My new class and job

School started again a month ago, and I was upgraded to a new class. Now, due to changes in local personnel, I am with the moderate disabilities class all day. I teach from 7:30 to 1 everyday, and then supervise the workshop jobs in which I have integrated my students. Its alot more like how a special education job in the states would be, so I am getting some great practical experience that I can use when I get back. It´s an interesting time to be working with this group of students, because they have special needs, and most are almost 20 years old. So what happens next? Do we keep them in school forever, or find an alternative job for them within the orphanage? Because of Guatemala being so disability unfriendly, it is virtually impossible that they would be integrated outside due to their lack of family contacts. So I have been working with them in class to increase their independence, hygiene, work habits, etc so they can be productive within the orphanage for the rest of their lives.

Another interesting thing that happened is that a new group of volunteers started working in January. Most of my friends are still here, but it has changed the dynamic within the family a little bit. So far, most of the new people are getting along well with me!

Its strange to have so many changes now... I feel almost like I am starting over again! But, I have been in country for 7 months and 24 days, and if I have learned anything it is that this place is completely unpredictable and unstable. Thats what makes it a good learning experience....be flexible, be flexible, be flexible.