Art, Paper, Scissors.

Dream catchers!

Krafty Karita should be my new name after a week’s worth of artsy activities that kept 25 students’ between ages 7 to 12 VERY busy. In July, before the end of the fiscal year grants had to be turned in for August. I wrote up a grant for CARSI (Central American Regional Security Initiative) which is in partnership with USAID, the US government child of foreign aid projects.

Plastic Soda bottles

As a PCV, I can apply up to the $2,000 for any project relating to youth and education.

In having this art camp during their summer vacation it helped keep the students busy and entertained with something different than just cutting coffee. One of the girls that attended the art and small business training with me in July for Peace Corps helped with each class. Her name is Lilian and has quickly become my best friend in site. I recommended her for a two year college program in the United States (we will find out in 3 days if she made the first cut). She will be the first in her family to attend University.  Anyways, Lily and my friend Erik helped in teaching the kids how to learn all kinds of crafts from paper beads out of magazines to dream catchers, tie dying t-shirts, using soda cans and recycled paper to make different small treasured things and doodlebobs.

Lily and I teaching bracelets

The art camp took place every day all of last week. The kids near me sometimes showed up 30 minutes early to walk/hike down to the school. It was exhausting but so rewarding to hear that when they returned to their houses that the kids would show their friends and siblings how to make friendship bracelets or flowers with zippers, or whichever activity they had learned that day.

Waiting to enter the school

I was blown away by Lilian and Erik for handling most of the teaching. While they were involved with the kids it made it easier for me to prep materials as well as help some the kids who needed a little extra attention. Several Peace Corps staff came up to visit one day and took Lilian and me out to lunch afterwards. It was such a treat for both of us, but especially for her!

The last day of the art camp, I was able to check out the fiestas (like a state fair but smalllllller scale) with my friend Andrew whose parents were visiting El Salvador. It was so wonderful meeting them and hearing about their experiences here. I did NOT ride the Ferris wheel as it looked like a quicker death than some friendly amoebas probably found in the street food.

Most people in La Loma are cutting coffee this month or starting to get ready for Navidad (Christmas).

I fortunately have received a few invitations.  I may do some house hopping or spend it with my host family. Then on the 26^th I am heading to San Salvador to catch a 12 hour bus at five am to Nicaragua on the 27^th! 

I will be going for 10 days with a bunch of awesome volunteers.

Sportin' our Tie Dye

I am SO excited to finally see a new country. It will be here before I know it (hurry up time…go faster). Happy Holidays to those celebrating at home!