San Pedro Final Update
July 30, 2008
Volunteers are spending their final days in community finishing stove projects, planting eucalyptus seedlings, and giving charlas (educational classes). After four days of training and four weeks in community, Volunteers and community members will have built roughly 150 healthy stoves, planted 1500 trees, constructed a facility for a sewing cooperative, raised money for local youth groups and given dozens of workshops on nutrition, reforestation and the benefits of healthy stoves. Less tangible, but no less significant, are the bonds forged with community members. This cultural exchange and the leadership development achieved through the various aspects of the project will leave an indelible impression on this region of Paraguay as much as on the lives of these remarkable Volunteers.
Saturday will mark the beginning of debriefing, which will begin with a despedida — one last gathering of AMIGOS Volunteers and community members. Everyone is sad to wrap up the project as the Volunteers have integrated themselves fully into the communities and are seen as inextricable parts. On Saturday, they will say their final goodbyes to the people who welcomed them into their lives, who they will remember as family and friends. During this despedida, Volunteers and community members will participate in an evaluation to gather ideas on how to improve this project for future years.
On Sunday, Volunteers will have an opportunity to explore downtown Asunción and bring back mementos for family and friends. The night will end with a candlelight ceremony commemorating the challenges, successes, and memories that filled their time in Paraguay. It will be a time for Volunteers to absorb and solidify the full significance of this truly unforgettable experience.
