Reflection: Almost a Year Later, Swearing in as Peace Corps Volunteers in México

"I slept and dreamnt life was joy. I awoke and saw that life was service. I acted and behold, service was joy." 

~Rabindranath Tagore~

Swearing in as Peace Corps Volunteers, credit Peace Corps

Just shy of a year ago, May 31st, 2014, I swore in as a Peace Corps Volunteer. The moment finally stood in front of me, no more future tense, it was here and now. Dressed formally my supportive host mom, Guadalupe, and I arrived at the hotel where the volunteers would swear in. I remember nerves shooting through my limbs and my stomach turning with excitement, yet a dab of fear. Doubt at this point no longer lingered, I was ready to serve. Yes, I had imagined this day of swearing in as a Peace Corps volunteer over the past few months, but I don´t remember thinking it would feel like that. Seeing all the jolly, passionate, and hopeful U.S. citizens striving to make a difference in the world siting together ready to take the leap of faith. We all made it here to México and survived training, now came the time where Peace Corps would swear us in and they would let us free, like doves soaring in the sky looking to make Peace and survive, integrate and inspire self empowerment. 

At that moment, I imagined and felt that I understood what it meant to be a Peace Corps Volunteer and how to practice peace through empowerment and sustainable development. Clearly naive, but with good intention I attempted to understand what others did prior to me, the points of failure and success. Understanding that with failures lie opportunities for success, and success unknown until chartered. That pushing through the failures and using creativity to reach in and empower and find the values of the people and culture here in México would ultimately result in a culture exchange and perhaps a successful project (crossing fingers still). At this time, thoughts like these roamed fluidly through my mind, along with inspiration for family, friends and mentors who helped create stepping stones to arrive at this point. 

It was sad to leave all these wonderful volunteers and host family with whom I bonded with  in the past couple of weeks. Jesi ´ICA´ Friedly, now a great friend of mine, shared a heart-warming speech in Spanish about all the special qualities of volunteers. It made our hearts sing and faces smile. A group so giving and passionate, and we all made it to become volunteers.

B.A. GROUP!

Reflection of 1 year of service (más o menos a year):

Even though I ´learned´from many past volunteers, I still stumbled through Mexican culture and understanding my role as a volunteer in an office, a lot. The 9 to 6 office hours in a dense city confused me  as a volunteer who expected a community to be a small city, or town with fluid boundaries. Thus, I was trying to identify my ´community´as an office versus physical community, which often boggled my brain. I asked myself, with this setup how would I make a difference of empowerment? Recently, I finally realized that by seeing my counterparts and others who pass through the office I have 40 hours a week to share my knowledge and also learn from them. These counterparts who frequently enter rural, marginalized communities and share their knowledge.

Thus, a couple key stakeholders to work with in the office can spiral down to hundreds of thousands of people in the state of Puebla. For example, right now I am work on a guidebook for consultants on Ordenamiento Ecologicos (land management plans) with a multi-disciplinary group of students and my co-workers. Communities wanting plans can then ask consultants to help them, or read the guide themselves to implement these plans, hence it eventually reaches the lowest local level. We shall see where the wind takes us on this guidebook journey, who knows plans and focus can change with a snap of a finger here in México...but I am hoping we stay strong :). As an outdoor enthusiast, some days are still challenging to be working in the office instead of outdoors, but tis life! ;)

Having an office community has been something to come to terms with, but I have negotiated time to work out in a community once a month. I work with a group of young women in a women empowerment club focused on environmental themes in a small, rural community outside of Puebla, but really visit once a month or less due to the difficulties of transportation. Nonetheless, I am realizing that it is not necessarily how much time you spend in a community but the quality of your visits. For example, from afar I organized an environmental fair where the club and other organizations collaborated to share their knowledge at a grade school, started a mentor program, and helped plan Campamento Mariposa (women empowerment camp) and had 3 girls attend. Even though I am not living in this community, technology makes this possible: telephones and Facebook. These technologies allow you to easily communicate and organize events, as long as you have the trust and confidence of the community, which in my situation is thanks to a past volunteer who worked weekly in the community, Elena, and also the president and his wife who welcomed me in their home with open arms, along with the girls in the newly founded Club Mariposa. Although, this Peace Corps experience is different than I imagined I do find that if you´re present in the moment while you´re there, one can inspire and be inspired (and share the fact these people inspire you), and give the community the tools to be independent (goal making, project planning, etc) you can make a difference--even if it is only one day a month. 

Now, throughout the year some volunteers have come and gone for various reasons, but I want them to know that they made an impact being here, even if it wasn´t the full 2 years. I´ve learned a lot from many of the volunteers, many helping me with my struggles and tumbles along the way and making sure I laugh and enjoy where I am and accompanying me on travels throughout México to see and breathe the different cultures. (family and friends from home too, and some new friends here in Mexico:] ).

Still, we are Peace Corps Mexico 16, who are exchanging  peace, culture and skills (environmental and technical) between Mexico and US, in often creative manners due to our strict ties to our offices.

Now, we have another splendid group joining us this June...! Well, as for me and my fellow volunteers, I say onward to following the Peace Corps pathway.   :) 

Natural Resource Management Volunteers, credit Peace Corps

Matt, me and Natti :),  credit Peace Corps

Linda, Benita (NRM Lead), and I, credit Peace Corps

Barbara! 

Murrray! 

Lovely ladies

Some Grand PCVs!

"Que Chita" o "Que Chido"  (how cheeta/how cool). What a splendid group to have in my Spanish class :)

Priyanka (PCV), Adrina (my counterpart) and me after swearing in

Be the Change you wish to see in the world-Gandhi

Day of the Dead Puebla, Mexico 2014

Celebrating those who have passed and those who are living during the Day of the Dead in México is a heart warming experience. Generally, in the state of Puebla, Mexicanos celebrate Day of the Dead or día de muertos in the campo or rural areas, not big cities. Each household prepares ofrendas or offerings for their loved ones in an altar. Altars generally have three levels. The first level has food offerings (the favorite food of those that passed, and pan de muerto or bread of the dead); the second is the space between earth and heaven which has many flowers (marigolds, which are the symbol of death) and crosses; and the last level is the heavens. Papel picado, or traditional paper with stories of the dead line the walls or ceilings. 

This year for día de muertos I traveled to Huaquechula, Puebla to visit some altars at night, which was both beautiful and sad. The families in this community opened their doors to visitors, providing them with food and drink. A small tray sits at the bottom of the altar, indirectly asking visitors to contribute a small donation (the ofrendas are SUPER expensive). Many of the homes offered us a warm beverage, either coffee or hot chocolate, and some pan de muerto. We followed a map to many homes, almost like a scavenger hunt to find the altars. I appreciated its beauty in silence and was struck with gratitude that yes, indeed, we still have some time to live our lives to do such wonderful and meaningful things. Simple things such as, practicing kindness.


"Kindness is one of the most undervalued commodities — which is too bad because it doesn't take much of it to turn the day around. I wonder if we overlook kindness because it's so simple. What's really involved? Someone needs something, we help. Someone feels low, we console. Someone trips, we catch them. There's a need, we respond. Then the other person is grateful and relieved — and we're happy knowing we could help. Kindness is a low-effort, high-return energy." --Joan Duncan Oliver

One of the most memorable ofrendas had this tragic, yet beautiful poem. Below is my attempt of a translation. Read it for it will make your heart sing with gratitude.   

"This is certainly true.
How many flowers arrive at a person's funeral and how many flowers were enjoyed by this dead person when they were alive?

I prefer to have a rose and a word of encouragement of a loved one while I am still here, than a truck full of flowers when I go. 

*The difficulties make you stronger
*The errors make you human
*The failures make you humble 
*The success makes you shine

You that is reading this, if today you encounter somebody your are mad with, I invite you to reflect, to be better than yourself without waiting for anyone to change. Remember that what was given with the heart can never be replaced. Tell all those that you love, that you love and care about them, TODAY. Life, we can not purchase it. 

It is not worth expressing your feelings, without actions that demonstrate your words. Hug the person that you love or care about. Gift them a smile or simply be friendly with her.

But enough!

Many times we prefer to be friendly with people we don't know, instead of the people that are always helping us.

Only because they're always there, but we believe that they will always be here, but it isn't like that and the sad thing is that when they leave forever we never had the opportunity to say to them how important they were in our lives.

Don't wait until the person is gone from your life, tell them how much you care for them, love them, need them, and how important they are to you.

Today you must live!"

"Poco a Poco, Paso a Paso: Steps to become a Peace Corps Volunteer

There is a Mexican "dicho" (saying) that reminds me of my journey prior to arriving in México to become a Peace Corps Volunteer:

 "Poco a Poco, Paso a Paso," 
which means "Bit by Bit, Step by Step"

In this I blog will discuss this process of preparing for the Peace Corps.

  The Process of Deciding if Peace Corps was for Me

I always wanted to volunteer or work with communities in-need, I just wasn’t sure what "nivel" (level) I wanted to participate in. I worked or volunteered at all "niveles" except the international "nivel"  (https://www.linkedin.com/pub/jessica-helgesen/52/123/722). I also knew I wanted to help others through the transfer of skills (ie, give a person a fish versus teach a person to fish). To help decide if I wanted to "aplicar" (apply), I attended an informational session at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and asked questions to many of my friends and co-workers who participated in the Peace Corps program. 

All had the same "consejo" (advice):
 “It is what you make it.” 

About to turn 25, I felt "motivada" (motivated) for a positive change in my life. For example, I wanted a change in my current job and work in an environmental field again in order to use my degree and passion for creating sustainable communities, etc. I also had the travel bug. I knew that I wanted to continue to explore beyond the U.S. "frontera" (boundary) and my own personal "límites" (boundaries), to be more well-rounded and to better  understand the world beyond myself. To be certain that Peace Corps was for me, I began exploring texts that discussed Peace Corps and traveling in general. 

I highly suggest reading these "libros" (books) or "libros" similar to these before one applies or during the process:

After self exploration of Peace Corps and talking with friends, family and mentors (thanks all for your time, support and encouragement) I decided to take the dive and apply to serve in the Peace Corps.

Here is a blurb from my Peace Corps essay in my application to get an idea of my reasoning to serve, etc:

“My calling for the Peace Corps first developed in my hometown of Bellevue, Wisconsin.  I witnessed unsustainable development practices, which spliced natural and agricultural lands in my community, resulting in fragmentation of the land. This drove me to my career goal of serving in the ecological sustainability planning field.  I had the Peace Corps in the back of my mind throughout college.  I pushed myself to take advantage of options to go to other cities and countries to research, volunteer, intern, and attend international conferences.  Studying abroad and travelling abroad in general has also taught me how different, yet similar, cultures are all over the world.  In addition, it has shown me how difficult it can be to live far away from family and friends back home, but that the gains from the new experiences far outweigh the difficulties of being abroad.  In the future I foresee myself working for the federal government with an agency such as the EPA, or for a non-profit organization at the local or regional level. “

Interviewing and Site Location

Peace Corps conducted "la entrevista" ( the interview) in Chicago, IL. That day I was so "nerviosa" (nervous) and was so lucky that one of my friends had a "prueba"(test) in a building nearby and was able to take me there. Thankfully, my sister and parents practiced doing mock interviews prior, so I felt prepared. The "entrevista" lasted about an hour long and at the end they told me that I was in. Unofficially in, but in…. and it wouldn’t be until I sent a bunch information in before I could be considered for a position with Peace Corps. So I waited, and waited and then sent information in…but continued on with my "trabajo" (job) as a Bilingual Family Outreach worker at the Head Start Program.

Later, after "el gobierno" (the government) shutdown passed, I received "un correo electronico" (an e-mail) stating that I would be considered for the México program. I edited my resume and goals to fit Peace Corps México’s questions and focus and waited.  In the meantime I started organizing my life as if I would travel to México as my place of service. 

Once I received the notice that I was accepted in México, I was excited, shocked, and confused. I didn’t realize that Peace Corps was in México and I was also selected for a vague project about GIS (Geographical Informational Systems). Nonetheless, I was excited because I received all my preferences….

• "Localización" (Location): Latin America
• "Idioma" (Language): Spanish
• "Programa" (Program): related to the environment, preferably planning
• "Hora de salida" (Departure time): soon

                              "Que Suerte!!!! " (How lucky!) 

(Update 7-16-14... Peace Corps now allows volunteers to select site and positions. See article on the change here): 
Washington Post Article on Application Changes

Accepting the Position

I knew it was right for me because I realized through all my research, informal interviews and overall passion aligned with the Peace Crops mission. Thus, I began my transition to accepting my offer to Peace Corps.

I accepted the position and began making a list of things I needed to do for Peace Corps and myself. I focused on goals that were important to me and/or required by Peace Corps.

Peace Corps

• Complete Financial Form, call bank about accounts and cards abroad and contact school loan companies about deferments and download all the forms for school loans (time consuming process)
• Complete all the health paperwork and exam (I did this as soon as possible because it is a lot of work)
• Complete Visas and Passport information (this was also urgent
• Do a Spanish interview on the phone with Peace Corps México’s’ language teacher (practiced speaking Spanish with my sister Caitlin, friends and co-workers and families at the Head Start)
• Figure out my flight with Peace Corps
• Read paperwork Peace Corps provided and do more investigation on Mexico
• Send thank you letters or call  those who helped a long the way
• Figure out voting abroad and updating my license
• Etc.

Myself

• Collect e-mails for an e-mail blast and addresses to send mail
• Make plans to visit people I hadn’t seen in awhile and those I wanted to see as much as possible!!
• Do yoga and journal multiple days per week
• Enjoy the outdoors
• Create a photobook online to bring with (friends, family, pets, etc) 
• Find someone who could take care of my cat Penguin for 2 years
• Make sure families at the Head Start program had a transition plan to a new Family Outreach Worker after I left the agency
• Take a month off from my job to relax and move and organize my life
• Pack and donate belongings (donated my dishes, bed and desk to a family who found a home after being homeless for a really long time… and then donated a large portion of my clothing to the East Madison Community Center)
• List of things I want to bring (I will elaborate this on a later post when I figure out was useful and unnecessary) 
• List of things I needed to purchase that I wanted to bring (that was within the budget)
• Make a budget, and then redo the budget for how much I wanted to save for traveling while in Peace Corps; Goal $3,000… ended up with over $3,000 and how much I could spend on supplies and what I wanted to spend in the US (later blog on this)
• Read up on Mexico
•  Etc.

Surprises from Family and Friends

•  Those contacting me before I left or sending me supportive messages
• A packet of inspirational bracelets
• Postcards and stamps to send letters 
• A spiral ring of inspirational quotes
• A bag of written letters from my friends and family (my sister Caitlin organized this and helps sooo much when I need just a little support from home… my other sister Michelle wrote me a letter for EVERY month!) Wow!

• A calendar for every month I will be in Mexico with pictures of me and things I wrote growing up in Wisconsin (thanks parentals) 

• French Press

• Transportation kit for the plane and bus (cute lil gadgets for the trip)

• Children at the Head Start drew handprints on two tote bags and made little art pieces
• Steri pen (UV water purifier) and solar panel to charge it!

• A few books and journals 
• Nexus tablet (Peace Corps)
• Surprise visits from friends
• Just so much support (how lucky)
• Etc!

Leaving Wisconsin

Sals and I :)

Stephanie and I celebrating Peace Corps and her b-day :)

ev, me, becks and petah :D

I had a couple goodbye parties and was able to see the majority of those great people in my life. I didn't get to see everyone, but will see them when I come back to the states or when they visit México ;) 

Al, me and Ang enjoying smoothies one more time!

Adventure in chi-town, watching Phantom!!

Celebrating Becky-boos bday :)

My last couple of days involved packing and hanging out with family.

Visiting my Grandma, Carol, with my fam

Showing her pictures from my Everglades roadtrip and how to use Skype

Neelu and I watching Frozen and having a henna party :)

Moving and packing crew.... thanks ladies!

Kim helping me move!

In Madison, with two of my great friends, Becks and Steph, we splurged on manicures and cheese curds (of course).

I had traveled abroad before and I was sad, but this was different. This adventure was going to last for over two years. So obviously I was saturated in emotions: excitement, fear, doubt, bittersweet and shock (that it was actually happening). The night before I left I made some last minute thank you cards and cd mixes (of course the most random upbeat mix possible), and did a couple changes with my bag to make sure I was close to the weight limit.

Penguin, not helping me pack. haha

I woke up early with my parents and purchased some last minute things and then it was off to the airport. I had a bittersweet goodbye with the 'rents and then off to the terminal. As I walked through the terminal there was a pleasant surprise of one of my Head Start parents. This parent thanked me for my time at the program and said that they would miss me and appreciated all that I did and knows that I would do great in the Peace Corps program. This made me smile, and later cry, but helped fill the circle of knowing that indeed this was the right decision.

With my parents before boarding

On my way!

Vamos! Let's go!

"Today a new sun rises for me;

everything lives,

 everything is animated,

everything seems to speak of my passion,

everything invites me to cherish it."

-Anne de Lenclos

 *Thanks, Michelle for the June card quote! *