It is raining, and it has been raining non stop for five days. Part of our road was blocked in by a mudslide and yesterday we were trapped from both entrances to the community, without electricity or telephones. Nothing better than baking when its raining. Last night was oatmeal cookies- today I am making whole-wheat pizza! Recipe will be in the next blog post.
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| Nuestra Nacion, Eating oatmeal cookies and working on a "sopa de palabras" about business organization | | | | | | | | | |
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Although the rain has stopped a few plans, the last few weeks have been wonderful. I have started a Junior Achievment program called Nuestra Nacion, where I am working with 5th and 6th graders to learn the basics to business organization and their options for employment. It is really fun working with kids, and thinking of posible activites-visiting a local business, starting a garden, movie days etc. I have the support of two really great women, Sidey and Mayela, from SACRIN, my counter-part and our local bank. We watched Ice Age 2 two Saturdays ago, and I will be leading a workshop the first week of December so that everyone can take the course during school.
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| Presenting at the Asamblea of Sacrin |
Last Satuday was our Asamblea at Sacrin, where financial results were discussed, the youth group was invited (from the Friday and Saturday youth Program with MAG and FAO) and I was given a space to talk about what I have been up to and what I plan to do in the next year. I put together a nice power point filled with pictures of the community members and tried to rally particpants for my excercise class (Wednesday was an all time low, 2 students! But I will blame this on the crazy rains).
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| Lies and her coffee jewelry! |
Sunday was a cultural event, organized by the Minestary of Culture to celebrate a local artisan. Lies, who I have been helping with her coffee jewelry, set up a stand and I have noticed quite a few people wearing coffee bean earrings and necklaces! Sunday was also Halloween- so although my town discouraged an organzied event, I got together with the girls from my soccer team under the excuse of just a little fiesta. Three sisters ended up making Halloween decorations, including a broom and witches hat, plus my pumkin bread and it really was Halloween! Also I had a wonderful visit from Micahela, a Peace Corps Trainee who helped with the festivities.
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| Micahela and me- Las Brujas |
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| The team! Scary faces... |
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| Dancing with the team at the Halloween party... |
Pan de Ayote (or PUMPKIN bread!)
1 cup all purpose flour
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1 cup Ayote (or Pumpkin)
1/3 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
1 1/4 sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
Mix all the ingredients together using a hand mixer. Place batter in pan and cook until golden brown on top (it took about 25 minutes in our oven, which doesnt have different temperatures and using a 9 inch round pan). Happy Halloween!!!
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| Ayote! |
Before I head off to make the pizza, my host mom, Mayela Romero, is opening a tienda or clothing store in the house. She was fortunate enough to get a loan from Kiva http://www.kiva.org/ Her page is not up yet but I will let you know when it is so you could possibly fund her loan. Although I am a bit nervous about what this means for my room- the shop is being built right outside- it has been exciting talking through her business plan, outlining her objectives and listening to her fears (not to mention seeing all the clothes!)
