Tuesday, July 3 – As the bus pulled into the building’s driveway, I didn’t know what to expect when I walked into the Cuerpo de Paz (Peace Corps) Paraguay office. I already had established my love for Paraguay, its people and its culture, but when Matt and Chance, Peace Corps volunteers who are now in charge of different sectors or branches at the Peace Corps headquarters in Asunción, shared the details of their unique experiences, I knew I wanted to get involved. Chance works for the Environmental sector and Matt works for the Community Economic Development sector of the Peace Corps.
Chance explained how to receive honey from bees, described finding sand flies in between his toes, and told us about the playful arguments he had with his host mother (who was in her 70s). He lived with his host family for the two years he was in his small town during his Peace Corps service and developed a close bond with his very large host family. Matt described the training and application process for a Peace Corps worker, his work with the youth group he formed in his town and the art murals they created together to bring beauty to the small villages. This service, this bringing of happiness, love, and peace and the creation of powerful bonds pulled me in. I became extremely interested in the Peace Corps and now hope to get involved in the future.
I am inspired to learn Guarani and to continue practicing and improving my Spanish skills. Guarani, as well as Spanish, is a strong language. Guarani is expressive and beautiful. Spanish makes me feel closer to my roots, and I feel resilient when I speak it.
Paraguay is home to many different people with interesting backgrounds, unique cultures and varying stories, and I want to hear them all. I know I will come back to this country one day. I feel it!
Camilla R., Rockville High School