Friday, May 20, 2011

A day in the life of a volunteer

Well, I guess, it should more appropriately say in my life instead of a volunteer´s life…because this really does depend what country you go to, where you go in the country (city or country) ,who you´re working with (how many organizations you´re working with) and what project you´re working on.

For me, I´m in Honduras (more developed than some places, but still less developed than the U.S.), in a small town/village with 5,000 people in all and only 2,000 that actually live in the area I´m at because my town has like 12 outlying communities or other villages. Therefore, it´s pretty small, but not the smallest it could be. Also, I´m working with 3 counterparts-the high school with around 300 students in all the 6 grades they have! Also, I´m working with a youth group and a Culture and Tourism Group.

With those 3 groups, I´m actually quite busy….so my day goes something like this:
6:30ª.m.-wake up after hitting snooze at the 6:15ª.m. alarm/baby crying/rustling in the family household / possible music playing loudly.
7a.m.-Get myself together, have a bible study (still working on this).
8ª.m.-Take shower, eat breakfast (tortilla, beans, cheese, avacado, maybe eggs-normal, also I might have oatmeal, pancakes (rare), or cereal (that I supply myself because I LOVE it!)
From here on is where it gets a little crazy…different every day! But, usually, I have 2 things in the morning and 1 or 2 things in the afternoon that could include meetings with groups to plan activities, English clubs and class with teachers, projects (HIV/AIDS, Dental Hygiene, etc.), visiting families, using the computer, etc.
ALSO, I find it very interesting that almost every lunch here at my host familie´s house includes rice, a Little meat, veggie and fruit juice. Very interesting…I´m def. noticing this pattern.
5p.m.-usually I go home around this time and eat dinner, read, do some planning for the next day, maybe watch some t.v. in the “living room area” (I say this is in quotations to not decieve you into thinking this is something luxurious as it is also used as the dining room and we don´t have couches…which is sometimes a Little sad for me) is not occuppied by other viewers.
9:30p.m.-10:30p.m.-Go to SLEEP (of course I sleep past this time, this is just the hour usually when I fall asleep)

Pictures to come and look at my facebook...there are so many new photos on there!

Love,
Victoria

3 comments:

  1. Hi, Victoria!
    I am glad you finally updated your blog. It sounds as if you are keeping busy. I guess the teacher's strike is over?? Jennifer and Alyssa visited us over Memorial Day weekend and we went to the beach on Monday. It was very nice. We got there early (8:10 am) so we could get a good spot. The weather was beautiful and such a nice breeze from the water. Other than that, not much new here. Just HOT HOT HOT and no rain. I am glad you are going to post some pics here and not just on face book. I am resisting becoming a face book "fan" for anyone even though the pressure is great. Take care of yourself and keep us updated on all your adventures. Love & prayers --- Aunt Sandra

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  2. Aww...glad ya'll are soaking up the sun and having fun. I understand the temptation of FB...lol. HAve a great summer!~

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  3. Hi, Victoria,
    I hope you are checking your blog comments so that you will see my HAPPY BIRTHDAY wish for your big day tomorrow. I hope it is a special time for you! I am looking for an update from you on all you are doing! How many candles will be on that cake? I apologize for not remembering....but no matter - you are still just a "baby" with many, many more wonderful birthdays ahead. Love you, Aunt Sandy

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