Today I was asked when I am going to "empezar regalando"- start giving, as in when I´m I going to start giving things out. clearly gringos only come to give away things. the poor woman was incredibly confused when I explained that I´m not giving out anything, and that I´ll be here for two years.

Lesson to the gringos: when you travel or go abroad for charity, don´t just give things out. It creates a culture in which people expect all gringos to come bearing gifts and reduces their ability to be self sufficient. Work WITH the people, give them your time and friendship, share your skills. The whole the give a man a fish thing.. it´s true.

In other news. I´ve been keeping busy with my special school 2 days a week, working on my diagnostic (though not as much as I should be..) and going to various meetings here and in Chiclayo. I just promised to teach my dad´s elementary kids English 1 hour a week, starting next Wednesday so we´ll see how that goes. I have no idea how to teach English so this should fun. I´m meeting tons of people, most of whom I don´t remember their name but at least I try to remember their position or role, such as the lady that works in the municipality or which school they are the director of, etc. still no marriage proposals, though one guy straight up asked me to have his child and I´ve had plenty of people tell me they are sure I´ll find my Peruvian boyfriend and in the same breath warn me about Peruvian men.

Oh, I also apparently have really tasty blood. The mosquitoes have eaten me alive, mostly my arms and my face which makes for an attractive look. I´m told that once the mosquitoes get to know me, they won´t bite as much. Still, I asked the doctor to send me some bug repellent which I will coat myself in every day. I couldn´t figure out why there were so many mosquitoes (and I've been told it´s not even mosquito season yet) and then the doctor mentioned all the rice fields and it clicked. My town is surrounded by rice fields, sugar cane, and corn. Growing rice involved large amounts of stagnant water and mosquitoes breed in stagnant water. Thus making my site mosquito heaven. Note to self-turn down any possible invite to work the rice fields.

ok, it´s time for my afternoon siesta. let´s see how many mosquitoes bite me in my sleep.