6.6.08 Chaos...begin now!

In a matter of one week (but really, more like one specific hour) my life here went from ‘I have enough work to feel busy and fulfilled but also time to relax’ to ‘OMG, how the heck am I going to do all that!’

Granted, most of you know that I thrive on being busy and an element of chaos in my life…but it sort of came as a surprise to me. I am feeling a bit overwhelmed, but mostly excited about the next few months…I am going to recount how this realization came about.

I went to Progreso yesterday with a group of about 15 or so Hondurans, for a workshop on the Special Law for People living with HIV-AIDS that they have here. I had learned about the law during training but it was nonetheless an interesting and informative workshop. I got to share my experiences and thoughts with others as well as listen and learn…plus I got to go swimming which is always a plus! At the close of the workshop earlier today, we got together in groups based on our communities to talk about our plans in terms of HIV education etc.

Sidenote: When I first got to site, I met with the HIV promoter from Morazan who have me a copy of an Excel spreadsheet that has all the HIV education and prevention activities that were happening for basically the whole year…focusing more on the upcoming months. He said whatever I wanted to get involved in, let him know.

Well today when those of us from El Negrito sit down to talk about the plan…guess what? NONE of the activities have been executed. The plan was made in February…its now JUNE. I make a funny face, not really understanding but a bit excited at the potential to assist and support the committee. Then I ask who exactly is capacitated to teach HIV education in Negrito…which is when they all turn, look at me, and say…’well, you right?’

I quickly begin scanning the Excel spreadsheet, trying to wrap my head around the fact that I have now been named responsible for carrying out all the events on the calendar. I suddenly felt faint and imagine that my already pale skin looked even whiter than normal. I took a deep breather and remembered why I joined the Peace Corps, smiled and replied that I would love to get involved and help in whatever way I can. We have a meeting planned for Tuesday with all the community leaders to make a new calendar.

So this is on top of me assisting with monitoring and weighing children under 5 in –all- the barrios of El Negrito, teaching health classes at the Girls School, planning the fundraiser for the Nutritional Center and helping the library get on its feet.

Grant me serenity…