Winter

It's ridiculous really. I just suppressed a shiver and checked my alarm clock / thermometer to find that it's 9:16 PM, 78.0 Degrees fahrenheit. I'm cold. It wasn't even all that hot today, around 94 degrees with a strong and occasionally sand-filled wind. I checked my forehead with the back of my hand. No fever, I'm just cold. By morning, I'll be bundled up in socks, sweat pants, a t-shirt and a wool blanket that makes me sneeze. It might reach 70 degrees. Room temperature in the states is 73 right? I guess I'm either adjusted to the heat or dying of some obscure tropical disease. JK Mom.

I haven't posted in a while. Each time I've made it into the city I've perused my mind for recent mishaps, adventures, or particularly lucid insights. No dice. I try to have a least one misadventure a month so I am way overdue. I'll see what I can do.

Work is going fine. I spend much of my time simply waiting. Waiting for a meeting with so and so, waiting to learn more about the village or about what is needed, waiting for materials, waiting to hear back from Peace Corps. I do work in great spurts when the stars align and the gods approve. Mostly, I work on agriculture, ecotourism, and mother and child nutrition. So, for example, I might teach improved rice agriculture to the pregnant tourists with hungry children. All pretty standard peace corps stuff. 

My main project though, is working to get a community health clinic built in the village. Currently, there are no health facilities within 30 Kilometers of my village. The only medicines available are tylenal and herbal "remedies" made by the witch doctor. Women often give birth in their homes without the assistance of a trained midwife. The need for a health clinic is obvious and understood by all the villagers. The hotel has agreed to help by supplying water, electricity and some building materials. The community has agreed to provide the land and most of the labor. A French nurse, who is retiring to a bungalow at the hotel, has agreed to work at the clinic. My job is to find some additional funding, negotiate the final deal and make sure everyone lives up to the agreement. I may apply for funding through the Peace Corps Partnership. This is a program that lets American citizens (especially friends, family, and associates) donate small sums of money to help finance volunteer projects (e.g. my project). In case any of you are interested in contributing, I'll be sure to let you know how and when you can help.

That's all for now folks. Somebody should send me a letter. My mailbox has been empty for quite a while. If I have neglected to respond to one of you, don't take it personally but do remind me that you're still waiting for an answer. Peace out.

Comments

[Dad]

Hey Shawn,

I wrote to you three or so weeks ago so you should be getting it soon I hope! Sounds like you are starting to make a difference. The clinic would be a major step forward. I would be willing to donate something. Let me know details. I went to the economist.com and looked at books and none were really ecomomy telated? I need help selecting something to send! Glad you are ok....miss you and love you!

[JoLynn]

Mail is coming!! So sorry Shawn. We miss you terribly and think of you constantly but somehow picking up pen to paper has become nearly impossible. Mail is coming, promise.
Love you lots!
Can't wait for your safe arrival home.
Love,
JoLynn & the whole Schwartz clan

[roxie]

Hey--I ended up on your website. How are you? You have a link (other PCVs websites) to me and refer to me as "quite a unique person..." hmmm....is that bad?
Small world. My ex neighbor is a good friend of yours. He told me he was going to visit you.
I hope you are doing well. Take care! Roxie

[erin mce.]

Hey Shawn it's been a while since we talked this past spring! Just caught up on your site. After we spoke I went to Ireland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, worked on the island of Ischia in Italy for a few weeks, and went to Greece where I stuck around for about a month. I met a guy and ended up going back home to pack and move out and move back to Greece for a while and did just that. Right now Kosta and I are in Maryland visiting my parents and friends for a few weeks before going back to greece. Good to hear your stories, though it seems strange that 73 degrees is freezing you to death.. hehe. Take care! when do you go home?