Lately, there has been a lot of coversation over the effectiveness of Peace Corps. The onset of the 50th anniversary most likely has Peace Corps under the microscope. Or it could be the outrage of the murder case in Benin. Either way, I have been debating this since my first CD asked the question, "Should PC still be in the Eastern Caribbean?". Truth is, originally I wanted to scream out "NO!". After being here for a third year, my answer has changed.
It's been three years of arguing with people about these 3 things:
1. No, I am not a tourist. (locals)
2. No, I am not just on a two year vacation sitting and drinking margaritas on the beach. (Americans)
3. Yes, I do have a REAL job. (both)
After three years, I just learn to laugh at all three. What surprised me the most before was that no matter what you tell people, they just continue to say it. People listen, yes, but have a hard time understanding.
I have said that before, and I will be saying it for the rest of my life: you can say all you want, but the only person that understands Peace Corps is Peace Corps.
On to the next....
I was recently asked by my new CD why is it I chose to extend? And what contributed to me wanting to stay? My answer was surprising. I said, "Even though there are ups and downs in service, I have learned how to have balance...and this balance is what makes me love the island." Of course, there was a little more to it than that, but that was the jist.
At the same time I was saying this my new CD has sent out a letter written by a PCV in Mali from 20 years ago. His entire letter was about the importance of creating a balance in your service. You truly are the person that decides what your service is going to be. Even 20 years ago in Mali, there was a huge expat community and plenty of opportunity to spend time with other PCVs. It is up to you if you use the time to spend with locals. It is up to you to choose how much effort you put into a project. It is up to you to gain something from the experience.
This does not mean that Peace Corps has lost its significance. If anything, it has gained some. Nowadays, people have so much to do and so little time, they forget about the importance of everything they do. This is an opportunity to remember. People have gotten so wrapped up in how much money they make and what kind of car they drive. This is an opportunity to push that aside. People lose the face to face contact with others and work behind a computer. This is an opportunity to get back into the community. People think development work means to build something, bring in new technology or introduce ways to make money. This is an opportunity to know more.
There are plenty of areas in which the PC can improve in. But let's talk about the areas that PC does well in. While they have gotten a little too big, PC has allowed more volunteers to experience whatever they choose to experience. This is where I feel the PC is not the one that is disappointing like most articles will contribute to. It is up to the individual to take what they have and make something out of it. Yes, we could use a little more training prior. However, it is impossible for development work to be traced out 100% prior to the experience.
To be continued....
Monday, May 23, 2011
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Hurricane Tomas
Recently I experienced my first hurricane. Here is the account for it:
____________________________________________
CASTRIES, St Lucia – At least 12 people were confirmed dead and several communities across the St Lucia remained cut off today following widespread destruction caused by Hurricane Tomas over the weekend.
Government said that the damage caused by the storm could surpass US$100 million.
(Currently rumored to be at 300 million US$ - Nov. 17th)
The southern town of Vieux-Fort was among the worst hit by the Category One storm, while five bodies including those of the owners of a popular craft shop in Soufriere, recovered from the wreckage of their homes that were hit by landslides.
“I would say to you right now we have 12 confirmed dead…unfortunately there are still people who are buried….,” Tourism Minister Allan Chastanet said on local radio.
He said that the roads to the town, where the famous Piton Mountains and the world’s only drive in volcano are located, are impassable and that the death toll could rise further.
Prime Minister Stephenson King had earlier said that an American visitor whose named was not disclosed, drowned on a north east coast beach while a 31 year-old woman died after her vehicle ran off the road and fell down a precipice.
King said he had taken an aerial survey of the storm damage and it is clear that there had been extensive damage.
“From the air, the southern town of Vieux Fort appeared to have received the brunt of Tomas’s fury and we will have to go into this area which was still blocked by landslides and virtually inaccessible to carry out a more detailed account of the damage,” he added.
Prime Minister King said that there were other persons missing from the town and that search and rescue teams were in the affected area.
“Soufriere is devastated, everyone is locked in and no one can leave or get in by road or by phone, so that there are persons who need help but cannot be reached,” the Prime Minister noted.
“It’s not just a question of clearing these roads because there are sections of the network that have completely disappeared so that we are just going to have to find another way in and out of the town,“ he said.
King said that a preliminary assessment of the damage caused by Tomas suggested that it was likely to cost the country in excess of US$100 million.
He said he had already contacted the United States government and Work Bank which had requested that measures be put in place to sources the emergency funding.
_____________________________________
Since then, most of the island has been without water. The dam had some major damage done to it and the water is greatly contaminated. Cholera has had a minor outbreak so far; we have yet to experience anything like Haiti. It has been a learning process for me since this is my first hurricane. I have learned the following:
1. The government does not account for enough funding in their disaster relief plan.
2. You see the best and the worst in people during and after a natural disaster.
3. It is absolutely necessary when living on a tropical island to prepare a disaster kit ahead of time complete with candles, first aid, and clean water, water, water. You can never have enough water saved up.
4. Humor really helps during the clean up efforts. Some people have the amazing ability to get straight to work to clean up with no questions asked and a humorous attitude to provide to everyone.
5. Things can always be much worse than they are.
____________________________________________
CASTRIES, St Lucia – At least 12 people were confirmed dead and several communities across the St Lucia remained cut off today following widespread destruction caused by Hurricane Tomas over the weekend.
Government said that the damage caused by the storm could surpass US$100 million.
(Currently rumored to be at 300 million US$ - Nov. 17th)
The southern town of Vieux-Fort was among the worst hit by the Category One storm, while five bodies including those of the owners of a popular craft shop in Soufriere, recovered from the wreckage of their homes that were hit by landslides.
“I would say to you right now we have 12 confirmed dead…unfortunately there are still people who are buried….,” Tourism Minister Allan Chastanet said on local radio.
He said that the roads to the town, where the famous Piton Mountains and the world’s only drive in volcano are located, are impassable and that the death toll could rise further.
Prime Minister Stephenson King had earlier said that an American visitor whose named was not disclosed, drowned on a north east coast beach while a 31 year-old woman died after her vehicle ran off the road and fell down a precipice.
King said he had taken an aerial survey of the storm damage and it is clear that there had been extensive damage.
“From the air, the southern town of Vieux Fort appeared to have received the brunt of Tomas’s fury and we will have to go into this area which was still blocked by landslides and virtually inaccessible to carry out a more detailed account of the damage,” he added.
Prime Minister King said that there were other persons missing from the town and that search and rescue teams were in the affected area.
“Soufriere is devastated, everyone is locked in and no one can leave or get in by road or by phone, so that there are persons who need help but cannot be reached,” the Prime Minister noted.
“It’s not just a question of clearing these roads because there are sections of the network that have completely disappeared so that we are just going to have to find another way in and out of the town,“ he said.
King said that a preliminary assessment of the damage caused by Tomas suggested that it was likely to cost the country in excess of US$100 million.
He said he had already contacted the United States government and Work Bank which had requested that measures be put in place to sources the emergency funding.
_____________________________________
Since then, most of the island has been without water. The dam had some major damage done to it and the water is greatly contaminated. Cholera has had a minor outbreak so far; we have yet to experience anything like Haiti. It has been a learning process for me since this is my first hurricane. I have learned the following:
1. The government does not account for enough funding in their disaster relief plan.
2. You see the best and the worst in people during and after a natural disaster.
3. It is absolutely necessary when living on a tropical island to prepare a disaster kit ahead of time complete with candles, first aid, and clean water, water, water. You can never have enough water saved up.
4. Humor really helps during the clean up efforts. Some people have the amazing ability to get straight to work to clean up with no questions asked and a humorous attitude to provide to everyone.
5. Things can always be much worse than they are.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
It's been too long.
It was brought to my attention by my own mother that I haven't posted on here since May. I can't believe that it has been almost six months since I last blogged. I've been living life in St. Lucia as normal as ever. Life here has become routine and predictable at most times now. I have a schedule and I'm okay with that.
I extended my contract with the Peace Corps for a third year in August. My new COS date will be November 2011. Imagine, at one point in my service, about the year mark, I was seriously debating going back to the states and now I actually put in a request to stay longer. LOL. Typical.
Since I extended my contract with the PC, I was given a month home leave - paid for by the PC. They actually treat you quite nice if you extend and you find that they are a little more relaxed on you. I have yet to visit the PC office since prior to my leave almost two months ago and they have yet to contact me. I guess they have eased up a little bit since I earned the third year.
Work is coming a little slow right now. It is the start of the school year for CARE and my counterpart for the NGO is in Trinidad on holiday leave. Since my work is different than the last two years for the majority of the work, it is dependent on the interaction with the two organizations before I begin the bulk of my work.
It is nice to be doing the majority of my work from home now. Less transportation money, and more time to do the work that I actually am signed up to do. Less busy work. The first two years, in addition to the valuable work that I was completing, I was filling the spare time with additional "busy work" just to make sure I was working. Now, I am purposely focusing on the work that I am signed up to be doing for my third year and not spending the extra time wasting my energy and steering off track.
I am very much excited for the next year and I am hoping that I get some valuable work done like the first two years.
Over the last month there has been a lot of crime increase in St. Lucia. There is a case of the missing Blackberry in my own apartment complex, about 4 shootings in my neighborhood (including one at the Prime Minister's office) and a few outside in the Castries area, quite a few robberies in my area and attempted break ins. I am not sure if it is the time of the year (with the holidays coming up) or it is actually getting worse. I am hoping it is the first of the two.
Other than that, volleyball is going well except we have a case of the missing team spirit. That is something that I miss about high school and college volleyball... we always were a family. With the teams in St. Lucia it seems that we lack the team unity that we need to succeed the way we can. First on the agenda: Come up with a team name.
I extended my contract with the Peace Corps for a third year in August. My new COS date will be November 2011. Imagine, at one point in my service, about the year mark, I was seriously debating going back to the states and now I actually put in a request to stay longer. LOL. Typical.
Since I extended my contract with the PC, I was given a month home leave - paid for by the PC. They actually treat you quite nice if you extend and you find that they are a little more relaxed on you. I have yet to visit the PC office since prior to my leave almost two months ago and they have yet to contact me. I guess they have eased up a little bit since I earned the third year.
Work is coming a little slow right now. It is the start of the school year for CARE and my counterpart for the NGO is in Trinidad on holiday leave. Since my work is different than the last two years for the majority of the work, it is dependent on the interaction with the two organizations before I begin the bulk of my work.
It is nice to be doing the majority of my work from home now. Less transportation money, and more time to do the work that I actually am signed up to do. Less busy work. The first two years, in addition to the valuable work that I was completing, I was filling the spare time with additional "busy work" just to make sure I was working. Now, I am purposely focusing on the work that I am signed up to be doing for my third year and not spending the extra time wasting my energy and steering off track.
I am very much excited for the next year and I am hoping that I get some valuable work done like the first two years.
Over the last month there has been a lot of crime increase in St. Lucia. There is a case of the missing Blackberry in my own apartment complex, about 4 shootings in my neighborhood (including one at the Prime Minister's office) and a few outside in the Castries area, quite a few robberies in my area and attempted break ins. I am not sure if it is the time of the year (with the holidays coming up) or it is actually getting worse. I am hoping it is the first of the two.
Other than that, volleyball is going well except we have a case of the missing team spirit. That is something that I miss about high school and college volleyball... we always were a family. With the teams in St. Lucia it seems that we lack the team unity that we need to succeed the way we can. First on the agenda: Come up with a team name.
Sunday, May 23, 2010
SLU DSP Volleyball
Well beach volleyball has pretty much taken up all of my spare time aside from work for the last few months... It has been some good training and preparing. My partner and I won 2nd place in the LIME/SLVBA tournament two weekends ago and a few of us are now preparing for the regional tournament next weekend. Exciting! I still have quite a few things to learn out on the sand, but I am really starting to love playing beach. Somehow it has pushed court volleyball further from my heart and taken over. :D Now I just need to start training harder and getting back into real shape. Time.
Ode to Carnival- the case of the real you
ODE to Carnival :
There once was a girl
that was just like a pearl
all shiny and sweet
from her, men eh never get any treat.
This girl wanted to dress up in satin and lace
and even put some paint on her face.
Her mother told her to keep it clean
Her pastor told her she was still just a teen.
Her father told her to wear them tights
and her boyfriend gave her just a few frights.
But when she heard the loud music so
Her hips starting rocking to and fro.
The boys on the block watched her slow wine
the girls even thought she was looking so fine.
Her movements were steady and slow to the touch
but eventually the rum got a little too much.
Her eyes were looking tight and dreary
her hair was looking sloppy and scary.
Her backside was starting to slouch
all she needed now was a couch.
She started to speak and couldn't say a word
but she could swear she was flying high as a bird.
Her smile got crooked and legs started to ease
And all of this just to be a tease.
Her clothes started falling off to the ground
all of this with all of Castries around.
She had a secret though you see
that there is something the boys couldn't free.
She was wearing a push up bra and a backside panty
everyone thought she was looking like candy.
When her bra fell of she was flopping like a slipper
and her backside was dropping just like a flipper.
So you see this pearl was really a stone
One that you might find all alone
Carnival costumes are sweet how they are
so girls don't be stretching too far.
There once was a girl
that was just like a pearl
all shiny and sweet
from her, men eh never get any treat.
This girl wanted to dress up in satin and lace
and even put some paint on her face.
Her mother told her to keep it clean
Her pastor told her she was still just a teen.
Her father told her to wear them tights
and her boyfriend gave her just a few frights.
But when she heard the loud music so
Her hips starting rocking to and fro.
The boys on the block watched her slow wine
the girls even thought she was looking so fine.
Her movements were steady and slow to the touch
but eventually the rum got a little too much.
Her eyes were looking tight and dreary
her hair was looking sloppy and scary.
Her backside was starting to slouch
all she needed now was a couch.
She started to speak and couldn't say a word
but she could swear she was flying high as a bird.
Her smile got crooked and legs started to ease
And all of this just to be a tease.
Her clothes started falling off to the ground
all of this with all of Castries around.
She had a secret though you see
that there is something the boys couldn't free.
She was wearing a push up bra and a backside panty
everyone thought she was looking like candy.
When her bra fell of she was flopping like a slipper
and her backside was dropping just like a flipper.
So you see this pearl was really a stone
One that you might find all alone
Carnival costumes are sweet how they are
so girls don't be stretching too far.
Just be yourself- the real you is always up to par.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Impotence is not relevant
Funny things that happened to me:
- A teacher falls asleep while talking in mid-sentence during a staff meeting. Yes, it sounds like a movie.
- When giving a presentation at one of the schools in front of 50 instructors and counselors a man said "the key to achieving success is, in fact, impotence". He meant "importance", but in St. Lucia the "r's" are soft.
- (Ear muffs for this one if you are under 21) When I was leaving the office, I passed over the sky bridge on the main road in St. Lucia in the north. It had been raining for the first time in months so I did not have my umbrella. As I started to walk down the stairs, I was grossly surprised at the sight that was before me. A NAKED vagrant "jerking the chicken" was going at it quite reverently. He was wide out there in the open for all to see. I presumed that he wanted the free lube. The man who came down the stairs after me had to talk him back into his senses.
- A teacher falls asleep while talking in mid-sentence during a staff meeting. Yes, it sounds like a movie.
- When giving a presentation at one of the schools in front of 50 instructors and counselors a man said "the key to achieving success is, in fact, impotence". He meant "importance", but in St. Lucia the "r's" are soft.
- (Ear muffs for this one if you are under 21) When I was leaving the office, I passed over the sky bridge on the main road in St. Lucia in the north. It had been raining for the first time in months so I did not have my umbrella. As I started to walk down the stairs, I was grossly surprised at the sight that was before me. A NAKED vagrant "jerking the chicken" was going at it quite reverently. He was wide out there in the open for all to see. I presumed that he wanted the free lube. The man who came down the stairs after me had to talk him back into his senses.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Siren.
I am still speechless when it comes to this full grown cat that showed up on my porch last week. It's weird! I have never in my life seen a male cat come into another house with an already existing male cat. Amyys has always been protective about his home and his mother and yet or some reason he has no problem with this cat. Odd. Well, I'm not sure what is going to happen when I leave back for the states. Am I even able to bring back two cats realistically speaking? I don't think that this cat is going anywhere anytime soon so I might just have to.
Amyys is the one on the left and Siren is the one on the right.
Yes, I am the old cat lady. Thanks for reminding me.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Waiting for nothing
This culture is all about waiting.
-I wait for the bus to fill up
-I wait for class to start
-I wait for people to show up to a meeting
-I wait for the girls to start working
-I wait for my ride to training
-I wait for water to come
-I wait for my mangoes to ripen
-I wait for work to happen
-I wait to see what will happen
The first time that I realized how much this culture relies on waiting was during a tropical rain storm two months into my service. I was on my way somewhere and I got stuck in the rain with no umbrella and no ride home. What did I do? I waited for three hours under a tarp out in the middle of nowhere with a woman I did not even know (as of yet).
The refresher was just last night when I was outside on my porch waiting for nothing. Absolutely nothing. I was there with three cats (two of which are mine), one frog, and one horse. What were we all waiting on? Again, nothing. But we were still waiting.
People wait all the time for things to happen here. They wait longer than they need to for a bus just to catch the one that they want. They wait for friends to pass by in town just for a little bit for company. They wait for something to happen.
This is a nice change from the fast paced world of the States. There is never waiting in the states that is patient. When you are waiting, it is not a good thing. Here, waiting can be your life. I love this idea of waiting. In fact, I love it probably a little too much. I must sit out on my porch for hours every night just being and waiting for nothing.
This is the time when it is just me, when I am all alone except the toads, cats, horses and lizards running around. This is the time when I collect my thoughts from the day, prepare for tomorrow, and see things in a light I have never seen them. Why? Because I never slowed down in the States.
Just when I was on the brink of not slowing down here, I was gently reminded by another PCV that maybe life should be different than it was in the states for us. In fact, that is true. Slowing down and really enjoying this life while I have it here is what I need to do.
That is why I wait. Wait for nothing and wait for everything.
-I wait for the bus to fill up
-I wait for class to start
-I wait for people to show up to a meeting
-I wait for the girls to start working
-I wait for my ride to training
-I wait for water to come
-I wait for my mangoes to ripen
-I wait for work to happen
-I wait to see what will happen
The first time that I realized how much this culture relies on waiting was during a tropical rain storm two months into my service. I was on my way somewhere and I got stuck in the rain with no umbrella and no ride home. What did I do? I waited for three hours under a tarp out in the middle of nowhere with a woman I did not even know (as of yet).
The refresher was just last night when I was outside on my porch waiting for nothing. Absolutely nothing. I was there with three cats (two of which are mine), one frog, and one horse. What were we all waiting on? Again, nothing. But we were still waiting.
People wait all the time for things to happen here. They wait longer than they need to for a bus just to catch the one that they want. They wait for friends to pass by in town just for a little bit for company. They wait for something to happen.
This is a nice change from the fast paced world of the States. There is never waiting in the states that is patient. When you are waiting, it is not a good thing. Here, waiting can be your life. I love this idea of waiting. In fact, I love it probably a little too much. I must sit out on my porch for hours every night just being and waiting for nothing.
This is the time when it is just me, when I am all alone except the toads, cats, horses and lizards running around. This is the time when I collect my thoughts from the day, prepare for tomorrow, and see things in a light I have never seen them. Why? Because I never slowed down in the States.
Just when I was on the brink of not slowing down here, I was gently reminded by another PCV that maybe life should be different than it was in the states for us. In fact, that is true. Slowing down and really enjoying this life while I have it here is what I need to do.
That is why I wait. Wait for nothing and wait for everything.
Friday, March 12, 2010
Rains-a-comin' !!!!
Rains a comin!!! That might be the biggest overstatement of the year, actually. The rain came for a half an hour and it was in American terms, "sprinkling". Not enough to replenish my water source but it was a nice sight to see anyway.
In other news, Amyys has befriended a male cat. I was worried for a second there that he had a multitude of girlfriends that have been coming to my porch every morning. I thought, well, it appears he really is a Lucian male. :P This one though has the same markings as Amyys and he behaves in the same manners. He meows too much though. Amyys is quiet compared to him. I have named him "Siren" because of this. I thought he would be gone this morningafter spending all night outside on the porch but much to my surprise he was still there. I may have unknowingly taken in another male cat. Uh-oh. This might give him a little preparation of getting used to cats when I introduce him to the cats I have back in the states.
Yesterday I decided to invest in a new pair of volleyball shoes. I have gone through an amazing amount of tennis shoes here. I don't know what it is exactly but the soles of the shoes keep coming right off. I find myself slipping back and forth here and there all around the court. After the tournament on Sunday, I just realized I don't want to deal with it anymore. The last thing I want is an injury from rotten shoes. Geez. The shoes are most likely going to cost around 200ec...pretty pricey for us little PCVs. I might just be bankrupt after this purchase.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Here and now
A PCRV recently told me that I should start writing more as my service is winding down..and not for other people but for myself so that I can remember things when I leave. I think that this is a good idea. So if things don't make sense to some of you reading this, well, deal with it. It has now become more of my personal memory bank than anything else.
Last week we held a Peace Corps Exhibition. It involved months and months of planning but it finally materialized. I was coordinating the event and in the end, it was worth it. I was skeptical about how it would turn out. Up until two hours into the event I was nervously sweating at the outcome. We planned for stations, activities, and displays. Things got complicated as we hadto plan out all of the little details. Brian, another PCV, was a great help with all of the little details. He thought about things that I overlooked, such as would there be water at the venue the day of the event when we are smack-dad right in the middle of a drought?
We had a schedule for the event that was very full. When it came to the morning of the event, we had a few flies in the mud, but nothing too big. First off, the town hall double booked the venue for the day. Thank god we got there ten minutes before the other group, otherwise we would have been out of a venue! The other event was supposed to be a fashion show try-out. The apparently needed the stage. We felt bad, but hey, the show must go on. They ended up using the upstairs for their event and we used the open space.
After setting everything up, we made a coffee run and then opened the doors. For the first hour there was hardly anyone there. We made the schedule flexible and held off on the welcome address (of which was televised) and the trivia. Once people started filing in, we started the activities. There were plenty of interviews that were also televised. It was good publicity for the Peace Corps.
I'm glad that that is over so now I can have a somewhat clearer schedule. Someone recently told me I should slow down and enjoy the rest of my service, and that is exactly what I am going to attempt to be doing. I didn't get much rest after the event, as we went out for drinks to celebrate at "The Lookout" (one of my new favorite places to go for a drink- it's got an incredible view of the Castries basin and the vibe is good). We attempted to give one of the new response volunteers a "tour" of rodney bay afterwards, but since it is Lent, it was pretty dead. So we went back to my place after a few Pitons and slept til I had to leave for my volleyball tournament the next morning. Ah, those twin size mattresses I have and the foam chair pads to sleep on are just miraculous for your back. Not to mention, I only have one pillow so the other volunteers had to deal without. They say PCVs can sleep anywhere, anytime, and anyhow. Try sleeping by me and you might change your mind.
This weekend is looking like some relaxation is going to come into play. Since I have been so busy with work I have been very much out of the loop with the volunteers. I am hoping to somehow get back into the loop, if that is how you can say it. So tomorrow I am looking at taking the day to the beach. I need to shift my energies and rejuvenate. I've been feeling a little blah and need a little pick me up day. Saturday will be beach day too. Yep, that's right people, two beach days in a row...you jealous? Well I have been working my butt off lately and I need it. Beach, beach, here I come. Let's just hope I can work on this uneven tanning thing I have going. My arms and my legs are a much different shade than the rest of me because I never have beach days and that's really the only part of me that ever sees the sun. I might have to put out a press release for people to wear sunglasses this weekend so they don't get blinded. (A lot of St. Lucians don't wear sunglasses ever). So here's to rest and rejuvenation.
Last week we held a Peace Corps Exhibition. It involved months and months of planning but it finally materialized. I was coordinating the event and in the end, it was worth it. I was skeptical about how it would turn out. Up until two hours into the event I was nervously sweating at the outcome. We planned for stations, activities, and displays. Things got complicated as we hadto plan out all of the little details. Brian, another PCV, was a great help with all of the little details. He thought about things that I overlooked, such as would there be water at the venue the day of the event when we are smack-dad right in the middle of a drought?
We had a schedule for the event that was very full. When it came to the morning of the event, we had a few flies in the mud, but nothing too big. First off, the town hall double booked the venue for the day. Thank god we got there ten minutes before the other group, otherwise we would have been out of a venue! The other event was supposed to be a fashion show try-out. The apparently needed the stage. We felt bad, but hey, the show must go on. They ended up using the upstairs for their event and we used the open space.
After setting everything up, we made a coffee run and then opened the doors. For the first hour there was hardly anyone there. We made the schedule flexible and held off on the welcome address (of which was televised) and the trivia. Once people started filing in, we started the activities. There were plenty of interviews that were also televised. It was good publicity for the Peace Corps.
I'm glad that that is over so now I can have a somewhat clearer schedule. Someone recently told me I should slow down and enjoy the rest of my service, and that is exactly what I am going to attempt to be doing. I didn't get much rest after the event, as we went out for drinks to celebrate at "The Lookout" (one of my new favorite places to go for a drink- it's got an incredible view of the Castries basin and the vibe is good). We attempted to give one of the new response volunteers a "tour" of rodney bay afterwards, but since it is Lent, it was pretty dead. So we went back to my place after a few Pitons and slept til I had to leave for my volleyball tournament the next morning. Ah, those twin size mattresses I have and the foam chair pads to sleep on are just miraculous for your back. Not to mention, I only have one pillow so the other volunteers had to deal without. They say PCVs can sleep anywhere, anytime, and anyhow. Try sleeping by me and you might change your mind.
This weekend is looking like some relaxation is going to come into play. Since I have been so busy with work I have been very much out of the loop with the volunteers. I am hoping to somehow get back into the loop, if that is how you can say it. So tomorrow I am looking at taking the day to the beach. I need to shift my energies and rejuvenate. I've been feeling a little blah and need a little pick me up day. Saturday will be beach day too. Yep, that's right people, two beach days in a row...you jealous? Well I have been working my butt off lately and I need it. Beach, beach, here I come. Let's just hope I can work on this uneven tanning thing I have going. My arms and my legs are a much different shade than the rest of me because I never have beach days and that's really the only part of me that ever sees the sun. I might have to put out a press release for people to wear sunglasses this weekend so they don't get blinded. (A lot of St. Lucians don't wear sunglasses ever). So here's to rest and rejuvenation.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Hamper project
http://www.thevoiceslu.com/features/2010/march/04_03_10/Grow_Well_Brings_Smiles_to_Senior_Citizens.htm
Last month we held our second hamper project for Club 60. It went off very well yet again. We decorated the room with blue, yellow, black and white St. Lucian colors. The presentation went flawless and the elders were ecstatic with household goods to take home. All in all, another good day at Grow Well.
Volleyball tournament link
http://www.thevoiceslu.com/sports/2010/march/09_03_10/TOP_CLASS_VOLLEYBALL.htm
On Saturday I participated in an Independence Day volleyball tournament. My team, DSP, came in third. We played well but I was hoping for the win. Next time, Le Club, it's on.
The drought of 2010
We have not received measurable rain since January 31st, 2010. It has been almost a month and a half since we had even an inch of rain on the entire island.
For me, it has been longer. In the north of the island it hasn't rained for nearly 2 months now. I was lucky enough to have water from Thursday to Monday morning, but I was without water for almost a month and a half with the allowance of a few hours here and there. Those hours also happened to be during the day while I was at work so I was not at the benefit of receiving the water to use.
It has been all bucket baths for me since the beginning of the year. I think I am officially a professional at using less than one litre to wash myself with. It's a good thing I have locks otherwise my hair might be very very oily right about now. When it comes to having clothes to wash, well, let's just say my extra room is full. Not with furniture since I only have my one twin size bed, but with clothes that need to be washed when the drought is over. I have managed to plan a conservation schedule of my clothes. I have to wear the same skirt or pants three times during the week, air them out every night and then run water over them for the next week. At the end of two weeks, well, I wash them fully. For those of you not in the PC, or never have been, you may be saying gross. In actuality, this is just something I have to do to deal.
Water is so much taken advantage of in the states. I would like to say that I was not one of those people that used too much water, but I admit I was one to leave the sink on when I am brushing my teeth or washing the dishes. Coming to St. Lucia has really forced me to examine my water use and take into consideration others' as well. With 8 people in my apartment building and only one small tank for all of us, I have to be very conservative. But hey, I deal.
Drought emergency officially declared in St Lucia
SOURCE: Caribbean360
St Lucia, February 25, 2010 – The St Lucia government has declared a water-related state of emergency which went into effect yesterday, amidst a prolonged drought that has also affected other Caribbean countries. The move is aimed at managing and protecting the island’s potable water supply...
Monday, January 18, 2010
2010 thoughts of COS
It's been almost two months since I have even looked at my blog page. As life gets more and more involved here, I find that there is less to write about. Not because life is less interesting but because the things I want to write about are far more personal and delicate to write about. Instead of writing about things that I see everyday or how I feel about something "foreign" to me, I have found myself identifying those things as part of home.
A lot of returned volunteers that I met before service had told me about what it would be like to leave your host country at the end of the 27 months. I never expected that I would begin to feel like this with still nine months to go. Right now, I have absolutely no idea how to describe this feeling in words, but I am sure that some volunteers would identify with me without me having to describe it. This is home now, as much as I still remember Seattle. I have built a life here, I have worked hard to adapt myself to the life here and I find that in many ways I mesh better with this life than the life back in the states.
Sundays are much better here, that's for sure. In the states, on Sunday, people prepare for the week to come. The stores are open late so that people can get their shopping finished and their errands completed before Monday morning. In St. Lucia, Sunday is family day. Sunday is a day of rest and relaxation. Plenty of food and companionship. It makes you prepared for when Monday comes. This concept is one that I can attach to for the rest of my life.
As I was saying before, with nine months left in my service I am beginning to feel the sorrow of leaving. :( I know if this is how I am feeling now, imagine how hard it is going to be in October (if I decide to leave). We'll see.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Places I want to go in my life
1. New Zealand
2. Costa Rica
3. India
4. Ireland
5. Vietnam
6. Coral Reefs
7. Grand Canyon
8. Venice
9. Every state in the US
10. Chile
30 things I want to do in my life
The “30 List”
(Not in any particular order and always subject to change)
1. Have children
2. Work in veterinary medicine or with animals
3. Finish the Peace Corps
4. Marry someone who is my best friend
5. Work in HIV/AIDS
6. Hike part or all of the Appalachian
7. T-shirt non-profit (Fashion for an Action)
8. Own my own coffee shop (Infusion)
9. Be a primary or secondary school teacher
10. Have an art/photography show and sell at least one piece of artwork
11. See 5 ancient monuments
12. Learn to play the guitar
13. Live in a Latin American country
14. Learn to speak another language fluently
15. Be on a reality tv show
16. Travel to Ireland, Africa, India, Costa Rica, and New Zealand
17. Write a book
18. Earn my masters degree
19. Create and lead an outdoors club for youth
20. Work in at least 3 foreign countries
21. Own my own home
22. Learn and compete in ballroom dancing
23. Go bungee jumping over water
24. Learn to really cook
25. Stop biting my nails
26. Be a volleyball coach
27. Take a road trip around the states
28. Work on a cruise ship
29. Take part in a cribbage tournament.
30. Live in the outdoors for a couple of months straight
Friday, October 23, 2009
What am I up to???
CARE Classroom at Grow Well
A LITTLE BIT OF THIS, A LITTLE BIT OF THAT
So what have I been doing, then? Well, four days a week I am at the CARE programme working with 14-18 year old at-risk students (mostly males). I work with the remedial and intermediate groups in mathematics and language. We do everything from addition to spelling combinations. I also work with all of the students in arts and crafts (doing various different activity skills), sports (we have done football and cricket so far this term), and computer skills.
Me and some of the trainees at the CARE centre
Aside from the CARE programme, I also continued the After School Club that I started last school year during the second term. In the ASC we do everything from literacy and numeracy skills to making coal pots that will be used for survival cooking skills. It is a very time consuming club in terms of logistics and discipline, but the youth that come are developing themselves every session.
This past Monday marked the continuation of the Girls Circle (peer support and empowerment group for young girls 13-18) with Grow Well. I am working with an amazing woman from the community to get it going again. I am excited, as this term we are working on peer bonding and have a variety of activities lined up for the girls to participate in. I am currently still in the planning process for a summer workshop for next year in the area of HIV/Healthy Lifestyles and sporting as well for the girls to continue their development.
I have been trying to cut down all of the little projects that I was doing to focus more on the main projects at hand. It was starting to get a little overwhelming and getting more work done in specific areas promises more progress in those areas for the last year I am here.
I also have been working as the committee "chair" with other PCVs to arrange for a Peace Corps Expo in March of next year. It is a little time consuming, but it will be well worth it when we get the finished project in place. I have been linked to some of the other islands to help them get one started up as well. After seeing how great the Japanese Volunteers did with their "Japan Day", I was hoping that we could do just the same!
Aside from work, I have been playing volleyball every Tuesday and Thursday near my new apartment and have been thinking about joining a dart team down the road at the local bar. I have gone on a couple of memorable hikes with the hiking group I've been with for over the last year as well. Steel pan has started up again and I managed to get a few of my students to start playing as well! Now that I am living much further away from work and my community, I have had to make my new living community part of my work as well. I play football with the local youth on occasion and am thinking of ways to involve myself more into the community there.
It is that time of the year when all of the holidays are coming! Now that it is the holiday season that means the rest of the year is going to go by so incredibly fast! I have less than a year left here! 11 months and something odd days left in St. Lucia!
I found out my mom is coming for a week in December and I cannot be more excited! I can't wait to share my life here with her and show her the culture and life here.
It's been a rough couple of months in terms of funding. I have been living on cents at the end of the month for the last couple of them. Visiting the states and moving to a new apartment has really taken all of the money that I had managed to save from being frivolous. At least I am enjoying the life here while I can.
Oh, and it's been about two months since I put in my locks! They are really starting to take form. I'll have to blog about the social perception aspect of a white girl in St. Lucia having dreadlocks. Quite interesting, really. Here's a few pics showing the transformation from the start to now.
Me so far in the locking process, they are looking much tighter overall....
Other than that, just working on a pathway for future success and enjoyment!
Friday, October 2, 2009
What is kickball?
The other day I taught my students at the CARE school how to play kickball. Apparently St. Lucians do not know what it is. What I had thought would be a rather easy thing to do, turned out to be exactly the opposite. Turns out, if you don't know baseball, then you won't understand the concepts behind kickball. So I spent the first half of our sports session explaining the basics of baseball and the second half attempting to play. It turned out rather decent, and the kids got into it by the end of it. Sharing American culture is just another fun part of the job that we are here to do.
I met an emperor.
Walking in town I ran into another PCV, Jeff. After a few minutes of catching up, we had the pleasure of a stranger walking up to interrupt our conversation. Oh, but this wasn't just any stranger, no. This was an emperor.
He started by asking us a bucket full of questions about ourselves. Apparently to him we were "special looking". We did not look like Lucians, but then again, we did look like we lived here. I had to laugh when he thought that Jeff was the "manager" of the Peace Corps, and that I, was "just a volunteer". Ha ha. Naturally, my response was, "why didn't you think I was the 'manager'"?
After a few minutes of talking about ourselves we had decided to ask him a few questions in return. We asked for his name, where he is from, all of the basic questions that you ask of new people you meet. Everything seemed normal, yes. He carried a conversation well.
Then came the BIG question of the day,..." so "W", what is it that you do?" He responded with, "I am an emperor, of course." I looked at Jeff all rosy cheeked and all, and realized I had to bite my lips rather hard in order to keep myself from laughing. After all, what if this really was an emperor???? I would hate for the guy to get a bad impression of PCVs, after all.
I asked, "so what are you an emperor of?" And he simply responded with, "Social hierarchies". Well, after a couple minutes of this banter, I couldn't carry it any further. I relied on Jeff to make an exit to the conversation after this "emperor" asked far too many questions about my living location and my contact information. After the emperor went back on his merry way to his mighty throne, I turned to Jeff and let out a big smile. "I've never met an emperor before, how about you?" was the first thing that came out of Jeff's mouth.
It was a rather entertaining day, all in all, and this added the final icing to my already baked cake.
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