Month 18: Green Thumbs & Family Reunions

 WOOOOOOO!!!

Back at you with this double feature. Welcome back teehee.

When we left off, I had just started back up at the school.

This school year, I was determined to do things a bit differently. Last year, I did some lectures about trash management and recycling practices, but I mostly taught English. This was great for integrating and getting all the kids used to me, but I really wanted to do more.

Hence, this year I gave myself 3 main projects:

1) A school garden in my school

2) Working with a NEW school on trash management and recycling

3) Establishing trash collection in my community

Now, these are big goals, especially the last one. Going from everyone burning trash to getting a regular collection service is no small task. So I began setting up meetings with the local municipality to see what could be done, and if we could organize a trash truck being sent to my community, even if it was just once a month.

The reality is I don't have much to update on for this initiative. It's still early, but we've gotten approval from the municipality to get the "dumping fees" waved. Normally, every time you bring trash to the dump, you have to pay to drop it. This is one of the factors dissuading people in my community from utilizing the dump, as burning is free. The other aspect is the physical transportation of the trash to the dump, as not everyone has cars and even less have open bed trucks that could carry large amounts. In this sense, we are hoping to be able to use a trash truck, but we're also exploring options from a community standpoint to use neighbors' vehicles to move trash.

I'll keep you updated as the situation progresses, but I'm cautiously optimistic that we can get it to work.

The second goal I have is to work with a new school. There's a school in the community next to mine that really wants to implement sustainable and green practices, as well as possibly having a compost and garden. 

As it goes in Paraguay, due to a combination of rain, holidays, school events, and other factors, there has not been a ton of headway on this front either. I'm working with another volunteer who lives close by, and between the two of us we hope to get things off the ground soon.

The first goal, having a garden in my own school, is a project I'm very excited about and has been very fruitful so far. Starting the second week of school, I began to give lectures on environmental topics - such as ecosystems, soil, and organic gardening in general. As we got the concepts down pat, we began to apply our knowledge. Slowly but surely, a garden started to take form!!

Due to this week being Holy Week, or Semana Santa down here, we had to take a break, but after the holiday week we hope to finish the compost and start planting our vegetables. I'm working with grades 3-9, and everyone is SO excited!! 

School has been taking up most of my time, but thankfully I was able to take a few days off for a very special visit...

MY FAMILY CAME TO VISIT!!!

After a teary 6am reunion in the airport, I got to spend a week showing my parents and sister the country and people I love. We spent a few days in and around my site, and they were introduced to my fellow volunteers, my host families (Yes both! We visited Mama Clara too!), my school, and some other amazing sights in Paraguay.

The trip concluded at Igauzu Falls, which once again was spectacular. It was truly such a special trip to bring some of the most important people in my life together, and spend time the 4 of us for the first time in a year.

It was also the first time in a year I had seen my sister. The longest we've ever been apart.

Won't be repeating that. I missed her too much.

This month is a short one, mostly because my projects are taking up most of my time. In addition to the 2 schools and meetings with the municipality, I'm still working in the local garden with my dear friend Ña Nora. I'm keeping myself busy, and I'm very happy because of it. 

It's insane to think about the fact that I've already been down here for a year and a half. It feels like I'll blink and it'll be December, and I'll be on my way home.

That day will come soon enough, but until then....try not to miss me too much ;)

See you next month!!