so work has this volunteer program. a one-month, unpaid but expenses-paid-for (minus airfare & spending money) volunteer program. they started it six months ago, but it was never something i thought i could do, because of school and bills and the animals and all that. i really never gave it a second thought, but it was always an "it's too bad i can't do that" sort of thing, because i'd love to.
so anyway, i had to print out the FAQ on the program for something the other day, and happened to have it in my planner last night during class. after my test, i started looking at it. the one program is in guatemala. you stay with a guatemalan family, and for your volunteering, you teach little children! you help them with their reading, math, science, etc. you give them english lessons. it's a full day, 8 - 4. you also help with projects in the community.
you are living in a town on lake atitlan (pictured above).
i got to thinking about it, and by the time everyone else was done with their tests, my heart was beating fast and i was all excited because i realize i COULD do it. assuming chris is willing to act as single daddy to all the pets (he is, later confirmed) and i could save up $$$ in advance to pay for my airfare and my bills for the month, etc., it is totally doable.
i'd miss chris and all the animals, but at the same time, it's just four weeks. i would know that i should just enjoy my time there because i would soon be going home. that was a sticking point because, um, i have hardly been apart from chris for more than a night or two since i've met him, and i kinda like it that way. but yeah, it would be worth it. i tried telling chris he could come visit me, but he doesn't seem very keen on the idea.
as for school, i would have to have have some really flexible teachers who are willing to let me do my first two weeks of class assignments in advance (for this good cause, maybe they would be?), or take the summer term off.. but honestly, i think for a monthlong experience like this, it would be worth it.
i could really help these kids.. not only hands-on, but the money my work would pay for me to participate goes towards their school and community. in addition, i would get to learn about the foundations my work has that are working in the community where i would be stationed. and getting to live for a whole month in a totally different place? speaking spanish all the time? ahh, i'd love it.
i think the application progress starts soon.. they choose something like eight for our state to participate. man oh man, i hope i get to go! it's still a long shot at this point, but very much a hopeful one.
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