Agriculturape and other thoughts

I’ve been in Paraguay a little over a week now. It’s hard to believe yet at the same time it feels like it’s been a long time. Gurani is a long slow process, but being immersed is helping. I can now say my name, where I am from, and what I do. Here’s a sample.

Che Cherera Raquel. Che Estado Unidoqua. Che aspirante Cuerpo de Pazpequa. Che amba’apota agriculturape.

It’s a tough language. I can also say a lot of agriculture words and crops.

Yesterday we learned gestures and when they’re appropriate and which ones not to do. We also planted a test plot garden with 13 different crops and 3 different tests. On 1/3 we applied just manure, on another 1/3 we applied manure and mulch, and the last third we left as the control. We had quite the audience as we used machetes to clear the weeds and hoes to turn the soil.

Last night I attended a little girl’s birthday party. She was turning 12. Apparently I am very entertaining. I told them (in Espanol with the crop names in Guarani) about working in our garden (la huerta) because my Mama told them my hand were rough. Laughter erupted on multiple occasions as I attempted conversations in both Guarani and Espanol. Shortly after arriving I was asked to get my camera and photos. I can’t count how many times I have shown people my photos. Everyone is always very curious to see. They especially love of Julie and Tango. It’s a close up of her eye. They usually ask if Jeremy is “tu tio?” (your uncle?)to which I respond “no, el es mi novio” (no, he is my boyfriend). Usually, follow up questions of where does he live, what does he do, and how old is he come next. They are always very curious about my family. I tell them about working at the orchard and that we grow apple trees and have a store and restaurant. I should have brought more pictures about the orchard, but I know my little sister understands at least. She mostly just speaks Guarani, but I gave her paper and markers and she drew a scene with pumpkins and apple trees.

I received a few more shots last Wednesday and we also had a lecture on Diarrhea. Lot’s of fun.

I must go. Adio.