Ep #012: Yadezi Abreu, Colombia 2016-2018
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Not only is Yadezi Abreu a Colombian serving in Colombia, her family is from the region where she serves, and her grandfather lives close by. Yet, her service has not been without struggle and much of that struggle comes from being Colombian.
On this Episode:
- I interview Yadezi Abreu about her time in Colombia, thus far, as a Colombian
- Why more minorities and a wider range of socio-economic class citizens should join Peace Corps
- The unspoken “fourth goal of Peace Corps”
Photos from Yadezi’s Story
Yadezi’s Peace Corps Story
Where and when did you serve? What did you do?
I am a current CED PCV in Colombia. 2016-2018, for all intents and purposes I project to carry out the entire duration of my service.
What is one of your favorite Peace Corps memories?
Meeting my boyfriend, who is another PCV in my cohort. Getting to see my grandfather regularly when I travel to a larger city 4 hours away and having lunch at a restaurant my mother ate at when she was younger with him.
What is one of your least favorite Peace Corps memories?
PST, was by far my least favorite Peace Corps memory. Host family flops and as I was serving in a region of Colombia where I am from, I found it to be incredibly daunting and mundane.
What will you miss about the Peace Corps?
My simple way of life, a humble life living away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Spending 8-10 hours a day on manual farm labor and getting to know the agricultural sector, very relaxing work I will never be able to beat the view.
What is something you learned in Peace Corps?
Conservation of water, I live in a town with no running water. In my time here I’ve seen the Mayors office burn to the ground as the town watched, I’ve had to handle running out of water during dry seasons and all drinking water has to be boiled before drinking (although PC does provide me with a water filter). To think I was such a brat before the kind of person who left the shower running until the water was warm enough.
Do you have a favorite quote or local saying?
“Hola mi reina hermosa amor de mi vida.” Hello my gorgeous queen, love of my life. The typical greeting I receive from virtually all HCN men that I pass by on the street in my local town and my counterparts whom I work with.
Also, “Pssssssst.” Probably not a favorite but you cant speak about the Coast of Colombia without the “Pssssst”.
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