Sigrid and Nancy

It's about time that I get back to introducing the other volunteers. The picture above was taken by my friend Naomi during my birthday party. I like it because I feel as if it captures the personalities of Sigrid and Nancy. Sigrid (on the right) is always humoring me by answering my many questions about the Spanish language or intricacies of Spanish culture...she always does it with a quiet smile. Nancy (in the middle) is an intense learner as you can see by the look on her face.

Sigrid is from Barcelona (she pronounces the "c" with a "th" sound) - true to her Castillian accent. She is 25 and has been working as a school social worker for a couple of years, in particular with immigrants from the DR and Morocco. She will be taking care of younger children during her time in Mexico. She has this very hip Euro vibe. She's the type to make smoking look cool. Yet when she speaks English she has this very cute accent that is almost child-like. She is learning important phrases like, "Settle down." and "What's up?". She is also refreshingly honest and non-judgemental. One night we were guests at the high school youth group meeting, and she was asked in front of everyone if she had faith in God. She very calmly answered, "No". Every time I ask her a general question about a group of people (which seems to be a lot for some reason), she consistently answers that "there are all kinds of people within any group."

Nancy is from San Jose and won't reveal her age. She has led an interesting life. Since 2005 she has lived in British Guyana with the Peace Core and spent a year in Bangledesh. She is spending 3 months in Miacatlan with us to get orientated to NPH and then moving up north to Monterrey to start a new position as guidance counselor for the pequenos who are now attending college there. After 15 months with NPH she plans to do Teach for America. She is on a mission to learn Spanish and isn't afraid to do her own thing. I was honored when she stayed up past her bedtime and took a shot of tequila for my birthday.