Si, senores y senoras, as of Monday, Nov. 30, 2009 the 2009 Paraguayan school year draws officially to a close across the entire Republic, as decreed by law...that is, by the book, whereas the reality is that actual classes began to end almost a month ago. The exam period is very drawn out here, coupled with an extremely tedious and almost painful-to-watch process of data gathering as teachers submit their grades. Graduation events are in full-force, with invitations coming my way from all directions. Last week was the first, the official graduation of students from the "initial cycle," aka the pre-school and kindergarten classes. Evidently it´s quite the tradition here, with each family bringing its own cake to the ceremony. I was asked to present the "diplomas," together with the mayor, the superintendent and the principal. The next school year begins in late February.
This past weekend Paraguay`s President, Fernando Lugo, descended upon Troche. It was fun to watch the local children get so excited as his helicopter approached. He came to celebrate the end of the sugar cane harvest at the state-run alcohol factory, which had a record-breaking production year. I attended the event, and was amazed at the low-key security level!
I`ll be on vacation for about a week in December (no, not until late February!...much prep work to be done for next school year, plus offering a summer camp or two) with my first US visitor, hooray! Together we´ll visit the Iguazu Falls shared by Argentina and Brazil, (seen in the 1986 movie "The Mission") and the Jesuit missions in southern Paraguay. So, the next post will have to include a synopsis of these side sojourns!
Meanwhile, I hope everyone had a blessed Thanksgiving, and enjoys a happy holiday season. It´s hard to remember that it´s "that time of year" without as many temperature or visual cues, although they do put up quite a few lights around here!
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Sounds like you are very "settled in" and enjoying what life has to offer there. Must feel weird to have the seasons reversed. I have to say that I'm nowhere near ready for our school year to end (but I definitely WILL be by May). Am enjoying having my grandkids here for Christmas vacation, but it does remind me why childrearing is best done by young adults. Jackson is still potty training, so that can get pretty frustrating. Also it seems that the day consists of making a meal, doing dishes, making a snack, picking up an picking up, giving baths and brushing teeth! Of course, there's also all the cuddling and the fun of watching them all play together--punctuated with an occasional fight. Anyway, I wouldn't trade it for anything (although I WOULD like to get a book read over vacation)! Have a nice Christmas, Denise. I wish you all the best as you give so much of yourself to others. --Diana
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