I have now survived almost 2 days in Paraguay, although it seems like much longer. This isn't a bad thing, it just takes a lot out of you to take it all in and get accustomed to your surroundings. I have mostly been resting, getting to know people, and traveling.
I spent yesterday in Asuncion with the SIM family because they were all together for a despedida to one of the families that is leaving for a year for their home assignment. We had asado (bbq) and watched Paraguay play Jamaica in the "copa america". Paraguay won 1-0.
Today, my mentor Karen and my other short term team member and roommate, Laurel, traveled to Villarrica where I will be staying for the rest of my time here. I am settled in and getting comfortable in my new temporary home. The house is cozy, and right across from the school where I will be teaching. My mentor is friends with lots of her community members, and some of them come to her house often. I just met one that is very sweet that will go with us tomorrow to the Paraguayan museum. I will also meet the principal of my school tomorrow.
The weather is humid. Yesterday was kind of chilly, but you got hot moving around. Today is rainy, which means more humid. I can't decide if it is hot or cold. I put my sweater on because I am cold, but then I quickly get hot from the humidity. Sounds like an Oregon Spring, right?
Things I have noticed so far:
The livestock is REALLY skinny and run freely from field to field. There is often "cow crossing" across the highway.
Introductions are very important. You stop everything you are doing to get up and greet someone who enters.
When you want to enter someone's house, instead of knocking, you clap outside the gate.
When a store owes you a small amount of change, instead of giving you the minute amount, they give you a piece of candy instead.
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