I am sad that I'm leaving but I am also excited, I am a mix of emotions these past few days. Michaela and I decided to do this sometime in November or probably even earlier than that. I love to travel, if you couldn't tell by now, and it's just another adventure that'll give me more experience and more memories. This trip is especially special because I will be volunteering in three countries in the childcare field. I will be working in schools, daycares, and orphanages to help children in their education and hygiene. My job is basically providing support to economically disadvantaged children. It's going to be heart breaking, I will probably get attached to some of them but that's all apart of the journey. Just like my study abroad travels, the thirty-four days down in Latin America will be life changing.
The project description for Costa Rica and Guatemala says, "Many children at the projects we work with are affected by poor home life, little to no schooling and alcohol or drug abuse among their families. Volunteers will work in schools, daycare centers, and orphanages. Work varies but generally consists of providing ndvidual attention, playing with children, organizing games and activities, educating children regarding hygiene and assisting with homework. Volunteers play an important role in working alongside local staff to improve the educational, emotional, and hygiene conditions of the children."
In Mexico, "Volunteers on the childcare project in Mexico offer support to children in a wide variety of different settings; including a family creche at children's therapy centers, day care centers for single mothers, as well as shelters for adolescent children who are victims of domestic abuse. The role of the volunteer is to help these programs animate, educate and support young children and adolescents from many different backgrounds. Day to day tasks may include arranging small group activities, games and art and crafts to activate the children's mental development, creativity, and physical coordination. Some placements may also require day to day care of younger children including feeding and nap time. Teaching important values such as responsibility and camaraderie, providing hope and a new insight into different cultures is all part of the project, and the one-on-one time volunteers spend with the child is invaluable to their development."
I am scared. Only for Mexico City, maybe some of Oaxaca. Michaela is leaving after Guatemala, meaning my week in Merida, my four days in Oaxaca, and my five days in Mexico City will be spent alone. Merida week is apart of the childcare program but after that, I'll be traveling and sightseeing for my time in Oaxaca and Mexico City. This past semester was spent scaring myself about being an obvious American girl walking alone in Mexico City, with nine million people living there. Every person that has given me advice about the city was mostly negative things. Like, don't take the subway (common explosions), don't take two door taxi's because of rape and kidnapping, etc. I do have someone over there that'll meet up with me and show me around. I was at first, not planning to go to the city, but I couldn't go to Mexico without seeing Frida Kahlo's house. She's been my favourite artist for the past year. I'm trying to be optimistic about everything though. If I can travel by myself around Europe, I think I can handle Mexico. Although, prayers would be nice. And if anyone else has any other tips or advice, I'd love to hear about it.
Anyway, I leave on June 2nd, and I will get back on the 4th of July. I'm not taking my laptop so posts will be coming from my iPhone. Not sure how good they'll be but I will try to keep you updated.
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