Home is where the heart is, thats why Peace Corps requires that volunteers live with a host family during their service. Since my initial arrival in site, I have been living in a since room and sharing a bathroom, pila and kitchen with my host family. I had intentions of finding a larger space, but that proved to be a little challenging with requirements and available options. My site mate who is getting ready to COS had some housing options in mind for me to look at, including her house when she left. I looked at them all and didn't feel that "this is home/ I'm in love with this place" feeling. I had a little chat with my host mother about my problem and my interest in the front room/ studio in which had been recently vacated by a family. She showed me the space and offered it to me before I could really even say yes. I really enjoy spending time with my host family and they have really helped me with my Spanish and my adjustment. The morning after she offered me the room, as I was brushing my teeth, we discussed about my changing rooms, she asked what color I wanted the room and was going to send the painter over to show me color swatches. This was all happening so fast, no hora chapin here. I chose three just in case one was not available (orange, turquoise, and yellow). The only color available in the quantity needed was turquoise and I was ok with that. The room was painted on Thursday morning and I moved in on Friday afternoon after school. The room is a good size but not big in any way, but to think that a family of 4 and a small store were here prior to me, just blows my mind. She even connected cable and changed the outlets for me. I am glad I decided to stay!
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| My Room Before |
As the room was being painted my host mom came to my room while I was working and asked what color I wanted the outside, I told her it was fine the way it was and she replied "you cant wear clean clothes on the outside and still have on dirty underwear" so that was that. We decided on orange and red. The first few days in my room it had rained and I realized that one of the corners was getting wet and with the room being a little humid, mildew started to present itself in my humble abode. Everything presents a challenge, thats when patience and enthusiasm come into play. Over all I am very happy with my new space, it is much easier cooking on a stove then it is on a plancha (wood burning stove). Cooking (or trying to cook) on the plancha the last three months has made me appreciate the luxuries in life: fridge, stove, toaster oven and other handy appliances.
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| My Kitchen/Dining Room |
