No, this is not my first blog entry, but I guess I should write why I joined the Peace Corps to begin with.
What I actually credit the Peace Corps to is the show Entourage on HBO. But that would be sad and too convenient to give credit only to television. It actually started around the time I was about to finish up college. The seeds of volunteerism (probably not a word but I like it) had entered my head. My sister had just left for Africa, Kenya to be exact, to help in an orphanage. I, for one, couldn't be more proud of her. It was a noble thing, but as a finance major, I was supposed to look for the banker-esque job that follows. However, I decided to put that idea on hold, as I had tickets to the World Cup in Germany right after school ended. I embarked on my backpacking journey through Europe for the month. There was my first taste of other cultures. One thing really changed my perspective, though. In Ulm (outside of Munich) we actually got to stay with a family for the night. Eating a few meals and getting to know their way of life, even if for a small amount of time, seemed to interest me.
My trip to Europe ended, but more seeds were sewn. I went back to the States, went back on the proper finance related job hunt. “We only want MBA students. You need a bit more experience. Why didn't you do an internship in college?” Being as smart and hard working as I am, I guess the recruiters did not think I was cut out for the rough life of banking. Oh well, luckily I still had the family landscaping business to fall back on. Now, don't get me wrong, landscaping (especially working with my brother) is one of the greatest jobs in the world. Physically demanding and sometimes with the headache-causing customers, mentally. Almost a year had passed since graduating college, I was helping run a business with my family, but I needed more.
I was looking for other jobs, but the desk or finance related job descriptions did not interest me all that much. I looked at some volunteer organizations, but at the time none of them made financial sense. Americorps only subsidized some of the living. Other volunteer organizations wanted a decent of money. Recently, I had bought the DVDs for Entourage. One episode, where Turtle and Drama are hitting on a girl about to join the Peace Corps. Had I completely forgot about the Peace Corps? All those commercials growing up. So I checked out the Peace Corps website. Two years! That is a long time. Would I be able to handle that? As most everyone does, I thought long and hard about those two years. I would learn or become fluent, hopefully, in a new language. I would experience a new culture, a new way of life. That was a bit too exciting to turn down. Another big thing, no money to shell out, besides the ridiculous medical stuff. I was not too idealistic, thinking I would change the world. I was there to help if the people needed or wanted it.
One thing lead to another, and here I am writing a blog from Ecuador. But why explain now my story of joining the Peace Corps? It is important for me to remember this. When my job description is so vague and I struggle to find meaningful work, I need to remember this. Two of the three Peace Corps goals are cultural exchanges, one being fulfilled by writing this blog. That was the main reason I joined the Peace Corps. Not that I do not want to help people in need, but better understanding of another culture is my main personal goal. If I can help people along the way, excelente! To anyone who reads this, remember why you joined whatever it is you are having difficulties with. If those goals are being satisfied, you have nothing to worry about.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Pet Peeves
Why does it turn out the negative aspects of life seem to be the funniest to talk about? That's right, I am going to be like everyone else and make a list of things I do not like about Ecuador.
1.Chickens, especially roosters. Does anyone remember when Chik-Fil-A was starting out. There was a billboard with a cow holding a sign “Eat mor chikin!” Those words never rang more true until I got here in the campo. 3 a.m. 3:07 a.m. 3:13 a.m. You get the picture. Roosters crowing, or as everyone here likes to claim “Cantando (singing),” is the main reason I have not gotten a good night's sleep in two months.
2.Camionetas (pick-up trucks as buses). I might get death threats by fellow Peace Corps volunteers for uttering these blasphemous words, but the greatness that is a camioneta ride has lost its appeal to me. Crowded. Not being able to sit. Rain. Unreliable schedules. I could probably make another blog entry on things I do not like about camionetas, but I will leave it at that.
3.Ants. When Frosted Flakes (the real deal) and milk cost a day's pay, you would be upset too if you found hormigas destroying your treasured box of cereal. The subsequent purchase of a can of Raid eats up another day's worth of pay. It seems to be a losing battle, since any dead insect seems to attract another swath of ants.
4.Ecuadorian communication skills or lack thereof. Sure, there is a language barrier that I have not fully overcome. However, when I understand directions I have been given clearly, I do exactly what I am told. When I got back from a two hour hike to someone's farm and wait for a camioneta for three hours all I got was, “No one told you to wrap those mazorcas in paper?” Unfortunately, all they told me was to make sure the mazorcas of cacao got there the same day. Oh well, I did not lose sleep over that one, but more incidences like that have occurred a few times to make my list.
5.Machismo. This one isn't that funny and I will probably talk about this more in depth in a future entry.
This quote on a wall in Atacames sums up how you overcome the negatives:
“I discovered that the good humor, the optimism and the faith can overcome the pain.”
1.Chickens, especially roosters. Does anyone remember when Chik-Fil-A was starting out. There was a billboard with a cow holding a sign “Eat mor chikin!” Those words never rang more true until I got here in the campo. 3 a.m. 3:07 a.m. 3:13 a.m. You get the picture. Roosters crowing, or as everyone here likes to claim “Cantando (singing),” is the main reason I have not gotten a good night's sleep in two months.
2.Camionetas (pick-up trucks as buses). I might get death threats by fellow Peace Corps volunteers for uttering these blasphemous words, but the greatness that is a camioneta ride has lost its appeal to me. Crowded. Not being able to sit. Rain. Unreliable schedules. I could probably make another blog entry on things I do not like about camionetas, but I will leave it at that.
3.Ants. When Frosted Flakes (the real deal) and milk cost a day's pay, you would be upset too if you found hormigas destroying your treasured box of cereal. The subsequent purchase of a can of Raid eats up another day's worth of pay. It seems to be a losing battle, since any dead insect seems to attract another swath of ants.
4.Ecuadorian communication skills or lack thereof. Sure, there is a language barrier that I have not fully overcome. However, when I understand directions I have been given clearly, I do exactly what I am told. When I got back from a two hour hike to someone's farm and wait for a camioneta for three hours all I got was, “No one told you to wrap those mazorcas in paper?” Unfortunately, all they told me was to make sure the mazorcas of cacao got there the same day. Oh well, I did not lose sleep over that one, but more incidences like that have occurred a few times to make my list.
5.Machismo. This one isn't that funny and I will probably talk about this more in depth in a future entry.
This quote on a wall in Atacames sums up how you overcome the negatives:
“I discovered that the good humor, the optimism and the faith can overcome the pain.”
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Obituary
It is easy to forget here in Ecuador that dogs are considered our best friends. Here they are treated like the animals, which I guess they are. In the US, especially in the Gallup household, dogs are treated like royalty. Fed real food, especially during holidays! They even get to sleep in our beds (assuming no fleas). Here, underfed, beaten and downright nasty. However, they serve their purpose as protectors of the casa. So yea, easy to forget that back at home my two pugs were/are some of my best friends and what I probably miss the most from home. Someone always excited to see you walk in the door.
So, with great sadness, I have to write an obituary for one of my best friends- Yoda. His name was more than appropriate in retrospect. While he couldn't speak (except for food), he was a wise dog. Being there through the formative years of life, it was always good to have a little friend who would sit there and listen to your problems. A parents' divorce. High school troubles. Life. He was there for some of the most confusing times of my life and never once complained. Thanks my friend for being there through thick and thin; being there for our family throughout these years. You will be missed. Rest in peace.
So, with great sadness, I have to write an obituary for one of my best friends- Yoda. His name was more than appropriate in retrospect. While he couldn't speak (except for food), he was a wise dog. Being there through the formative years of life, it was always good to have a little friend who would sit there and listen to your problems. A parents' divorce. High school troubles. Life. He was there for some of the most confusing times of my life and never once complained. Thanks my friend for being there through thick and thin; being there for our family throughout these years. You will be missed. Rest in peace.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)