Saturday, August 28, 2010
first few days
It is amazing how calm and collected I have been over the last three days. As Daniel and I went our seperate ways on thursday morning there was only one tear shed (daniel had banned crying). The flight was pretty empty and very conducive to sleeping, so of course I took advantage of that. But I kept thinking, ok when I get to manilla it will hit me and then I will freak. But so far I have just been feeling really calm. Intimidated certianly (there are people here who are so smart and experienced doing awesome things), amused (Filippino road rules are intersting to say the least) and tired - very very tired. But at the same time it just feels right. Most of all I think I am struggling to accept that something can feel so right - it is such a contrast to previous jobs and situations. Trying to let my self do calm while I can. Pretty funny really.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
2 more sleeps
Well apparently the first thing that can go wrong is that your assignment can be cancelled a week before you fly out. Bummer. But thankfully before I could cry (much) I had a new assignmnet up and running thanks to the team in the Philippines.
I am now going to be working with the Negros Island Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development Foundation (NISARD), as a sustainable agriculture development officer. Check out this link to see what they are doing: www.nisard.org/
A combination of reading about their projects and seeing some great photos of the rural parts of Negros has left me pretty darn excited I must say. I am still feeling a little overwhelmed, and confused as to what I can offer, but I am trying to take my ICO's advice and have an open mind, and faith in cooperative development, and not put too much pressure on my self. (At this stage I would be happy for one way learning - them to me, let alone 2 way!)
I am just so excited to be working with people that have such a belief in agriculture, and the importance of educating and encouraging rural landholders - some one has to grow our food, and we should be treating those people with respect and appreciation, regardless of country or wealth.
I am now going to be working with the Negros Island Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development Foundation (NISARD), as a sustainable agriculture development officer. Check out this link to see what they are doing: www.nisard.org/
A combination of reading about their projects and seeing some great photos of the rural parts of Negros has left me pretty darn excited I must say. I am still feeling a little overwhelmed, and confused as to what I can offer, but I am trying to take my ICO's advice and have an open mind, and faith in cooperative development, and not put too much pressure on my self. (At this stage I would be happy for one way learning - them to me, let alone 2 way!)
I am just so excited to be working with people that have such a belief in agriculture, and the importance of educating and encouraging rural landholders - some one has to grow our food, and we should be treating those people with respect and appreciation, regardless of country or wealth.
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