It has been just over a year since arriving to St. Vincent. I must say, today will forever be etched in my heart. Today we held the Library Opening Ceremony at Cane End Government School. I can not think of a better way to celebrate my 1 year anniversary with my school. I can not find the words to express how moved I was to see this day come. My counterpart described today as a "historical marking for the literacy program" and my Principal said "Today is one of the best days of my life". Thank you everyone that helped make this day possible.
Slide Show:
Monday, February 27, 2012
Friday, January 27, 2012
...your energy is where you last left it
I went home in December for about 15 days. I am grateful I was able to go home and spend time with my loved ones. I am truly appreciative for all that I have been blessed with in my life. Returning to SVG was a strange unexpected adjustment. Since I was only gone 15 days it didn't cross my mind that a minor re-adjustment was in order.
The first 2 days were wonderful, honeymoon stage all over again. But then something happened. I still can't fully put it into words but I felt pretty detached from the life I had grown accustomed to here. Things were just gray and "blah". I was going through the motions, a shell playing a role.
With time and putting forth the effort to allow things to simply just be (ironic I know, but I had to intentionally NOT try to "fix" things), and support from fellow PCVS on and off island, the clouds gradually parted.
After a wonderful heart to heart with my parents I entered into 2012 with a spark lit deep inside. Yes I have 16 months whole months remaining, but I am all to aware of how quickly those 16 months will fly by. I spent much of 2011 grounding myself , finding my sense of balance in SVG, traveling inward more than I ever have before . At this point, I am ready to fully extend myself and create the experience to be remembered for a 'lifetime'.
It is becoming crystal clear to me that each and every volunteer has come here to experience this time in their own unique way. Comparison is truly death. The beauty of this position is the flexibility awarded (within the confines of being attached to the U.S. government) to give as much or as little of yourself as you desire, however you choose to do so. You can focus on the negatives, allow the constraints to become your ball and chain or you can just as easily focus on the beauty and abundant potential that exist within many budding spirits who are open to expansion, collaboration and fellowship with others.
"My tears were not for Bailey or Mother or even myself but for the helplessness of mortals who live on the sufferance of life. In order to avoid this bitter end, we would all have to be born again and born with the knowledge of alternatives. Even then?" -Maya Angelou
...each day offers the opportunity to see with fresh eyes.
The first 2 days were wonderful, honeymoon stage all over again. But then something happened. I still can't fully put it into words but I felt pretty detached from the life I had grown accustomed to here. Things were just gray and "blah". I was going through the motions, a shell playing a role.
With time and putting forth the effort to allow things to simply just be (ironic I know, but I had to intentionally NOT try to "fix" things), and support from fellow PCVS on and off island, the clouds gradually parted.
After a wonderful heart to heart with my parents I entered into 2012 with a spark lit deep inside. Yes I have 16 months whole months remaining, but I am all to aware of how quickly those 16 months will fly by. I spent much of 2011 grounding myself , finding my sense of balance in SVG, traveling inward more than I ever have before . At this point, I am ready to fully extend myself and create the experience to be remembered for a 'lifetime'.
It is becoming crystal clear to me that each and every volunteer has come here to experience this time in their own unique way. Comparison is truly death. The beauty of this position is the flexibility awarded (within the confines of being attached to the U.S. government) to give as much or as little of yourself as you desire, however you choose to do so. You can focus on the negatives, allow the constraints to become your ball and chain or you can just as easily focus on the beauty and abundant potential that exist within many budding spirits who are open to expansion, collaboration and fellowship with others.
"My tears were not for Bailey or Mother or even myself but for the helplessness of mortals who live on the sufferance of life. In order to avoid this bitter end, we would all have to be born again and born with the knowledge of alternatives. Even then?" -Maya Angelou
...each day offers the opportunity to see with fresh eyes.
WHY JUST ASK THE DONKEY?
Why
Just ask the donkey in me
To speak to the donkey in you,
When I have so many other beautiful animals
And brilliant colored birds inside
That are all longing to say something wonderful
And exciting to your heart?
Let’s open all the locked doors upon our eyes
That keep us from knowing the Intelligence
That begets love
And a more lively and satisfying conversation
With the Friend.
Let’s turn loose our golden falcons
So that they can meet in the sky
Where our spirits belong –
Necking like two
Hot kids.
Let’s hold hands and get drunk near the sun
And sing sweet songs to GodUntil He joins us with a few notes
From His own sublime lute and drum.
If you have a better idea
Of how to pass a lonely night
After your glands may have performed
All their little magic
Then speak up sweethearts, speak up,
For Hafiz and all the world will listen.
Why just bring your donkey to me
Asking for stale hay
And a boring conference with the idiot
In regards to this precious matter –Such a precious matter as love,
When I have so many other diving animals
And brilliant colored birds inside
That are all longing
To so sweetly
Greet
You!
~Hafiz
Just ask the donkey in me
To speak to the donkey in you,
When I have so many other beautiful animals
And brilliant colored birds inside
That are all longing to say something wonderful
And exciting to your heart?
Let’s open all the locked doors upon our eyes
That keep us from knowing the Intelligence
That begets love
And a more lively and satisfying conversation
With the Friend.
Let’s turn loose our golden falcons
So that they can meet in the sky
Where our spirits belong –
Necking like two
Hot kids.
Let’s hold hands and get drunk near the sun
And sing sweet songs to GodUntil He joins us with a few notes
From His own sublime lute and drum.
If you have a better idea
Of how to pass a lonely night
After your glands may have performed
All their little magic
Then speak up sweethearts, speak up,
For Hafiz and all the world will listen.
Why just bring your donkey to me
Asking for stale hay
And a boring conference with the idiot
In regards to this precious matter –Such a precious matter as love,
When I have so many other diving animals
And brilliant colored birds inside
That are all longing
To so sweetly
Greet
You!
~Hafiz
Friday, December 9, 2011
Books -n- Smiles
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| Students w/ the newer books |
stay tuned for more updates on the books and the library :)
...Vincy Vibe
Today was beautiful! Walking through the streets of Kingstown I felt so vibrant and alive. The sun was beating hot 'pon me skin but boi it sure beats the rain!! I felt like I was in tune with the hum and rhythm of the city. Beautiful faces, beautiful smiles. It was contagious, I couldn't help but notice my face relax a bit as I mirrored the lovely people I encountered along the way. I would describe it as feeling that Vincy Vibe as my friend Lizzie Davies has so eloquently described it in her poetry. I kept thinking... I kinda love this place.
Today was a good day. Me nah stress.
Today was a good day. Me nah stress.
Saturday, December 3, 2011
I confess, I did it.
How it started: So this was my first Thanksgiving away from my family in a long time. I was just fine most of the day. Most of the island post hold their own version of a Thanksgiving gathering and celebrate with local friends as well as Peace Corps Staff. It is a nice way for volunteers to share our various Thanksgiving traditions with one another as well as local friends.
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Solution: revert back to the insane logic that material things can make you happy aka retail therapy. 12:01am Black Friday online, yes I did it. And honestly clicking away adding items to my shopping cart offered a moment of comfort.
Side note: After sharing this minor meltdown with a Vincentian friend she inquired about Black Friday. She said it seems bizarre and contradictory that Americans have such a day directly after Thanksgiving. She kept asking but why after Thanksgiving?...after responding with a slew of programmed answers we both laughed because we knew she was right. It makes absolutely no sense. I think many of us know this, and many people have removed themselves from all the hype. So no, it is not ALL Americans but obviously a significant amount of us, and this year I became part of the masses.blah.
Results: a few good deals on items I actually really wanted and can use (can't even fudge and say need). Oh well the damage is done but I will say I feel 100% prepared to step into 2012 with appropriate wrinkle, rust, hole, mold free attire. Maybe this will end the ongoing discussion between my coworkers and I about my wrinkles and permanent lint ball fuzzy things that I refuse show much concern about when highlighted by my coworkers.
Countdown is on, 14 days until I am back home for a visit!!!!!!
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
The Books are here!!
I wanted to let everyone who donated to the school via Hands Across the Sea that the new books and arts supplies have arrived at the school!
It was quite an exciting day for all of us. I will be posting pictures and videos soon.
We are still in the process of working out a few minor details within our library center (i.e. library cards, a few more shelves). Once this is complete we intend to hold a special ceremony to present the new material to the students and parents. The goal is for the teachers, students and parents to recommit to care and upkeep of the library and new material.
Again, thank you for all of your support. Pictures and thank you notes coming soon :)
It was quite an exciting day for all of us. I will be posting pictures and videos soon.
We are still in the process of working out a few minor details within our library center (i.e. library cards, a few more shelves). Once this is complete we intend to hold a special ceremony to present the new material to the students and parents. The goal is for the teachers, students and parents to recommit to care and upkeep of the library and new material.
Again, thank you for all of your support. Pictures and thank you notes coming soon :)
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| Morning Assembly |
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| Students with older books ( going in the give away pile) |
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| Grade 1 reading corner- older books |
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