March brings good news!

Yes, it's now 100% official, your's truly will be serving one more year in Paraguay! I learned of the decision in a very special way too. This month included our library workshop, March 11-12. We were delighted when the US Ambassador accepted our invitation to attend the event to give the welcome and opening remarks. Our country director, Don Clark, was there to introduce the diplomat. Before he turned the podium over to the Ambassador, he included thanks to volunteers for putting together the workshop, naming me and my colleague Marissa, the workshop coordinator, specifically...and to the thanks he added something like, "...and Denise, it's now official, we just heard from Washington that your extension has been approved, so you will be in Paraguay another year, congratulations!" I was standing in the back of the room, and couldn't help but let out a bit of a spontaneous shriek. What a sweet way to learn the news, at an event that represents the essence of my work here...as good as it gets!

Getting the extension means I can take some vacation time now. Normally, volunteers aren't allowed to go on holiday during the last two months of service in order to finish up projects in site. But since I'll now be around until May 2012, my final two months won't be for a while yet! So yes, I'm off for some much needed decompression time following the successful workshop....I'll write about my latest adventure in April's post.

Meanwhile, a big SHOUT OUT and GRACIAS to all friends and family who supported our workshop in so many ways. For those of you who sent items for our conference bags, I have to tell you that they were a BIG, BIG hit with the Paraguayans. It was worth all the extra effort to put those together. The US Embassy contributed as well, providing book donations for us to include in each bag--many thanks!