When did November grow wings…. because it just FLEW by!

My last post talked about settling in to Perquìn. It was an exciting time of learning and growing and I gave myself a lot of patience when it came to new experiences. Unfortunately that patience has slipped away and I find myself becoming frustrated all to easily. I constantly have to remind myself that it has only been 3 and a half months and that obviously Spanish and a different culture will continue to confuse me. I have a lot more learning to do. They don't call it "Serving and LEARNING Together" for nothing

Spanish is confusing but these kids are awesome. If I wasn't working with these lovable crazes I think I would go insane. 

In between the frustrating moments there have been encouraging moments. I have bonded a lot with my host family and have seen a transition in their comfortableness with me being around. For example they no longer feel the need to give me a plate of food first or clear the dishes for me. It’s little things like these that make me feel a little more at home.

Those are officially my travel pants. I disperse my valuables in every pocket and button them up. 

My family has also accepted me as another helping hand! When sitting at dinner one evening my host mom mentioned working in a farm and started pointing at every person in the room saying they had to help before she had a chance to finish I raised my hand and said “y yo”. Though I wasn’t exactly sure of what I volunteered to help with the family got a good laugh out of my excitement and I was just happy to be allowed to help.

So, we spent a Saturday working on Hieldo my host dad’s farm. What they consider a farm I would have considered a bush but that is just another cultural difference I suppose. First we stacked a large pile of wood in the back of the truck to bring back to town and use at the house. Then I learned my height is an advantage when it comes to harvesting oranges! Yay for fresh orange juice!

It was a hard days work but it made me feel useful which is always nice as your stumbling though another culture. Also the cold shower afterward was refreshing rather then painstaking like normal.

Since blogging last I have also tapped into some community outlets such as the church choir and a ladies soccer team! My favourite thing about attending a Spanish church service on Sundays has been the fun lively music so I am really excited to play a role in that. My first “juego de football” was a blast. It was refreshing to be participating in something outside of the daycare and not needing a huge Spanish vocabulary to do it. “Atras” - back, “adelante” - forward, and “aqui” - here, were about all the words I needed to know. I am quite looking forward to more Sunday afternoon Footbal games and getting to know the girls on my team.

My host sister Yaneth and I before the game. My shoes were not so white after. 

Getting out of my bubble and participating with the community has been a bit of a focus of mine lately and has meant being open to invitations here or there. Yaneth recently asked if I would be interested in going to an “actividad” with her on a Saturday night. I was completely unsure of what that implied but she mentioned it being a little work and not taking to long. I agreed to go feeling the need to take every opportunity I had to integrate myself into the community. It turned out that the “actividad” was a political event for “FMLN” a left wing party with a candidate running for Presidency. “FMLN” and “ARENA” are the two favorites to win the upcoming elections but without a doubt “FMLN” has Perquìns vote.

I am unsure of the history behind the political candidate but I know they played a large part in the civil war and unifying diverse groups in order to give aid and assistance. FMLN's history is one thing I would be interested to learn more about while I am here in El Salvador.

One thing I do know is that a “FMLN” political event is unlike any in Canada. People came from all over Morazan and the tent was FULL. There was food and beverages to buy and Venders selling El Salvador pride souvenirs. There were people at every age chanting and dancing and yelling “Adelante” (forward) which was the political party’s trademark phrase. I must say I stuck out like a sore thumb at this event being the only white let alone blonde person at the festivity. Yet, it has been one of the higlights of my time here in El Salvador. I feel like I participated in something a backpacker would not have seen and I felt a deeper connection with the people by sharing a rush of El Salvador pride. I also learned how to dance! Well….sort of.

The 15^th of November was a special day for the kids at the daycare. The day there summer vacation started. They pretended to be sad for me but I knew they were pretty excited. I still gave them homework to do even though they wouldn’t be coming back for two months. Was that evil of me?

This is likely the face Jorge will be making when he notices the homework. ;) 

Duck faces have even spread to El Salvador…but this one is so darn cute.

A little girl and her mom at my church in Canada made these small gifts for the kids in El Centro. It was a very fun day spent with some very thankful children.

The last day of class was a fun one. We had special treats for the kids and each class got to create a presentation of one thing they had learned this year and explain it to the other classes. My class was in charge of volcanoes. It’s just a little different learning about volcanoes when you’re a short 2-hour drive away from one.

My classes volcano project. 

Another thing I have been enjoying here in Perquín is traveling further up the mountain and visiting family friends. Although I find myself quiet and feel a little out of place I like to listen to the conversation and hearing the laughter. It’s relaxing to hear people laugh. Plus the view of the mountain while riding in the back of a pickup truck is breathtaking, under a tarp in the rain however…not so much.

I have mentioned before how one of my biggest challenges has been not petting the street dogs. I love dogs and some of the street dogs are so cute and so sad. But as advised from a man with a medical degree I cross the street to avoid getting to close. However, when my host sister brought home the cutest little puppy I could not resist picking the little guy up.

Her name is Licksy Prin. Which in English would translate to Lexy princess. I tried to explain the irony of naming her licksy since she is a dog and licks things a lot but my host family didn’t find the connection as uncanny as I did. She is an adorable “perrita” that I don’t think I will get sick from petting. If I do it will have been worth it. Just look at the little thing.

She cunningly snatched this Papusa. Sneaky perrita.

Over the last week I have been in Guatemala for some MCC team meetings. It has been refreshing to be among some familiar faces and reconnect with the people I hadn’t seen in just over two months. There were many stories and challenges to share. The meetings this week were in a small town not far outside of the city called Antigua, a very popular tourist destination for many Guatemala travelers.

The MCC team retreat gave us each an opportunity to share what each MCCer has been doing in their placement within the past year. During past MCC meetings conversations had been translated from Spanish to English for the benefit of both language-speaking parties. This time the MCC rep made the executive decision not to translate and conduct the meetings for the most part – solely in Spanish. It was exhausting trying to keep up and missing pieces but good practice in the long run and it was a nice feeling to not be slowing down the process by needing a translation. When my turn came to present I even felt the confidence to at least try and present in Spanish. I made it though with a little assistance and naturally having made mistakes but for the most part I was understandable so I am marking it down as a success.

The MCC reps had rented a house for the meetings as a more affordable alternative to a hotel. I was surprised at how much I enjoyed walking around without shoes on, sitting on a couch in the living room, taking warm showers, unlimited internet and not being woken up by chickens at 5:30 in the morning. I love Perquìn but these few luxurious reminded me of some of the differences I have had to overcome living in the rural town.

I snuggled up on that couch with a blanket while the fire crackled and we all enjoyed a game Charades

While in Antigua we got the chance to wonder the cobblestone streets and visit the monument overlooking the town. A cross-called the “Cerro de la Cruz”. It was nice to see a little more of Guatemala and the hike was some much-needed exercise before a big meal.

The view from "Cerro de la Cruz". I understand why Antigua is such a popular tourist destination. It has a lot of charm.

Antigua has the charm of Europe…but more affordable. Anyone who wants to visit should contact me on this matter!

The classic "point your camera up to try and get the whole building" photo. I'm no photographer folks. 

 

Cerro de la Cruz

Undoubtedly one of my highlights during this past week of meetings has been the variety of food available. I have not eaten eggs or beans for a full week now but rather opted for the pancakes or yogurt option. Two things I love and don’t eat often enough in Perquìn. We also had the opportunity to prepare one of our favourite foods for a Thanksgiving feast. I know, I know, thanksgiving was forever ago… but Americans thanksgiving is actually next week. Those crazy Americans… I considered it more of a Christmas celebration. So many foods I hadn’t had in so long. Turkey, mashed potato’s, gravy, pecan pie, carrots, beans, salad, and the list goes on. It was a very well received meal that after numerous combinations of eggs beans and tortillas, I appreciated immensely.

Familiar tests in an unfamiliar world

Another thing that warmed my heart in the city was the Christmas decorations. I had almost completely forgotten that Christmas was fast approaching. There is hardly any talk of Christmas in Perquìn and I have yet to see a single decoration. Guatamala city on the other hand is a tad more “westernized” and in result has capitalized on the profitable holiday. My heart automatically swelled up at the sight of the giant tree and wintery candy land in the Miraflores mall.

 I am a person who gets very excited about Christmas and have a habit of making a pretty big deal of decorations and gifts. I am nervous about yet looking forward to experiencing a more humble less extravagant Christmas in Perquìn, which I am told, is more about social events at Church and with neighbors. I am still thinking of small gift ideas for my host family.

I am looking forward to heading back to Perquìn in the morning. My host sister Michelle had her graduation this weekend and I am excited to hear how her speech went. My host brother Ronald had a ping-pong tournament and I am curious to find out how he did. I am looking forward to the graduation of the “Prepa” class coming up this Wednesday. My class is doing a dance for the graduation ceremony. It’s going to be adorable. I find it comforting even though I have enjoyed the luxurious Antigua provided I am excited about numerous things that await me in Perquìn. I think that’s a good sign.

Through the month of December I will be teaching English classes to a group of children. One hour a day every week day. I am really looking forward to sharing my first language but am unsure of how to teach it. I will be setting aside some time for prep work and I will let you know how it goes.  I would appreciate prayer for things to come together smoothly and that the kids will have some grace. In my experience they always do. :)

One more thing I am obviously excited for is a visit from my Dad and little sister on December 3rd. I am excited to share a culture with them and give an inside look at my life here in Perquìn. I have a pretty stellar vacation in the works for us! Details on that coming soon to a blog near you

Should have seen how excited I was to get this package in the mail…I don't know how I am going to be able to handle the excitement when my Dad and Lizzy come. 

As always,

Miss you all and prayers are ALWAYS needed and appreciated!

  

Adjusting to life in Perquín

Someone requested I write a blog about how life here has been turning out.

Maybe I needed the nudge although I have been collecting data/living life in preparation to write one. ;)  So without further ado…

It has been a challenging and wonderful past few weeks. I have settled into a somewhat routine. I’m still tweaking it a bit but it’s coming. Every weekday I walk to the daycare, a short 15 minute commute. Perquín seems to be all hill. So, with my heaps of morning energy I walk up it and after being surrounded by 30 kids all day I happily walk down it. I am glad that worked out in my favour. 

My schedule here in Perquín is a little different then the University life I was accustomed to. I now wake up every day at 5:30 AM, which in my past life would only have done if there were a test I had to cram for or paper I had to finish. And that would be after going to bed at 1PM or 2PM not the “muy tamprano” hour of 9:00PM I know claim as bedtime. 

My room in a slightly messy state. I am VERY thankful for a comfortable bed. 

My sleep loving sister in-law asked “why" and that’s a legitimate question. I find that I have absolutely no problem falling asleep at 9:00PM and sometimes find myself crashing at 8:30PM. Navigating a new culture and attempting to speak and understand Spanish is exhausting. And in addition almost every evening I end up playing some game with Ronald and Michell my host brother and sister. I could end up leaving Perquín as a half decent soccer player.

My room is rather separated from the house but my shower and their shower use the same plumbing, which makes them rather close. And Hieldo my host dad tends to sing in the morning.... at around 5:30. I actual prefer it to my irritating alarm clock, which I have retired for the year. So do I mind going to bed at 9:00 PM and waking at 5:30AM not in the slightest.  Bring it on Perquín!

The yard. When I open my door every morning this is what I see! :) We're working on the flower bed! 

My host family owns a tortillarilla, which is ironic since in Guatamala I discovered I don’t enjoy tortillas all that much. The good news is they make some of the better tasting tortillas AND at dinner they always have “pan” as an alternative. 

As expected, I have ended up spending quite a bit of time at the Tortillarila after work. Usually playing games with Michelle, or working on Spanish. While hanging about, my host mom offered to show me how to make a tortilla. After a couple attempts of forming the tortilla I came to the conclusion that they won’t be hiring me any time soon. But I’m going to practice and even though I don’t like them, I will make authentic Latin American tortillas for my friends and family in Canada.

Michelle has been having a lot of fun with the different Photo Booth effect.  She even pulled the rest of the family into my room to check it out. On the left is Margarita, Yanett, Michell and Ronald

My host mom, Margarita, is currently enrolled in a cooking class and often brings the results of her learning home to eat. I’m encouraging her to start a restaurant because her cooking is awesome. I assume at some point I will get tired of the food here and long for my fridge at home but as of right now I am enjoying it more and more. Papusas DELICIOUS, a rice and milk combination, who know it could be so good, powdered milk from a bag, heat it up add some sugar and dip some “pan dulce” in it and you have yourself an awesome snack!

Two of the cuties in my class enjoying "almuerzo".

I have found myself missing peanut butter. Sometimes I crave maple syrup, possibly more for the sake of nostalgia then anything else. Although in Perquín they tend to put honey on things that are far more deserving of maple syrup.  Yeah....I could go for some Maple Syrup.

I eat breakfast and lunch with the kids at the daycare. Lunch and breakfast are when all the kids gather in the “comador”. Otherwise they are separated in three classes, “Pre-Kinder”, “Kinder”, and “Ninos and Ninas”.  I work in the “Kinder” class during the day since it is the largest but afterwards I assist all three teachers with prep for the days ahead. These are small but important tasks, which could include tracing a picture 50 times, or cutting what feels like a bazillion cardboard circles, for the kids to paint “el sol” on.

A class project. Using scrap paper to make a "volcán"

I work with four wonderful ladies at the daycare, three of which are “maestras” and one who works in the “officina”. They have all shown so much commitment and love towards the children it makes me joyful! During orientation many SALTers shared the concern of working in an environment where education practices and particularly discipline standards were different then Western Americas. I am happy to inform you I do not share this concern. The daycare in Perquín is very progressive for the area and I find myself comfortable enforcing the rules set out.

That being said...while I am comfortable enforcing rules it doesn’t always turn out all that enforcing at all. Certain kids have caught on that I am an “all talk” kind of person. My “all talk” almost always worked in Canada…then again I did have more words. However, when my “all talk” does work it’s a good feeling. It is a pretty cool to say a command in Spanish and watch the kids UNDERSTAND and LISTEN to me! Other times they won’t and I don’t know if they couldn’t understand me or were not listening.  However, as the day’s pass by I’m learning more and more and figuring out what works and what doesn’t.

I do really love the kids. Yes, by the end of the day I am happy to wave them off as they drive away in the “microbus”. But every morning I am happy to see their smiling energetic faces again and the hugs that come with them!

There are a number of English books in my class library and the kids will bring them to me and say “leer”. As I read the English words they snicker as if it’s the funniest thing they have ever heard. One little boy has taken a particular interest in the English language and will point at every thing in the room and ask “como se dice en ingles?” A very genuine curiosity that I love.

Spanish is one of the most frustrating things I have ever loved. I am learning more and more everyday and sometimes I surprise myself by saying something correctly or remembering a phrase at just the right time. Other times my brain goes crazy and I forget every word I know in Spanish. That usually happens after being asked a question in front of a group. “Por ejemplo” at Bible study this week I seemed to be able to understand most of what was being said until I was asked a question at which point I think I might have forgot Spanish was even a language that existed. Spanish is to “f’s”, both frustrating and fascinating.  I am trying to focus more on the second.

Practicing Spanish and passing some time at the Tortillarilla while Michell discovers her inner photographer. 

And just because everyone loves point form!

In Perquin I have learned…

• How to properly use bread or “pan” as a fork. In other word’s “how to eat without cutlery”.  It’s a balancing act really.

• Every shop in town that sells “Choco Banos”. This occurred after a Perquín wide hunt for a “Choco Bano”.

• How to hand wash my own clothes. Not as difficult as one might think.

Scrub, scrub, scrub

• To always, ALWAYS put big repellent on your feet and ankles.  I had over 20 bug bites on my ankles alone.

• Rain will not stop a local soccer game in Perquín nor will it stop people from attending. I sat under a tarp for over an hour watching people slide around in the mud. Regardless of the rain it was pretty entertaining.

• That Perquín does not have a single “tienda” that sells mirrors.

• How to live without a Mirror. Just until I make it to Gottera, the closest place I can buy one.

• How to use local transit…the back of a pickup.

• Where to find internet.

• 3 Spanish children’s songs.. One makes all the kids all go quite at the end. I like that one.

And in the spirit of Canadian Thanksgiving which I was sorry to miss...

A small list of the things I have found myself grateful for.

• My host family: Each individual in my host family plays a special role in my life her in Perquín and I am so grateful for each one of them.

• My family, and friends in Canada who have been so patient with weird communication times while adjusting to Perquín, and have kept me up to date even if I haven’t done a very good job of keeping them up to date. Love you all and miss you very much!

• A Spanish, English Bible: How awesome is that! The translations side by side! I have really been enjoying reading God’s word in both Spanish and English!

• The opportunity to help: Two of the teachers I work with are taking an English class on the weekends. They’ve utilized me to help with their homework. I love it because they are so patient with my stumbling Spanish and I am happy to help them with something I know I can do. It’s also encouraged me to ask for help from other people.

• A small book made by awesome friends: The book serves as a reminder of some very good times. Every week I get to flip a new page and it triggers a great memory. Never fails to put a smile on my face when I need it most. 

• English Podcasts: Just before coming here I received about 20 odd podcasts created by a member of my church. The messages are based on being a good steward of the things God has given you. Not only has it has been enjoyable to hear a familiar voice but the messages remind me to give all I have this year my time, my gifts, my heart, all for Him and His glory.  Forcing me to get out of my comfort zone and give it my all!

It's comforting to know the same moon is shining in canada! I hope you have found the time to enjoy "la luna"!

If you would like to make my day I now have an address you can send mail to here in Perquín.

Bekah DeJong

Km 205, Carretera a Perquïn

Perquín, Morazán, El Salvador 

Centro América

If you have already sent mail to Guatemala do not fret.. I will receive it eventually.

So another synopses of my time here complete. Though I am sure there is so much more to say. Until next time your prayers are appreciated!

Hasta pronto!

My final days in Guatemala, first in El Salvador and The Big "Opps"

The last few days have been filled with new experiences…and a lot of travelling. I am excited to tell you all about Perquín and all it’s natural beauty but first, let me take you a little further back. It was September 25th the evening of what I have titled, “the night of the big opps”

I had been pondering what to do with my hair for some time now. It had gotten rather long and I LOVE long hair so even though I never do anything with it I appreciated it being there. However on the evening of the 25^th I was not all that fond of it. Particularly the rather dead-ends that felt straw like and nasty. I wondered how much more comfortable it would be if they no longer existed.  I had been considering for some time visiting a near by salon but upon finding a pair of scissors in my bedroom I got another idea at which point I promptly goggled “how to cut your own hair.”  Seemed easy enough.

I am not sure what gave me the nerve. Perhaps I had a weird sense of capability having lived in Guatemala for a month, maybe I was feeling more adventures in a new place, or it could be that I was just very tired of paying for haircuts and what better place to learn then central America.  Could have been a combination of all three.  All I know is…I hardly trust a hairdresser in Canada let alone my own two clutzy hands.

But somehow I had the motivation, the scissors and the courage and I started snipping. I took it slow in the beginning cutting little by little. When I thought I was finished I put my hair in a braid on the side and was a little disappointed to see rather large chunks of shorter hair sticking out at different lengths. No matter I could cut it a little shorter. This may have been where I got too confident… and went a little crazy. I am completely unsure of what happened but for any of you Anne of Green Gable lovers you can reference the scene where she dies her hair green and that will give you a pretty clear depiction of the emotions running through my head. And just for a nice visual here’s a picture. 

 

Whoops...

Oddly enough after I noticed the damage I had done the shock of it was quick and rather painless. It was bad, yes, but hair grows back and what better time to try short hair then in the tropical climate of El Salvador! The next day I had language class, and after telling the amusing story to my teacher she instructed I take my hair down so she could see it. She then said we could leave class early and she would take me to get a haircut. Yes…it was that bad.

So for the first time since I was a toddler my hair is a little above my shoulders. I still have a great love for long hair…but I am happy to try out something new.

Short, short hair. P.S this is the park in the centre of Perquín, and this photo was taken by a vary nearly three year old! Not bad Ellie Chapman!  

Friday was my very last Spanish class. Edna my Spanish teacher and I had a chance to go out for lunch the day before (after the haircut) and talk a little bit about El Salvador and ways for me to continue learning Spanish. I am very grateful she was my teacher!

 

My wonderful teacher Edna and I! Many a hours were spent struggling though Spanish together. Towards the end I started a fun little twitch when I was particularly frustrated with something. We thought it was funny.

Friday morning I had to say goodbye to my very lovely host family, and Manches.  They said I could come by for a visit anytime and if I ever needed a place to stay in the city their home was open to me. I do plan on visiting them when I am able. Possibly sooner then later since I recently realized I left a pair of shoes behind. It’s impossible for me not to leave a trail.

In my last 5 minutes I realized I had never gotten a picture with my Guatemalan host family. In result I ended up being 20 minutes late for my last class. Memories are important. Meet my host mom Victoria and host sister Ingrid. Two awesome people that made my stay in Guatemala that much more enjoyable! 

Friday afternoon we loaded into the MCC van and headed for El Salvador!  The Chapman family, fellow SALTer David and myself had a rather spacious ride in the 13-seat van.  Since it is a rather lengthy trip (aprox 9 hours) we stopped at the ANADES compound where we stayed the night. ANADES is the NGO that I will be working with through the daycare in Perquín. They have a small compound in San Salvador which I am sure will serve me well throughout the year. Especially while travelling from Perquín to Guatemala City, which will be required several times during my stay here.

 

My first meal in El Salvador. The one and only Papusa! I am not sure exactly what the process of making these are but I am sure I will have the opportunity to learn since they are infamous in El Salvador. 

First bite of my first Papusa. The first of many many more to come! The only way I can really describe a Papusa is comparing it to an undercooked pizza...but it tastes better. Just going to have to come try one for yourself (hint, hint) 

From San Salvador we traveled to Perquín. Upon stepping out of the van I was taken back by the natural beauty of the area. Rolling hills provided a scenic view which I much preferred to the hectic Guatemala City.  We have been staying at Hotel Perquín Lenca where the showers are hot and wonderful! I have grown to appreciate hot showers in a whole new light! The hotel has provided a great balance between accommodating Westerners while exposing a more traditional aspect of El Salvador.  A great place for visitors to stay (hint, hint).

 

Vastly different from the view I had at home. 

While staying here we got the chance to meet the Hotel owner Ron, a very hospitable man from the U.S but who has been in Latin America for over 30 years. He began construction on the hotel after the war to serve as a development project for the community. The entire town of Perquín was completely displaced after the war since anything that moved in the area was considered the enemy and were tragically targeted and killed.  The war was such a short time ago that many of the people in Perquín have an understanding of the destruction of violence in a way I could never fully comprehend. I look forward to having opportunities to learn from their insight.

After attending church this morning I met my new host family. My family consists of a mother, father, daughter, son, and granddaughter.  The granddaughter and me already have a deal, I will teach her some English if she helps me with my Spanish. I think we are going to be very good friends.  The family seems to be good-hearted, kind people. They have already addressed very openly some of the needs they assume I will need addressed. For example, they do not purchase their water but they know that the water they use might make me sick. Just knowing they are aware of these differences in culture is comforting. They have also already invited me to different community events like the ladies soccer team and a bible study. Apparently several of the women at the Bible study have expressed interest in learning English. I am glad to hear I might be as much of a help to them as they will be to me.

 

The one and only church in town. Murals similar to this are all over the artistic village Perquín. 

My understanding is that my host family has a very interesting history involving the war. In fact, my host dad’s parents were two of the three people whom for whatever reason did not evacuate Perquín after it had become a very dangerous and hostile area.  Far from the artistic town it is today. There is so much history here for me to grow and learn from. A different form of learning then I am use to in the classroom.

The community of Perquín is absolutely beautiful. Cultural murals have been painted all thought-out the town and music can be heard coming from any given building. The only negative aspect I have so far is that there are so many dogs and I have been advised against petting them. I love dogs.  Maybe their presence will be nice even if I can’t go near them.  My verdict overall is that even though I foresee a lot of challenges adjustment wise, I think I will really like it here! I am excited to see the school, meet the kids, and get to know my host family and the community.

Excited to see how it all plays out!

Lastly I would like to thank you for all your prayers and kind words after hearing of my Grandmothers passing. I have never wanted to be in two places more. Your kinds words and prayers truly helped with the heart ache. Blessed to have had an amazing grandmother blessed to have great friends and a great family, all the while blessed to be in Perquín! 

Miss you all! Prayers are as always appreciated and don’t forget I have email and Facebook! I love hearing about home J