Rollercoaster of Emotions

I've been at my new site for 3 weeks! I can't believe how fast the time is flying. I had an amazingly enlightening experience the other day that I thought I should share. But first, let me preface it with some of the emotions I was struggling with before this awesome moment...

There are so many aspects of Guyanese culture that are beautiful, unique and something I feel so fortunate to be able to experience. Alternatively, there are parts of this culture I have had a hard time coming to terms with, and feel that by accepting these "cultural norms" I am compromising who I am, what I believe in, and why I'm here. Here are a few examples of issues I face on a daily basis: mother's hitting their children at the clinic, children throwing rocks at dogs, battered women who come into the health centre seeking treatment, knowing full well the law does not protect them against domestic violence, leaving them feeling stuck in these terrible living conditions. What bothers me about all of this is that it is just accepted by people living here, and in order for me to integrate, I feel that I have to accept these issues and compromise my morals. In the process, I feel like I'm becoming jaded and emotionless. I walked by a dead puppy on the side of the road the other day and wasn't fazed by it. When I got home, I started to cry. Not because the puppy had died, but because it didn't bother me.

After coming home everyday filled with these frustrations, I realized I needed to come up with a solution. I decided to go for a run the next morning, and this is where I had my enlightening moment. I woke up feeling confused and angry. It was about 6 am and the sun was just starting to rise. I put on my running shoes and started running down the dirt road. I didn't know where it would take me and that was part of it's appeal. The road was empty and all I could hear were birds chirping, the "pitter-patter" of my feet on the dirt, my breath, (heavy because I hadn't run since being here) and my heart pounding in my head. Something about this peace and quiet helped clear my head of all the clutter and start to see things more clearly. Then it began to rain and I couldn't stop smiling. I realized in this moment how fortunate I am to have this opportunity to address these issues in my community. To become someone the people of Rosignol trust. Someone who can inspire change through the development of interpersonal relationships. That is why I'm here- to make positive change in a place that seems "unchangeable". To make people see a different point of view, and hopefully accept it as their own. All of these thoughts led to more thoughts about the type of projects I would like to start during my time here.
Here is a list I've come up with... please add if you have any other ideas:)
1. An after school program for teenage girls- if you empower women, you can make so much change.
2. Environmental awareness campaign- focusing on waste reduction: there is no form of waste disposal in Guyana. Most people either burn their garbage (plastics included) or throw it in the river.
3. Running/walking group for women in the community- use this as a way to improve physical health and start some dialogue on domestic violence and child abuse.
and of course....
4. Ultimate frisbee club- to spread the love of ultimate around the world <3

As I said, any other ideas would be a huge help!

I miss everyone from home everyday and wish that you could all be here to experience this crazy Guyanese Life!
Peace and so much love!