Life is a Game we Play.

2 Month Anniversary...

So yesterday, finally, after coming to Fé y Alegría for 2 full months, I had my first class with the parents! It went really, really well—much better than I expected. I am so thankful that Andres came with me and helped out because he was able to make it a more fun and laidback atmosphere. Had I given the class myself, it would have been more serious and strictly business. I don’t quite have the Spanish skills to be able to create the kind of environment that he did. In the class, I gave about a half hour overview of the course material. I explained what entrepreneurship is, how it can help them, and the first steps towards turning an idea into a reality. I introduced the business plan and the marketing plan, as well as talked about the importance of control and evaluation using basic accounting principles. Then we did an activity where each mother wrote down three ideas that they felt they could work with and develop without worrying about startup costs. Each mother came up to the front and shared her idea. Then they got into small groups and each picked one idea from the group that they felt was best and developed it more. What kind of food would the restaurant serve? What would its hours be? Where would it be located? What would the service be like? How would it compete with other restaurants? Etc, etc. The first class went really well, so I hope that we can keep the momentum going and spark the entrepreneurial spirit in these people!! :-)

Last night we had a meeting with the OC (organizing committee) of my PBoX, Cuenta Conmigo. This Saturday, the whole LC is going to the foundation where Marilene works instead of our normal GMM (general member meeting). We are planning a bunch of activities with the kids with themes such as personal hygiene and good behavior. The kids are adorable—they performed a traditional Colombian dance at Global Village for NatCo last week. The meeting yesterday was kind of sad though, because a huge chunk of time was dedicated to talking about “la Conferencia de Cierre” or closing ceremony for the project…which means we’re already talking about me going home. The closing ceremony is going to be August 22^nd, one week before I leave. We are going to try to go camping on the beach in Tayrona after the event! I still have Trainee Weekend in Medellin to look forward to as well, but I feel like the next month and a half is just going to fly by! I definitely have to return to Colombia. I am seriously considering doing another internship after I graduate in Bogota or Medellin for a year or so. My Spanish has improved so much, but I have learned so much more than just a language. I have made tons of friends here that I know I will keep in contact with and never forget, not only from Colombia, but with trainees from all over the world. This has been an incredible experience—I have matured so much in the past two months and have discovered so much about myself and my surroundings. I am really thankful to have had this amazing opportunity to really become immersed and accepted entirely in a different culture. It’s like that silly swimming pool analogy, where your relationships start off in the shallow end—you’re completely in control and independent, conversations don’t go past the surface, and then you gradually work your way to the deep end, where you can trust people and confide in them. I only had 3 and a half months; I didn’t have time to “test the waters.” I took the chance of jumping straight into the deep end, and I am so glad that I let myself open up even though I was hesitant to do so because it has really made this trip unforgettable.

posted by Erin @ 12:47 PM