Baby, I love your way: good song.

What can I say? A lot has happened in the past week, day, hour...

Esperanza is gearing up for the big party. I really don't have time to be writing this because I need to be working in 9 minutes and I'm still in pajamas, but here I am. Today is the 20th anniversary party and we are expecting about 300 people: group leaders, staff, the board members, and families, families, and more families. We have been working non-stop the past couple of days preparing- cleaning, moving gravel, painting parking stripes, table set-up, painting, making a photo gallery, a video, a huge mural of artwork from the family. We have also been using the week for various meetings, brainstorming session and as a retreat for all the Esperanza leadership teams. In summary, we've been busy and today we finally celebrate! Yay! 20 years of changing lives.

For me personally, a lot has been going on too. First of all, I REALLY miss my sister. I want to be home with her!! One week and I will be, I hope I get to meet my nephew. As for Esperanza, I met with both the director and my supervisor to express my concerns. I will be moving into the office to work with the lead social worker. I have been spending more time with the women, helping them with projects for the party, and I love it. I laughed yesterday!! I mean, I really really laughed with them! And it surprised me because I don't remember the last time I laughed here- that was rather bittersweet to realize. So, I look forward to working in the community with them. My supervisor was upset that I hadn't expressed concerns earlier, and yes, that's my fault. It's a learning process for me though-learning how to express my needs I suppose. However, even though my situation here might improve, I also met with someone from CEMAL this week and was offered a part-time position as a staff member/RA beginning in July/August. Plus, I would have a part-time internship in a local NGO in Cuernavaca! Ah! It sounds soooo promising and like exactly what I want. It is hard to decide whether or not I want to stay here and try make things better, or if I should return to what I know I love and be in Cuernavaca where I have more opportunities to learn and be challenged in various ways. Pues, a ver que decido, we'll see what I decide, but I need to decide relatively soon.

Also, there have been some expressed concern about my Rotary application and that is especially stressful for me. It is hard to be so far away and so busy with life here and yet trying to put energy into that project. Luckily I have some great advocates and support at SU! After this party, I will be buckling down on that until my interview in just two weeks!!!

Hope you are well.

PEACE,

aly