From the Depths 13 Sep 2008 12:54 pm
A New Home
Wow, over a month has passed since last I updated this. Has it really been that long friends? My apologies.
Much has happened. Field Based Training is done. I was simultaneously very sorry to leave my wonderful family in Monte Redondo and very excited to reunite with all my buds back in Zarabanda. I only returned to Z-town for one night however, as the next day, this past Wednesday, I left to visit my new home. San Marcos de Colon.
It is an amazing place. So beautiful. And the gente, tan amable y cariñoso. I love it here. Furthermore, I am convinced I am the luckiest peace corps volunteer in Honduras, or at least within the Protected Areas Management program. I say this because not only is San Marcos and the surrounding area breathtakingly gorgeous, I have a wonderful new house to live in. I don´t want to brag about all that I have here but let me just say I am well taken care of. Do not worry about Patricio roughing it. And the host family is most accommodating and friendly as well. Just this morning we went out to fly a kite.
My counterpart is an amazing woman as well. As another volunteer described her, she is “the grandmother of your dreams”. She is one of the sweetest people I have ever met. But along with all her kindness comes a determined effort to bring gender equality to the municipio of San Marcos. I am really looking forward to working with her in the Oficina Muncipal de la Mujer.
I haven´t yet had a chance to check out any of the surrounding schools, (they are all practicing marching for independence day on monday anyway) but I can´t wait to start my work there. Unfortunately I have to take a bus back to Tegucigalpa mañana but I will be back here in two weeks to start my two years.
Oh, and of course I miss you all a terrible cantidad. Especialmente tu.
Patricio
on 19 Sep 2008 at 8:41 pm 1.mom said …
Wow, Patrick!
This all (I read all your entries) makes me so proud to be your Mom. Love you and miss you.
on 20 Sep 2008 at 12:43 pm 2.Raphael said …
Sounds awesome Patrick. I’m glad everything is going well and that you’re enjoying your work and your stay there.
Good to hear from you.
on 26 Sep 2008 at 10:50 am 3.Aunt Gay said …
Packet,
Just found this thing(computers are not my best tool). Sounds exciting and I’m so glad you are healthy and happy. Remember we are praying for you and that you will touch others’ lives in a very meaningful way. Also, remember I no ablo espanol so just stick to plain old englais! JK. Ben is taking first year spanish so maybe he can communicate with you better than his old mom. Have a great day and remember ITS A JUNGLE OUT THERE!
Love you,
Aunt Gay
on 09 Oct 2008 at 1:38 pm 4.Nancy & Jim said …
Patrick,
Your mom gave us this URL so we could keep up with you and this life-altering adventure. This blog is a great idea - will supplement any journal entries you have. When you are 57 years old, you will read your entries and look back on this experience with such glee!
Jim and I are jealous of your energy and drive. We wish you constant inspiration and fulfilling execution of your job.
Take care!
Nancy & Jim
on 10 Oct 2008 at 3:26 pm 5.Kevin said …
Patrick, I hate to say it but the PAM site in Catacamas undoubtedly is better than yours although I would like to come visit sometime, after 3 months of course. I hope all is well in San Marcos.