The above quote was uttered by a hero of mine, Joss Whedon. The man has masterminded several shows and stories that continue to stick with me and make me question who I am, as well as push me towards who I'd like to be.
Over the past weeks, my mood has been fluctuating pretty wildly - from a passive nothingness, to elation, to complete disbelief and dejection at the choices I've made, flinging myself so far away from my family and friends. Though I've had countless opportunities to cross the world and see wonders that many people will never even be able to imagine, I've never taken a journey of this magnitude without my family by my side - that has made the transition more difficult than I expected. Well, maybe not more difficult than expected, but certainly not the most comfortable experience. (So far, I've had pretty consistent access to internet, meaning that my family and friends aren't so far away. But who knows if that will change when I move to my site!)
In addition to my homesickness (just a testament to how awesome my F&F are), training has been a trip. The preparation for service is incredibly rigorous, but when adding in the 24/7 living in a new culture with new expectations and norms to adjust to, I've never been so tired in my life. I'm delighted that I've found myself able to rise to the challenge for the most part, but at the halfway point, I feel both like I've been here for mere moments and for many years. The stress and constant barrage of information makes time slip past, but the ever increasing levels of lessons and the amount of growth demanded makes me feel like I've aged a decade.
A comment that I've heard over the past few days is that, despite adversity, I've "got a really good attitude about this." At first I ignored it, but I've heard it from four distinct people about distinct situations. How I've ended up with a better attitude than others is beyond me.
Sure it's easy to become frustrated, to complain and rail about perceived inefficiencies and problems with the situation or with people I encounter - but why bother? Why not jump onto the problem and address it? Challenges present themselves to see if we will rise to the occasion. I am a champ at whinging, but I want to be the champion of overcoming obstacles, and that's why I put my effort into making the best of situations.
I'm certainly not always able to achieve it - heck, compared to the Sunshine that left the states in May, I feel like Puddleglum here. But I am driven to continue forward, to be cheerful in spite of myself, and that is what will make the difference. Fortunately, I'm a naturally contrary person - so when I'm told that I must be stressed, unhappy, discontent, outraged, or overwhelmed, I take it as a personal challenge to prove you wrong. And in so doing, my act of rebellion is a splash of joy.
So come hither adversity, challenges, and rainy Mondays - bring your discontent, disorganization, and disarray. To those of you who won't change your minds, feel free to swim about in the unhappy soup - wallow in it, and let your fingers get all pruney.
I prefer the challenge of joy - the constant work to shine a little brighter than the day before - to be a little warmer when the people around you are chilly. Mirth and peace are outrageously hard to achieve, but since the world is telling me I can't get there, I guess it's time to prove the world wrong.
Saturday, June 28, 2014
Monday, June 23, 2014
A Motivational Prayer
This is a beautiful blessing that my pastor referenced a few sermons ago, that I feel is perfect for my life as I dive into a new world with the PeaceCorps.
~~~
May God bless you with a restless discomfort
about easy answers, half-truths and superficial relationships,
so that you may seek truth boldly and love deep within your heart.
May God bless you with holy anger at injustice, oppression,
and exploitation of people, so that you may tirelessly work for
justice, freedom, and peace among all people.
May God bless you with the gift of tears to shed with those who suffer
from pain, rejection, starvation, or the loss of all that they cherish, so that you may
reach out your hand to comfort them and transform their pain into joy.
May God bless you with enough foolishness to believe that
you really CAN make a difference in this world, so that you are able,
with God's grace, to do what others claim cannot be done.
And the blessing of God the Supreme Majesty and our Creator,
Jesus Christ the Incarnate Word who is our brother and Savior,
and the Holy Spirit, our Advocate and Guide, be with you
and remain with you, this day and forever more.
Amen
A four-fold Benedictine Blessing - Sr.Ruth Marlene Fox, OSB 1985
~~~
Time to change someone's world. Because I can do that.
Friday, June 20, 2014
Lucky am I
Over the course of the past five weeks, I've come to appreciate many wonderful things about Ecuador, as well as miss many precious luxuries in the States. To be honest, the amazing and good things here so far outweigh what I miss that it doesn't really affect life too much - but I'll still be grateful if and when I get back to such luxuries!
What things do I love and enjoy here?
The food. Oh heavens, ALL of the ridiculous amounts of delicious food.
The Ecuadorean people - generally, super friendly, interested, and sweet. This is genuinely the friendliest nation of people I've had the pleasure of being with.
The vistas - this is a spectacularly beautiful country. The mountains, the lakes, the sky (and eventually the other bits of the country too!)... breathtaking.
Weekends - actually relaxing and not being rushed... a novel concept.
A Family-centric Culture - It's lovely to be back in a world where family really is the center of peoples' lives, and they value their relationships above most everything else.
The availability of ice cream EVERYWHERE. I've already said food, but this needs to be stated very specifically.
The public transportation - it's a pain in the butt to use the buses, many of our trips are seemingly endless, and it can be dangerous, but dangit - I enjoy it. One day, I'll get a picture of a crazy-crowded bus to share my new reality - it's insane.
Business Casual = Not scruffy/skimpy clothes. I'm going to HATE going back to the dressy office gauntlet of business casual in the States.
Finally... My fellow Volunteers. Seriously, I keep running into amazing people, and these folks are some of the most inspiring and courageous people I've had an opportunity to work with.
What sorts of things have I learned to miss and value more?
Microwaves.
Drinking tap water.
Coffee machines.
Driving a car.
Paper Towels.
Joann's.
Flushing paper down toilets (Yup - miss it).
Washers and Dryers.
But oh, that which I miss the most? Hot, clean showers.
Sing hey! for the bath at close of day
that washes the weary mud away!
A loon is he that will not sing:
O! Water Hot is a noble thing!
O! Sweet is the sound of falling rain,
and the brook that leaps from hill to plain;
but better than rain or rippling streams
is Water Hot that smokes and steams.
O! Water cold we may pour at need
down a thirsty throat and be glad indeed;
but better is beer if drink we lack,
and Water Hot poured down the back.
O! Water is fair that leaps on high
in a fountain white beneath the sky;
but never did fountain sound so sweet
as splashing Hot Water with my feet!
- JRR Tolkein, Fellowship of the Ring
What things do I love and enjoy here?
The food. Oh heavens, ALL of the ridiculous amounts of delicious food.
The Ecuadorean people - generally, super friendly, interested, and sweet. This is genuinely the friendliest nation of people I've had the pleasure of being with.
The vistas - this is a spectacularly beautiful country. The mountains, the lakes, the sky (and eventually the other bits of the country too!)... breathtaking.
Weekends - actually relaxing and not being rushed... a novel concept.
A Family-centric Culture - It's lovely to be back in a world where family really is the center of peoples' lives, and they value their relationships above most everything else.
The availability of ice cream EVERYWHERE. I've already said food, but this needs to be stated very specifically.
The public transportation - it's a pain in the butt to use the buses, many of our trips are seemingly endless, and it can be dangerous, but dangit - I enjoy it. One day, I'll get a picture of a crazy-crowded bus to share my new reality - it's insane.
Business Casual = Not scruffy/skimpy clothes. I'm going to HATE going back to the dressy office gauntlet of business casual in the States.
Finally... My fellow Volunteers. Seriously, I keep running into amazing people, and these folks are some of the most inspiring and courageous people I've had an opportunity to work with.
What sorts of things have I learned to miss and value more?
Microwaves.
Drinking tap water.
Coffee machines.
Driving a car.
Paper Towels.
Joann's.
Flushing paper down toilets (Yup - miss it).
Washers and Dryers.
But oh, that which I miss the most? Hot, clean showers.
Sing hey! for the bath at close of day
that washes the weary mud away!
A loon is he that will not sing:
O! Water Hot is a noble thing!
O! Sweet is the sound of falling rain,
and the brook that leaps from hill to plain;
but better than rain or rippling streams
is Water Hot that smokes and steams.
O! Water cold we may pour at need
down a thirsty throat and be glad indeed;
but better is beer if drink we lack,
and Water Hot poured down the back.
O! Water is fair that leaps on high
in a fountain white beneath the sky;
but never did fountain sound so sweet
as splashing Hot Water with my feet!
- JRR Tolkein, Fellowship of the Ring
Monday, June 16, 2014
Site Assignment in Ecuador!
They definitely were making us more prone to nervous breakdowns this morning - we had two sessions of training before they'd tell us where we were placed! The way that they showed us, however, was awesome - in the field behind the training center, they laid out a map of Ecuador, using rose petals as the borders to each state.
Once everyone was outside and waiting to go, they announced one by one our town and region, and had us stand in our spots on the map - it was precious!
And my site assignment is taking me to..........
Chaguarpamba, Loja! I'll be in one of the southern-most states, on the border with Peru!
In my site, I will be partnered with the Youth Program of the county Red Cross (Programa Juventud de la Cruz Roja Cantonal de Chaguarpamba)! I am *so* excited - that is the assignment I'd been hoping for! I am the first PeaceCorps volunteer at this site, so it's up to me to make a good impression, and to really figure out what this site will be like for future volunteers! Fun fact: Chaguarpamba is apparently Quichwa for 'Valley of Jaguars'.
What will she be doing, you wonder?
Primary project proposals:
Once everyone was outside and waiting to go, they announced one by one our town and region, and had us stand in our spots on the map - it was precious!
And my site assignment is taking me to..........
Chaguarpamba, Loja! I'll be in one of the southern-most states, on the border with Peru!
Down south in Ecuador...
I'm the bright green county in the top, middle bit!
In my site, I will be partnered with the Youth Program of the county Red Cross (Programa Juventud de la Cruz Roja Cantonal de Chaguarpamba)! I am *so* excited - that is the assignment I'd been hoping for! I am the first PeaceCorps volunteer at this site, so it's up to me to make a good impression, and to really figure out what this site will be like for future volunteers! Fun fact: Chaguarpamba is apparently Quichwa for 'Valley of Jaguars'.
Team Loja (with my derpface) - 4 Omni112 PCVs for this province!
What will she be doing, you wonder?
Primary project proposals:
- Strengthen individual capabilities through leadership, self-esteem, personal empowerment, decision-making trainings and strengthen each of the programs that are operating within the Canton (county).
- Conduct a community diagnostic through home visits to find those areas of need and interest of the community.
- Develop workshops on preventing young pregnancies, alcoholism, and drug addition, and HIV/AIDS.
- Conduct institutional visits to create strategic alliances and work seamlessly in all areas of the Ecuadorian Red Cross.
- Promote Volunteerism amongst the Canton.
Secondary project proposals:
- Organize courses and activities for children and youth that provide them with the opportunity to participate in positive activities during their vacation times.
- Develop and conduct Escuela para Padres (school for parents) trainings.
- Support the "mingas" organized by the community, and also work with recycling projects.
The above are what is currently envisioned for my work in-site - basically, county-wide needs assessment, doing trainings with youth and families, workshops and summer camps, professional networking, and community & recycling projects. ERMAZING. I'm delighted by this!
I don't know much about the region, beyond it supposedly being one of the most beautiful in Ecuador, being in the foothills of the Andes (thus warmer), being in COFFEE COUNTRY, and being about 12 hours south of Quito by bus. My community is about 9,000 people, so I'll have plenty of relationship building to do! I will also have access to internet (at least at work) so never fear! There are 4 volunteers (denoted PCV from now on) going to Loja, and many others within 5 hours of me, so it's going to be a southern Ecuador party!
Alright! We know where we're going! CELEBRATION TIME!
OK, that's enough exclamation points for now... back to homework!
Thursday, June 12, 2014
Care Packaging for Training
Heya Folks!
So, I generally don't post this kindof thing, but I've had several people very kindly ask me recently if there's anything I'd like sent to me.
We're in training until the beginning of August, and despite this country being full of amazing things, there are definitely a couple of small things that I miss, or that make life easier. I am not able to carry much more with me when I move to my site, so if there are things that you'd like to send me that I won't devour straight away, those should be sent in September, when I have a new address (My bags are full-to-busting right now, and I can't fit much more onto my back for travelling). Anything you mail down, please mail before July 1, to ensure that I am still at this address when it arrives.
Things that I'd like or would be super useful?
I know those all seem odd, but are sorely missed!
Sending Packages:
Family and friends like to send care packages through the mail. Unfortunately, sending packages can be a frustrating experience for all involved due to the high incidence of theft and heavy customs taxes. You may want to try to send inexpensive items through the mail, but there is no guarantee that these items will arrive. We do not recommend, however, that costly items be sent through the mail. You may use the following address to send letters and/or packages to your family member until she has informed you of a different address:
Melinda Ellington PCT
Cuerpo de Paz
Casilla 17-08-8624
Quito, Ecuador
NOTE: If you are awesome and send a package, please do not send anything weighing over 4lb. And please refrain from declaring a value, if possible, as this leads to insane tariff taxes (ie, the first tax step is almost $200). Declare items at minimal value, such as $0-$2.
It is recommended that packages be sent in padded envelopes if possible, as boxes tend to be taxed and opened more frequently. If you are sending items that come in bigger packages or multipacks, removing them from their packaging and packing them flat is usually the best way to go. Relatively foolproof way to not get the package checked? Include a couple of feminine products (ask me about brands), and list them first under declared items.
There you go - needy Melly has made her case to the internet.
Seriously, though - y'alls love and support so far has meant the world to me - that's the only thing that has kept me on an even keel down here, so that's really the only thing I need. Thanks for always encouraging me! And more important than care packages is the occasional howdy-do by email or Skype.
Love you all!
So, I generally don't post this kindof thing, but I've had several people very kindly ask me recently if there's anything I'd like sent to me.
We're in training until the beginning of August, and despite this country being full of amazing things, there are definitely a couple of small things that I miss, or that make life easier. I am not able to carry much more with me when I move to my site, so if there are things that you'd like to send me that I won't devour straight away, those should be sent in September, when I have a new address (My bags are full-to-busting right now, and I can't fit much more onto my back for travelling). Anything you mail down, please mail before July 1, to ensure that I am still at this address when it arrives.
Things that I'd like or would be super useful?
- Earl Grey and English Breakfast Teabags
- Loperamide HCl Tablets (anti-diarrheals that are SO much better than what we have here)
- Sunscreen
- Nutter Butters (unecessary, but never turned down)
- Tums
- Kotex Light Days XLong Pads (so.. expensive.. and great to put some in a package and list first)
- OB Tampons - Super (yellow) or Heavy (purple) - I have found them here, amazingly, for $0.60 per
- Dark Chocolate
- Pens from Dearborn, DramaTech, and Mountain West (seriously - best pens EVER)
- Mechanical Pencils
- Parachord
- Letters and postcards with your love <3
I know those all seem odd, but are sorely missed!
Also, for mailing anything to me, the guidelines and recommendations and address are below.
Sending Packages:
Family and friends like to send care packages through the mail. Unfortunately, sending packages can be a frustrating experience for all involved due to the high incidence of theft and heavy customs taxes. You may want to try to send inexpensive items through the mail, but there is no guarantee that these items will arrive. We do not recommend, however, that costly items be sent through the mail. You may use the following address to send letters and/or packages to your family member until she has informed you of a different address:
Melinda Ellington PCT
NOTE: If you are awesome and send a package, please do not send anything weighing over 4lb. And please refrain from declaring a value, if possible, as this leads to insane tariff taxes (ie, the first tax step is almost $200). Declare items at minimal value, such as $0-$2.
It is recommended that packages be sent in padded envelopes if possible, as boxes tend to be taxed and opened more frequently. If you are sending items that come in bigger packages or multipacks, removing them from their packaging and packing them flat is usually the best way to go. Relatively foolproof way to not get the package checked? Include a couple of feminine products (ask me about brands), and list them first under declared items.
There you go - needy Melly has made her case to the internet.
Seriously, though - y'alls love and support so far has meant the world to me - that's the only thing that has kept me on an even keel down here, so that's really the only thing I need. Thanks for always encouraging me! And more important than care packages is the occasional howdy-do by email or Skype.
Love you all!
Saturday, June 7, 2014
What do we do for adventure? TRAINING!
We've returned from our Tech Trip! I'm a cad and didn't bring my camera along, but as other volunteers post photos, I shall appropriate them here, to give a little idea of where we were staying and what we saw.
Monday, the Youth and Families program went to a small town on the outskirts of Quito called Lloa (pronounced Yo-a), where we were divided into groups and led classes of kids in various activities for about 45 minutes. It didn't quite work out for my group, as our class was running very, very late, but since all three of us were sick, we didn't mind having a shorter class. We spiraled out of there, got back to the center, got paid (YES - paid. Let's just say that 1 month is netting me a little less than a week would in the States), were reminded about having extra work to do, and then ran home to pack.
The next morning, we met up in Tumbaco and then split the group: Community Health headed to some towns in the south, and Youth & Families headed north. I was amused and delighted by the fact that a bunch of us started hugging one another goodbye... we were one day shy of only having known each other for three weeks.
After a couple of hours on various buses, we arrived in the small city of Otavalo. This area is primarily inhabited by indigenous folk, and houses one of the most famous street markets in Ecuador. I shall return as soon as I'm able to souvenir shop!
While in town, we visited two local clinics - the first one concentrates on fusing both modern and traditional medicine, while the second almost exclusively deals with modern therapies.
At the first clinic, we were delighted by having one of our volunteers examined using a ceremony involving an egg (apparently she has a lot of mal aire, or 'bad air'), and another was examined by guinea pig. The latter involves using and later killing a live guinea pig, to see what may be wrong on the inside of the individual being examined. Long story short, we watched as my fellow volunteer Alex had a rodent rubbed all up and down him, and then as the same rodent was killed, skinned, and gutted. It really was a treat to watch both ceremonies, as they're traditionally only performed between the examiner and the patient - we were allowed to take pictures as well! Unless I get very ill and am in a very rural area, chances are I shan't be seeing either ceremony again.
After visiting the clinics, we grabbed lunch (I had the best BBQ burger of my LIFE... you heard me), and then headed split into two groups for easier-gringo-management. My group went out to El Chota, a rural dry valley that is primarily inhabited by Afro-Ecuadoreans. The people we stayed with were lovely and lively, and it was a fun day-and-a-half. Lively dancing in the evening (look up 'Bomba'), interviewing locals and heading to our next destination on Wednesday.
The couple of hours of driving through the mountains to Ibarra were absolutely spectacular - I will certainly post pictures here, once they are available. Several of the views were just unreal, they were such a spectacular array of colour and scenery.
After checking into our expensive hotel ($19 per night is apparently outrageous here), we spent some time bonding and crashed. Our work the next day consisted of them assigning each of us an organization, giving us a map, and telling us to get there and back within two-ish hours. Granted, most locations were within walking distance, and anyone with iffy Spanish skills had an admin go with them, but still... I went to the Red Cross, and chatted with/interviewed a couple of the directors about their programs for about an hour. I've wanted to work with that organization for years, so it was neat being able to see a regional office outside of the USA. Apparently it didn't go so shabbily, as I walked out of there with a tentative 'if PeaceCorps doesn't work out..' job offer, as well as the number of one of the guys I'd be chatting with.
Thereafter, I found a delightful little coffee shop, and then we all reunited to get lunch and do a scavenger hunt. Dinner was wine, PizzaHut, and a lovely couple of hours getting to know 4 of my co-volunteers - I really am working with the coolest people.
The next morning, SJ and I went back to the little coffee shop from the day before, and spoiled ourselves with good coffee and cake for breakfast - the ladies remembered me and were sweet as could be - I shall visit them again if I return to Ibarra.
After presentations and some drama, we were all reunited (well, Y&F was) and piled back into buses to Quito, where we were set loose to find our way home. I haven't talked to everyone, but I assume that the majority of PVTs are back where they should be... if not, we'll find out on Monday!
I enjoyed being able to see more of Ecuador - I like where we are, but it was just so nice to see more of a spectacularly beautiful and friendly country. My wanderlust is back after this week, making me antsy about waiting a couple more weeks before being able to go on our second Tech Trip. We've got a lot going on in the meantime, but I'm still looking forward to being able to visit the coast - let's get some hot, muggy, humid weather back in my life!
Monday, the Youth and Families program went to a small town on the outskirts of Quito called Lloa (pronounced Yo-a), where we were divided into groups and led classes of kids in various activities for about 45 minutes. It didn't quite work out for my group, as our class was running very, very late, but since all three of us were sick, we didn't mind having a shorter class. We spiraled out of there, got back to the center, got paid (YES - paid. Let's just say that 1 month is netting me a little less than a week would in the States), were reminded about having extra work to do, and then ran home to pack.
The next morning, we met up in Tumbaco and then split the group: Community Health headed to some towns in the south, and Youth & Families headed north. I was amused and delighted by the fact that a bunch of us started hugging one another goodbye... we were one day shy of only having known each other for three weeks.
After a couple of hours on various buses, we arrived in the small city of Otavalo. This area is primarily inhabited by indigenous folk, and houses one of the most famous street markets in Ecuador. I shall return as soon as I'm able to souvenir shop!
Note: Not my photo - the internet provides.
While in town, we visited two local clinics - the first one concentrates on fusing both modern and traditional medicine, while the second almost exclusively deals with modern therapies.
At the first clinic, we were delighted by having one of our volunteers examined using a ceremony involving an egg (apparently she has a lot of mal aire, or 'bad air'), and another was examined by guinea pig. The latter involves using and later killing a live guinea pig, to see what may be wrong on the inside of the individual being examined. Long story short, we watched as my fellow volunteer Alex had a rodent rubbed all up and down him, and then as the same rodent was killed, skinned, and gutted. It really was a treat to watch both ceremonies, as they're traditionally only performed between the examiner and the patient - we were allowed to take pictures as well! Unless I get very ill and am in a very rural area, chances are I shan't be seeing either ceremony again.
After visiting the clinics, we grabbed lunch (I had the best BBQ burger of my LIFE... you heard me), and then headed split into two groups for easier-gringo-management. My group went out to El Chota, a rural dry valley that is primarily inhabited by Afro-Ecuadoreans. The people we stayed with were lovely and lively, and it was a fun day-and-a-half. Lively dancing in the evening (look up 'Bomba'), interviewing locals and heading to our next destination on Wednesday.
The couple of hours of driving through the mountains to Ibarra were absolutely spectacular - I will certainly post pictures here, once they are available. Several of the views were just unreal, they were such a spectacular array of colour and scenery.
After checking into our expensive hotel ($19 per night is apparently outrageous here), we spent some time bonding and crashed. Our work the next day consisted of them assigning each of us an organization, giving us a map, and telling us to get there and back within two-ish hours. Granted, most locations were within walking distance, and anyone with iffy Spanish skills had an admin go with them, but still... I went to the Red Cross, and chatted with/interviewed a couple of the directors about their programs for about an hour. I've wanted to work with that organization for years, so it was neat being able to see a regional office outside of the USA. Apparently it didn't go so shabbily, as I walked out of there with a tentative 'if PeaceCorps doesn't work out..' job offer, as well as the number of one of the guys I'd be chatting with.
Thereafter, I found a delightful little coffee shop, and then we all reunited to get lunch and do a scavenger hunt. Dinner was wine, PizzaHut, and a lovely couple of hours getting to know 4 of my co-volunteers - I really am working with the coolest people.
The next morning, SJ and I went back to the little coffee shop from the day before, and spoiled ourselves with good coffee and cake for breakfast - the ladies remembered me and were sweet as could be - I shall visit them again if I return to Ibarra.
After presentations and some drama, we were all reunited (well, Y&F was) and piled back into buses to Quito, where we were set loose to find our way home. I haven't talked to everyone, but I assume that the majority of PVTs are back where they should be... if not, we'll find out on Monday!
I enjoyed being able to see more of Ecuador - I like where we are, but it was just so nice to see more of a spectacularly beautiful and friendly country. My wanderlust is back after this week, making me antsy about waiting a couple more weeks before being able to go on our second Tech Trip. We've got a lot going on in the meantime, but I'm still looking forward to being able to visit the coast - let's get some hot, muggy, humid weather back in my life!
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