Hi everyone!!

Its been a good long time since I have unpdated my blog. But rest assured, that I am alive and kicking, working here in my community.

I am currently working on getting funding for a recycling project in the school system. The idea is that we would get the funds for the containers for the recyclables, which are plastic bags, plastic bottles, glass, organic waste, tin, paper, and cardboard. The schools would send slips home to their parents, come with recyclables from home, and the municipality would collect everything once a month. Myself and another WATSAN volunteer would give presentations on separation, reduction, recycling, refusing, reusing, responsability, dangers of burning trash, worm composting, environmental consciousness and respect for the environment and community. Its a pretty big project, especially since its for 4 primary schools and 4 secondary schools, adding up to 4076 students in total. Right now, we are waiting to hear back about a grant application, then we will look for more funding if we dont get the grant. The nice thing is that the project only requires about $500 to get started.

besides that, I am working on a tree planting project in my town. It should go well. I am working with an NGO. Huarango is a tree that is native to the desert of peru which is engangered! Mostly because the locals cut down the trees for firewood for their stoves at home. Not many people know that it is illegal to cut the trees down, but I dont fail in the opportunity to tell them so when I see them carrying firewood.

Peru has officially started its winter, though its still hot during the day, when the sun is out at least, in the desert. In the evenings and night time, I have to wear long pants, a jacket, and sometimes a hat, but its nothing compared to the Minnesota cold I am used to. I am trying to start the new habit of biking to the municipality, in which I am really hurting now!! I am so out of shape! My muscles have nearly disappeared and I am becoming very skinny! As long as I dont eat dinner with my host family at 10 pm.

Us volunteers have been watching the world cup pretty vigorously. The US won and are advancing!!!! I´m so happy, because it gives us a good reason to get together, drink a few beers, and wear our US jerseys!! (I bought a US jersey for $10 in Lima. And dont worry dad, I´ll get you one for sure). They even have the FIFA wolrd cup badge. They are fake, of course, but still really good. As a very wise peruvian once told me... "peru doesnt make anything authentic, but we sure do know how to make some really good quality fake stuff..."

And I strongly agree with that.

Happy travels!

Teigan

PS. Pictures posted