves, without their parents. Many of them are unable to go to school because they have to stay at home to watch their younger siblings. A few weeks back I was able to visit one of the homes…it was unlike anything had ever seen. The houses were simply parts of scrap metal pieced together. It was all dirt floors and everything was very dirty. It was very saddening to see families with little kids having to live like that. But anyways, it gives me a renewed focus as to why I am here.
My first month has been great. I have been learning a lot and have met some wonderful people. My family in Pinula is incredibly nice and they have done a wonderful job making me feel welcome. I also really love studying Spanish…I wish I could study for longer. Antigua is a lot of fun. There is always something to do and there are always new people to meet. I have made some pretty good friends from all over the world. I love it.
I am really enjoying my time here…it is kind of sad to think that I only have just over 2 months left. Good thing I have so much to look forward to when I come home :)
