Visiting the Comisarias
We had another fun change of assignments this week! This week we were assigned to work with a group of government workers. Each day they travel out to neighborhoods outside of the main city and address any needs in the city, such as broken streets or a house without a bathroom. On Monday we mostly just observed the meetings that the workers have with the community members. In the meetings, the community members talk about needs in the community then the city workers teach some sort of arts and crafts or cooking so they can be more self sufficient. Each worker has either one or two neighborhoods to address.
Tuesday the group we starting going with canceled on us so we had the whole afternoon free. I went with a couple buddies, Jake and Calvin, to do a little shopping because the clothing and shoes here is so inexpensive! I started off my purchases with black Mexico soccer jersey! I was so tempted to buy the white one as well but I couldn't get myself to do it... yet. While in that shopping area, rain started pouring outside! We looked around a bit more so burn some time then decided to make a run for it because the store we wanted to go to, Cuidado con el Perro, was only half-a-block away. We got sufficiently wet but we made it! We all bought a little something and waited for the rain to pass over. While waiting, we found a very colorful and Calvin decided to have a little fun hahaha (see picture below). Jake and I then found a delicious burger place just a few blocks from out hostel so we will most definitely be making a return trip to eat there again.
On Wednesday Jake, Kim and I were split up a bit at work. Jake and Kim went with Laura to one neighborhood while I went with Selene, the boss lady. I asked questions about the reliability of health insurance in Mexico and the education of physical, emotional and sexual health in schools. It was sad hear how poorly some people are treated at hospitals due to a lack of insurance or how they don't receive the treatment necessary because their insurance won't cover it. It was also nerving to hear that they teach very little in way of health to kids. Also, early Wednesday morning my sister returned from her mission from Concepcion, Chile! I was able to video call in and be apart of her homecoming at the airport! It was so fun to see her arrive and be with the family again.
Thursday was an eventful day. In the morning, Kim and I traveled with a friend here in Merida named Martin to some of the outer neighborhoods. We went to install water filters that PACE International Academy had previously donated to me with the purpose of finding people in need of a clean water source. We helped the families of Manuela, Jose Antonio and Dona Carmen. It was quite heartwarming to see their reactions and the gratitude in their eyes. I am excited to do that again in my future travels! In the afternoon, Kim, Jake and I started teaching Days for Girls. They are lessons directed to women about their health and menstruation. After giving the lessons, we give them kits full of washable pads. We able to give out 14 kits on the first day! We were also taken to visit a random cenote so that was fun too. Later in the evening we saw Spiderman: Far from Way. It was even in English! I would certainly recommend it.
Estaba un poco nervioso en el prinicpio de la semana por el nuevo asignacion pero ha sido muy padre de verdad! El grupo de trabajadores son muy genials y entretenidos. La oportunidad de enseñar Days for Girls y repartir los kits ha sido especial porque hay mucha necesidad entre los comunisarias aquí.
Tuesday the group we starting going with canceled on us so we had the whole afternoon free. I went with a couple buddies, Jake and Calvin, to do a little shopping because the clothing and shoes here is so inexpensive! I started off my purchases with black Mexico soccer jersey! I was so tempted to buy the white one as well but I couldn't get myself to do it... yet. While in that shopping area, rain started pouring outside! We looked around a bit more so burn some time then decided to make a run for it because the store we wanted to go to, Cuidado con el Perro, was only half-a-block away. We got sufficiently wet but we made it! We all bought a little something and waited for the rain to pass over. While waiting, we found a very colorful and Calvin decided to have a little fun hahaha (see picture below). Jake and I then found a delicious burger place just a few blocks from out hostel so we will most definitely be making a return trip to eat there again.
On Wednesday Jake, Kim and I were split up a bit at work. Jake and Kim went with Laura to one neighborhood while I went with Selene, the boss lady. I asked questions about the reliability of health insurance in Mexico and the education of physical, emotional and sexual health in schools. It was sad hear how poorly some people are treated at hospitals due to a lack of insurance or how they don't receive the treatment necessary because their insurance won't cover it. It was also nerving to hear that they teach very little in way of health to kids. Also, early Wednesday morning my sister returned from her mission from Concepcion, Chile! I was able to video call in and be apart of her homecoming at the airport! It was so fun to see her arrive and be with the family again.
Thursday was an eventful day. In the morning, Kim and I traveled with a friend here in Merida named Martin to some of the outer neighborhoods. We went to install water filters that PACE International Academy had previously donated to me with the purpose of finding people in need of a clean water source. We helped the families of Manuela, Jose Antonio and Dona Carmen. It was quite heartwarming to see their reactions and the gratitude in their eyes. I am excited to do that again in my future travels! In the afternoon, Kim, Jake and I started teaching Days for Girls. They are lessons directed to women about their health and menstruation. After giving the lessons, we give them kits full of washable pads. We able to give out 14 kits on the first day! We were also taken to visit a random cenote so that was fun too. Later in the evening we saw Spiderman: Far from Way. It was even in English! I would certainly recommend it.
Estaba un poco nervioso en el prinicpio de la semana por el nuevo asignacion pero ha sido muy padre de verdad! El grupo de trabajadores son muy genials y entretenidos. La oportunidad de enseñar Days for Girls y repartir los kits ha sido especial porque hay mucha necesidad entre los comunisarias aquí.
Adventures out shopping with Calvin
A sweet hamburger shop just down the road
Some snacks while watching Spiderman: Far From Home
One of the buildings where we taught Days for Girls classes
Eating some cochinita pibil with Martin and Kim
Preparing a bucket for a water filter
The water filter for Manuela and her neighbors
The family of Dona Carmen
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