Happy EIST! EIST stands for early in-service training, which is a two week training that my group and I are currently going through to learn about topics such as leadership in the healthy schools commissions in Guatemala, how to evaluate and report on the work that we do, how to create a plan of action with our work partners in our community, how to get involved with community-based organizations, and more. And that is this week and next week! Meaning: my whole group is back in my department, Sacatepéquez. It’s been great to see them, spend time with them, and hear about everyone’s different experiences in their new homes. We have completed the first two months: December and January. 22 more months to go!
The month of January has been busy and full of many moments that I have had to force myself out of my comfort zone. Life in Guatemala is different. Of course. However, I did not expect how my personality would sometimes clash with the norms of Guatemalan culture. Working as a Healthy Schools Coordinator has been wonderful and it is helping me grow. In the past three weeks I have visited eight schools, introduced myself, and explained what my role is in the community. Additionally, for my EIST, I have been in charge of asking schools to participate in the training with the volunteers. So, this means that I have been traveling back and forth to all of the schools, speaking with the directors (principals), and having them fill out applications to participate in our training. ALL IN SPANISH. Of course. And, my American ways get the best of me constantly. It is an every day struggle to fight against them. Time here works differently. You have to be okay with people being late, or not showing up at all. You must be okay with things not going as planned. You must be flexible and be willing to jump up and get the work done, even if it isn’t going as expected. You have to be prepared to walk into schools without appointments and wait for the directors to have a moment to speak with you. You have to be prepared to walk into somewhere, introduce yourself, and tell them you are there to do whatever they want you to do, because you are at their service. And it’s all so different than what I am used to, and it pushes me away from my introverted side and closer to my extroverted side. And it’s going great. I am thankful, because every day I feel myself growing more comfortable with speaking in Spanish, with showing up places, and with being lost within my town, within meetings, and just within this job sometimes. Its a learning process. And sometimes these processes can be painful.
Other than work, I have been trying to spend time with my host family, my friends here, and taking time for myself to breathe. And trying to explore Guatemala at every opportunity possible! Spending time with my host family is one of my favorite things to do, especially with the kids who are 1 and a half and 3 years old.
I’ve been exploring Antigua even more, admiring its beauty and finding more good restaurants and coffee shops and beautiful churches.
Last weekend I visited Alta Mira, a destination with a gorgeous view of Antigua, small towns, and the volcanoes.
And, of course, hanging out with José, who is rapidly becoming a best friend and someone who I care about deeply.
I have many plans for February. Continue to explore Guatemala when I have free time. Integrate with my host family and spend quality time with them, gaining their trust and showing them how much I want to be a part of their family. Integrate into my community, finding ways for me to make more friends here and finding activities I can be involved in. Start project with the schools in my community, creating action plans and figuring out what resources we will need to meet our goals. Continue to work in my office, gaining the respect of my CTA and the directors of the schools.
But, for now, we continue EIST and we continue learning. Every day is a chance to grow and become our best selves.
Camille's Peace Corps Adventure 