Market

What  a day it was. We met downstairs at 5:40am and headed to the terminal before the sun was up. We proceeded to ride in 3 different buses to arrive 4 hours away in a small town for a market. Two asesores were running a market, giving free eye exams, selling eye glasses, solar lamps, seeds, pure water filters, and energy efficient light bulbs. These asesores were two women living in poverty in Yanzatza and making commission on these sales is a significant income for these women and their families. They have already had to complete extensive training in business practices and become intimately acquainted with the products they are selling. As interns we are responsible for being extra hands, publicizing products, and conducting surveys about future products we may introduce. Today was insane. We had over seventy people receive eye exams between 10:30 and 2:30. Margaret and I were scrambling to make sales pitches in Spanish and promote our products while people waited for their eye exams. It was quite the challenge but we were so busy there was really no time to think. At one point I was giving an oral survey to a woman and I began to feel incredibly dizzy. I knew I needed to be close to the ground or I was going to fall down. I told the woman in English “I’m sorry, I need to sit down” and I collapsed on the ground. Immediately, someone yelled and before I knew it Maria Luz, our program director was supporting me and wiping water on my forehead. My head felt really hot and like it was exploding, my hands and legs were shaking, and I felt like I was going to go to the bathroom in my pants or throw up. I was being given water to drink and food to eat but I could not open my eyes. Finally, after a few minutes I was able to stand and move out of the center of the market. I laid on a bench in the shade and drank Gatorade until my legs stop shaking. Apparently I was green in the face. It was the oddest sensation as I have never fainted or done anything close to that. I felt completely out of control of my body and it was truly scary. However, after drinking a ton of fluids I was fully recovered. We enjoyed a big, late lunch and continued selling the products. By the end of the day, we had made over $500 and each of the asesores made $87. According to Maria Luz, this was the most successful campaign she had ever been a part of. It was so rewarding to see the look on the asesores’ faces and know how much impact this extra income will have for their family. They were empowered and I was lucky enough to play a small role in it.

At the end of the day we journeyed the 4 hours home. I slept most of the way but woke up to see the gorgeous stars and beautiful view. After a 16 hour work day, I am ready for a good night of sleep!

Hasta Luego,

Cate