First Few Days in Paraguay!

So I made it to Paraguay after a brief overnight in Miami, where we stayed at a great hotel, and I got my fill on my last few American meals and beers! The flights were long, and as per normal, I could not sleep, but, they were successful... including all of my luggage making it!

Things have been surreal thus far. I guess I should admit to myself that I am probably in the euphoric stage of adjustment, but I can barely wipe the smile off my face. I met my host family yesterday. I have a mother, father, and four siblings, one of whom I met on the cell phone as she studies at a university in another city during the week, but will come back this weekend so I can meet her in person. I am staying in her room for the time being, but the exciting news is that my family is building an entire extension on the house just for me! I will be located right next to the three cows in my own little room with a large window overlooking the garden! (pictures will come soon, I promise... I at least have to wait for it to be built!) Besides 3 cows, we have two dogs (one of which is named doggie). So far I have little to say about my siblings, because they are too shy to talk to me, but my mom is hilarious and very kind.

The last 24 hours have been good. But I must admit little has happened. I spent the evening last night showing pictures I brought to my mother, and then crashed after a grilled cheese for dinner with some tea and slept until 6 am, when I woke up, ate two breadsticks and walked with everyone to the bus stop. Training is going well. I was forcefully stung by an africanized bee today (they got them angry, then layed them on our arm until they stung us) and I am not allergic. However, it did burn and scream, and I am mostly nervous about having to explain the angry words that come out of my mouth whenever I am stung to the farmers I work with...

Also, we are diving straight into Guarani lessons. It is a super cool language, and besides sharing a few words with Spanish, sounds nothing like it. Beekeepers are required to reach an intermediate level (which pretty much means fairly fluent) by the end of the 11 week training session, so I have to get studying!

Sorry this post has not been uber-interesting, but I am sure a funny story leading from an awkward situation will come soon. This weekend plans include making tortillas and terere tomorrow morning, and afternoon soccer with the women of my community on sunday. Tuesday I will have my first official beekeeping training session-- more tales to come.

PS. In the case anybody ever sends a package they suggested today that we tell everyone to be sure to tape them closed very very very well because there are noses that pry. Also, don´t include anything valuable, as although it will make it to paraguay, it will likely not make it to me. Finally, use USPS, because the others are expensive and USPS makes it in about 2 or 3 weeks.
much love.
-jess