the meeting

This Tuesday I had my ‘townhall meeting’, a huge day in my Peace Corps tenure, being that it was my official entrance into the community. My boss was scheduled to visit, I told the community about the meeting, and took the time to prepare a speech outlining some of the ideas and goals that I have as the community and I start to work together.

Of course, as with everything in the Peace Corps, one has to keep an open mind. Originally, I had told my community that the meeting would take place at 2pm on Tuesday. I sent this message via visiting the school and going door-to-door. However, I received a phone call from my boss, he notified me that he would be coming into town around 4pm. So, Tuesday morning, I remade my rounds to let people know of the time adjustment.*

*Buenos dias, como está ud? Estoy muy bien, gracias, solo pasiando por acá para informale que hay un cambio en el tiempo de la reunion hoy.

This is something that I said at every house. I wanted to tell them that there was a change in the meeting time… what did I actually end up telling them?

Good day, how are you? I am well, thank you, I am passing to tell you that there is a change in the weather of the meeting.

**This has added to the mystic of the Gringo in town. People gave me really awesome looks, and I wasn't sure why... but now I know.

However, even though most was lost in translation, people showed for the meeting! Ran into a little bit of trouble around 4pm - it started to rain (it always does at 4). My boss didn't show up till 5pm because he had other meetings and the weather was bad - which meant that a bunch of people left my meeting before it started so that they could cook dinner and what not (rememember, there is no electrcity, so there is a running clock on the days activities here).

When my boss came, things went really great! For those who remained, my boss was able to explain to them who I was, why I was here... what I would be doing! It was really great to have a native of El Salvador explaining all this - what an aid.

After my boss spoke, I gave my speach. I wrote it down on notecards, obviously because I was nervous... I had to run and get my flashlight because it was dark - this made people laugh. However, I said what I needed to say and the meeting concluded.

Best part of the day (besides my meeting going smoothly). My counterpart who lives in another city told me that my language has really been improving. I have noticed this as well, considering I am starting to understand most that people say to me...

It was a great day, and I believe that more of them are to come!

paz,
jimbo