Joys (Picture to Come in the here future)
1. SLEEPING IN!
2. Going to the school and having the K students that were misbehaving while I was trying to teach them simply light up and yelling "Miss, Miss" while I walked up
3. The K students were eating Snack and I asked this little boy what he had- he did not have a snack, and I commented me either it is OK. About 5 seconds a little one of the sweet K students handed the student without a snack a handful of chips and other one gave him a half of sandwich. It was sweet as could be.
4. Surprise Ice Cream treat at Lunch
5. Not having to pay for a ride down or up today from my village to town. $7.00 SAVED!
6. Starting to read "Eat, Pray, and Love" while sitting on the Bay Front
7. Reading to the Pre-K students while a group of four girls were just giggling the whole time. They reminded me of how I probably acted when I was 4
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Adventures of Washing Cloths..
Today I did Laundry. I started last night but it is a little longer process then I had excepted. So Yesterday was my test day and today was the REAL DEAL! It is not as easier as throwing the cloths in the washer and then throwing them in the dryer. So I would like to walk you through the process of doing laundry Dominican style.
First you fill the machine with water by using a bucket then you add the laundry detergent. Once that is completed throw in the cloths.
After you go through the 15 minute wash cycle twice it is time to grab the cloths out of the water and ring them out the best you can. I had a local tell me “I can tell you aren't a custom to doing laundry like this” as I struggle to ring out my cloths properly. Once you ring them out you put them into the blue bucket with fresh water to get out the soap. You dunk and ring out twice.
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Then you put the cloths in the swing dryer. Heaviest cloths at the bottom.
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Once that is completed you hang them on the line for the fresh air to dry them.
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Repeat and continue until all cloths are washed.
Usually by the end of this I am wet from about waist down and my hands are freezing from being in the cold water for all that time! :o)
The key is to do the whites first because you use the same water for all of your loads. You just add a little fresh water in. Yes, some of you may be thinking, aren't you washing in dirty water. The answer is Yes, kinda, but we all make it work!
First you fill the machine with water by using a bucket then you add the laundry detergent. Once that is completed throw in the cloths.
After you go through the 15 minute wash cycle twice it is time to grab the cloths out of the water and ring them out the best you can. I had a local tell me “I can tell you aren't a custom to doing laundry like this” as I struggle to ring out my cloths properly. Once you ring them out you put them into the blue bucket with fresh water to get out the soap. You dunk and ring out twice.
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Then you put the cloths in the swing dryer. Heaviest cloths at the bottom.
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Once that is completed you hang them on the line for the fresh air to dry them.
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Repeat and continue until all cloths are washed.
Usually by the end of this I am wet from about waist down and my hands are freezing from being in the cold water for all that time! :o)
The key is to do the whites first because you use the same water for all of your loads. You just add a little fresh water in. Yes, some of you may be thinking, aren't you washing in dirty water. The answer is Yes, kinda, but we all make it work!
Just the Joys of 4/29..
Joys of April 29, 2009
1. I mentioned to one of the bus drivers how I was looking for Mangoes and he hurried me on his bus because it was filling up. Later that night I hear a knock on the door and it is the bus driver with two bags of Mangoes in his hands for me. He commented “if you ever need Mangoes just check me and I will get you some.”
2. My landlady inviting me up to enjoy some Pizza
3. The true power of a little TLC to a young boy who slammed his thumb in the door
4. Talking to my Mom and Dad!
5. Sharing my journey with other PCV that understands
6. A lovely walk down and back up the to the village I lived in
7. The truly sincere amazing and giving hearts I witness everyday
1. I mentioned to one of the bus drivers how I was looking for Mangoes and he hurried me on his bus because it was filling up. Later that night I hear a knock on the door and it is the bus driver with two bags of Mangoes in his hands for me. He commented “if you ever need Mangoes just check me and I will get you some.”
2. My landlady inviting me up to enjoy some Pizza
3. The true power of a little TLC to a young boy who slammed his thumb in the door
4. Talking to my Mom and Dad!
5. Sharing my journey with other PCV that understands
6. A lovely walk down and back up the to the village I lived in
7. The truly sincere amazing and giving hearts I witness everyday
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Joys and Pictures of 4/28
Joys of April 26, 2009
1. Meeting Shirley in the Morning for Church
2. Having one of the elders be so delighted to see me
3. Helping her walk to the transport that was given her a ride
4. Her telling me if I came by to see her “ She will leave me something when see passes”
5. Sunday Lunch with my Landlord
6. Attempting to learn to that is OK to be Idle on Sundays because you do not have a choice
7. Playing Pool at the Local Shop and them not beating to bad!
8. The CD Sal made me
Joys of April 27, 2009
1. Being able to update my blog
2. Chic Chatting While Waiting for the Bus (Always helps to pass the time)
3. The Smell of a Freshly Baked Cake that I made!
4. My Grade 4 Students excited and WAITING to read to the Pre-K Students tomorrow
5. The invention of Online chatting :o)
6. Having a GREAT mix of Business plus fun and relaxation
7. Knowing that over 80 pictures of my nearest and dearest from home, my new friends from Dominica, and beautiful nature will soon fill my apartment! (THANK YOU JENNIFER)
8. The ability of two minds to think together to come up with a REALLY CUTE Idea!
Joys of April 28, 2009
1. A Little K Student Point To The Picture of the Girl After I Make A “Meow” Sound because he said “You just made the noise so it must be a girl”
2. Random Stories K Students can tell you
3. A GREAT game of “Seven-Up”
4. Going on a wonderful walk and making it home just before it started to rain
5. Doing laundry in the rain (The washer is outside and I have to hang my cloths outside in a covered area)- I was not really thinking before I decided to do Laundry
6. Lots of Hugs from my Students
7. My landlord greeting me this morning with a BUNCH of Bananas (I have been wanting Bananas for a few days now)
Let Me Explain..
A few of my pictures need explanation that frankly I forgot to do. So I am going to explain now. You may need to refer back to the picture.
Picture from April 18, 2009
That would be MY AMAZING view from the little porch I have in front of my house. It is when the sun is about to set over the Caribbean Sea.
Picture from April 19,2009
That is one of my FAVORITE items I have in my kitchen. It is my THREE shelve SNACK Container. It is where all of the snack bowls start :o). Anyways... all of the food is recognizable because they are snacks from home except for the “DUX” wheat crackers. They are a small packet of nine crackers. I would compare them to “Club” crackers in the states but they are wheat and have a sweet taste to them. Also, if you look to the left of the “DUX” wheat crackers you will find a bag of cookies. Those are my FAVORITE cookies in Dominica. They are called “Festival Chocolate.” The cookies come in vanilla and strawberry as well. They are your basic chocolate cookie with vanilla filling inside. Not even close to “Oreo” though, the cracker is much thinner and not as sweet. (I never thought I could talk so much about crackers.)
Picture from April 20, 2009
That is a view from the north of the Island right outside of Portsmouth. We went to Port Shirley to learn about the history of the Island and we were in a castle type building and that is the view from the outside of a window.
Picture from April 21, 2009
This strange but DELIOUS fruit is called a “Sour So.” Also makes really good ice cream and juice! It has an amazing combination of sweet but sour. It is a very sassy fruit because if the fruit touches any sort of citrus it will not ripe. The key is to eat it as it is getting soft but not black. The fruit has large black seeds in the middle and it is best to eat it with a spoon. The texture is very soft and a little stringing, I cannot think of anything it compares to in the States. You can pull back little chucks of it from the center.
Picture from April 22, 2009
That is the MOMENT I became an OFFICIAL PEACE CORPS VOLLUNTEER!!
Picture from April 23, 2009
That is all of the LOVELY cards I have received so far. They make me smile knowing these people care and are thinking of me. I am going to hang them on the wall of my spare bedroom.
Picture from April 24, 2009
Well, those of you who know me, know I LOVE containers. It is another one of my FAVORITE items in my kitchen. Those are the containers that sit on my counter. They also serve another GREAT purpose. In MOST apartments/house there are these little food ants (they are a tad bigger then the red ants in the STATES). I am not joking they travel in groups of ATLEAST 50. It is very important to keep a clean house and no food around. So many individuals keep items in the refrigerate so the ants do not get to them . Since they are in the containers they are safe.
Picture from April 25, 2009
That basically explains it self. Those are my Grandparents at my “See You Soon” party. It made me smile so I posted it.
Picture from April 18, 2009
That would be MY AMAZING view from the little porch I have in front of my house. It is when the sun is about to set over the Caribbean Sea.
Picture from April 19,2009
That is one of my FAVORITE items I have in my kitchen. It is my THREE shelve SNACK Container. It is where all of the snack bowls start :o). Anyways... all of the food is recognizable because they are snacks from home except for the “DUX” wheat crackers. They are a small packet of nine crackers. I would compare them to “Club” crackers in the states but they are wheat and have a sweet taste to them. Also, if you look to the left of the “DUX” wheat crackers you will find a bag of cookies. Those are my FAVORITE cookies in Dominica. They are called “Festival Chocolate.” The cookies come in vanilla and strawberry as well. They are your basic chocolate cookie with vanilla filling inside. Not even close to “Oreo” though, the cracker is much thinner and not as sweet. (I never thought I could talk so much about crackers.)
Picture from April 20, 2009
That is a view from the north of the Island right outside of Portsmouth. We went to Port Shirley to learn about the history of the Island and we were in a castle type building and that is the view from the outside of a window.
Picture from April 21, 2009
This strange but DELIOUS fruit is called a “Sour So.” Also makes really good ice cream and juice! It has an amazing combination of sweet but sour. It is a very sassy fruit because if the fruit touches any sort of citrus it will not ripe. The key is to eat it as it is getting soft but not black. The fruit has large black seeds in the middle and it is best to eat it with a spoon. The texture is very soft and a little stringing, I cannot think of anything it compares to in the States. You can pull back little chucks of it from the center.
Picture from April 22, 2009
That is the MOMENT I became an OFFICIAL PEACE CORPS VOLLUNTEER!!
Picture from April 23, 2009
That is all of the LOVELY cards I have received so far. They make me smile knowing these people care and are thinking of me. I am going to hang them on the wall of my spare bedroom.
Picture from April 24, 2009
Well, those of you who know me, know I LOVE containers. It is another one of my FAVORITE items in my kitchen. Those are the containers that sit on my counter. They also serve another GREAT purpose. In MOST apartments/house there are these little food ants (they are a tad bigger then the red ants in the STATES). I am not joking they travel in groups of ATLEAST 50. It is very important to keep a clean house and no food around. So many individuals keep items in the refrigerate so the ants do not get to them . Since they are in the containers they are safe.
Picture from April 25, 2009
That basically explains it self. Those are my Grandparents at my “See You Soon” party. It made me smile so I posted it.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Joys and Pictures 4/23-4/26
Joys of April 23rd, 2009
1.Getting FOUR Cards in my Mailbox Today
2.The AMAZING Card I got from my family (THANK YOU AUNTIE PAT for Organizing)
3.A Chi Tea (Again THANK YOU AUNTIE PAT)
4.Popcorn on the Stove
5.Making Salsa for the first and winging it with the ingredients I have
6.Almost burning my mouth and lips on hot sauce (wish someone could of seen the panic in my face and I grab for the milk in the fridge in hope that it would help)
7.Potentially playing VOLLEYBALL Tomorrow!!
8.PCV visitors tomorrow!!
Joys of April 24th, 2009
1.Getting to Play VOLLEYBALL
2.Playing on “Sport Court” instead of Cement
3.Because of the connection I made- I can play every Friday and have connection with the NATIONAL TEAM
4.Potentially playing on the TEAM in their league and have games against other villages
5.Hanging out and having dinner with ALL the PCV
6.A BEAUTIFUL Sunny Day
7.Having one of the PCV call my apartment “Homie”
Joys of April 25th, 2009
1.Hanging out with Shirley
2.Having Shirley take me to town so I could get my larger items for my apartment
3.Apartment FINISHED!! - Until it is picture decoration time :o)
4.ICE CREAM!
5.Getting a lot done plus taking two naps!
6.A WHOLE lot of late 90s and early 2000 music in my life!
Joys and Pictures 4/18-4/22
JOYS of April 18, 2009
1.Be Greeting at my new apartment by a girl jumping for joy and a BIG hug from her
2.Getting settled into my apartment
3.An apartment that you can feel the love when you enter
4.A Perfect Plastic Shelve Unit for my SNACKS
5.A GREAT nights rest in my new apartment
Joys of April 19th, 2009
1.Laying on the floor and taking a nap (Because of lack of carpet I have NOT laid on the floor for about 2 months- and I sure miss it)
2.A DELIOUS lunch prepared by my landlady
3.A DELIGHTFUL chocolate cake made by my next door neighbor
4.Getting more adjusted and set-up in my apartment
Joys of April 20th, 2009
1.A BEAUTIFUL sight as the PCV and myself traveled to north part of the island
2.Spending time with another PCV just chic chatting eating Chocolate Cake
Joys of April 21st, 2009
1.A surprise Easter Candy treat curiosity of another PCV package
2.Hanging out in Town with anther PCV with no agenda just enjoying
3.A GREAT Walk through my village
4.As I was walking, I ran into the other village I lived in kids as they were walking home from school
5.Two FANASTIC Hugs
6.Being an OFFICIAL Peace Corps Volunteer (PCV) TOMORROW!!!!
Joys of April 22nd, 2009
1.Recognizing individuals on the Bus
2.Watching the movie “Freedom Writers” randomly on the TV
3.Hanging out with all the PCV Today!!
4.Becoming an OFFICIAL PEACE CORPS VOLUNTEER!!
5.Eating a Rotee for Lunch (It is a Dominican version of a Burritos)
Everyone Has A Calling For Something GREAT....
April 19, 2009
I have had some comments that I missed my call for being a photographer. I simply love to take pictures and it is so easy to take pictures in Dominica because it is an absolutely beautiful island. I was thinking about it and at the age of 23 how did I miss my calling. I do not believe you every really “Miss your Calling” there is always time to do what you love to do. At the age of 23, there is no calling I have “Missed” rather there is some that I just have not discovered yet. It is something I will continue to do and share with everyone because I enjoy taking moments and trying to capture moments to share with others. I hope it is something I continue to do and when I move back to the States I will fill my apartment with all of the pictures so every time I walk into my apartment I will be able to relive the moments I had with in Dominica. I will continue to discover more callings I have and run with each and every one of them.
In light of all of this. In my blog I am going to start doing a “Picture of the Day.” How every I am feeling at that moment or a picture I found that fits my day I will take it and it will become the “Picture of the Day.” It will be included with “My JOYS.” It gives me an additional reason to be creative and take fantastic pictures that I hope the world enjoys.
Coming Soon PICTURE OF THE DAY-
I have had some comments that I missed my call for being a photographer. I simply love to take pictures and it is so easy to take pictures in Dominica because it is an absolutely beautiful island. I was thinking about it and at the age of 23 how did I miss my calling. I do not believe you every really “Miss your Calling” there is always time to do what you love to do. At the age of 23, there is no calling I have “Missed” rather there is some that I just have not discovered yet. It is something I will continue to do and share with everyone because I enjoy taking moments and trying to capture moments to share with others. I hope it is something I continue to do and when I move back to the States I will fill my apartment with all of the pictures so every time I walk into my apartment I will be able to relive the moments I had with in Dominica. I will continue to discover more callings I have and run with each and every one of them.
In light of all of this. In my blog I am going to start doing a “Picture of the Day.” How every I am feeling at that moment or a picture I found that fits my day I will take it and it will become the “Picture of the Day.” It will be included with “My JOYS.” It gives me an additional reason to be creative and take fantastic pictures that I hope the world enjoys.
Coming Soon PICTURE OF THE DAY-
Apartment
April 19,2009
On Saturday April 18, 2009 I moved into my new apartment. (The next blog will have ALL of the pictures of my apartment). I am absolutely in love with my apartment. From the pictures you can see that it is a two bedroom apartment. Which is perfect if any of my other Peace Corps Volunteers want to stay at my house or simply extra room because you all know I have A LOT of stuff. It is about 1 mile away from my Host Family and about 300 hundreds away from the Church my Host Family goes to and about 300 Hundreds yards in the other direction from another Peace Corps Volunteers that has been here for about 1.5 years. I am living in a different village but it is the twin village of the village I was living in. So basically it is one in the same but different names. I will just be doing the Birthday in my Host Family village with those children. I am going to miss those children. I was getting close to them and then I had to leave. Some of them go to school in my village so I will have them over for cookie making and crafts!
My two Landlords leave above me. They are simply delightful and amazing individuals. Today, Sunday April 19, 2009, I went over to her home for a delicious lunch of chicken wings, salad, beans, fig salad with crayfish (it is similar to potatoes salad but it is made with fig (which is Green Banana) instead of potatoes), baked Mac and Cheese, and rice with veggies. To say the least I had a lot of food and needed to take some back to my apartment for dinner tomorrow. It was an amazing. I have been blessed to be surrounded around amazing people everywhere I go. My landlords are good friends with Shirley my host mother. It is just great knowing that even though I am so fair away from home I am just surrounded around individuals looking at for my personal safety and making sure that I have everything that I need. It is just great to have an additional support system. It is just very unique to me because I have never been this close to my landlord let alone been invited to their home or for lunch. After lunch I laid on her floor with her and talked with her and her daughter. It was great to be around people and simply relax. I was thinking about it I have not laid on a floor in about 2 months because everywhere I have been there has not been carpet so I have been able to lay on the floor until today! YAY!!
Ironically enough I am watching John and Kate plus 8 at the moment while I type this. Sometime it is very difficult because even though I am WAY out of my element, moments like this watching John and Kate Plus 8 make me feel like I am home. Kate is driving me up the wall so I must change it :o) There was just an advisement talking about how someone should enjoy the waters of MICHIGAN!
On Saturday April 18, 2009 I moved into my new apartment. (The next blog will have ALL of the pictures of my apartment). I am absolutely in love with my apartment. From the pictures you can see that it is a two bedroom apartment. Which is perfect if any of my other Peace Corps Volunteers want to stay at my house or simply extra room because you all know I have A LOT of stuff. It is about 1 mile away from my Host Family and about 300 hundreds away from the Church my Host Family goes to and about 300 Hundreds yards in the other direction from another Peace Corps Volunteers that has been here for about 1.5 years. I am living in a different village but it is the twin village of the village I was living in. So basically it is one in the same but different names. I will just be doing the Birthday in my Host Family village with those children. I am going to miss those children. I was getting close to them and then I had to leave. Some of them go to school in my village so I will have them over for cookie making and crafts!
My two Landlords leave above me. They are simply delightful and amazing individuals. Today, Sunday April 19, 2009, I went over to her home for a delicious lunch of chicken wings, salad, beans, fig salad with crayfish (it is similar to potatoes salad but it is made with fig (which is Green Banana) instead of potatoes), baked Mac and Cheese, and rice with veggies. To say the least I had a lot of food and needed to take some back to my apartment for dinner tomorrow. It was an amazing. I have been blessed to be surrounded around amazing people everywhere I go. My landlords are good friends with Shirley my host mother. It is just great knowing that even though I am so fair away from home I am just surrounded around individuals looking at for my personal safety and making sure that I have everything that I need. It is just great to have an additional support system. It is just very unique to me because I have never been this close to my landlord let alone been invited to their home or for lunch. After lunch I laid on her floor with her and talked with her and her daughter. It was great to be around people and simply relax. I was thinking about it I have not laid on a floor in about 2 months because everywhere I have been there has not been carpet so I have been able to lay on the floor until today! YAY!!
Ironically enough I am watching John and Kate plus 8 at the moment while I type this. Sometime it is very difficult because even though I am WAY out of my element, moments like this watching John and Kate Plus 8 make me feel like I am home. Kate is driving me up the wall so I must change it :o) There was just an advisement talking about how someone should enjoy the waters of MICHIGAN!
Monday, April 20, 2009
Update..
Hello World!!
Here is a QUICK update! I have moved into my new apartment (pictures to come soon). I do not have Internet yet at my apartment but will by the end of the month. So I am currently using a computer lab and taking a break from the world wide web.
Everything is well! LOVE the new apartment! I am becoming an official volunteer on Wednesday!
LOVE ALL OF YOU!!
Here is a QUICK update! I have moved into my new apartment (pictures to come soon). I do not have Internet yet at my apartment but will by the end of the month. So I am currently using a computer lab and taking a break from the world wide web.
Everything is well! LOVE the new apartment! I am becoming an official volunteer on Wednesday!
LOVE ALL OF YOU!!
Friday, April 17, 2009
Joys 4/16
PICTURE FORM!!!
1.
FINALLY FOUND THEM!!
2.
A GIFT FROM MY PRECIOUS MYA!!
3.
MY FIRST HIKE TO MIDDLEHAM FALLS!!
4.
FINALLY MADE IT!!!
5.
SUNSHINE ALWAYS!!
1.
FINALLY FOUND THEM!!
2.
A GIFT FROM MY PRECIOUS MYA!!
3.
MY FIRST HIKE TO MIDDLEHAM FALLS!!
4.
FINALLY MADE IT!!!
5.
SUNSHINE ALWAYS!!
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Random!
I was listening to this song the other day and it reminded me of the Journey myself and the other volunteers on are. Many of you may know it but I never truly looked at the lyrics before. I simply wanted to share it with all of you!
Imagine there's no heaven
It's easy if you try
No hell below us
Above us only sky
Imagine all the people
Living for today...
Imagine there's no countries
It isn't hard to do
Nothing to kill or die for
And no religion too
Imagine all the people
Living life in peace...
You may say I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will be as one
Imagine no possessions
I wonder if you can
No need for greed or hunger
A brotherhood of man
Imagine all the people
Sharing all the world...
You may say I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will live as one
- John Lennon- "Imagine"
Imagine there's no heaven
It's easy if you try
No hell below us
Above us only sky
Imagine all the people
Living for today...
Imagine there's no countries
It isn't hard to do
Nothing to kill or die for
And no religion too
Imagine all the people
Living life in peace...
You may say I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will be as one
Imagine no possessions
I wonder if you can
No need for greed or hunger
A brotherhood of man
Imagine all the people
Sharing all the world...
You may say I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will live as one
- John Lennon- "Imagine"
Joys 4/15
1. Seeing all of my Peace Corps Volunteers
2. DAY OFF Tomorrow- HIKING Trip!!
3. A Raining night that will help all of the green around me
4. COOKIES!!
5. A Peanut Butter and Cheese Sandwhich on Wheat- Don't Hate It until you try it! :o)
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Joys of 4/14!
This Car drives around shouting their Political Views
Just a Simply Post for a Simply Day
Joys!
1. CAMP SONGS
2. Red Light - Green Light Game
3. Telling Stories with my Host Mom- We were laughing so hard she started to cry
4. Feeling Important- My friends in the village came and checked me about 5 times before I went and played with them
5. Falling asleep to the sound of rain
6. A little "Deadliest Catch" Season Premier- Even though my favorite captain is not going fishing
7. Black Sprinkle Shoes for a GREAT Price! Jennifer- You would be impressed my the deal! $5EC which is about $2.00 US!
8. Started the Morning off with a Guava and Mango Smoothie for FREE (Thank You Auntie Pat)
Monday, April 13, 2009
Let me find PEACE in the Spring..
Today is an island Holiday in Dominica. It is called Easter Monday (makes sense I know). Dominica has A LOT of island Holidays, I would say about one a month at least and basically for the last three weeks of December not a lot of work gets done because of Christmas. During the Christmas time a lot of Family is flying in from other areas or simply visiting so it is time surrounded around family and getting prepared for all of that. The longer I live in Dominica the more I grow to appreciate all of the extra Holidays. Yes it is nice to have the day off but the individuals use these days to spend time with there nearest and dearest. The individuals RELAX at the Beach and simply ENJOY instead of taking the day to running around and get last minute things done.
I had a BLAST today. I was able to clean and organize my room and pack a little bit. I went for a run and a walk up the road. I am not in Hill shape yet. Then I just hung out around the house. Lastly, I took a little tour with my host mother around the south part of the Island and then to Watten Waven to go in the Hot Springs. It is an amazing spot located in the middle of the Forest. We went at night so it was dark out and all of the animals were chic-chatting. The sounds of the rain forest offer a sense of contentment and peace. In the middle of the Forest their is three "Hot Baths." The Baths are very warm and have sulfur in them so they are really good for your skin. It was a very peaceful way to end my Easter Monday.
JOYS
1. A Beautiful Sunset over the Ocean
2. Being in between two bodies of water - The Caribbean Sea on the Right and the Atlantic Ocean on the left
3. A Solid Run to the Scenic View
4. SLEEPING In
5. Watching "Bring it On"
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Joys 4/12
HAPPY EASTER EVERYONE! I hope everyone enjoyed their Easter- ate lots of Jelly Beans, chocolate Easter bunnies, and whatever other Easter candy that makes your soul happy. For those of you who do not celebrate Easter I hope you enjoyed your Sunday!
My Sunday was FANTASTIC!! The morning started off with a little bit of dizzlers (no surprise for the village I live in). Nothing to get stressed out about that your day is ruined. It rains about 3 to 4 times a week during the dry season. These are not down pours (usually) but rather little dizzlers and sprinklers just to water the grass and the flowers. It usually rains for less then a hour in the middle of the night or early morning. Anyways.. Today was the FIRST Month of "Michelle Birthday Club." I know I have talked about this before but each month I will be having A Birthday Party in the Village for ALL of the children under the age of 12. There will be special recanation for those that have Birthdays in that Month.
Today was the FIRST one and it was a SUCCESS!! There was about 20 to 25 children there. We ate popcorn, pizza, cake, and gum. A long with Juice to Drink. A lovely lady in the community donated the juice, pizza and cupcakes and because of a monetary donation for another community member we were able to get the gum and the popcorn. We ate a lot, played some tag games, had a Easter Water Balloon Hunt. Plastic Easter eggs are next to impossible to find in Dominica so we had to use what we had! Once they found the Water Balloons we had a toss. The kids seemed to enjoy it and I sure had a Blast!!
After cleaning about and all that good stuff. I go outside in my house on the veranda and I hear little voice Yelling "Miss Michelle" It would be my new friends I met at the Party! We chatted and played some "Thumb Wars" and then it was dinner time. About an hour after that- I am on my computer and look up to again hear Miss Michelle and see two little once in the kitcken and then into my bedroom. So I tell them I will Check them in 5 mins for our walk. We went for a walk, played some games and sang some songs.
It was getting late and WAY dark so as I was walking to pass to go home the old gentleman on the porch of the Shop stop to chat with me. Well after a chat I was challenge to a game. I cannot turn down a challenge so before I know it I was sitting on a stool just big enough for my behind playing Dominoes with a "Learner" who plays every night for the last 20 years of his life and "Granny" the shop owner. Domino's is very big in Dominica but it is usually played by Men only. The Dominoes they play in Dominica is a little different then the States. The biggest and really only difference is- you are given SEVEN Dominoes and you aren't allowed to pick from the pile if you do not have one. You simply tap and it passes onto the next person. If everyone taps the individuals with the lowest amount of Dominoes win. The scoring is a little different but I will not go into that!
My Day was filled with Laughs, Hugs and FUN!! Tomorrow is considered an island Holiday where everyone goes to the Beach. My host mother and myself will be going to the Waterfalls in a near by town for the afternoon. It should be fun!!
border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324006185581139058" />Lastly... My Joys!
1. A SUCCESSFUL Birthday Party!
2. My precious little one looking up at me saying "You are kind"
3. A hand that was never empty during own walk
4. Another little precious soul coming up to me everyone few minutes asking me if I have won in Dominoes yet and how he wanted me to win!
5. CHILDREN!
6. This FANTASTIC Frosted Flakes meet honey and peanut cereal! It is my new FAVORITE
7. A lovely hug by a older lady I have never met before in Church
8. A little one being Baptised at church today and the scene of the Godfather hold this little one in his arms and his son is cuddled into his side
9. POST SECRET Sunday- My Favorite Secret is above my JOYS!
Friday, April 10, 2009
The Alarm Goes Off....
Let me share a little story with you and paint the best picture I can with not only words but OF COURSE pictures...
As my alarm goes off at 2:47AM. As you reread the sentence you read it right the first time my alarm went off at 2:47AM because we had to leave the house at 3:30AM. Many of you are wondering what could possibly be going on at 4:00AM in time. Let me tell you about it... Today is Good Friday and Dominica has a strong Catholic background and takes their religious holidays extremely serious. As we arrive in town my host family points on top of the mountain and tells me we are walking to that cross- I give then a look of- OoO MY I am not sure if I can make it ALL that way. We arrive in town by 4:00AM and in Dominica fashion the event started about 30 minutes late. As about 100 hundred to 200 hundred individuals fill the street their is a Jeep with two large speakers on the top that leads the way. The speakers are shouting Religious Songs, The Rosary and Pray Scriptures. We were off. Numerous individuals came barrier candles and it was a simply beautiful scene as me and the host girls were a little ahead of the group and was able to look down and see the street light up by individuals and their candles.
Hot off the press I just asked my Host Mom the symbolic reasoning behind the walk and it is to remember the Passion of the Christ and the suffer he endured for us.
The view was magnificent because we were in town the higher we got we were able to look over the town and see the lights of the street and buildings starting to open. As we reached the TOP of the mountain the sun was just starting to come out and the cross was starting to fill with everyone candles. On top of the mountain their was a short service. By the time it was time to reach down (a much easier walk) the sun was fully out and the rain had FINALLY FULLY stopped.
Then when we ALL reached home it was in our beds we went for about a four hour nap. Today is a day of rest and relaxation with another service at 3:00PM. Until then I will enjoy some lunch, hand journal, and go hang out with the girls. Even though it was an early morning start, the view, energy, and experience in a whole was worth every bit of the struggle it was to get up this morning.
As my alarm goes off at 2:47AM. As you reread the sentence you read it right the first time my alarm went off at 2:47AM because we had to leave the house at 3:30AM. Many of you are wondering what could possibly be going on at 4:00AM in time. Let me tell you about it... Today is Good Friday and Dominica has a strong Catholic background and takes their religious holidays extremely serious. As we arrive in town my host family points on top of the mountain and tells me we are walking to that cross- I give then a look of- OoO MY I am not sure if I can make it ALL that way. We arrive in town by 4:00AM and in Dominica fashion the event started about 30 minutes late. As about 100 hundred to 200 hundred individuals fill the street their is a Jeep with two large speakers on the top that leads the way. The speakers are shouting Religious Songs, The Rosary and Pray Scriptures. We were off. Numerous individuals came barrier candles and it was a simply beautiful scene as me and the host girls were a little ahead of the group and was able to look down and see the street light up by individuals and their candles.
Hot off the press I just asked my Host Mom the symbolic reasoning behind the walk and it is to remember the Passion of the Christ and the suffer he endured for us.
The view was magnificent because we were in town the higher we got we were able to look over the town and see the lights of the street and buildings starting to open. As we reached the TOP of the mountain the sun was just starting to come out and the cross was starting to fill with everyone candles. On top of the mountain their was a short service. By the time it was time to reach down (a much easier walk) the sun was fully out and the rain had FINALLY FULLY stopped.
Then when we ALL reached home it was in our beds we went for about a four hour nap. Today is a day of rest and relaxation with another service at 3:00PM. Until then I will enjoy some lunch, hand journal, and go hang out with the girls. Even though it was an early morning start, the view, energy, and experience in a whole was worth every bit of the struggle it was to get up this morning.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
TODAY is MY DAY!!
OoO My Word... I am not even sure were to start with my joys today. Today has been a simply FANTASTIC day and it is ALL because of my host mother. She has such a sweet and giving soul to others. She is always taking care of everyone else and getting things done in the community! I am blessed to be matched with an amazing host mother. I was a little stressing about my birthday and not being with all of my nearest and dearest but it ended up being one of my BEST birthdays! I am getting my roots slightly planted here in Dominica and it feels good. My Host Mom spoiled me today- that is all I have to say!
I will put my joys in order of how they happened so you will also have an ideal of my day!
1. SLEEPING IN JUST A LITTLE
2. Phone Call from my REAL Mother
3. Not having to wait for the bus
4. A BEAUTIFUL SUNSHINE filled day!!
5. A WHOLE lot of facebook love
6. TWO amazing E-Cards that made me SMILE especially the Monkey one!;o)
7. Getting TWO HUGS and Happy Birthdays from Locals I know from my work site
8. A FANTASTIC lunch at a local restaurant- Grilled Chicken Breast (NO Bones), French Fries and Salad
9. Lots of LOVE and DONATIONS for my Birthday Club
10. Rain that cool the air
11. Picking up my Birthday Cake (A COMPLETE Surprise)
12. DELIOUS Banana, Papaya, and Milk Smoothie
13. Talking to my Mom and Dad
14. Having my sister call me late and AUSTIN still being AWAKE!!
15. SURPRISE visitors-- The Woman whose children I bake with and hang out with brought me a PIZZA and it was FANTASTIC!!
16. My BESTEST leaving me a birthday message and knowing they go to Vegas A-OK!
That was my day filled with JOYS!! THANK YOU THANK YOU for ALL the BIRTHDAY Love you have showed me!!
M
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Joys 4/7
What a BEAUTIFUL Day both the weather and the days events! I know you guys do not want to hear this because you may be looking at snow at the moment but it was a simply GORGEOUS day. The sun was shinning so bright with a cool breeze while in the shadow. It is starting to get Humid and Sticky but the Sunshine makes my soul very happy inside!! Today was my school attachment day and since the children are heading on Easter Holiday so they had a Sports Day. It reminded me of "Field Day" in Elementary School. The WHOLE school went to the Gardens where we had races, relay races, tug of war a football match, and rounders (which is baseball meets tennis meets dodge ball). There is a batter that has a tennis racket- a pincher those a tennis ball for the batter to hit. Once the batter hits the tennis ball then she will run to the bases and for her to be out someone must throw the ball at her and it hits her. Mostly girls play the game! That was basically the big even of my day!
Here goes the Joys!
1. A Beautiful Day outside all morning/afternoon
2. Giving Souls of individuals in the Community
3. My Everyday View
4. Seeing the frame of a house/shop almost being finished by a ONE Man
5. The Faces of Children when they see their picture on my camera screen
6. Only hours left until I become on year older
Enjoy
M
Monday, April 6, 2009
Joys 4/6
-- Miss those SUMMER days when nothing mattered but each other --
What a FANTASTIC Day!!
1. TWO Packages (Thank you again MOM and DAD and BETH) and A Card from my Grandparents (THANK YOU!!!)
2. Making a cake!
3. Spending some time with one of my favorites girls as she randomly stopped by after school!
4. Seeing Jennifer and Austin (His smile makes me smile) on Skype
Just a few joys but over all an amazing day!! When I have more going on and not just training I will write real blogs but until then you get to see my joys!
MUCH LOVE
M
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Joys of 4/5
Just a low key Sunday that included a nap...
1. Today is Palm Sunday and we stopped on the side of the road to collect Palms- Talk about FRESH Palms
2. E-Mails that make me smile and laugh out loud because I can just in vision that person telling me the story and saying the story out loud to the computer
3. Lots of hugs at church today while we were waiting to walk and sing with our palms
4. A YUMMY Smoothie
5. Pizza from my favorite Girls
6. Two GREAT Walks
7. Finally hanging out with my fav. neighbor girls and boys watching the sun set into the sea (I hope that scene ALWAYS brings me joy)
8. I almost forgot- POSTSECRET SUNDAY!! My favorite one from this week is at the top :o)
Much Love
M
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Joys of 4/4
This is the WHOLE Group of Peace Corps Trainee that are throughout the Eastern Caribbean Islands
The more I interact with Children the more I realize how much attention they desire and deserve but do not receive. It is always so amazing to me to see how the children faces light up when I walk up to the school or when I walk down to visit my "Baking Friends." There eyes light up like I am one of their nearest and dearest that they have not seen for months. It is such a feeling that touches my soul. As I continue my personal journey through the Peace Corps I know those moments will get me through the struggles and make the success even more sweet. I hope I can always treasure those moments of life.
My JOYS
1. Walking down to meet up with my "Baking Friends" and have the little one see me from around the corner and run at me with open arms as I scope her up into mine
2. Taking the boys down to the playing field to watch our village team play Cricket
3. Having someone so patiently break down the rules of this game called Cricket :o)
4. Have my amazing Uncle send me pictures of my fish because he understands how much I love the fish
5. Window shopping in Town today- Simply walking around with no agenda or time frame
6. Being able to journal- I was WAY behind
7. A new to me bag from the "Free Box" at the Peace Corps office (It is a GREAT bag from Barnes and Nobles that will be used as my grocery bag)
8. I am not sure if I mentioned this but April Birthday Month Party has been Sponsored!! YaY!!
9. The CUTEST puppies in the WORLD (I am tempered to ask the owner if I can buy one- but I am going to stick with my fish)
10. Hearing my name in town and throughout the village (It feels good knowing that people know who I am- it is the first step into integrating into the community)
11. Having my house set for me to move into
12. An amazing sister who updates her BLOG OFTEN and fills it with pictures so I am able to see my Nephew grow and all of his advantages
13. One of the boys I brought to the Cricket Match was suppose to tell me the rules of the game so I was asking a lot of questions. Then after a few minutes I asked him "Am I asking too many questions" and as honest as can be he answers "Yes." OoO the pure honesty of children!
LOTS of Joys today!!
LOVE YOU and MISS YOU!
M
Friday, April 3, 2009
Joys of 4/3
The Moments That Make My Soul Smile
1. Riding up to my home on the bus while looking at an amazing red and orange sky
2. Bakes after a FANASTIC workout (A little counter productive but that is fine :o)
3. A relaxing evening of TV watching and Chic-Chatting
4. MARKET tomorrow
5. Listening to an AMAZING Random "Old Skool" CD while Cleaning up my room
6. Cocoa Tea With FRESH Cocoa in it
7. A better day then previous ones
8. An BESTEST who knows me like the back of her hand and sends me e-mails that put a smile on my face and are straight up honest!
9. NEW PICTURES!!
The FIRST Group Shot in Dominica
The Girls After a Day at the Beach
Thursday, April 2, 2009
OoO Mine OoO Mine Apple Pie..
Hey everyone!! I am about to give you my week all summed up in a few pictures and a handful of words! It has NOTHING to do with Apple Pie but maybe about a cake!
Monday
OoO... Man this is dipping back into the early week. I had Peace Corps Training all day with my fellow Peace Corps Volunteers. Then I went off to the gym! Came back to the house for dinner and went to bed WAY early! Kinda a mellow day!
Tuesday
Tuesday is ALWAYS School Attachment day! I went to the school for the day to assist one of the teacher. Usually while I am there I do one on one tutoring and I am in the processing of starting arts and crafts projects. The teacher was not able to make it to school that day and in Dominica they do not have "subs" so the Principal took over the classroom. The Principal had a meeting in the morning so the class and I played some Math BINGO! It was a BLAST! To see the faces of the children when they got a BINGO was PRICELESS!! And they were learning Math all at the same time! The morning went by quickly. The Grand 4,5,6 students read a play to a panal of judges regarding Cocaine. They did an EXCELLENT job naturally! In the after I went into the Kindergarten Class (Dominica schools call it Grade K) and hung out with them into the bell rang! OoO Mine they are CUTE!! I helped one of the little ones write out a paragraph she was cute and thanked me after! :o) Once school got out I ran some errands in Town and Head up to the house. I worked on some Peace Corps homework- watched the sun set into the Caribbean Sea and ate some dinner. I almost forgot I baked a CAKE today!! I have an activity on Thursday and I wanted to bring the kids treat so I baked a CAKE!!
Wednesday
Peace Corps Office Day!! Did training all day with the other Volunteers- ate some cake- got a medical shot- learned some Creole (the local language that I am STRUGGLING with)- and came up with a dream I have. "Connection through Celebration." It is based on the idea I have to have a Birthday once a month for ALL of the children in my village that have a birthday in that Month. The first one will be Easter Sunday for ALL the April Birthdays! Which brings up what I did Wednesday evening! I have to collect all of the birthdays in the village so I put on my Keens and My shorts and I was on my way. OoO Mine was that fun!! I first went down by where the girls I baked with live to catch up with them. They were not home from school yet so I hung out with there Cousin and when they saw me they came RUNNING down the drive to get me with a BIG hug!! It was GREAT to see someone so excited to see you!! Those kids were the GREATEST help! They walked around the village with me collecting birthdays and keeping me companion. The youngest one held my hand the WHOLE way- it was too cute!! And it was April Fool's day- so they were Fooling me left and right and enjoying every moment of it! :o)
Thursday!
Today is Today and it was a BIG day for me! I went and shadowed a delight of a lady that works in town with the Adult Education program. We went to a near by village to meet some people and then drink so fresh coconut water and see showed me where cocoa comes from to make all of our fantastic candy bars. (see picture of yellow fruit below). The seeds you use are inside the fruit. Then I head back to the school and went back into the Grade K classroom. I was picking out books and one of the students asked me to read the book so I started reading the book and before I knew it the WHOLE class was in a tight little circle around me listening and looking at the pictures.
After that was my BIG activity day. For the Peace Corps I had to do a Service Learning Project. Which is a project that a group complete and learns something from it. It is more then Volunteering because information is exchange. In front of the school I work with is a Nursery. I thought let us (the Grade 4 students) read to the Pre-K students- they are about 3 and 4 years old. After the Grade 4 students and myself had some cake and we picked out books and played Go Fish and War it was time to head over to the Nursery. The kids had just finished lunch and were excited. We got into groups of One Grade 4 student and Three Pre-K students. The Grade 4 students read for about 30 minutes and the Pre-K students were FANTASTIC!! It went better then I could of Image. Some of the Peace Corps dictetors stopped by to see how it was going. It all went all. I will taking another group over there in about 2 weeks.
That is a LONG update on my week!!Hope you can follow!! If you have any questions let me know!!
Much Love
M
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