A different kind of volunteering . .

My time spent in La Prusia and at the Casas project (Feb/Mar 2007) was both comfortable and enriching - even if I didn't do much construction work, and even if I was there usually only 2 days a week! It was comfortable because I felt more like a casual, accepted friend who did a few useful things, than an outsider around for a short term. My time walking through the community, and talking, studying and working with various project members and groups was characterized by respect, friendliness, patience, openness and humour - even given my limited Spanish.

The experience was enrichng because I was able to be involved with different individuals and groups in a variety of ways that appeared to fit with ongoing life and efforts in the community. I assisted Silvia, a teacher in the local school, in her personal English studies and had a bit of Spanish exchange in return, and enjoyed time with her children and grandchildren; in a less structured way, I enjoyed helping Marco with some English work occasionally. As well, I appreciated several longer conversations and exchanges with Angelica about the projects, her work, and its challenges. I was pleased to spend some hours helping in construction work alongside family members and volunteers - if you can't hoist stone and blocks, or do much cement work, you can still carry water, do some digging and leveling, or tie the iron used to reinforce cement! And all the international volunteers I met on site were good hearted and interesting folks.

I also ended up being a kind of buyer and seller for the women's jewellry/handicraft cooperative group "La Esperanza Granada", learning about the work, buying pieces from various members over the course of 7 "business" meetings, and selling some items on to international students at a Granada language school, along with passing on some of the story of the project. There may eventually be a connection of this group with a fair trade selling organization in the States, or perhaps another volunteer can pursue more possibilities like this.

I think this project is moving along quite quickly, in contrast to bigger organizations' work, and overall the community members show a high level of responsibility and commitment, especially considering the young age of many of those involved. With little opportunity for other than foundational formal education and little societal support, the young staff are handling a lot well - work, parenting, family and community dynamics.

I hope to return some day, and, in the meantime, am happy to be kept posted on the project and communtiy happenings.