GLOW Camp

Hey all,

This past weekend myself and 10 others PCVs from the eastern region of the country took 25 girls to a 3 day leadership camp on the beach. In this culture it is uncommon for kids to spend the night away from the home, so this was a great accomplishment for me (being the youngest volunteer amongst the other camp leaders) because my neighbors trusted me enough to send their daughter with me. The camp was awesome! The girls were between the ages of 12 and 16 and most of them had never been to the beach or even outside of their village . Just to see how excited they were to see the ocean was amazing. At the camp we talked about many important things such as leadership, effective communication, domestic violence/healthy relationships, the importance of higher education, etc. We also did many activites with the girls such as: self defense workshops, nutrition workshops, bonfire w/smores (definitely a hit!), bracelet making worshops and journaling. I can't even begin to explain how beneficial this workshop was for them (and for myself). Most of the girls come from VERY small towns and had never travelled anywhere alone. To be in a position to teach these girls something new and valuable is a great feeling. In the future I plan to do another camp and invite different girls.


I feel good here in El Salvador. Good times are ahead and I'm looking forward to them. Difficult times are also ahead, but I feel stronger to deal with them. I love and miss you all.

Stay encouraged!

Salu

Homegoing

I went home last Monday for the homegoing of my Aunt Nikki. Her death was/is a shock to the entire family. She was always the life of the party and will always hold a special place in my heart. I will always remember her unconditional support of all the decisions that I made. She never made fun of my dreams and she always celebrated my accomplishments with me. My cheerleader will be deeply missed. The pain seems to get stronger everyday, but I know that God will heal it in due time. Now I feel like I have to try even harder to be a good example for the kids (my cousins) that Nikki left behind.

Now I'm back in El Salvador and it wasn't hard coming back like I had previously imagined, so I guess I will make it until 2012 (God willing).