For the rest of August, I focused on finishing my community diagnostic in preparation for In-Service Training (IST). The community analysis tool (referred to in loving terms as the CAT) is a long process, one I won't really finish until December. I'm off to a good start but have a long way to go! Interviews are a never-ending process!
I was right in step with the rural community life, riding my not-so-fabulous bike all over the place from Juan de Leon to Coyote (sometimes in the rain in my rubber boots!), playing mejenga (pick-up soccer) with the guys, another trip to the beach with my World Teach friend Cedar, meetings with the kindergarten board planning a Toy Party (sort of like a baby shower for the kindergarten), planning the yearly Asamblea General with the board of the Association of Development, a meeting to try to restart the Health Committee, finishing interviews for the CAT, enduring the heat and waiting for the rain, teaching English, etc, etc... I have to admit, I love mejenga. It's up there in favorite parts of the week. There is definitely a strong presence of machismo in my town. While I thought this might present an issue with me playing men's soccer, instead they ask me if I'm coming the next week or if I missed it, they notice that I wasn't around. Now all I have to do is convince some other women to join in...!
I mentioned the Asamblea General, so I should explain that it's the yearly meeting the Association holds for all the communities to convene and discuss the next year's work plan. Since the Assoc. only reformed three years ago, they still have a lot of work to do as far as organizing the system for announcing and planning the assembly. That's where I come in, trying to establish a sustainable manner, a template they can use every year that includes community lists of affiliates, invitation letters, an example of the Labor and Economic informes, etc... Now it so happened that the week before I left for IST, that meant deliving many of those invitations to the 188 affiliates on my bike! While collaboration is definitely an important part of the picture, there's some things you just have to do on your own!
Having not left my community in so long, it was so strange coming into San Jose for IST and living in a city and being cold all the time! I myself find it hard to believe that I stayed in my site for over a month and a half without taking a personal night. There are a lot of reasons for my reclusiveness but I can't say I'm regretful... it was an enjoyable month and a half. Anyway, I came in early for IST to meet up with my friend Stephanie, a fellow volunteer. Though we had not spoken for nearly two weeks and had not finalized or confirmed arrangements, I registered us both for the Reto Gatorade 10km run in San Antonio de Belen... not really even knowing if Steph would show! We ended up in the right place together and made it to the race on Sunday morning. It was exhilarating, being in such an energetic, enthusiastic atmosphere! I ran the 10.5 kilometers in a bit over an hour and finished strong, so I was satisfied with the performance! Then it was time to rest up, finish some computer work on the CAT and prepare for a week of intense training with the Tico 14 crew!
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