It's official - one month in PY

It’s official. I have been living in Paraguay for one month.

Time is weird. In some ways it seems like I just got here. The days are so busy with studying Guarani and agriculture six days a week, navigating cultural differences in Spanish and Guarani, combating digestive issues, trying to meet up with friends before it gets dark without cell phones, greeting everyone you pass on the street (even if you’re running?), and basically trying to keep an American-type schedule when everyone here is on “tranquilopa” time. So in that way, the time’s a-flying.

In other ways, it’s really not. It seems like forever since I’ve seen my family and friends back home. I was feeling kinda sick and really down earlier this week (opened 2 of my 3 emergency letters from Ashleigh). Yes, that bad. My host family told me they notice I’ve been quieter and more pensive since I got back from the campo even…I think that things have just been weighing a little heavier on my mind as of late. The campo brought a little reality into my little PCT bubble – the reality that I am living in a developing country. The honeymoon period “opama” (is finished). It can be tough here, navigating relationships both within your own culture and within the Paraguayan culture. Sometimes I fall into this mindset that spending time with my American PCT friends is so much easier than stumbling through Jopara (Spanish/Guarani) and Paraguayan culture with my host family. But really, building new friendships with people from my own culture can be just as confusing sometimes…I think in part because of the weird phenomenon of spending so much time together…it feels like I’ve known my fellow Crop-ees much longer than a month. And yet…at the same time not really? If you’re still with me at this point, MAJOR PROPS a vos (to you).

But on the flipside, many people in my training group are also struggling in different ways right now, and we’re trying to support each other as best as we can. Getting sick, feeling stressed, getting bad news from home…each one is enough to make you groan and question a bit why you’re here, and a combination of two or three is even worse. Personally, I was really aching for a big Jenny/Nicole/Ameri-Hug (?) and a heart-to-heart with Ris. I think the most comforting thing in the world might be a conversation with people who really know you. And I think I have been taking that for granted.

I am feeling much better ahora/ko’agua (“now”). AND I have gotten a ton of mail the past few days, which has been wonderful. Thank you all so much for your letters; I can’t tell you enough how much they’ve helped me through this rough patch. Hopefully some of my own will arrive in the States one of these days. Also, I have been enjoying myself as well – don’t let me whine too much. I rounded up almost all of the Crop-ees and Beekeepers to come to the discoteca on Sunday night and it was a blast. Eighteen Americans out on the town? Yes, we were those guys. Also one morning this week we had a cooking session instead of language class. It was great! We made soy juice, soy empanadas, tortillas with beans, and American-style salad. This means that we didn’t shred all the veggies into tiny indecipherable pieces. Also, we added our leftover beans and apple slices. The Paraguayans thought we were crazy but it was well worth it. Haha. Last night, a few friends came over to my house and we watched The Office on my computer and chowed down on popcorn and Starbursts (gracias a TK). Actually, yesterday I felt like was one of the best days I have had in Paraguay as of yet. Just a normal day, but so many little things came together to make one great day. So I guess I may have had my low and my high in the same week even. CRAZY, no?

Oh, and my friend Amelia and I cut each other’s hair. I bet you didn’t know I was an amateur hairstylist. Well now you do.

So sorry if this entry is a little pesado (“heavy”). It’s been one of those kinds of weeks. Hopefully these photos will give you a more well-rounded look at what I’ve been up to –

Also, Happy Belated Birthday to Dad! I was sending you good wishes and juju all day.  Love you!