Aubrey (another 2nd grade teacher at Inter) and I had a big hand in organizing an mock presidential election for the elementary school. (Guatemala goes to the polls tomorrow). The kids all made ID cards and had to register them last week over their lunch time. On Friday , the Highschool students in Political Science came and made presentations to the kids on 8 of the 9 candidates (there were 3 groups of presenters). Then later that day the kids, in elementary, all wen to the polls.
Wow, typing it in a few sentences here makes it seem very simple... but it was quite the ordeal. Totally worth it, as the kids were thrilled, but consumes my life for the past 3 weeks. We had parents (moms) run the registration stations last week and run the election booths on Friday. I thought I had made the whole thing idiot proof, with labels, written instructions etc. Apparently not. It took alot of explaining and standing my ground to convince these ladies that it would work the way I planned it and that their way would not. (ok, that sounds arrogant, but hey, it's true!) Anyway the day was HECTIC yesterday! But you know me, I love a well organized event, even more so when I organized it! Definitely something I am good at :)
That has been my life in a nutshell for the past 3 weeks. This weekend, we are hanging around Guatemala city, staying close to home due to the potential of road blocks tomorrow on election day...maybe a riot or two as well!
Next week is a 3 day week, as the country celebrates their independence day on the 15th! (as do many central american countries). A group of us are headed to the Beach in El Salvador. I hope to meet up with Esther and her family on Thursday afternoon in the city (we are stopping there for lunch).
I took some pictures of the whole election process, but have to find my camera cord etc. Will do at some point. ALso need to see about blurring people's faces... not sure about putting kids photos on here...illegal and stuff.
All in all its been a great first month of school! We are already starting to put together first reports!!!!! Our new principal is slowly getting the hang of things...kind of. but, he did compliment me...in his twisted non complimentary way about the elections: he said i think that went well. I don't think it could have gone better. what do you think. and then walked away. but hey...i take what I can get...and really the kids smiles and excitement was MORE than enough thanks! THough I did need a long nap when I get home from it all!
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