Its been a couple of weeks since my last post, but the past few weeks have been incredibly busy. Ive realized that ive spoiled some people, mainly my mom, with posts every few days. In an attempt to keep the subject matter juicy and not feel guilty for not posting, my posts are going to be a little more spread out...but not by that much.
SITE ASSINGMENTS ON THE HORIZON
Today was our last day of field training and it felt like the begining of Summer break. The bell rang (not really, but imagined there was one) and we sprinted for the doors to celebrate the coming of our next phase of training. Sunday we head back to Santa Lucia and on Moday we find out our permanent site assignments. Though I have no idea where Im going, Ive been asked about going to the South, or possibly the North Coast to work with the Garifuna...(yeah north or south, pretty vague). In reality, i never thought i had a choice of where I would be sent, and in reality I still dont. But the trainers atleast want to know our preferences so that they can be taken into consideration. Very nice to know. Im hoping to get a medium to large site with a high prevalence of HIV/AIDS. If I get it ill have a lot of opportunities to work with several different target populations, since HIV/AIDS affects so many different groups of people in so many different ways. Im really excited and pretty nervous about the whole thing.
Today was our last day of field training and it felt like the begining of Summer break. The bell rang (not really, but imagined there was one) and we sprinted for the doors to celebrate the coming of our next phase of training. Sunday we head back to Santa Lucia and on Moday we find out our permanent site assignments. Though I have no idea where Im going, Ive been asked about going to the South, or possibly the North Coast to work with the Garifuna...(yeah north or south, pretty vague). In reality, i never thought i had a choice of where I would be sent, and in reality I still dont. But the trainers atleast want to know our preferences so that they can be taken into consideration. Very nice to know. Im hoping to get a medium to large site with a high prevalence of HIV/AIDS. If I get it ill have a lot of opportunities to work with several different target populations, since HIV/AIDS affects so many different groups of people in so many different ways. Im really excited and pretty nervous about the whole thing.
GOOD BYE YARUMELA
Its over, we are leaving. Despite the gossip of a small town, smell of burning trash, and roaming bands of drunks (only sometimes), I will deeply miss my Yarumela and my fellow Melans. Six weeks have flown by, but I am glad its is over. Training has been amazing, and working with mens health groups, HIV/AIDS classes, comercial sex workers, and midwives has been unforgetable. However, its time to move on and make this work my own in whatever city, town, or hut, i live in.
I love you and miss you all so much
J
Its over, we are leaving. Despite the gossip of a small town, smell of burning trash, and roaming bands of drunks (only sometimes), I will deeply miss my Yarumela and my fellow Melans. Six weeks have flown by, but I am glad its is over. Training has been amazing, and working with mens health groups, HIV/AIDS classes, comercial sex workers, and midwives has been unforgetable. However, its time to move on and make this work my own in whatever city, town, or hut, i live in.
I love you and miss you all so muchJ
8 comments:
Dear Joel,
you sure spoiled me but now i get to read a new one over and over until you write a new one with your great insight and humor.
this is it and whatever it is you will do great and be successful.
i hope you keep in touch with your yarumela family they took good care of you and also in Sta. Lucia.
love you and good luck
mom
on to a new adventure you are so courageous you will do a wonderful job where ever you go. it is people like you that make a difference in other peoples lives.will be looking forward to your next posting.
johanna
I can't wait to find out where you're going to be for the next 2 years TOMORROW!!!!
Good to hear from you, Joel!
Hey Slim Jim! Always great to read your posts and see the pics. It's great to be able to check your blog and read how you describe and evaluate all that is going around you.
-Steve
It was agony waiting for your next post, but when it's finally here and there are pictures, it's worth the wait! You look fantastic, especially the pic where you appear to be teaching a class. You look like a natural! Miss you tons.
<3 me
hi joel,
now that you are in choluteca and with internet access we can not wait to hear from you and your experiences.
Rachel and I got totally inspired that we have even written a few poems!
I know that change is hard for you but you should be doing great by now!
love you
mom
Joel-
Great pictures, bro. Congrats on the great assignment as well! Can't wait to see pictures of the new digs and the car.
Talk to you soon-
Dan
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