NOVEMBER 30, 2019 BY CASSANDRA JOHNSON
Unfortunately, in Puerto Rico, the coordinator of my specific project was not feeling well, but I was pleased they found a spot for me the next day. This allowed me to do some light organizing in the overall project’s office and get a vacation I didn’t realize I needed. At the same time, I had the chance to connect with folks, (volunteering, working, or traveling through) who reaffirmed a lot of the things that make me smile the most.
Another new volunteer for the week and I received our orientation on Monday and since it was a holiday, our volunteer lead in Puerto Rico came to the hostel to take us to our project site and then on to Old San Juan for touring. Us IVHQ newbies (yet respectively seasoned volunteers) both agreed we didn’t need to get out at the building at which we’d be returning the next day, but rather the Uber driver could continue on to the next spot in Old San Juan. (Funny, because we would still get a little lost the next day😊)
Leaving the Uber, (we weren’t able to get the bus on Monday, other days proved more successful), we stopped to sight see – we were taken to one of the famous old Spanish forts. The nice fusion of being an IVHQ volunteer: getting to know the people and experience the culture of an area in different aspects and getting to help in a variety of ways.
My new friend on my project was doing construction evaluations, which I got to learn about and was thoroughly moved by as they were facilitating the repair of the homes of elderly residents, enabling them to remain in their community. I later got to work in the office with some of the jovial staff and volunteers. For the reason my kinda coworker was working on a different part, he started the first day after the holiday while I returned home early, courtesy of the bus system, about which I could now relay a little more information.
It was early afternoon and I decided I could take my first walk to the nearby beach, the gem of the amazing view from our rooftop. Hmmm. The water was so blue. The waves were peacefully crashing. The warmness felt so nice around my feet. Hmmm. I was initially a little worried how easy it would be for me to relax away into paradise. Nothing wrong with a holiday/vacation, but I wanted to get to know the people at Proyecto Enlace and IVHQ better. I was able to as I mentioned earlier.
My momentary fear of missing my project nudged at me just that one day because I was aware that while I look forward to helping, I’m also good at losing myself in beautiful views, local restaurants, historic landmarks, museums and dancing. Fortunately, there was the opportunity to both volunteer and take in our surroundings.
Leaving some things for later: I am leaving some details about all the folks I met for another time and for another medium. Needless to write, I chose correctly, and it was a pleasure to be some part of a place that is also America. Much appreciated. Thanks and Viva Puerto Rico. Until next time.