WEEK 21-22: EIST

Dear Familia,

The Quiché KAN 20 volunteers, including myself, squeezed onto an already full bus with the Xela, Toto, and Sololá KAN 20 volunteers. Reuniting with everyone after so long was refreshing—while some of us had seen each other more recently, having the entire group together again was a relief. When we arrived at Peace Corps Headquarters, we had minimal training that day, as we were gearing up for a long-anticipated soccer rematch against the staff. Unfortunately, some staff members couldn’t play due to prior commitments, so we mostly ended up playing against each other. Regardless, it was a great time and a reminder that I need to get back into playing soccer.

I was overjoyed to reunite with my friends and Peace Corps staff, but even more excited to see my Pre-Service Training family. As I walked down the narrow alley that had been my street during my first two months in Guatemala, I blasted Por Tu Maldito Amor—Carlitos’ favorite song. The moment Doña Lupe, Silvia, Carlitos, and May heard it, they all sprinted to the gate, greeting me with giant hugs. We sat together in their living room as I shared stories from the past two months. They were thrilled to hear about my experiences, especially since my improved Spanish allowed me to communicate with them much more fluidly. They even mentioned that I had picked up a Quiché accent—which gave me great joy.

We returned to the office the next day to begin our training. Over the first few days, we reflected on our initial months in service, reconnected with staff and fellow volunteers, and presented our sites to our peers. We also revisited key Peace Corps training themes, including Guided Learning, Field-Based Instruction, Co-facilitation, and the ERCA Model. These approaches are the foundations of our Peace Corps work with work partners or community promoters at our sites.

Guided Learning and Field-Based Instruction both involve one-on-one engagement, where we provide advice or insight on improving meetings with CADERs—groups of organized women in the field. The key distinction between the two is that Field-Based Instruction is initiated by us as volunteers, whereas Guided Learning occurs when work partners or promoters actively seek our input.

Co-facilitation involves implementing a Participatory Cycle tool (see Week 8 post for details) in a CADER setting. Meanwhile, the ERCA Model—Experience, Reflection, Conceptualization, and Application—is a structured Peace Corps model designed to create an interactive and inclusive learning environment where participants can demonstrate a learned outcome. The Peace Corps staff scheduled another Practicum to practice co-training using the ERCA model. My friend and I selected the “Bocashi Organic Fertilizer” topic that we were set to present on Monday.

On Friday night, we all returned to our favorite spot in Santo Tomás—Fabi’s—for a Christmas gift exchange. I bought a bottle of Limoncello, produced in Xela and exclusively sold at a coffee shop in the Chichicastenango market, for a friend who had been living in Italy before joining the Peace Corps. In return, one of my Jewish friends gifted me a framed picture of Jesus. We spent the night enjoying each other’s company, though some left early to rest up for a planned volcano hike the next day.

Although Quiché has a lot to offer, I missed the pastel-colored houses and cobblestone roads under the towering Volcan de Agua that make Antigua such a beautiful place. Despite a slight desire to hike up the volcano, I knew my limits and was much happier returning to Antigua. I discovered later that I made the right decision; my friends could not reach the Volcan de Agua summit due to the poor weather conditions. Instead, we spent the day hopping from café to restaurant, indulging in cuisines and drinks we’d never find at our sites. The following day, some of us took advantage of Antigua once more, exploring new areas before ending the afternoon at a bar to watch the disappointing NFC Championship.

Our Rural Extension team traveled to Ciudad Vieja, a charming town near Antigua, to meet with a local CADER group. After mingling and sharing lunch with them, we split up to deliver our ERCA sessions. My friend and I smoothly presented the Japanese organic fertilizer method to a small but engaged audience of five. We were pleasantly surprised by their sincere attentiveness and participation throughout our interactive session. While only one person had heard of the method before, by the end, everyone could confidently demonstrate their understanding of the Bocashi technique.

Over the next two days, the Peace Corps planned sessions on activity reporting and grants. During these sessions, we heard the news that President Trump was targeting USAID and eliminating foreign grants. Since our grant money comes directly from USAID, no volunteer could apply for new grants for the next three months, and any active grants would lose their remaining funds.

While this news was disheartening and presented significant challenges, one Peace Corps staff member – and I as well – perceived this setback as a potential opportunity. While most grant money is US-funded, there is a stipulation that says 25% must originate from the community. Now, we must push ourselves to find the remaining 75% from local sources or alternative international funding. After researching microcredit-related NGOs and other grant opportunities, I believe this goal is achievable. Additionally, securing more community-based funding could lead to a more sustainable, long-term impact, which are pillars of Peace Corps development.

While this is the first blow to the Peace Corps, the future remains uncertain. It is a scary thought that I might be forced to leave this incredible country, where I am beginning to discover more fulfilling work, explore more breathtaking landscapes, and build more lasting relationships. However, I feel fortunate to be far removed from the fear and uncertainty troubling the DC area. Here, I can continue living in a positive environment, fully engaged in work that I am truly enjoying.

Sending my best to those facing difficult times—I’m hoping for better days ahead for you.

Que Les Vaya Bien,

Josué