plans

Its good to have a plan. Its good, also, to be open to a change in plans. Or to an altogether new plan. This week I have been discussing plans with everyone.

With the volunteers, it was the construction plan for the latrines. The original model had to be modified when we found that the price of bricks had nearly doubled since we did the price estimate. Now, with only 250 bricks per latrine, we had to get creative to ensure that the house around the latrine would actually conceal the latrine-user. The new plan calls for 5 layers of bricks laid in normal fashion, and the subsequent layers laid on their sides, so as to take up more vertical space. The final product looks pretty good, I must say.

With my fellow supervisors, it was our travel plan for the few free days we have once the volunteers leave. I have been toying with the idea of traveling to Colombia to visit a former Amigos project director who is running his own non-profit in Medellin. Stephanie, Bess, and Kara are urging me, however, to go with them to Filadelfia - a small city in the heart of the Paraguayan desert (a.k.a. The Chaco). Although it sounds unappealing, they make a valid point: when else will I ever have the chance to make the 9 hour trip to the middle of the Chaco? Afterward, we would return to Asuncion and head from there to Iguazzu falls, which is certainly a trip worth making. Colombia could theoretically wait until afterwards.

Then there's my own plan. During those quiet moments waiting for the bus out in the middle of the campo, I find myself wondering what the future is going to look like for me. Perhaps I will work for Stephanie's non-profit start-up, writing grants for community projects all over the South American countryside. Maybe I will start that e-zine that I've been talking about, networking with travelers and artists from all over the world. I could set a grand goal of learning as many types of folk dance as I can, working my way around the world from studio to studio. Or I could mooch off one of my siblings, take a few months to write and relax or apply for school.

The thing about having a plan is that it keeps you focused in the present, but ultimately it can always change. You have to face circumstances honestly - past, present, and future - and make some tough decisions.