I always have felt like I haven't achieved career success in my life after college. I don't have a fancy title, nor did I in the United States. No corner office, no assistants. I wrestle with the idea that at my age.. I should be this or doing that. I don't really have a career path, yet the term came up this week for my Upper English students. We began a new unit on the theme of work. One of their vocabulary terms was "career path." This was a pretty new concept for most of the students in both sessions, so I explained what I thought a career path was - thank you professional development classes. I felt like I was in an undergraduate business course. I drew a diagonal line on the chalkboard with ticks at 1 year, 5 years, and 10 years. I explained that when you have a plan, it helps you focus on your goals or steps to achieve your dreams, rather than just float along. A career path or plan helps you gain control of your future, or so I explained. Yet, I don't have a career path, nor have I had a solid one since way back in college. I always had planned to work at an ad agency after college to be a copywriter. Yet, in my junior or senior year, I realized I didn't want to work at an agency, working 80-hour weeks on a campaign for mustard. But, I wasn't going to change majors then. In hindsight, I've had a lot of experiences and been able to use my communications education and interests in a variety of settings.
I challenged the students as homework to do their own career paths towards their dream job.
After class, one of my students approached me and told me he hated doing these kinds of activities. He said he didn't worry too much about the future, he kept himself open to opportunities rather than be too focused on a plan that might prevent him from seeing something else. There was more to life than work he explained.
We in America get so focused on our careers sometimes we forget to enjoy where we are at now. Sometimes we get caught in the "I should be here" game that we forget it's not a race. Is it more important if we were a bigwig or if we had a big heart?
Maybe I'll never been known to anyone outside a handful of people, but what really matters is that those people (hopefully) remember that I tried to treat them with respect and kindness.
Maybe instead of worrying or being depressed about where my life is and the lack of "success" I have, I should be grateful for the opportunities I have had to do many different and exciting things. I may never have an important job title or be power player, but who says I have to do so?
After I'm done in Peru, I don't know what I will do. Teach? Get a doctorate? Return to higher education? Write a novel? I don't know and maybe that's okay.
Sunday, August 26, 2012
Feliz Cumpleanos (Monday)
On Monday morning, I went to work like usual. Fellow colleagues wished me a happy birthday. They had made me a little poster with Snoopy on it as well! I figured the birthday festivities were over.
One of my students wished me happy birthday before class. I wondered how he knew. He said a friend told him. He wouldn't tell me what friend but things in Piura get around!
However, my 11 am Intermediate II class was a bit restless. We had concluded a series of activities, and I was about to launch into the next batch, when they resisted. I could sense they were bored,so I said great, let's take a break. Then, some of the students proceeded to bring out bags of snacks and goodies, plus a card for me that they'd passed around to sign for me! It also was another girl's birthday too! I was so surprised. Some of the students presented me with goodies and the card. I was really surprised and touched.
Later that night, I went to the church party organized for me. They all were waiting for me. I'm glad I prepared a speech. We ate dinner and then the dancing started. I tried to learn two salsa steps but to no great end. I ended up dancing anyway and had a good evening! The cake part was funny, I didn't know what they were asking me to do, but it ended up that I was supposed to take a bite of the cake. I did and then it was "smushed" in my face. Hah hah.
Monday night, one student in my Upper English class asked me when my birthday was. I told her it was the day before. On Tuesday, she brought me a gift!
I was really touched by how welcoming, genuine, and kind (some!) of my students and ward members have been for me to actually make this effort for me. Plus my colleagues are all nice to me. This has been an easy part of the transition, thanks to the people. It's a great lesson for me to make sure I also reach out and care for the people around me - here in Piura and at home.
One of my students wished me happy birthday before class. I wondered how he knew. He said a friend told him. He wouldn't tell me what friend but things in Piura get around!
However, my 11 am Intermediate II class was a bit restless. We had concluded a series of activities, and I was about to launch into the next batch, when they resisted. I could sense they were bored,so I said great, let's take a break. Then, some of the students proceeded to bring out bags of snacks and goodies, plus a card for me that they'd passed around to sign for me! It also was another girl's birthday too! I was so surprised. Some of the students presented me with goodies and the card. I was really surprised and touched.
Later that night, I went to the church party organized for me. They all were waiting for me. I'm glad I prepared a speech. We ate dinner and then the dancing started. I tried to learn two salsa steps but to no great end. I ended up dancing anyway and had a good evening! The cake part was funny, I didn't know what they were asking me to do, but it ended up that I was supposed to take a bite of the cake. I did and then it was "smushed" in my face. Hah hah.
Monday night, one student in my Upper English class asked me when my birthday was. I told her it was the day before. On Tuesday, she brought me a gift!
I was really touched by how welcoming, genuine, and kind (some!) of my students and ward members have been for me to actually make this effort for me. Plus my colleagues are all nice to me. This has been an easy part of the transition, thanks to the people. It's a great lesson for me to make sure I also reach out and care for the people around me - here in Piura and at home.
Estoy Aqui
In my efforts to try to learn more Spanish, I thought I'd start listening to Spanish music. I stumbled upon an artist and I can't tell you who he was now, but one line in the song stood out to me - Estoy Aqui. I'm here.
The song was a love song and it at first made me think about how I wished I had someone (as in a significant other) in my life to turn to when everything was falling apart. To hear the words, "I'm here" whispered in my ear when I was at rock bottom seemed magically impossible. Perhaps I won't experience this in my life, but my mind quickly turned to who else would say "Estoy Aqui." I realized that God and His Son, Jesus Christ are always here for us. No matter where we are in the world - Peru or Paris or Panguitch - the Lord and His Son know each of us and knows what we are doing. I don't know how they know where one lonely, awkward American woman who doesn't speak Spanish in Northwestern Peru is... but they do. I have been blessed by their care and guidance.
Honestly, being here is one of the hardest things I've ever done - in a different way than my other challenges. It's hard because I am stripped of all my self-reliance. I am stripped off all my pride in my intellect. I have to (and must) ask and rely on others to help me and show me the way to survive here. Sometimes I wonder. Why did I chose to come here? Did I make a mistake? Why don't I know Spanish better? It is so humbling to be the one in a crowd that can't speak and is made mute by my lack of ability. For someone who is so expressive with language, not being able to speak is incredibly challenging. I attend church services and sit and wonder why I bother. How presumptuous of me to expect these people to attend to me or help me. I have to stand on my own two feet. I'm an adult. It is actually easier for me to sell 99% of my things, quit my job, take a job in a field I've never done before... than to approach someone and ask for help or to fix something (like the water heater). But yet, here I am. The people have been generous and kind.
Teaching is hard. I knew that. But it's hard when you have unmotivated students, it's hard when you aren't making progress, it's hard when you don't feel they even care. Or, when you assign homework, and only 5 do the project, out of 25.
Yet, I keep returning to the phrase - Estoy Aqui. No matter where we are, or what time it is, God and His Son are there for each of us. We don't need Skype or web cams, just our hearts. In tears or in gratitude, we can converse with God for as long or as often as we need.
I had a really rough time in church today. I wanted to leave, but I stayed. Then in Sunday School, I was asked to read a verse in the Book of Mormon (in Spanish).
Alma 44:4
Now ye see that this is the true faith of God; yea, ye see that God will support, and keep, and preserve us, so long as we areafaithful unto him, and unto our faith, and our religion.
This scripture spoke loud to my hurting heart. It was no coincidence I was asked to read that scripture. I must remain faithful to the gospel I profess is true. God says "Estoy Aqui." He means it. When we turn to Him, we can be healed, protected, preserved and supported. Maybe we won't get the answer or blessing we hope for, but we will be supported through our daily lives.
Last Sunday, I was asked to read this scripture (in Alma 40:12)
12 And then shall it come to pass, that the spirits of those who are righteous are received into a state of ahappiness, which is calledbparadise, a state of rest, a state of cpeace, where they shall rest from all their troubles and from all care, and sorrow.
Again, this touched me. What a delightful blessing and promise. One day, all of our pain, suffering, hurt and sorrow will be removed, and we will have peace. If we remain strong, even when it's too hard to be strong, we will receive relief and rest one day. We just have to keep going.
Today, I turned on the Mormon Channel radio station and a few songs later, I heard my favorite hymn - "I Believe in Christ." My favorite lyric pierced my soul and tears flowed.
I believe in Christ...so come what may.
No matter what happens while I am here in Peru or anywhere else in the future, I believe in Christ, so come what may, no matter how dark, destructive or debilitating the future may be, I know that the Lord and Christ will always say "Estamos Aqui."
The song was a love song and it at first made me think about how I wished I had someone (as in a significant other) in my life to turn to when everything was falling apart. To hear the words, "I'm here" whispered in my ear when I was at rock bottom seemed magically impossible. Perhaps I won't experience this in my life, but my mind quickly turned to who else would say "Estoy Aqui." I realized that God and His Son, Jesus Christ are always here for us. No matter where we are in the world - Peru or Paris or Panguitch - the Lord and His Son know each of us and knows what we are doing. I don't know how they know where one lonely, awkward American woman who doesn't speak Spanish in Northwestern Peru is... but they do. I have been blessed by their care and guidance.
Honestly, being here is one of the hardest things I've ever done - in a different way than my other challenges. It's hard because I am stripped of all my self-reliance. I am stripped off all my pride in my intellect. I have to (and must) ask and rely on others to help me and show me the way to survive here. Sometimes I wonder. Why did I chose to come here? Did I make a mistake? Why don't I know Spanish better? It is so humbling to be the one in a crowd that can't speak and is made mute by my lack of ability. For someone who is so expressive with language, not being able to speak is incredibly challenging. I attend church services and sit and wonder why I bother. How presumptuous of me to expect these people to attend to me or help me. I have to stand on my own two feet. I'm an adult. It is actually easier for me to sell 99% of my things, quit my job, take a job in a field I've never done before... than to approach someone and ask for help or to fix something (like the water heater). But yet, here I am. The people have been generous and kind.
Teaching is hard. I knew that. But it's hard when you have unmotivated students, it's hard when you aren't making progress, it's hard when you don't feel they even care. Or, when you assign homework, and only 5 do the project, out of 25.
Yet, I keep returning to the phrase - Estoy Aqui. No matter where we are, or what time it is, God and His Son are there for each of us. We don't need Skype or web cams, just our hearts. In tears or in gratitude, we can converse with God for as long or as often as we need.
I had a really rough time in church today. I wanted to leave, but I stayed. Then in Sunday School, I was asked to read a verse in the Book of Mormon (in Spanish).
Alma 44:4
Now ye see that this is the true faith of God; yea, ye see that God will support, and keep, and preserve us, so long as we areafaithful unto him, and unto our faith, and our religion.
This scripture spoke loud to my hurting heart. It was no coincidence I was asked to read that scripture. I must remain faithful to the gospel I profess is true. God says "Estoy Aqui." He means it. When we turn to Him, we can be healed, protected, preserved and supported. Maybe we won't get the answer or blessing we hope for, but we will be supported through our daily lives.
Last Sunday, I was asked to read this scripture (in Alma 40:12)
12 And then shall it come to pass, that the spirits of those who are righteous are received into a state of ahappiness, which is calledbparadise, a state of rest, a state of cpeace, where they shall rest from all their troubles and from all care, and sorrow.
Again, this touched me. What a delightful blessing and promise. One day, all of our pain, suffering, hurt and sorrow will be removed, and we will have peace. If we remain strong, even when it's too hard to be strong, we will receive relief and rest one day. We just have to keep going.
Today, I turned on the Mormon Channel radio station and a few songs later, I heard my favorite hymn - "I Believe in Christ." My favorite lyric pierced my soul and tears flowed.
I believe in Christ...so come what may.
No matter what happens while I am here in Peru or anywhere else in the future, I believe in Christ, so come what may, no matter how dark, destructive or debilitating the future may be, I know that the Lord and Christ will always say "Estamos Aqui."
Epic Ecuador
It is said that when opportunity presents itself that you should take it. This was my mindset when on the second Sunday I went to church, courtesy of the young English speaking ward member who served as a translator, I heard about an upcoming ward temple trip. The closet temple to Piura actually is in Guayaqill, Ecuador (some 700 miles north). I enthusiastically signed up to go. This was my opportunity to go to the temple with a group, instead of alone!
I didn't hear anything about the trip until the 12th of August. As luck would have it, the trip was set for the upcoming weekend. I had planned to have a karaoke night to celebrate my birthday with my colleagues. I didn't want to cancel either activity, but I did not want to miss out on a trip to the temple. I worried that if I cancelled on the karaoke night, that people would be upset. Yet, the organizer was fine with the change and understood my situation. As the week dragged on, I still didn't have many details for the trip. After the week from hell, I was emotionally, physically and mentally exhausted. I didn't even want to go on the trip. A nice, long weekend of relaxing sounded much better as I trudged home. Then I got a phone call. "Where are you, are you coming to the temple?" I said yes and raced home. I grabbed my bag that I had packed. Why didn't I listen to the prompting and take it with me to school? Why didn't I just call my contact and verify everything? I let class out early that night anyway. I usually have class until 8:30 at night, and the bus was packed to go at 8:30. I prayed that I'd be able to make the bus before they left me. I got a taxi and it seemed I had the most considerate driver in town- slowing down to make sure he didn't take corners fast or speed bumps too fast for me. At that point, after a series of hurried phone calls, I should have said, "hasta pronto Senor! He knew right where to take me thank goodness. I gave him his 5 soles and hopped out of the taxi. I hopped on the bus and away we went. I made it. I made the bus and was on my way to Ecuador and to the temple.
We left Piura at about 9:15 pm. Onward and upward to Ecuador. The bus could have been heading to Wendover, Utah with the flashy seat fabric, lights and setup. After watching the hilariously stupid movie "Bloodsport," I fell into a fitful sleep. At some unholy hour in the night or maybe the morning, we arrived bleary-eyed at the border. Everyone filed out into an office to stand in line, fill out forms, and hope to not be hassled at the border. I didn't know what was really going on. I had my passport, but it turns out I also needed another document -the Andean Immigration Card I got at the airport. I had given that to the university so I could get my visa extended. So, after some discussion, the immigration person determined I had to pay $5 US to get another one. So I filled out the card again and paid the $5 (which he put into his wallet) and he put the card into a drawer. Then when I got to the Ecuador side, I had to fill out another card. At least this time, it didn't cost me anything else.
Back onto the bus we went. This time, my seat mate changed, and a young woman from the ward sat next to me to learn some English. She already knew much of the basics, and she helped me with Spanish too. It must have been in the early morning and finally we both drifted off to sleep. When I woke up, the sky was overcast and the fields were full of banana trees. It was like a jungle, exotic and green, not like the sandy desert of Piura. I went back to sleep and watched the small towns, and farm land pass by as the sun peaked through the high clouds. People were slowly rising and getting a start to their Saturday morning.
Finally at about 8 am or so, we arrived in Guayaquil. It seemed like a nice city. We got to the bus terminal, and shuffled off. The bathroom was a popular first stop, and of course, like in any country, anywhere in teh world, there was a line for the women's bathroom. Also, there was no toilet paper.
Rule #2 of traveling. Take your own TP, wet wipes, anything. You never know what you're going to get (or not get!). Rule #1 is always take a towel (Thanks HGTG).
After we reassembled in the taxi area, we tried to figure out how to get the group to the temple. I didn't really have any part of that, just stood and tried to stay out of the way. Finally, some of us got into a truck with a camper shell on it. There were two benches, so we squished everybody in. I was on the end so I could look out the back. There was no door or window, so I nearly fell out a few times. Well, not really but it felt like I could on some of the corners. Guayaquil was clean and pretty well-kept, at least the parts I saw. We all arrived at the temple. Everyone rushed to a building next door. It was a hostel or hotel of sorts for travelers. The trip was roughly 12 hours. After a quick shower and change of clothes, I tried to figure out the schedule. There were no headsets, so I had to do a session in Spanish. Luckily, I felt prepared from my (nearly) weekly temple attendance in Utah so I could follow along fairly well. Let's just say the last part was the hardest.
But, after a week that I had, I was so thankful to serve in the temple. All of the frustrations, angry, anxiety, fear and doubt melted away. It was a very special and spiritual experience. The Lord knows all of His people no matter where they are in the world. I felt the healing balm of Christ on my heart.
Afterwards, we changed and headed back to the bus terminal. We stuffed ourselves into several taxis (no trucks this time), and went back to the bus terminal. The bus terminal was also a mall, so I thought I'd just go get a bite to eat, but I ended up shopping. I got some new sandals for $5! Good deal. Shoes in Peru are expensive - even at Payless! The bus this time was smaller and not as flashy. Off we went. We had several stops to pick people up and a mandatory "off the bus" stop somewhere on the way that required a walk-through the snack bar. At immigration, I had a problem because I didn't have that Andean Immigration card again. The guy kept it leaving Peru. So, I had to fill it out again to enter Peru. At least this time it was free.
Is it me, or does the trip home always seem longer than the trip to a place? Maybe it's because we're anxious to get home, get changed and get into bed (or the shower). It seemed like it took forever to get to Piura. We had to stop for a security check and we all had to show our documentation. I wonder what would happen if that happened in the US. Say you were riding the Greyhound to LA and had to stop outside Barstow for a document check?
Finally, after a long, long 12 hour bus ride, we made it back to the bus terminal in Piura, got a cab, and I finally and happily made it to my room. It was a very fast trip but one that was very well worth it.
Feliz Cumpleanos (Sunday)
After a certain age, birthdays seem to lose their luster. It's just another social construct used to gauge yourself against your peers. It just seems like another year older and deeper in debt as the song goes.
I fully expected this birthday to pass unnoticed as I was a newcomer in this dusty desert town. My colleagues knew it was my birthday thanks to a department chart posted on a cork board of announcements and keys to the teachers only bathrooms.
This year, my birthday kicked off on the tail end of a quick trip to Ecuador. After being hassled at the border back into Peru, I realized I'd never planned to spend my birthday in an immigration office in the dark, early morning hours of the dawning day.
After arriving home, I debated heavily on whether I would attend church services. It was already well after 9 a.m. when I walked into the door of my rented room. I'd already missed sacrament, and I would just have Sunday School and Relief Society to attend.
On the side against going to church, the argument was strong and I'll admit pretty rational:
"It doesn't matter if you go to church today or not. Nobody expects you to show up after the temple trip. Nobody even will notice or care if you're there or not. I mean you're just a burden to the ward since you can't even understand anything that is going on there. Just stay home and sleep."
The argument for going to church wasn't as rational to my mind but stronger in my heart. For some reason, I dumped my bag out onto my bed, as I rushed to freshen up. I ran a comb through my 2-day dirty hair, thankful that it was long enough for a hair clip. I splashed my face with some soap and water, put on a bit of foundation and mascara and brushed my teeth. After pulling on a top and skirt, I ran out the door.
As I was hustling towards the church building, the inner dialogue kept going. I could easily turn around and go home. No one would be the wiser. I hate walking in late to things in any situation. Why would I walk in so obviously late to church? The siren song of sleep kept playing in my mind. Yet, my feet kept propelling me towards the building. I must do what I believe is right, even when it's too hard for me alone.
With 15 minutes left of sacrament, I slipped into the chapel and took a seat. After the meeting was over, a ward member turned and said "Hey's it your birthday today isn't?" I was surprised. How did she know? Maybe they read my records into the ward. Though, I shouldn't be surprised. As I'm discovering in Piura, everyone knows everybody and everything.
Yet, I was greeted with a steady of hugs, handshakes and well wishes were regular and genuine. In Sunday School, the class wished me a happy birthday and from the conversations, I came to understand they wanted to have a party for me the next day, in conjunction with another girl's birthday celebration, and for another girl leaving for college in the United States. I felt really touched and surprised they'd include me in the festivities. I was just pleased they told me happy birthday.
In Relief Society, the women wished me happy birthday as well. At the end of the meeting, I was presented with the beautiful flowers that decorated the chapel. I also was invited to lunch at a sister's home with the sister missionaries. I got more well wishes. As I headed home, I was filled with a sweet spirit. I was not alone. When I turned on my phone, I had text messages from my colleagues as well. Later, lunch was very nice and the sister missionaries presented me a Spanish Book of Mormon so I could study it and the language. Later than night, my father actually called me and it worked on my cell phone! He actually said he could hear me better in Peru than when I lived in Utah and he called me from Arizona!
All in all, it was a lovely birthday, especially with the e-cards, emails and Facebook messages. Today, I felt that the distance between hearts wasn't as far as the map or language might indicate.
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Brick Wall
Ever have one of those continuous bad days, you know, the kind where everything that can go wrong does... and even then some? Last week seemed like a series of unfortunate events to borrow from Lemony Snicket. It seemed like everything I tried to accomplish was thwarted by the uncaring universe of achievement.
Problem #1: My airfare reimbursement check
I was reimbursed for my flight down to Piura. That's very generous and I am happy I received it. However, it was in American dollars. I need to get this check to the United States. I was told different ways to do it. I got the check on Friday. I first was told I could go to the bank and have it cashed and then transferred to my credit union. I didn't have my passport with me, so I thought I'd wait until (now last) week. Drat - totally my fault. A friend suggested that I try mobile banking with my credit union. But, I don't have an Android phone or an iPod/iPhone. My colleague does, so I asked her to download the app and I tried the picture taking thing. It didn't work at all. I contacted customer service and got several non-answers to my questions. So I gave up on that route.
So, at lunch, I go merrily down to the bank, and I prepared. I wrote down in Spanish what I wanted to do. After trying to figure out the line system (there were numbers, but the system didn't make sense), I went up to a representative at the door and asked if I needed a number. I showed the written note to him. However, the customer service representative took the check (I did go with him!) and spoke to a supervisor. He came back and said it wasn't possible to cash it or do anything with it. By this point, I wanted to cry. I literally did leave with tears in my eye.
So, I went back to the university and explained my situation to the center's administrator. He called a person he knew at the bank and found out a completely different story. Basically, I need to find somebody with an account there that can accept American dollars and have them deposit the money into their account and then transfer it out to my account. Oh great. Just want I want to do - go around begging people to transfer money for me and deal with that hassle.
So, I thought okay, I am going to try Money Gram. On Friday, my co-worker and I went downtown to where she knew Money Gram was. We go into the store (that sells electronics and motorcycles), and head back to the cashier. My colleague asked a woman sitting at a desk if they did Money Gram. She nodded and pointed to the caja (cashier) window. I approach the clerk and ask about Money Gram. Of course I didn't understand her, so my colleague jumped in and found out the location moved. The cashier was very snotty and we wondered why the first woman (about 20 feet away) didn't tell us first that Money Gram was gone.
So we got the run-around and finally, after walking through some sketchy parts of town, found the location. However, I couldn't cash my check, thus I couldn't send a wire. Next, we tried to find an exchange place (better rates than the bank). However, they wouldn't cash a check. By this point, I'm done. Done. Done. Done. I am starving and I say forget it. So, as of Wednesday, August 22nd, I still have this check and I don't know what to do with it.
Problem #2 - ATMs
As part of my temple trip, I needed to pay s/70 soles (roughly $27) for the bus ride. I hadn't heard any details about paying, times, or locations to meet really - other than it was the 17th -19th. When I was at the bank, I tried to pull out cash to have on hand. However, the ATM didn't work. Of course not. So I went next door to the store. The bank ATM didn't work. The other bank's ATM didn't work for anyone. I was able to use the coin machine to get out s/5 coins (about $3). I needed a few groceries so I used my debit card - no problem - except the cashier asked me a bunch of questions that I didn't know. I just smiled and nodded and it seemed to work. So after all that, I walk home. I ran into the bishop and his wife. They told me they needed the money for the trip that night. I was planning on seeing some of the ward members after class anyway,so I was okay. Then about 4 pm, I got a panicked phone call from the 1st counselor saying I think that somebody was coming to go with me to the bank to get the money. I explained I had class at 5 pm and we'd have to hurry. Then, as I waited nervously for the person that I thought was coming, I got a call back. I was informed to give the money and give it to the ward member that night. So, there's an ATM on the main gate of the school. I hustle over there before class, and yep - you guessed it. It didn't work. After class, I tried it again. It didn't work again. My friends and I went to karaoke (another blog entry for sure) and there were two different bank companies with ATMs. I tried ScotiaBank, and it worked perfectly. I got soles and dollars (for Ecuador). Good grief. I was able to give the money to the ward member to pay for my trip.
Problem #3 Cell Phone
When I got to Piura, one of the teachers helped me get a cell phone. I don't know what kind of prepaid plan I got or anything. Nobody seems to really know what the cell phone story is around here that I ask. I knew I had run out of minutes because I couldn't send texts or get calls. But, trying to figure out how to recharge my phone or what plan to get was impossible. While my colleague and I were downtown, we tried a store that said "Claro aqui." Yes! We go inside the drugstore and were told... "We can't recharge your phone here." We go to another Claro store. They don't do recharging. We stopped at a newspaper stand. Yes, the woman does have recharge cards. I was advised not to do it that way. I didn't even know what to say or how to ask for the phone recharge. Finally, it got too confusing and I was too angry and stressed from the check mess that I just left. My colleague finally took me to a neighborhood store in our area that she used. The owner recharged the phone and it works. Whatever I had set up before, wouldn't let me call anyone. Plus, it costs more to call another carrier- or so I think. Who knows!
Problem #4 Post Office
I decided to go to the Post Office to buy stamps. My colleague went with me to eat lunch and hang out. We get to the post office. It was open ( I was told it wouldn't be). Crap. I didn't know how to ask for stamps. I look at a picture on the wall. It has an arrow to a picture of stamps and it says "postales." Okay, that must be it. We go to the first desk. No, not the right one. The 2nd desk. Nope. Finally, we get to the 3rd desk. Of course, just like in the USA, there's one worker and a line. We stand in line for 15-minutes. My colleague finally goes up and asks if we can buy "postales" there. The worker says no but we were told were we could buy them. So he and I go on a wild goose chase to many stores with no luck. My colleague just starts asking random shopkeepers where we can go. Finally, we end up at the City building. They tell us to go to the tourism office. We got a bunch of nice postcards and brochures, but the clerk sends us back to Serra Post. We get in line again and finally realize the word we wanted was "estampillas." So this stupid adventure was my own fault. So, lesson learned. Always be prepared with what you're looking for in another language. Don't assume you know the right words. When trying to do something, look up the words first. So we get back to Serra Post and then I find I can't even buy stamps! I have to bring the letters and postcards to the office to send! Then, all of our lunch options were ruined too. We finally ended up at a fast food joint. I guzzled my Inca Cola and chicken sandwich like no tomorrow.
On Friday, when my other colleague and I were downtown, I was successful in mailing a few things! One minor success.
So this week, my hot water heater stopped working along with the cable reception. Also, the classroom technology repeatedly fails when I try to introduce multimedia. The non-stop domino effect of frustrated plans and hopes ... welcome to my life- nothing changes when you move to another hemisphere.
Problem #1: My airfare reimbursement check
I was reimbursed for my flight down to Piura. That's very generous and I am happy I received it. However, it was in American dollars. I need to get this check to the United States. I was told different ways to do it. I got the check on Friday. I first was told I could go to the bank and have it cashed and then transferred to my credit union. I didn't have my passport with me, so I thought I'd wait until (now last) week. Drat - totally my fault. A friend suggested that I try mobile banking with my credit union. But, I don't have an Android phone or an iPod/iPhone. My colleague does, so I asked her to download the app and I tried the picture taking thing. It didn't work at all. I contacted customer service and got several non-answers to my questions. So I gave up on that route.
So, at lunch, I go merrily down to the bank, and I prepared. I wrote down in Spanish what I wanted to do. After trying to figure out the line system (there were numbers, but the system didn't make sense), I went up to a representative at the door and asked if I needed a number. I showed the written note to him. However, the customer service representative took the check (I did go with him!) and spoke to a supervisor. He came back and said it wasn't possible to cash it or do anything with it. By this point, I wanted to cry. I literally did leave with tears in my eye.
So, I went back to the university and explained my situation to the center's administrator. He called a person he knew at the bank and found out a completely different story. Basically, I need to find somebody with an account there that can accept American dollars and have them deposit the money into their account and then transfer it out to my account. Oh great. Just want I want to do - go around begging people to transfer money for me and deal with that hassle.
So, I thought okay, I am going to try Money Gram. On Friday, my co-worker and I went downtown to where she knew Money Gram was. We go into the store (that sells electronics and motorcycles), and head back to the cashier. My colleague asked a woman sitting at a desk if they did Money Gram. She nodded and pointed to the caja (cashier) window. I approach the clerk and ask about Money Gram. Of course I didn't understand her, so my colleague jumped in and found out the location moved. The cashier was very snotty and we wondered why the first woman (about 20 feet away) didn't tell us first that Money Gram was gone.
So we got the run-around and finally, after walking through some sketchy parts of town, found the location. However, I couldn't cash my check, thus I couldn't send a wire. Next, we tried to find an exchange place (better rates than the bank). However, they wouldn't cash a check. By this point, I'm done. Done. Done. Done. I am starving and I say forget it. So, as of Wednesday, August 22nd, I still have this check and I don't know what to do with it.
Problem #2 - ATMs
As part of my temple trip, I needed to pay s/70 soles (roughly $27) for the bus ride. I hadn't heard any details about paying, times, or locations to meet really - other than it was the 17th -19th. When I was at the bank, I tried to pull out cash to have on hand. However, the ATM didn't work. Of course not. So I went next door to the store. The bank ATM didn't work. The other bank's ATM didn't work for anyone. I was able to use the coin machine to get out s/5 coins (about $3). I needed a few groceries so I used my debit card - no problem - except the cashier asked me a bunch of questions that I didn't know. I just smiled and nodded and it seemed to work. So after all that, I walk home. I ran into the bishop and his wife. They told me they needed the money for the trip that night. I was planning on seeing some of the ward members after class anyway,so I was okay. Then about 4 pm, I got a panicked phone call from the 1st counselor saying I think that somebody was coming to go with me to the bank to get the money. I explained I had class at 5 pm and we'd have to hurry. Then, as I waited nervously for the person that I thought was coming, I got a call back. I was informed to give the money and give it to the ward member that night. So, there's an ATM on the main gate of the school. I hustle over there before class, and yep - you guessed it. It didn't work. After class, I tried it again. It didn't work again. My friends and I went to karaoke (another blog entry for sure) and there were two different bank companies with ATMs. I tried ScotiaBank, and it worked perfectly. I got soles and dollars (for Ecuador). Good grief. I was able to give the money to the ward member to pay for my trip.
Problem #3 Cell Phone
When I got to Piura, one of the teachers helped me get a cell phone. I don't know what kind of prepaid plan I got or anything. Nobody seems to really know what the cell phone story is around here that I ask. I knew I had run out of minutes because I couldn't send texts or get calls. But, trying to figure out how to recharge my phone or what plan to get was impossible. While my colleague and I were downtown, we tried a store that said "Claro aqui." Yes! We go inside the drugstore and were told... "We can't recharge your phone here." We go to another Claro store. They don't do recharging. We stopped at a newspaper stand. Yes, the woman does have recharge cards. I was advised not to do it that way. I didn't even know what to say or how to ask for the phone recharge. Finally, it got too confusing and I was too angry and stressed from the check mess that I just left. My colleague finally took me to a neighborhood store in our area that she used. The owner recharged the phone and it works. Whatever I had set up before, wouldn't let me call anyone. Plus, it costs more to call another carrier- or so I think. Who knows!
Problem #4 Post Office
I decided to go to the Post Office to buy stamps. My colleague went with me to eat lunch and hang out. We get to the post office. It was open ( I was told it wouldn't be). Crap. I didn't know how to ask for stamps. I look at a picture on the wall. It has an arrow to a picture of stamps and it says "postales." Okay, that must be it. We go to the first desk. No, not the right one. The 2nd desk. Nope. Finally, we get to the 3rd desk. Of course, just like in the USA, there's one worker and a line. We stand in line for 15-minutes. My colleague finally goes up and asks if we can buy "postales" there. The worker says no but we were told were we could buy them. So he and I go on a wild goose chase to many stores with no luck. My colleague just starts asking random shopkeepers where we can go. Finally, we end up at the City building. They tell us to go to the tourism office. We got a bunch of nice postcards and brochures, but the clerk sends us back to Serra Post. We get in line again and finally realize the word we wanted was "estampillas." So this stupid adventure was my own fault. So, lesson learned. Always be prepared with what you're looking for in another language. Don't assume you know the right words. When trying to do something, look up the words first. So we get back to Serra Post and then I find I can't even buy stamps! I have to bring the letters and postcards to the office to send! Then, all of our lunch options were ruined too. We finally ended up at a fast food joint. I guzzled my Inca Cola and chicken sandwich like no tomorrow.
On Friday, when my other colleague and I were downtown, I was successful in mailing a few things! One minor success.
So this week, my hot water heater stopped working along with the cable reception. Also, the classroom technology repeatedly fails when I try to introduce multimedia. The non-stop domino effect of frustrated plans and hopes ... welcome to my life- nothing changes when you move to another hemisphere.
RIP Pepe!
It is with a heavy heart that I must announce that Pepe the Peruvian Pony was lost in Ecuador. May he find the banana tree fields better stomping ground for his travels than the arid desert of Piura, Peru.
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