Un Año

What is the first lesson I remember from elementary school? Preschool and kindergarten do not count. It was in Ms. Viola's class. Well, I am pretty sure it was a Ms title to her name. The first lesson of all of my primary education that I can really remember well is from the social studies book. Nearly the first lesson of the first chapter. What was it about? Needs and wants. Every person has needs, such as food, shelter and clothing. Also, every person has wants: a television, car, etc. First you have to take care of your needs before your wants if you want to survive. I have a new spin on the lesson of needs and wants, but this one more pertains to people than material goods. It is a valuable lesson for people wanting to volunteer.

Here in Ecuador there are many people that need help, especially here in the province of Esmeraldas. Needing help does not necessarily translate into wanting help. I am a good example of this situation. I am supposed to be working with farmers in communities that are some of the poorest of the poor. These people really need the help. However, there is a problem in all of this. While these people may need the help of a volunteer, they do not particularly care or want my help. It is a conundrum (no that wasn't in my GRE study guide) that I have to face.

What have I done to remedy the problem? Easy. I have found people that want my assistance. They appreciate my help. The people that want my help may not be the worst off group of people, but they are the easiest to work with. My suggestion to people who want to volunteer (especially Peace Corps) is: “Do not get frustrated when the people you are supposed to work with that actually need the help does not work out. There are always people out there that want to work with you.”

It has been a year now since I have been gone. I am continually learning lessons about life, myself, and other people. Thanks to everyone for support and encouragement over the past year. Thanks to my friends here in Ecuador ((both Peace Corps and Ecuadorian). Here's to another year.