Monday, December 20, 2010

Back to School

So, the other day, I was on the bus (which are all retired American school buses) and I realized I felt like I was back in Elementary school. I actually don't mind riding buses because then I can enjoy the scenery and relax or read while someone else is in charge. Also, its terrifying to watch the driving here, and I thank my lucky starts I don't have to drive. The other interesting thing though, is that there are not that many strange things on the bus. Yes, occassionally a chicken or something, some pipes for a house, but no pigs or other strange animals. Its much more "civilized" than I thought or heard it would be.

Other strange things on the bus though, people give up their seats to pregnant women or women with babies, but not elderly people or people with handicaps. Its an intersting change. Also, some other differences are that there is music almost always, which I really like, and they are decorated with stuffed animals as well as odes to Jesus. Not surprising, but a little funny sometimes.

Good news: I have had no problems on the buses so far (keep you fingers crossed and knock on wood). I do try to be rather careful and aware, but its not nearly as scary as we were lead to be. So anyway, all is well in the transportation world.

As for the holidays, I have no plans except for hanging out with my community. I think on Christmas day we will go to the beach, which will be good. In El Salvador, most people celebrate Christmas on teh 24th with a big dinner, so I'll be doing that will some people in the community. That's it though. Also, no plans for the New Year, but that's fine by me because I generally don't enjoy it unless I'm in Rand! Well, I think that's all then news for now!

Happy Holidays and Peace on Earth!
Lilah

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Sometimes Parents do Know What They´re Talking About

So, recently I´ve been having some discussions with other volunteers about how El Salvador could develop more and develop more quickly. However, we´ve decided that there are numerous problems, at least where we are outside the cities, that I don´t even know how to begin to address them. It´s part educations, part funding, part changing people´s habits, part infrastructure. So, I was chatting with my dad last night and, as some of you know, he used to live in Haiti. When I was younger I would ask him what I thought to be simple questions such as: Why can´t Haiti improve more rapidly? or What´s the main problem with Haiti? or Can´t the government do something to help? His reply, which at the time made me really frustrated was ¨I don´t know. The more I learn about Haiti, the less I know and the less I understand.¨ However, know I must say, that is exactly what I say here, and I have realized, he was right, as much as I hate to admit that.

Other things going on here: I´m giving art classes to thrid and fourth graders, which has been a great way to get to know kids a little better and see what they think about and what they draw. Also, I´ve been working with a women´s group that is going to sell honey that is delicious! I hope it continues, so I will explain more later and keep you updated. Also, I mostly just chat with another women´s group who makes jewerly, but I love visiting them. They always make me feel better, and I am going to do some work with them, it will just take longer because they are more established and self-sufficient, which is great. Also, no Christmas plans, except staying in site and going to a few houses on the 24th. On the 25th, not much happens, but I think a few families go to the beach, so hopefully I´ll do that as well. Mostly just relaxing and hanging out with people!

Well...more on the bees later!