My asamblea general went pretty well. I had lots of people show up but I was a little disappointed that the people in my community I was most eager to hear about my project plans like the health promoter, mayor, and my host mom were all unable to attend. I guess it's a good thing I see them often enough that it isn't a big deal they weren't there.
I've been back in San Vicente for my second round of training for the past week. It's great to be back with my host family in San Esteban but I've hardly had any time with them because training has been so busy. I like these training sessions sooo much better than the ones from PST1. I'm actually learning stuff that I'll be able to use in my community like how to make pinatas, jewelry, recycled purses, how to start a water or latrine project, and how to write grants. It's all extremely useful and I can't wait to get back to my community so I can get things going!
This next week we're heading to the capital to visit some museums and to a beautiful waterfall and gardens on the western side of the country. Then I'm back in San Esteban for a few days of English classes, and then back to San Salvador for Thanksgiving at the Embassy and my swearing in party!! SO much stuff going on but I love it. I will admit I hate missing the annual Harvey & Mabe-White excursion to Ocean Isle Beach but glad I will still be able to celebrate with Americans (and hot showers!).
I almost forgot to mention I went hiking up a volcano the other week!!! My friend, the dentist from the clinic, invited me to climb Volcano Izalco in Sonsonate. I don't know why I was thinking it would be easy but it took us 4 hours to get to the top. The hardest part wasn't even hiking up Izalco, but going down Cerro Verde (the point of view of this picture) and then back up it again to get to where we parked. Although I was completely exhausted and aching for days after, it was totally worth the view of practically all of El Salvador and just the feeling of accomplishment after hiking up a volcano. Not to mention, I was the first person from our group to make it to the top!
