Alumni Update: Tiffany DiNomeFrom Fordham University Once again I find myself in the beautiful countryside of El Salvador, however, this time I will be staying for more than a week (about 10 months, but subject to change). I volunteer at the well-known Parroquía San Bartolome de la Liberación with the beloved Jesuit priest Padre Donald Bahlinger. I accompany the program Desarollo Humano Popular; a scholarship/formation program for students of Arcatao and Nueva Trinidad-the hope for the future of these rural communities. When I try to explain my "position" the few words that come to mind are: traveling guidance counselor and piligrim; surrounded by the Salvadoran spirit of generosity I walk the dirt roads of Carasque, accept gifts of oranges and quesadilla, sleep in a different bed each time I visit-and of course they are thanking me. My main focus right now are the compromisos sociales; an integral aspect of the scholarship/formation program in which students' studies are paired with a community project, in hopes of reviving the economy of Arcatao and Nueva Trinidad. Also, I assist in planning home visits for the Casa Campo experience which allows me be a part of the Casa community all over again!! Contact me if you´d like some information on what to do if you get bit by a scorpion! Thaitiff611@yahoo.com
About the picture: Here's what happened: I woke up early decided washing my clothes might be a good idea. I go to the pila, begin to put my clothes in a huacal (a round bin), fill it up with water and soap, trying to fit as much of my clothes as possible (all Casa alum know what thats like). Suddenly something PRICKS ME! I thought it was a pin from my skirt, so I try to look for the damn pin. OUCH it pricked me again! Then a big, black, scorpion crawls out of my skirt! I start frantically screaming, that I´ve been bit by a scorpion (convinced I am going to die) and run to the clinic. Of course no one is there, so I run to the doctor´s house, his wife calls him, gives me medicine and tells me in a stern voice, "NO VA A MORIR" "YOU ARE NOT GOING TO DIE." Not entirely convinced, I take the medicine, return to the convent, chew on a machete and put limes on the bites. So, I've lived to share the story and the lesson; chewing on a machete stops your tongue from falling asleep. |
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