Rhys P.

1. What got you interested in the Peace Corps?

I have known about Peace Corps since I was young as both of my parents served as Peace Corps Volunteers. My whole life they have shared stories about the work they did and the people they met. After I graduated college, I took a year to travel to Australia. I was working in an eco-village building for sustainable housing but felt like I could be doing more. Wanting to continue working in the environmental sector and continue seeing different parts of the world, I applied to Peace Corps.

2. What projects are you working on?

I’m living in a village in the department of Itapúa in southeastern Paraguay. Here I have been working with a national bird conservation nonprofit Guyra Paraguay, and a local nonprofit group of farmers in the production of petitgrain essential oils. I have also been working with a conservation nonprofit PROCOSARA in southern Paraguay to monitor wildlife in the San Rafael National Reserve. I have been helping to build a community, constructed an eco-bench from eco bricks, and have taught classes on waste management. I have been planting native tree seeds and yerba at the tree nursery in the San Rafael National Reserve. At the moment I am starting a seed bank of green manures for local farmers to use.

3. What strategies have you used to integrate into your community?

Working alongside local farmers planting and harvesting crops has been a good way to meet different families within my community. I joined a local soccer team which has been extremely fun. Attending meetings of the farmers’ nonprofit has helped me meet farmers from surrounding communities. Drinking tereré with people around my community is a good chance to talk and cool down on a hot day. Practicing my Guarani with people in the community has been challenging but a great way to meet people.

4. What is a highlight of your time in service so far?

Working with PROCOSARA and learning how to place camera traps properly has been incredible. I first met with PROCOSA and team lead Gustavo a month into my service. Working with PROCOSARA I have learned many different skills like identifying wildlife and the importance of animals in the ecosystem. Being able to walk into the Atlantic Forest has been so much fun and has helped improve my knowledge of wild plants and trees. I will continue to work with PROCOSARA during my service and will keep learning.

5. What have you enjoyed most about the community where you are serving?

Living alongside the San Rafael Reserve in a rural site has been my favorite part of service. Being able to walk into untouched parts of the Atlantic Forest is amazing. Being able to see native animals in their natural habitat makes me happy. The lifestyle of people within my community is something I enjoy. People are very hardworking but also find time to relax and spend time with family or other community members.

6. What are some of the most important things you’ve learned from your community?

Being able to identify native tree, plant, and animal species. For instance, what plants can be used in tereré or can help with certain illnesses. Working with my host dad has taught me how to run a successful farm. Learning what plants can be planted alongside one another and when is the right time to plant crops. Also learning how to manage a tree nursery has been a great experience.

7. How do you spend time when not working on a project?

I spend lots of time helping my host dad on his farm. This includes harvesting crops, repairing fences, or herding cows. I also spend lots of time with my local soccer team either at practice or at games. Sometimes I spend time watching and playing piki (or piquivóley, a traditional sport in Paraguay that incorporates elements of soccer and volleyball) with members of my soccer team. I also have my own garden and compost that I manage. I also spend lots of time watching professional soccer games with my two host brothers.

8. What are you looking forward to in your remaining time as a Volunteer?

I am looking forward to continuing to work with organizations such as Guyra and PROCOSARA. Helping in the tree nursery and placing camera traps is something I enjoy. I am also learning various things about conservation, agroforestry, and biology. I am also looking forward to starting a tree planting project with one of the local teachers in my community. I can't wait to watch Paraguay potentially play in the upcoming World Cup.

9. What will you do differently when you return to the U.S.?

The pace at which I take life will slow down. I have learned here that not everything must be rushed. I am going to continue to garden as it has become one of my favorite hobbies. I will be drinking tereré and maté (cold and hot brewed yerba mate) for the rest of my life. I will value my community and look for them for support rather than believing I must do everything myself.

Learn more about serving as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Paraguay.