This past week I had training out in the Chaco with my Paraguayan contact (not the isolated part, but far enough away that I can say I’ve been to the Chaco). When I arrived at the training school in Cerrito on Wednesday, I checked in with Gloria and Doug. They asked for my contacts name.
“Andres,” I said.
“Last name?”
“I can’t remember. Maybe Dominquez”. Gloria wrote that down.
Right after I asked Andres and he told me his last name is Insaurralde. I told Gloria and she said she’d change it.
Jump forward a few days to Friday evening. All the classes are over. We spent every evening adding to our farm maps brainstorming how to incorporate new ideas. To conclude Gloria, Doug, and Homi announced everyone’s names and gave certificates. Amid the applause Kai Andres shows me his certificate and to my horror it said “Andres Dominquez”. Kai Andres straight faced and serious simply states, “That’s not my name”. He doesn’t seem offended, but I feel terrible because I know how much Paraguayan’s love certificates (hence why I have a certificate for decorating shoes and I am sure I will get another when I finish my dance class). Later, I can hardly tell Doug and Gloria about the mistake because I am laughing so hard. They all agree that it’s a bad mistake, but it is pretty funny at the same time. Gloria said she could print another one. It serves me right for guessing at his name at the beginning.
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Hi!
ReplyDeleteI am leaving for Paraguay in about 2 weeks to work in Crop Extension and really enjoyed your blog, since it was the first one I found in my area of work! I am wondering, what kind of stuff should I bring with me that is not on the Peace Corps packing list? (it seems kind of geared towards people working in a more urban/office setting). Also I would love to hear any tips or advice about living in the country and details on your project!!
muchas gracias,
Lucy