Hi Raul,
I'm writing to let you know how things are going so far and about my preparations for the
trip to Peru.
I saw other people's mid-quarter reports on the website, and wasn't sure where to post 
mine, so I am just emailing it to you.

I have been enjoying the reading material.  I read Pedagogy, and am currently reading 
Howard Gardner's Multiple Intelligences and Zinn's People's History.  In addition I have been 
reading books in Spanish, trying to read at least half and hour every day.  I am currently 
reading Cien Anos de Soledad, as it was recommended for our trip to Peru.  I am planning to 
read at least one more book on the reading list, and a book about Peru by the end of this 
quarter.

For my independent project I have been doing a musical practicum.  I have been working on two 
classical music pieces.  I hope to have one memorized and at performance stage by the end of 
the quarter.  I have also been playing with a jamband.  This will be picking up in intensity 
now that the soccer season is over.  I am researching one keyboard artist, Bernie Worrell, and 
listening to his music.

My work-study job relates to what I am learning about liberation, oppression, and empowerment. 
I am working with a program called Youth Earth Service Corps out of the YMCA in downtown 
Olympia.  I work with high schoolers to help them carry out service projects.  Another activity
that I am going to do is to begin working with Jennie from the Mason County Literacy program to 
volunteer with the ESL program, at least one night a week.  

As for preparing to go to Peru, I feel I am on track with my preparations.  I have my plane 
ticket, have arrangements for getting the shots I need, and am planning to get my passport 
soon.  I am not sure what I will do down there.  Mostly I want to experience the culture and 
improve my Spanish.  I would like to play some music and soccer too if possible!  I want to do 
some volunteer work as well.  I am going to be there from 1/6/05 to 2/20/05, a little over 6 
weeks.  If possible after week 5 I want to visit the Ashaninka people.

You mentioned that you know some native speakers who are willing to do Spanish sessions in the 
evenings.  I am very interested in doing that.  Earlier in the quarter I was very busy with 
soccer, but now I have more time, and want to practice speaking spanish. 

I hope this gives you an idea of how the quarter is progressing for me so far.
Siena Picchi-Dobson