Being replaced is a strange feeling

Just over two years ago when I said my goodbyes and headed off to Guatemala for an adventure of a lifetime, I thought I would be returning home in April 2010, i.e. in two weeks. Well, plans have changed, and I am so glad. I'm not quite ready to close this chapter in my life. Having changed sites a year ago (I now have been in Sija for exactly one year), it took awhile to feel like part of the community here. Now I really really do, and so I want to enjoy that for a bit rather than just when I'm feeling integrated, take off. Two years in one site may have seemed like a long time when I began, but now it makes so much sense.

Now, I am here until the end of May. A big reason for the extension was to just be here, but it's also to finish my projects. The construction of the bottle classroom is progressing nicely. The mason told me that by Friday the columns would be done and that we could start putting bottles up. (Which probably means we will begin Monday.) We are going to build the walls before the roof because we don't have enough money yet for the roof, but for the walls we do. Hopefully by the time we finish the walls, more funding will have come in to put the roof up. And ideally we will be able to have the inauguration before I leave. But if not, I am sure my replacement will be capable and willing to see it through.

Speaking of my replacement, she comes on her site visit today. It is a very strange feeling to be replaced, but my time must come to an end at some point. We will have a two month overlap, which will help us collaborate to finish the projects and generate more ideas for her service.

This week we should start excavating the trench for the sanitary landfill in Agua Caliente. I was hoping to have it functioning for Semana Santa since so much trash is generated that week, but that looks improbable. It will be finished before I leave, though. An important part of the project is the follow-up on the usage of the trash management system that we are implementing. We can't just build a landfill and expect them to use it perfectly. It's not simply about the construction, but about the change of habits. I will be leaving quickly after it's completion, thus the responsibility of follow-up on proper usage will fall to my replacement, which I am sure she will do wonderfully.

The trail is looking quite lovely as well. We are almost done building railings and setting up tables and benches. What I hope to collaborate on with my replacement is an interpretation plan, then she can follow through on implementing it.

It all seems to be coming together nicely. My Peace Corps service has been a very positive experience for me and hopefully my projects and my presence will have positive impacts on the community. It really feels fantastic to be in love with this town. I never thought I would be after leaving Chahal so abruptly. But now I have been here in Sija two months longer than I had in Chahal. I'm proud of what I have accomplished/am accomplishing in my work, but more so, I am proud of becoming part of this community. For me, the second and third goals of Peace Corps may be more important than the first (i.e. cultural interchange):

1. Helping the people of interested countries in meeting their need for trained men and women.
2. Helping promote a better understanding of Americans on the part of the peoples served.
3. Helping promote a better understanding of other peoples on the part of Americans.