Santa Marta on the mind

Unbelievably, we are nearing the end of our time in Santa Marta and have only two days to wrap everything up. Students have been working in the areas of their choosing which have ranged from: studying the accessibility of health care in the state of Cabañas to the importance of community radio in rural areas to community activism focusing on the opposition to mining around Santa Marta. We have had the opportunity to speak with some amazing people who have willingly and openly shared their stories with us and talked about the importance of being active in their community.

Both of our Christinas have been working at the clinic and with the local health promoter which has proven to be an incredibly valuable experience. They've learned so much about the differences in health care and the efforts of the medical professionals who work with extremely limited resources. Heather, Isa, and Hannah have spent the majority of their time at the school assisting the teachers in their Math and English classes while also gaining a better understanding of the pedagogy and methodology behind the popular education model. Mollie, Melanie, Matthias, and David have all focused on the projects of the developmentnon-governmental organization ADES. David and Matthias have honed in on microlending efforts to create a local/alternative economic model as opposed to the free trade agreements negotiated at the national level. Mollie and Melanie have taken in interest in the efforts to supplement the local market with fresh fruits and vegetables via greenhouses and orchards that create a more nutritionally balanced diet for local people and their communities.

The Radio boys (Eli, Jack, & Raphi) had a featured spot on "Canto a la Vida" again this Wednesday in which they played some powerful songs including, Buffalo Springfield's "For What its Worth" and songs by Bob Dylan and Michael Franti. They've also had some opportunities to learn from and play with local musicians who have used song to preserve and share the history of the region. Adam has really focused on the CoCoSi initiatives surrounding gender issues and HIV/AIDS education and was able to accompany the group to the prison in Sensuntepeque to observe a support group for inmates who are HIV positive.

In the midst of all of this action, we have found time for some great recreational activities including an epic soccer match during a downpour in which the Putney group beat the CoCoSi chicos-chicas in a hilariously fun game. Drenched and exhausted, we shared a stack of pizzas (the pupusaria was closed!) and had a blast hanging out.

As you can see, so much is going on here! Everyone is in great spirits and good health which we are all thankful for. Only two days left here in Santa Marta and then we are off to Isla Tasajera for some much needed time to process everything we've learned and experienced over the past two weeks.

Hasta pronto,
Brian & Sarah