¿Paraguayan Princess?

I feel like a Paraguayan princess – I am writing to you as I sit in bed under my mosquitero – mosquito net. I always wanted a canopy bed when I was little – and now I finally have one. I just had to move to Paraguay to get it!

We are finishing up our fifth week of training! Which could not be more welcomed. Historically speaking the 5^th week is the hardest to get through emotionally and mentally. Our group (myself included) has felt the challenges that go along with being in the middle of the training, fighting with language and other challenges that are a part of the package deal!

We are headed out on a “tech-overnight” this weekend to scope out another municipality and see how things work in a different town. The city we are going to visit is called Aregua – it is known for their arts and crafts! It is also located on one of Paraguay’s (few) lakes – I am very excited to be by water! It will nice to have a little change of scenery and see more of the country.

This past weekend we had the opportunity to go in to Asuncion (the capital) for a little R&R and eat a little potato salad at the US Embassy for their 4^th of July party. Unfortunately, there weren’t any fireworks but we all enjoyed ourselves! I did get to eat a hamburger (without a fried egg on top – the Paraguayan norm), ice cream and cotton candy!

There is a town named Nemby – and every time I see a bus that says its name on the window I feel like it is going to my city – cause it ALMOST looks like it says it is going to Newby. This however does not make it any easier for my family (or other Paraguayans) to pronounce my name. Lubi is the current (and most consistent) pronunciation of my name. Raquel Lubi.

Hand washing my underwear is NOT my new favorite activity. Its an excellent learning experience and it has given me great appreciation for my washing machine and Tide. I hand washed two of my bras and hung them on the iron bars/grate outside of my window – and my mom asked me if they were clean or dirty – and I said clean – cause they were. (And why would I display my dirty bras for the whole world to see?) But she gave me the eyebrows, which means – “Really? Are you sure they are clean?” And I said – maybe I will try to wash them again tomorrow. Opps! I thought they looked ok. Damn, I am no good at hand washing my clothes. Maybe I will be able to learn in the next 26 months!

I hope everyone had the opportunity to see some fireworks and eat Red, White and Blue food! (I was craving blueberries, strawberries and whip cream!) Please let me know how you are doing! (email me at rachelknewby@gmail.com)

rachel.