Friday, January 29, 2016

Déjà vu (but not really)

As I started moving through my second year here, I realized I’m repeating some experiences that I’ve already been through. Chirstmas, New Years, Seis de Enero (see blog post from last year)… I remember experiencing those fiestas thinking I need to take advantage of this experience because I won’t get to experience it again! After all, a “once in a lifetime” experience is Peace Corps they told us. And it is. But it’s also a two year engagement, so some of the cultural experiences become twice in a lifetime experiences. It’s bizarre thinking that some of the most memorable times I had last year I get to go through (or have to put up with) all over again this year! Dancing as pastoras. I did that twice. At the Seis de Enero party in Luya with the Health Center, I had tons of flash backs to the same party last year. We partied that party twice. I’m remembering from last year how quiet and lonely these months of vacations are as people leave to travel and my teacher friends don’t come around. I remember how fun and challenging it is to have rein over your own classroom. But I learned from last year. I’m not as bored as I’ve found activities and scheduled work to keep my busy. I definitely feel more in control of my students and found ways to keep it interesting. First day of school, meeting new teachers: I feel more ready to tackle that. Holy Week is next, that three day party, I remember thinking, I’m gonna push through the sleepiness cause I won’t be doing this again! Silly me. Then comes our town fiestas- that week of party was a lot of fun, I’m glad I get to do it again! Like I said, it’s cool that I get to do a lot of stuff all over again with knowledge and experience to improve it! Watch out Chocta, Alexis has a year under her belt and is coming at you strong!
Seis de Enero 2015
Seis de Enero 2016