Well it has officially been one week that I have been ¨living¨ in Peru. This week has provided both myself and my roomate (another volunteer) with some eye opening learning experiences. Here is a breakdown starting last Wednesday:
Wednesday: First day at a school I didn´t know I was assigned too. I was primarily used to read 5 sentences at the end of the class to students so that they could hear how to say certain words. I honestly didn´t know what to expect, but I figured I would see where the week would take me.
Wednesday evening our house mother´s brother and husband were not feeling well so they went to the doctors and we called it an early evening.
Thursday: Found out I was moving schools. The teacher at the school I was placed at (over 1.5 hour bus ride away) did not attend the ministry of education´s workshop about working with international teachers, so I was moved to a different school who had attended this workshop. This new school I am at is the town prior to the first town I was in, so the bus ride is the same but the teaching and learning experience is more enriching. Once I was introduced to my cooperating Spanish teachers (yes I teach all the English classes), we received a phone call saying that my house father had passed away. RIP Senior Ramierez. This tragic event taught us a lot about the Peruvian tradidions.
Friday / Saturday: These days were spent with the family, helping out where we could. Since Thursday, the family has had an amazing amount of support from extended family and friends. We have had anywhere from 20-50 people at the house helping out cook and being their for the house mother. I am amazed by the support of the community and family. My thoughts continue to go out to my host family.
Sunday - Mothers day: In celebration of this day my roomate and I bought a dorky ¨Feliz Dia Mama¨ (Happy Mothers Day) balloon, and had some gifts that we brought from our home countries. Surprising our host mom with this made her day. All three of her ¨daughters¨ were with her on monthers day which brought some sunshine to a gloomy time. We then toured the Cathedral (while at church). After this cultural experience we took ¨family photos¨ out in front of the Cathedral and water fountain, experienced the local markets and helped cook a delicious pork, rice, potato and mint salad meal for the family and relatives.
This experience although it has been off to a rocky start, has been a sobering and has taught me a lot about the Peruvian culture, family and traditions. I can´t wait to continue to learn and support my host family.
From: Ma´Mee (Yeah we still have not figured out what this means but it is a positive phrase).
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