Moving to the Big Top!

I'm officially the newest member on staff at the Peace Corps Paraguay office! I started last week and will move all of my things down from my site and into a GORGEOUS apartment this coming Friday, May 1. It's so nice to be moving up in location, opportunities within Peace Corps, and pay.

My job title is called Peace Corps Volunteer Coordinator, so basically I need to be ready 24 hours a day to handle any and all questions/problems/issues with volunteers in the Co-opertive/Municipality sector. I've only been on the job less than a week, but its already exciting! We have new volunteers coming at the end of May, so my boss (Elisa) and I are really busting butts to get their sites developed. That means a LOT of travel! I'm finally getting to see all of Paraguay, so that is another advantage. A typical week means that I'll travel 3 days and be in the office for 2.

One of the other deals with this job is that I have to dedicate 20% of my time to a non-gov organization of my choice. I'm stronger in the business/co-op sector so I've been encourage to move towards learning more about municipal services. I've chosen a program called Procicla which focuses on getting local communities/municipalities the resources and infrastructure they need to recycle. Clearly a theme that has interested me since I was a kid, so I hope to be of use to them.

My apartment is the nicest place in Paraguay! It's a little expensive, but it's only 3 blocks from the office and in a VERY safe neighborhood.... and since I'm living on my own, the aforementioned characteristics are more important than price! Once I get moved in I'll take some pics and post them online. Since I'll have over 17 months in Asuncion, I'm going to make sure its well decorated too :) I have an extra bedroom and I'm ready for guests!

My official close of service date is now Sept 2010. But don't worry because I'll be in the US for a month around Christmas and New Years, and then again in May for Carmella's wedding and my cousin Dusty's wedding. I also have 40 days of vacation to burn through, and will be starting in August (hopefully) with a most definitely entertaining trip with Meghan. For the first time in a long time, I feel excited about each day and the coming months!

My email address has changed, so please update it in your address book to betsy.a.curry@gmail.com I have a Peace Corps account as well, but it's only work related emails. My address also hasn't changed, so don't be afraid to send a house warming care package :)

Betsy Curry, PCVC
162 Chaco Boreal c/Mcal Lopez
Asuncion 1580 Paraguay

My cell is also the same: +1 595 971 349 970

Please send me an email and let me know how all of you are doing as well :) Lots of besos (kisses) from Paraguay!

embroidery takes up most of my time

Hello world! Last week I was finally able to upload more pictures of the clothing making. I´m hoping I´ll have a real website built by the end of the month.

Enjoy and place your orders with me whenever!

Men´s samples:

by paraguaysmellslikecurry

Women´s samples:

by paraguaysmellslikecurry

So I´ll be spending this week scanning ALL possible designs into the computer so when we do get our website, customization of the shirts or dresses or table clothes will be much easier!

Hope you´re all doing well!