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!