Dengue Survivor

Yes, as some of you may already know, I had the infamous Dengue. Fortunately, it was just a mild case. I didn´t even have to go to the hospital, although the Peace Corps nurse was wondering why I didn´t even call. I´m strong, that´s why! Ok, or maybe just stupid. Basically, I just had a high fever for a few days, a headache, and all my bones felt like they were broken. Now I just have an ugly rash on my legs and feet, which is the last stage of Dengue. Darn those mosquitos!

As for everything else, life is pretty good right now. The health group is doing Community Based Training in the South of the country. For security purposes, I´m not allowed to say exactly where. My host family is really nice, and I have my own guest house pretty much. I´m being spoiled with a full size bed and running water about once a week! The spiders and cockroaches are kind of scary, but I tuck myself into my mosquito net and pretend they´re not there. Spanish is finally starting to make a little sense to me. I can actually understand a few words every now and then. Exciting!

We´re learning a lot in training. Last week, we made a community map with the local youth and I conducted interviews with some of the women of the community about their health. Then I gave my first presentation in Spanish, which went pretty good. This week, I´m working with Jenn (another volunteer) on making a presentation about self esteem and body image. We´re going to present it early next week to a group of teenage girls.

Well, that´s about all for now. I really miss all of you so much. Thanks to those who have written comments or emails. I really appreciate hearing from you! Take care!