Halloween Pan de Ayote

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.

Nuestra Nacion, Eating oatmeal cookies and working on a "sopa de palabras" about business organization

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.

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).

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.

Micahela and me- Las Brujas

The team! Scary faces...

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!!!

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!)