#peacecorpsparaguay

[ronnieinparaguay-blog]

My Birthday in Paraguay – Almost One Year In!

Hey there! It’s been a while huh?

Time has been moving faster than a teenage boy on his moto at 11:00pm – trust me, that’s fast. Incredibly, I will have been in Paraguay for a year on February 23rd! Ever since Christmas, I’ve been frequented by sentimental memories of where I was, who I was with, and what I was doing a year ago. In each of those memories, Ronnie from the past couldn’t possibly imagine where he would be (within Paraguay), who he would be with, or what he would be doing today. In fact, when I arrived in Paraguay, I was initially met with a constricting, heavy feeling of anticipation and fear… How was I going to spend 27 MONTHS here in this hot, humid, place filled with a variety of strange tropical diseases and parasites while living far from my family?!

Alas, as I begin my 24th year on this planet, I can confidently say that I have done more than survive the last year in Paraguay. While serving others, I have flourished in the most transformative sense of the word. This personal growth has by no means been the color of roses, just read my 55-page book of (mostly) complaints – I mean, personal journal – and you’ll understand that the last year has been a challenge. Such challenges however, if handled with care, serve as nutrients for prosperity:

Giving up Alcohol

Last year for lent, I chose to give up alcohol. Before joining Peace Corps, I drank with friends frequently as a source of fun, stress relief, celebration, sadness, and sometimes work. I even drank by myself at times while working on homework or applications to suck the unpleasantness out of the experience. In short, I drank too much and too frequently. My newfound preference to live alcohol-free has been sustained, and provided numerous life-improving benefits; I save money, I’ve lost weight, I can maintain a constant sleep routine, I can maintain a constant exercise routine, I don’t binge eat (more on this next), and I spend my time more intentionally.

Bye-bye Bulimia!

I was very reticent to talk about my struggles with eating up until recently… In perhaps May of 2016 I recognized that I had a real issue with food; my diet at the time was essentially paleo, restricting a vast range of grains and sugars (all foods that one craves even more when prohibited), which led me to “slip up”, and rationalize the opportunity to binge eat all the foods I normally wouldn’t allow myself. Mix this with alcohol, and I would binge an incredible amount, going to almost any lengths to acquire more “no-no food” to gorge upon. The following day I would be struck with an intense feeling of guilt, anger, frustration, and self-hatred. In a sense, I punished myself with 6 mile runs, even though I still felt terrible, in order to compensate for my behavior the previous night. This is one of the manifestations of bulimia; a cycle of binge eating, followed by a purging behavior (ex: throwing up, taking laxatives, or excessive exercise). At times, I would get stuck in a rut of anger and despair, taking advantage of every opportunity to feast upon whatever foods presented themselves. I remember one particularly dark week in which I constantly felt uncomfortably full and bloated from seeking out junk food at every opportunity… I had begun consulting with the university nutritionist and mental health team on a weekly basis throughout the summer and following semester, making slow progress. Nevertheless, this was one of my biggest preoccupations entering the Peace Corps; how was I going to deal with this challenge in a completely unknown environment without the support networks I had come to rely on? I came to Paraguay with a very intentional mindset, taking advantage of the drastic change in my environment to also drastically change my habits. This, combined with the wonderful choice to give up alcohol, significantly decreased the severity and frequency of binge eating. Living in a rural town (with no Walmart, McDonalds, Varsity Donuts, or other temptations) has also helped me be successful. While in Paraguay, I have become far more mindful of my eating and bodily sensations with food, and truly feel as though I have overcome this monstrous challenge, which, a little more than a year ago seemed as though it were impossible to escape from. I’m no professional, but I am more than happy to communicate personally with anyone who may be struggling through something similar if my experience may be of some utility.

Let’s go for a 10-mile stroll!

With my newfound ability to consistently get up early feeling good, I have been able to maintain a consistent exercise routine! I’m in the best shape of my life, run for the joy of the experience rather than to burn calories or compensate for unhealthy behavior, and have made clear progress in my physical and mental endurance. I’ve been able to increase my mileage to include a half-marathon distance run once a week, making 10 miles seem like an enjoyable trek. The freedom and peace I feel while on the trail, immersed in the beauty of the Paraguayan countryside, makes me feel alive at the core of my being. I think about all the amazing people in my life who love me, support me and believe in me. I pray the rosary for the incredible Women I am close to in the US, Kenya and Paraguay who are fighting against an unfair system to make the world a better place. I rest in the sights and sounds of the vibrant green vegetation, diversity of birds and animals, and clarity of the blue sky. I notice my body, my breath, my heartbeat, the wind against my skin, the change in temperature and humidity, and the sensation of traversing physical space leveraging my muscles and willpower. I send my love and positive intentions into the world, fortifying my confidence in my ability to spread justice and improved wellbeing. I feel strong and powerful… Because I am ;)

Hippie? Maaaaaybe, Vegetarian? Yup

Soooooo in Paraguay there is a lot of so’o…. I love that play on words! So’o = meat in Guaraní. But really, it’s definitely proven that 99.9929% of Paraguayans don’t consider their food a “meal” if it doesn’t have a nice helping of so’o. Unfortunately, I’m not a fan of leather-tough steak, half of which consists of fat, nor do I enjoy greasy sausage or oily chicken with the skin still on. At least, I don’t enjoy these things when they are as ubiquitous as they are in Paraguay. In October, I became interested in trying out a vegetarian diet; I was sick of meat, was well aware of meat’s greater environmental impact than plant foods, read about the heart-benefits of consuming less saturated fat and cholesterol, and wanted to see how it made me feel in terms of running (see Eat & Run by the world’s best Ultra-marathoner, Scott Jurek). Upon asking my AMAZING host mom, Mercedes, to try it out with me for 2 weeks, we have continued, and never looked back! (Paraguayans going vegetarian is almost UNHEARD OF… I’m so grateful for Mercedes’s presence in my life here…) I don’t publish this with the intention of convincing you to go vegetarian, or to bash anyone’s diet, but personally, I have thoroughly enjoyed eating a variety of veggies, legumes, fruits and whole grains, and the way these foods make me feel. With time, I’ve also come to appreciate that my sustenance does not depend on the death of other beings – a realization that, surprisingly, fills me with peace. Unlike previous “diets”, I don’t crave the foods that I no longer eat, making vegetarianism a far more sustainable approach.  

Clarity

The lack of structure, the preponderance of free time, picking up the habit of meditation (ooook maybe I am a hippie) and me having read Walden by Henry David Thoreau, have all helped me become more intentional in how I spend my time. I have discerned that my top 3 values are Contribution, Health, and Learning. If I can fit activities into my day that pertain to each of these three areas, then I will have had an excellent day. Such activities include: running, meditation, eating healthy, engaging in community projects, teaching finance, helping with scouts, working towards establishing the public library, promoting the farmer’s market, restructuring Peace Corp Paraguay’s national youth development program, reading about poverty and development, studying for the GRE, working on grad school scholarship applications, and studying Guaraní. The lack of internet, advertisements, and consumerist activities which pacify rather than nourish, have helped me clarify what is truly important in my life – enabling me to create my own definition of “progress” and fortifying my ability to achieve it. 

Indeed, I have thrived in this country full of generous, friendly people, diverse wildlife, stunning sunsets, expansive skies, delicious fruit at arms-reach, and peaceful countryside living. 

[michellejoyyoungblom]

It's been one year since I arrived in this little town 🌞 I never imagined living such a peaceful life. #peacecorpsparaguay 📷:📸@maria_goody (at General Morínigo, Caazapa, Paraguay)

[heypcvgirl-blog]

I'll stretch you out real good #heypcvgirl #howiseepc #peacecorps #peacecorpsparaguay

[polarmonkee]

cuerpo de paz Paraguay

On August 11, 2015 I was invited to serve as Peace Corps Volunteer in Paraguay. I am set to depart in February 2016. To be honest I never thought one of my biggest goals would come true. I am now preparing to embark in one of my greatest adventures yet. I am extremely appreciative of every individual who helped me throughout my process. I don't think I would've had the courage to continue if it wasn't for their support. I am now off to learn Guarani.

[julesandgrace]

Things that make my heart soar.

Teaching 60 children yoga in a main plaza in San Ignacio, Paraguay.

El Día Mundial de La Diabetes

November, 2014

http://paraguay.peacecorps.gov/content/diabetes-day

peacecorps

[ronnieinparaguay-blog]

El “cercado eléctrico” activity from our Scouts meeting this weekend! The entire group of 20 some scouts had to cross the “electric wire” without touching it - or else everyone starts over!

After many failed attempts of mad-rushes over the wire, the group organized, strategized and developed an approach to support (literally) those with less spring in their legs.

Who knew developing creativity, teamwork and leadership skills could be such fun! 😉✌️

[ronnieinparaguay-blog]

Office of a Peace Corps Volunteer on a hot (winter) day! Oficina de un Voluntario del Cuerpo de Paz en un día calorosa! ✌️

[ronnieinparaguay-blog]

What to do when your community lacks a trash management system? A) Burn your trash B) Toss your trash C) Bury your trash D) Don't create trash... How you ask? 1. Consume fewer packaged goods 2. Start a compost pile 3. Separate plastics, foils and foams from organic materials and paper. 4. Stuff 2L bottles full of plastic, foil and foam to use in the construction of eco-benches in the future! 5. Add paper bits and organic matter to compost pile 6. Be careful not to purchase goods packaged in glass, tin cans or other materials that can't be stuffed into bottles easily 😅 7. Work to establish public trash and or recycling services Do you know how waste is managed in your community? Where does it end up? Who does it affect on its way there and once it is there? How can you produce less garbage?

[ronnieinparaguay-blog]

A clip from my presentation to the community back in July! With the support of my host Mom and community contact, we had a successful event with about 60 people and lots of cake afterwards! 🎉😊

[ronnieinparaguay-blog]

Learning of what I Don’t Know

After 3.5 months in Paraguay, and 1 month in my permanent hometown, I’ve come to understand just how much more I need to learn about Paraguay. You name it: political system, which food combinations “will make you sick”, Guaraní (that’s a big one), behavior in professional settings, when “Sí” actually means “no”, power dynamics, and so much more.

My first Guavas courtesy of the folks at our local Ag Extension! 

The first 3 months of service “in site” are dedicated to community integration to help address this initial sense of disorientation in addition to assessing the resources and needs of the community in a participatory manner. In other words, I spend a lot of time shadowing people of various institutions and occupations, asking questions, listening and observing. For a community of my size (2000 people in the urban center), there are an incredible amount of opportunities and guapo (hardworking) individuals! Some of these sources of community growth include:

Government Ag Finance Program, Tenondera

Ministry of Agricultural Extension

Municipality

School District Administrative Office

School District Pedagogy Office

High School

2 Primary Schools

Girl/Boy Scouts

Community Health Clinic

Public Market

Youth Groups

Church Groups

Local Businesses and Services

The trick here is that, despite my initial reaction to “fix” things in my community, what I see is usually not seen in the same way by community members. Nor is it very effective to view every experience as something that needs improvement. Often, what I may view as an obvious difference from Western practice x, exists for a rational, but unclear reason. Upon seeking clarification surrounding this cultural difference or perceived challenge, I’m usually left with a sense of awe at the complexity of the situation (btw, having a patient host Mom is super helpful!). Accordingly, in order to catalyze meaningful change in my community, the change must be backed by 1) motivated community members or 2) community members who trust me and may later become motivated. Overall, what is meaningful should be determined by community members and not myself – especially considering my privileged position to be able to jump on a plane after 2 years and be freed from the consequences of the changes I organize.

Having said all this, I am excited to continue building friendships and family in the department of Caaguazu, Paraguay! No community in the world is perfect, but I’m beginning to understand the many resources, opportunities and strengths mine has to offer.

[ronnieinparaguay-blog]

My first appearance on the local radio last week in order to promote my site presentation!

[ronnieinparaguay-blog]

A rainy hike just outside of my community. As I complete week 2 in site, i've gradually been getting to know more people, institutions and opportunities!

[ronnieinparaguay-blog]

A little chaos is often the precursor to change. 😉Training is almost complete, and tomorrow I move to my future home as a Peace Corps Volunteer! Also the proud owner of a terere guampa, courtesy of my training team.

[ronnieinparaguay-blog]

My family and I toured 7 different churches yesterday for Semana Santa! The oldest of which was built in 1649! 😱Many churches lower the cross from the wall so that people can kiss the feet of Christ. Also, much chipa was eaten on this day.

[ronnieinparaguay-blog]

Mass on Palm Sunday in Itá and the beginning of Semana Santa!

[ronnieinparaguay-blog]

Cultural Integration

Before I describe my attempts to adapt to the Paraguayan way of life, let’s explore the idea of culture a little more broadly...

^My wonderful and generous host family!

Merriam Webster defines culture as: “The integrated pattern of human knowledge, belief, and behavior that depends upon the capacity for learning and transmitting knowledge to succeeding generations”

Beneath the many surface level descriptors of culture such as dress, food and language, there lies a mix of complex socioeconomic characteristics (income and gender inequality), major historical events (35 years of dictatorship and the Triple Alliance War that decimated a generation of Paraguayan men), geographical influences (heat and humidity) and values (emphasis on relationships and hospitality). What makes culture a hard concept to grasp is that these values, which may be shared across cultures, are often expressed by different, or even conflicting behaviors.

Consider a Businesswoman in the U.S. on her way to a meeting. She’s running a little late so she rushes past her coworkers in the office so that she can arrive to the meeting on time. When she bursts into the meeting room, she immediately finds a chair and prepares for the meeting that is about to begin. One interpretation of her behavior is that she wants to respect everyone else in the meeting by not wasting their time. Alternatively, a Businesswoman in Paraguay who is also running late to her meeting may be more apt to arrive to the office, then greet her coworkers with handshakes and kisses on each cheek. When she enters the conference room after the meeting has started, she makes a similar effort to greet each of her coworkers. Although the Paraguayan woman was late to the meeting, she expressed her respect for her peers by taking the time to personally greet each of them. In both cultures, the Businesswomen value showing respect for others, but the behaviors that demonstrate such respect are contradictory in terms of time management.

Below are my top 10 strategies to better understand and integrate into the Paraguayan culture during training.

1.     Open-mindedness

2.     Drinking Terere with family and friends during free time

3.     Sitting with my family in front of our house in the evening to remark about crazy drivers on the nearby highway, “relax”, and talk about life

4.     Taking siestas after lunch on weekends so as to get on the local schedule

5.     Trying all the food #meatcarbsandsugar

^Ñoki pasta dish with beef

      6.  Asking meaningful questions to a variety of people on subjects like:

Motorcycle accidents (#1 cause of death in Paraguay)

The 35-year dictatorship under Stroessner

Political views of both Paraguay and the U.S. >>>

Discrimination and racism

Income inequality

Machismo

Religion

Diet, nutrition and exercise

Finance and common business practices

^Accompanying my family to Mass and confession in Caacupe 

^A local pottery business that produces about 500 products a day and sells to retailers in Asuncion  

7.  Being vulnerable and opening up to those around me

8.  Refraining from judging the Paraguayan people based on observed behaviors alone

9.  Seeking to identify underlying values that are represented by surprising behaviors

10.  Recognizing that no single way of life is more valid than another, and that, were I Paraguayan, I would be just as confused about the culture of the United States.

It may be impossible to fully grasp the makeup of another culture or people, but every day I strive to grow closer to the Paraguayan people knowing that integration is the key to gaining trust and working with a community rather than for a community.

Hit that “Follow” button to keep up to date on my upcoming posts including my training routine, and my home for the next two years!!!