Whew, what a whirlwind 30 days! The month began for me in COLOMBIA, my first visit to the northern South American country. A dear friend, MB, was celebrating her 50th birthday in Cartagena, on Colombia's coast, where she'd arranged for friends to share a nine-bedroom house with her during her birthday week. MB and I have known each other since our au pair days in Madrid many many moons ago, and it was pure joy to get to join her for such a milestone bday in such an incredible venue. It was a gift for all of us present to meet her other friends, and we're all now blessed with a new group of amigas.
The Colombian sojourn was bookended with time in Bogota too, where I spent two nights upon arrival to the country, and one night prior to departure. Once again I could make a cherished connection with an old friend, Ricardo. We met 15 years ago in Boston while I was volunteering at the Boston Public Library, teaching English. We laughed as we recalled how I then helped Ricardo to send his very first email. He was a gracious host, pleased that I finally made it to his country, and that he could put me up in "Hotel Ricardo." (His apartment thus christened by other Peace Corps Volunteers I've sent his way as they travel in the area; the first ones to stay with Ricardo gave him a guest book, dedicating it to him and "Hotel Ricardo.")
Once back in Paraguay I went to the PC training center for one day to present to trainees, and then attended a two-day national workshop in Asuncion organized by the Ministry of Education, on the "National Reading Plan." I attended with a fellow education volunteer, with the hope that we will be presenting at a follow-up workshop, together with other volunteers.
April 14 is Day of the Americas, did you know that? I never did until living here. It's observed in many schools, and I mentioned in last year's April post:
http://deniseinparaguay.blogspot.com/2010/04/aprilmany-special-days-including-arbor.html
Well, this year I thought I was ready to participate more fully. I had my Stars and Stripes in hand, and when it was my turn to get in front of the assembly at my school I proudly waved the grand ol' flag. I planned on just saying a few words, but then it occurred to me that I should belt out our national anthem, right? Now mind you, I'm no soloist, but I can usually carry a tune, so I figured what the heck, swallow your pride...."Oooh-h-h say can you see...."...can't recall now just how far I got before I drew a complete blank on the lyrics...so I just winged it without missing a beat. I mean, not a person in the crowd knew enough English to know the difference, and it turned out just fine. I was just flabbergasted that I could no longer remember all the words to my own national anthem, being that it's been a while since I've heard it sung in its entirety!
April 15 it was back to Asuncion for "NVAC weekend." NVAC is the PC Paraguay acronym for National Volunteer Advisory Committee. The weekend included a library committee meeting, my final one as chair since we held elections for new officers. I'll of course remain active with the group, but it felt good to pass on the leadership baton. NVAC weekend also includes a concert organized by volunteers, held in a local pub. It's known as "AHENDU," which is Guarani for listen. It's a chance for both volunteers and Paraguayans to share musical talents, and is really a great cross-cultural event.
Before the month was over I had to make one more trip to Asuncion (crazy month!) in order to join my fellow G29 volunteers for the Close of Service ceremony. Yes, the majority of folks with whom I arrived back in February of 2009 are now finished with this stage of Peace Corps connection, and are moving on to life's next chapters. Everyone received certificates and PC lapel pins that have both the US and Paraguayan flags placed above the PC logo. Bittersweet to bid farewell to so many neat people, but know our paths will cross in many ways in RPCV land.
Holy Week...tranquila in Troche, savoring the chance to stay still for several days, and just enjoy the family, the relaxed pace, and time for spiritual reflection while reading E.L. Doctorow's City of God.
Like last year, the month ended with another celebration, National Teacher's Day. I celebrated with both of my work groups in Troche, the Supervision team at City Hall, and the San Pascual teachers at the Principal's house. Both events doubled as pseudo-farewell occasions for me, since I will be moving on to Villarrica over the next couple weeks. I insisted on not having any official "despedidas" (good-bye events) occasions since I will still be nearby and plan to visit Troche at least a couple times a month. I actually spent the month's final hours in Villarrica. I had my English conversation class at the CCPA (Centro Cultural Paraguayo Americano), the place where I'll be based during my extension. After class the center's administration held a teacher's day celebration for all its teachers, which wound up being lunch since it was almost noon and they served us all kinds of delicious savory treats. I stayed overnite at my friend Amada's house (she is the Academic Coordinator at the CCPA) so I could join in a birthday celebration for our Australian friend James.
So, I did manage to get some work accomplished this April, even if the month both began and ended with big birthday bashes, with other fetes sprinked inbetween. By the time I post May's entry I should be fully settled in Villarrica...si Dios quiere, y la Virgen! Meanwhile, I'm enjoying the build-up to Paraguay's Bicentennial Celebration, for the official dates are May 14-15.
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