current agenda

There is really no news. Since I prematurely stuffed my burned flesh into what I’m sure are fungus-infested shoes, my glorious burn is now infected. And I have once again been relegated to indoor work. This has been quite taxing on my spirit of motivation. When I am busy I don’t miss things about home. I have been a little more lonesome lately. Knowing that my family is staring up at the glorious granite walls as I type this, and this is the first time ever I will not be with them, is tugging at my heart. (The Yosemite trip is the only constant event in my family… probably equivalent to santa claus day for those that are so inclined.) It seems that just as the landscape here is becoming more familiar and comfortable, the reality of not having my people is sinking in.

Ok, back to Ecuador, there have been a few community meetings lately discussing possible projects to help the community. At first I was a little concerned that if they were going to be doing the same kind of projects I am here to try to facilitate, my being here was a bit redundant. I have since changed my outlook and see this as an opportunity to tackle bigger projects with the help of these other organizations. With their resources a water treatment project or a panela processing facility may actually be possible.

A word about development work: facilitating a sustainable project that suits the community’s needs and more-or-less originates from them is hard. I’m not even close to the point of actually beginning a project, but I can see it is going to be a challenge. Ideas are diverse, time is already accounted for, money is non-existent, and even the spirit of community is stressed here. Luckily I am not alone, the government (at the very least) appears to be dedicated to sustainable development and there is always peace corps.

Getting ready to start tree propagation shortly. Also on the agenda: quilt made from old clothes.. might even get the cooking ladies in on it since as my host sister correctly pointed out—it’s recycling, trying to find a home, nutrition classes in the preschool center and transplanting tomatoes!