2.27.2009 To Finish February

This month has been happening to me. Dumped, spilled, ran away with me - I’ve officially given up control! My goal since February 1, has been simply to survive the month. Starting out the month with weather so unbearably cold, and me unsure of my living situation post-host family, this goal felt reasonable enough. But now things have progressed. Now feels full of opportunity. I only hope that I can keep my optimism and my word on the plans I’ve made with my community and the big ideas I have for myself.

I've experience a series of changes, with change being what I can rely upon. I now have a place of my own. Four bedrooms, a kitchen, and a Turkish toilet all to myself. I’m enjoying the freedom of redefining each “scantily clad” room at will. Yesterday, I put the livingroom in the entryway…because I can. And after six weeks of teaching English to a group of girls, many of them have returned to their former chores, while a tenacious few keep showing up. We know that I could be a better teacher if I had more resources and could better speak their language, but we amble along. I figure we’re all learning something…not sure exactly what.

Also, my relationship with the boys working at the local hotels seems to be blossoming. That’s just great, she says with sarcasm. First she starts living alone, now she’s hanging around with boys. Those loose American women! Not true, though I’ll let you in on a little secret: The young men and the young women don’t talk much to each other around here. So, enter Sarah, the American. I’m happy to open the lines of communication – especially when the tour bus shows up, full of American tourists who came to see the Gorges. It just so happens that they want to buy a rug made by the locals, and I know a few women across the river who can weave a mean rug. Don’t know how I got here, but I sure am glad I’ve arrived.