New House
Due to some personal issues I've had to move out of my community and I am now living in Archidona. I've been there for about two months now and I love it! While I absolutely loved my shack sweet shack I love having running water, a sink, and.....HOT WATER! Oh man there is nothing better in the world than hot water showers. I hated having to leave Rukullakta I really enjoyed my time there but I feel as though I am in a much better place now both personally and professionally.
Runa
Work with Runa has been going great. I'm still going out into the communities doing interviews for our needs assessment project but we are on temporary hold for the month of April; which is good for me because I need a break and a change of pace.
This next week is Dia de Campo and Runa is opening its doors to the public! We are giving a presentation of both Runa Tarpuna and Fundacion Runa and I'm involved in presenting the community needs assessment survey to about 100 people and yes it's going to be in Spanish...Eeekkk!!! I'm really nervous. But will let you all know how it goes with in the next 4 months due to my posting track record.
Helen, my partner in crime and fellow PC volunteer, and I have started/finished two projects on the farm; a wormbed and compost box. We've also harvested yuca, pineapple, and plantains as well as planted these on the farm. We macheted out trails in the jungle like spanish explorers and were attacked by swarms of angry ecuadorian wasps! I came out unscathed, but unfortunantly Helen was stung in the face several times and her face swelled up pretty bad. She recovered quite quickly though.
Christmas in the States!
I went home for two weeks over christmas to see my family. It was so wonderful to see everyone and be surrounded by loved ones but it went by much too quickly. I am planning a return visit in October for my best friend's wedding. I'm think I will stay for about a month this time. Two weeks over christmas was just not enough time! I can't wait to experience some fall weather!
Jungle Life
Life all in all is going okay. I'm at a little over the year mark and it's starting to take it's effect. I'm pretty burnt out and looking into some vacationing time....It's long over due. I think my friend Elizabeth and I are planning on taking a weekend to the coast to do some whale watching in July/August. I suppose this is normal....these feelings of, I can't believe I am at the year mark...Can I make it another year? I know I can make it. It's just a matter of pushing through this rough patch and trying to stay positive. And keeping October forever in the forefront of my mind.
We are in the rainy season right now (surprise surprise!) so it's been pretty gloomy but the mountains are always amazing and on sunny days I like taking a dip in the river and taking some time out to relax.
Photos!
My sister and I at home for Christmas!
Passing time in San Martin before we start interviewing!!
On the way up to Santa Rita....Heeelllllooo Bus!
Santa Rita trees
Me and Andrew out in Tena for Helen's Birthday!
Helen and Alex....Ghetto birthday times!
And of course my sweet baby face...Supay!!!
