The first day in Santa Rosalia, a small town located more than 2-hours from Asunción, was so nerve racking. Everybody thought we were going to be in partners in our home stays. It was even worse since we were not all comfortable with Spanish and no one spoke Guaraní. Even though there was a huge language barrier, we continued to get closer to our host families. Because of this, leaving was really hard and that two-hour car ride back to Asunción was full of laughter and tears about the memories we made.
We are now working in an area called Santa Ana. Its small houses are made out of wood or brick and other random materials with dogs and chickens roaming around the somewhat water covered streets. This is area is close to the river and is prone to flooding.
Asunción feels much like any other big city. In the cities, people are not as nice and warm as the people in the countryside. Santa Rosalia felt like a home and a real community because everyone was very friendly and cared about one another. In Santa Ana, people are much more stern and not as friendly as you would wish. For example, when you say good morning or smile at a random person, they don’t normally return the sentiment or just keep walking like they never heard you. One similarity between Santa Rosalia and Santa Ana is the random animals roaming the streets and the dogs look just as sad and skinny. Santa Ana does not feel as bright, happy or green as Santa Rosalia. Fewer people smile or say adiós as you are passing; the little kids are so cute but so shy it took awhile to get them to loosen up and play.
For me, the biggest difference between Santa Rosalia and Santa Ana is I feel more needed in Santa Ana. We have met with representatives from various organizations who are doing great work in the community. Our group is painting the outside of a daycare center and drawing a murals on their walls. We are also playing with the kids at the daycare center and teaching them how to brush their teeth properly. I am doing physical and creative work to change a community, and you can really see the impact we have had on the community.
The biggest similarity between Santa Rosalia and Santa Ana is pride in the community. Both communities are proud of their people and culture and are doing what they can to share those experiences with others and doing work to make positive impacts on and changes in their communities.
Grace B., Washington Latin Public Charter School
