happy halloween!!

Hello all!

Happy Halloween! Can you believe it’s almost November already! I can’t! Anyways I thought I would give you all a few updates on life here in the Sauce.

All is good and well here. The rainy season just ended last week (thank goodness, tooo much mold everywhere) and I don’t think it rained as much as it did last year. Or maybe I am just used to it the second time around, I don’t know.. but its done and now the best months are here! November through January are beautiful, not as hot with a breeze most of the time. It reminds me of those first days of summer in when the school year is ending and everyone wants to go outside and play.

Maybe I feel that way now as well because the school year is about to end here. There is school through the end of November,

other groups

There were all kinds of products: vases with flowers, cards made of recycled paper, gift bags, wooden toys, car wash, key chains, crocheted bags and other items, purses, shirts, baby blankets, and more. but basically I am just giving exams and finishing up a few things. Most of my work is done. The school year has been long, but I am pretty happy with the results of my work.

In September I organized a big event for my classes. Throughout the year, my students formgroups and basically created their own business. They did market study, did all their finances, made a marketing plan, break even point, and all that. Also, they actually produced their products or services and were supposed to sell them. They also wrote a business plan and presented them to a panel of judges, which is the event I planned. Let me say that this is a huge project for these students and have never done anything like this before nor had the spoken in public. So I made every group from 4 high schools make 5 minute presentations on a microphone. They were so nervous, but they all pulled through and did a good job. I was so proud! Haha… they are like my babies here… I have been teaching them for a year and a half and at this event all the work finally came together.

First Place

Secnd place car wash

In October, the winners of this competition went to de Department capital of Leon to compete against all the municipalities. I took 3 groups from El Sauce, they were so into it and did an awesome job, and unfortunately they did win there, although one group won best presentation. Their little faces were so sad, I think I was more disappointed than them, but I think they enjoyed the whole process and event. That day was long and crazy. On the way to leon, my students kept vomiting on the bus because the road is so horrible with the rains and they don’t travel much, then on the way back, a river overflowed over the bridge and we waited 2 hours to be able to pass! Oh, and it was raining the whole time and we were 17 people in a 13 person mini van… and my students were blasting music and dancing around… haha.. teenagers! I was the same… anyways, regardless of these little issues, the day was a success.

Well, for now I am just finishing up school and working on a few other projects. During the break I am going to focus on a group of tour guides my friends and I are training for future tourist projects in El Sauce. We teach them English and other tour guide info…

In December my sister is coming and I can’t wait! Then in February I am going home for Maryann and Alejandro’s wedding, which I am also super pumped about. I have already planned most of my days (which are Feb 14- 25^th for those who are interested) hope fully I will get to see all of you then. Hopefully, hopefully, my boyfriend is coming too, but he has to get a visa ad that is not that easy.. so cross our fingers! His appointment is in December.

After that, I just have 4 more months of Peace Corps… I finish early July… amazing huh? It went by fast… I can already say though, that this is the best and the hardest thing I have ever decided to do, and I am glad I am doing it. After Peace Corps, I don’t know what I will do, but I might hang out here for a little longer…

Among other things, I gave away my dog L. It was a hard decision, but I think it’s for the best. The poor thing as along a lot, and I leave a lot weekends and he was so lonely I think. Anyways, Carlos’s family in Leon had just lost a dog, so I offered it to them. It’s a big family of 8 and I think it’s a better situacion for Max. And I can go visit anytime and I know he will be well taken care of. So I had to say goodbye to Max, and the house feels a little empty. I was already thinking of getting a cat, they can take care of themselves better. I still have a bunny though!

Well that is all for now. Have a Happy Thanksgiving and I will write you all before Xmas. Un besos muy muy grande and I miss you all so much!

Irene

p.s. I just watched the sarah palin interview on youtube.. ?!??!!?#@%#@ what was that? Ha.