Peace Corps Guatemala

Sunday, January 22, 2012

If I Could, I Would

I'm sorry I didn't explain sooner.  I haven't been able to write about whats happening because I just can't believe it and don't want to believe it.  But its happening.

The next peace corps group that was scheduled to leave in March is now leaving in Febuary and the group to leave in July is now scheduled to leave in March.   The volunteers that are located in departments that are a bit further away are being relocated to sites that are closer to either the office in Xela or by Antigua.  So, everyone in my department will be relocated. I am taking early COS, which just means that I will receive the same benefits as I would if I were to finish my two years.  PCG is trying to have less than 100 volunteers in Guatemala to make it more manageable...we are currently at 220. 

 I lived in Baja for three months with security issues throughout my three months.  I was relocated to Huehue because I was told that it was a safe place and I will be able to do great work there.  Now, 6 months later I am told that I cannot stay in Aguacatán, Huehuetenango because of security reasons.  I have to have a meeting with my directors of my schools, YET AGAIN, and tell them that I will not finish my work here.  I have to disappoint more people.  I told the directors, the teachers, friends/family, that I WILL be in Aguacatán for the next year.  Its like a horrible nightmare repeating itself. 

Peace Corps is, obviously, really worried about our security and what is going to happen with the new president.  Crime is getting worse and public transporation is just not safe. 

I feel completely safe in my town and I hardly ever leave. 

I am trying to figure out how to leave here feeling like I accomplished what I came here to do.  I am heartbroken and don't want to leave, but I see no answers to this problem. 

I'm not really sure what else to say...I'm leaving the Peace Corps a year early.  I'm angry with Peace Corps administration for lying to us month after month.  I'm sad that I have to leave the one place I felt like I was really contributing to this world.