First, Matt's cluster has a severe pink eye infection going around. Eye infections have actually been in the news lately because so many people here have been getting them. On Saturday Matt's group worked with a group of disadvantaged youth and now 6 of the 10 people have the infection. We have medicated eye drops that PCMO got him right on the day it started and it seems to already be getting better. He stayed home from training today because he couldn't see out of his right eye since it was so swollen and he felt his left eye getting the same thing. His right eye has improved a lot since this morning and his left eye doesn't look as bad as the right one did yesterday when this all started- so I think thats a good thing. He's been rinsing them out periodically and putting a cold wash cloth on them to help with the swelling. We also have ibuprofin which I think has been helping. We were very happy that they got us the meds on the same day the infection started! I've been taking all the precautions I can think of so I won't get it. So i'm keeping my fingers crossed that I avoid this ordeal by not going near Matt (aside from helping him put in eyedrops) and using lots of hand sanitizer.
So this is the big news on this side of the world. And a part of it is not just a big deal for me- it is a big deal for the ENTIRE ASIA SECTOR of the PC. So here it is....
I have a community project that is coming up way sooner than it should because the semester schedule at Gordon College doesn't coincide with our training very well. We have to complete the project next week we yet we are only learning the process they expect us to do to complete the project THIS week. PC has a standard outline that our program needs to follow but of course it doesn't always work out well for everyone. My group of 6 decided a teacher training would be the easiest to do and plan in just over a week. We are going to do it on learning styles then have different workshops on activities that either focus on one learning style or reach all 3 learning styles (visual, auditory, kinesthetic- we need to brainstorm a little more to decide what route we are taking). I think teaching activities that touch on all learning styles will be most beneficial and will be more fun and interactive for all the groups- But we will see. Unfortunately doing a teacher training isn't as easy as getting a memo out to teachers and having them show up. PC has a form we have to follow and we have to include a merienda (snack) which they give us money for, a complete write up of how we spent our budget and other various matters. Then Gordon College requires us to do several steps in order to make the training credible for the college, Oh, and here comes the kick in the pants that we have to think about on top of getting our project done (as well as the normal load for language class) The Country Director and REGIONAL MANAGER (basically the head honcho of the ENTIRE Asia area) are coming to observe OUR cluster at the end of this week! And of course, whenever a big wig comes along there are people that want to take advantage of that person being in the area, so I believe there are around 35 total people joining us! This event is so important that PC is giving us a budget to FEED all 30 sum odd people, which I have been told rarely happens.
Between throwing together a community project in just over a week (did I mention that other clusters have a little over a month to complete this project???) and with the big wigs coming it sounds like a lot of pressure on my cluster- and it is. But I can only imagine our TCF- who has to assist us with our last minute community project AND organize the logistics for the 35 big wigs coming to observe HER do her job must feel. After these couple of weeks I will be looking forward to things slowing down a bit so I can really focus on language which, understandably, has been put on somewhat of a back burner so far this week - and probably the week coming up as well!
This is exciting but I feel my brain may turn to mush in the process. Maybe I should make an advanced reservation at the local nuthouse- just to be safe. Haha, Wish me luck!
5 comments:
Well, we missed the fair, but I will be saving my pennies to come to the islands while you two are there. I can't wait to keep hearing the great stories. If you see Derek Trent tell him I say hello....CHEERS!
That's ALOT of pressure, Krystal! You have a good outlook though - at least you are not your TCF lol! she is the one who will need a spot at the local nuthouse... :)
Matt, remember the hemorrhagic conjunctivitis on Saipan?? LoveMom
Hi Matt and Krystal,
I love reading your blogs!!!! I am living vicariously through you so keep them coming. Ashley and Adam are at the house so all of us are watching a movie. We miss you two. The weather here is getting colder now and we are finishing up the yard work. We just got alot of our stuff as Dave drove the truck back form Cali so I have lots of projects to do.... Still a little brain dead but I'm coming around. Ha Ha Keep the post coming!!! We love to hear about your adventures. Dad
Hello Krystal,
I love reading your blog. Sounds like to me you are under alot of pressure. But you have great organize skills,planning skills, great work ethics. You take control when needed. The PeaceCorp must see this Leadership in you.
When you run it always helps clear you head. Good Luck! Peace stay safe Love you both MumC.
Sounds like your adventure is starting out a little rocky. Without those rocks in the road of life, life would be to easy and life is not easy at times. But with all the good and bad, easy and hard, joyous and tragic, etc... makes you a better and stronger person. I could be talking out my butt, but that is what I believe. All of what you learn and go through on this adventure in life (the PC) is going to be very valuable for your future, again, that is what I believe.
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