Operation Beautification

Operation Beautification

So, I crawled back to my site on Saturday morning and prepared to face the week.

What about Sunday you may ask – that was spent at a rodeo. It was up at San Pedro Puxtla…where my new neighbor is located. So, I went to chill with her. I grabbed a ride with my Mayor (cause there wasn’t a chance in hell he wasn’t going) and had a great time. It’s bad, I know – but I like going there with the Mayor cause he’ll pick up the tab to get in. The rodeo itself was nice and we got there late enough that it ended before I got really tired of being there. Afterward – he treated us to a pizza dinner. Who could resist?! So, I got back to the house a little late – but it was well worth it. It turned out to be a better day then I thought it would.

So, bring on Monday! This is when I started writing the solicitation to another NGO to help us build trashcans in the community. The only problem is that there is a good chance I will be rejected and I have to write the stupid thing in Spanish. Yes – my dictionary skills are improving. I’ll keep you all updated on how that goes.

Tuesday I went back and translated at the eye campaign. I gotta say – it sucked. Usually, when you ask for volunteers to come translate for you for free – there are certain norms. First, you find them a place to stay and second you feed them. We weren’t served lunch, only one small snack. I also noticed that they would offer chocolate or drinks to those who came down from the US, but not to any of the volunteers – whether they be gringos or Salvadorians. I also really didn’t feel needed. So, I didn’t go back on Wed.

Now from Wednesday through Friday, I spent a lot of time working on the aforementioned application.

I also started the first raffle for my artisans! The raffles are to help them pay for the labor – their part of the deal. So, if you want in on the chance at winning a beautiful new blender to liquefy your beans with….drop me a line.

I guess that brings us to the weekend. Before I head into the title of this entry, I’ll chit chat about my meeting with the Priest. So, I’ve solicited a university (yes, I solicit a lot of people) to come out and draw up architectural plans for the church. You see, the church down here is from the colonial era and is need of repairs – shoring up of the walls and a new roof. Every time these people have come to see us, this Priest expands his ‘vision’ of what he would like to do. I’ve told him a number of times that I will only help search for funds for the aforementioned two things – but I don’t believe that has sunk in. My only other problem is his quest to save my soul. I won’t lie – I don’t go to mass down here and that is my choice…only he sees this as being horrid. So, he harasses me every time we meet as to why I’m not at mass. I find it frustrating that someone who keeps asking for my help also tries to hold something over me. But, as I have promised my sister – I will be nice and continue to try and do my best.

This weekend was also the massive beautification project of my home. That’s right, the parents are coming and the house must be clean. I swept the ceiling (yes, that is something you have to do down here – they get mad dusty), the walls and the floor. The garden has been cleaned up, the turtle bathed and everything is just waiting for them to come. I assure you – it took a full weekend to do and I’m talking about a one room house. Though, I will admit that I found less scary bugs this time around but have noticed a mountain of ants starting to find niches. I think at some point I had enough poison around to take an elephant down.

Monday and Tuesday were just days spent getting ready – well, expect for Monday night. A long time ago – I would say about a year – I came to my little community and my neighbor volunteer invited me up to celebrate her patron saint festivities. I agreed and somehow found myself dressed up as a man escorting ‘women’ across a stage in the annual cross – dressing competition. I swore to Rachael then that I would initiate her replacement into the tradition…and Monday night I completed that promise.

It was a long night of screaming cat calls at all the lovely ladies – sweet revenge I assure you. My favorite was the young ‘lady’ by the name of Barbara….can you say ‘Que Barbara!’ – doubly sweet. They competed in everyday wear, bathing suits (best part by far) and evening wear. I’m proud? to say that it was someone from my community that literally brought home the crown… and a $100. Not bad for one night spent in heels.

Alright, it’s time for me to finish packing and get ready for the padres! They come tomorrow!!