Liberation

I have finally moved out into my own place, a small two room apartment behind the home of one of my students, and the freedom that I feel to do what I want when I want is exhilarating. My host family was not in any way controlling, but it was their home, not mine. I never felt like I could cook when I wanted, make a mess if I wanted, etc. I always felt like I had to cater to their Schedule and it felt like I was always walking on eggshells afraid if I made a mistake I´d be yelled at like one of the kids. Now I can walk around naked if that’s what I want. I can cook and make a huge mess where and when I want. I can leave the door open or close it. Its soooo liberating to have the freedom to do what you want. I love it! Growing up in that huge family of mine my biggest fear was that I would get extremely lonely and be sad in a place of my own, but because I am behind the home of a family and there are other renters I almost always have someone that I can go talk to if that desire to be around others becomes overwhelming. So far it hasn´t gotten that bad!
I was able to buy a used fridge and stove so they were much cheaper than getting them new and the family loaned me a bed to use. I bought a ropero, to store my clothes, and a table with one chair when I first got to site so I brought them with me to the new place. The principal at one of the schools I work at is loaning me some dishes but there are still some other things I´ll need. It seems so pointless to buy some of the stuff, since I´ll only be using it for a year and a half, but I guess I can donate it when I am done. And one person doesn´t really need that much stuff anyway!
I have been trying to keep busy in the evening so that I don´t get bored. I am leading an exercise group with some of the women in my women´s group three times a week. They are loving it, and I get the added benefit of an extra workout! I hope that in the summer I can keep busy with activities as well, it makes the time go by so much quicker. School is ending within the next couple of weeks and that means all of my classes and youth groups are ending too. I am currently trying to plan an English course for the community center and I am thinking about starting a library Project as well as a group to teach about HIV and AIDS. Hopefully all these activities will keep me moving! Summer has already started… or at least it feels that way. Its already getting up to 90 degrees during the day and stays around 75 or 80 overnight, unless there´s rain!