ndaiquai

It means "I don't know" in Guarani. If I were to give an expression or theme to my last 3 days in Paraguay that would be it. I don't freaking know. It is cool though- "jaryi" Kelly Sue does know. Her langauge, understanding, and community was amazing. It was incredible how much the people loved Kelly Sue. We would be sitting there and they would just stare at her and say her name- and what beautful people too!



So after 36 hours of travel I finally made it to Paraguay. I got holed up in Sau Paulo and ended up in a little cafe trying to make friends with everyone in many different languages that I didn't know. My favorite was my Swiss trucker friend, Arensto. We couldn't find a way to say anything, so we would just begin little conversations and end up making funny faces. I am the queen of funny faces...



We went straight to Kelly's village warmly greeted by her family, her Grandmother, and Grandfather. Her grandmother had this very unique beauty to her and her eyes lit up- literally lit up when she saw Miss Sue. (I will have a picture of them up here soon) It was Christmas eve so there was lots of preparations to do. Mainly soapa- a corn bread with pig fat and onion had to be made en masse. It was funny- we did not eat for a long time and then all of a sudden there was soapa everywhere. I ate and then my stomach began to expand with the dense corn substance.


So on Christmas eve we went over to Kelly's family where we were going to eat eventually and wait for midnight. They talked and I tried really hard to pay attention because everytime my mind wandered they would tell Kelly that I was not having fun. It was tiring to pay attention to conversations that I had no comprehension of... they talked about me a lot too. How I was skinny, looked like Kelly, confused, suprised, etc...That was really all- it was a slow night and the hours dragged until midnight. When it came, we set off fireworks and kissed one another on the cheek, and said feliz dadas. It was pretty cool.

That was the hardest part- waiting around and trying to pay attention. Otherwise, I hung out at Kelly's, drank terria (mmm cold yerba matte that you just keep filling and passing. I love it) played with children (I love the children they are so much fun, easy to get along, forgiving, entertaining, curious, non judgemental...) relaxed in the hot pargauyan village and enjoyed having some time to do nothing. I also asked Kelly endless questions about Paraguay, Spanish, Guarani, and other of lifes wonderings. I might drive her nuts but she is very tolerant and a good teacher.


Now we are in Asuncion, off to go say good bye to her host family during training. We are going to take a night bus to the foz del iguasu and get there in the morning. I am very excited- it is one of the 7 wonders of the world. Then to Florinopolis- to relax and play on the beach. That's all I got- hope everyone is having a happy holidays and enjoying life.

Until then- keep on keepin' on.

Hannah Rae

The prequal

Let me see if I can't provide some sort of introduction.

I am a 24 year old Celestial Navigation teacher at a beautiful non-profit semester abroad program called The Island School. This has been my identity for the past year and a half. Before that? I was a traveler, a farmer, a Mainer, a student of mathematics, a daughter, a friend, a sister, and more. I feel very fortunate to have lived a full and rich life thus far- life has been good to me and afforded me the opportunity to learn and grow in so many different spheres. If I were to pick just one identity- it would be a lover of life, an adventurer, a seeker of truth, and a believer of love and compassion. Too lofty? Perhaps but that leads easily to this chapter. I am about to embark on another adventure. This one- begins with a one-way ticket to Paraguay that many of my students have heard so much about. I was able to share my excitement for this opportunity in many different ways and with a multitude of different people. This blog is an attempt to share my adventure with all who would listen. I will try my best to provide an entertaining and informative account of the next 6 weeks.

But first- a plane ride to Paraguay where I will spend Christmas with my dear friend Kelly Sue and her Paraguayan family. Kelly Sue will be a central character in this saga. My old farm mate, a soul sister, and traveling companion has spent the last 2 years in a little village in Paraguay. She claims that her family is very excited to meet me because since I teach math I "must be about the smartest person in the world." Who knows how I will live up to that since I will not be able to communicate with them- they speak the native tribal language, Guarani. This will be my most significant challenge ahead. I am a communicator and I will not be able to speak with people. My Spanish is novice, Portagese non existent, and Guarni-- well we will have to find other means to communicate. There is so much learning to be done!

Thanks for tuning in. Hopefully, I will be reporting soon, until then take care and as always Keep on Keepin' on,

Hannah Rae