Thoughts!

As I am typing this, I should be sleeping! It is late and I have a long day ahead of me but instead I am blogging! I am attempting to use this space to sort out my thoughts at the moments. The emotions that are forever changing and seem to explode at all the wrong times! I joke with Alicia that I will be calling her once we reach home when I am having a break down in the middle of Target, but for now I am fighting back tears and trying to enjoy enough the slightest moment. It is this really messy joyous time for me. It saddens me to leave my second home, a place I seem to fit into like a glove not knowing when I will be returning. The comments are are no long “ you are leaving in a while or plenty time” but rather they have turned to 'Just now you leaving!” It is reality as I clean up my house, give stuff to other PCVs and organizations.

I have a box which I put my cards in that have falling off the wall, letters from my sister, and other little things which will help to trigger my memory of events I attended while in Dominica. Do not ask why but tonight I wanted to go through the box and clean it out a little if you will. In between the tears there was laughter, moments of aww, and huge smiles caused by the memories of the past 2 years. The box is truly LOVE. It is in the rawest and purest form. The notes of encouragement, the random notes from friends and family to say I love you, pictures colored by my Boo-Bear, and the cards. It is all love!

Now I must ask my self, how do I say Thank You! Those two words and eight letters do not seem to be enough for the amount of love, support, and encouragement I received during these two years (and my life). I say Thank You but also want to share all of my success stories with you because in one way or another YOU are part of those success stories! YOU have created JOY and Smiles for children who have never met you but know that they are loved by YOU! My life has been filled in a tremendous way because of my determination and YOU allowing me to spread my wings and fly!

Hike I Hiking (Part Three!)

The friend, Tiffany who was working in Dominica decided we should do one more hike before she goes back. We decided on Segment Four. We were doing GREAT! We were walking, chatting and enjoying the view. We got about half way there and were on a very well paved trail with no trail markers but still thought it was OK! Well it was not, we ended up getting lost and ending up in a village! Whoops! We still hiked for about four hours and had a marvelous time!

Free Up. Protect Yourself

This last Saturday, myself, my agency I work for, two other Peace Corps volunteers, and about 40 youth from two different villages all jumped into the Coaster to disturb condoms, pass out information about HIV/AIDS, and hang up posters about safe sex throughout six different villages.



It was a true success and amazing to see all of the youth coming together for a good cause! It is such a simply event with a solid and concrete message behind it.

Hike I Hiken (Part 2)

Alicia had two of her friends come and visit who were big hikers and I had a friend who was working in Dominica who LOVES to hike. We decided that we would do Segment One. It is a shorter/easier hike with AMAZING views and picnic spots a long the way. It goes from the southern most point to again sulfur hot springs in a neighboring village. We had to go up, up, and up to the top of the mountian only to be greeted by a beautiful view of Scotts Head and a great resting spot! Over all it was a fanastic hike and I could not of asked to go with a better group of individuals!

Hike I Hiking (Part One!)

I have been hiking (or trying to) more often. It has been easier in the last month or so because there have been friends of friends visiting who wanted to hike. I have had many opportunities to hike with them.




As mentioned before Dominica is building a National Trail which goes from the southern most point to the northern most part and in the dense rain forest. It has fourteen different segments and I have done about four. The Dominica Waitukubuli National Trail could be an amazing tourist asset for back packers, individuals who the hikers go through their villages, and Dominica in a whole!




Julie, Mary, and I all decided to go hiking! We did Segment 3 which passes RIGHT through my village and ends at the Sulfur Hot Springs. It took us about five hours at a steady pass and a stop at my house for lunch! There was slippery spots where tree saved us for falling and a part we almost got lost!

Proud Moment

Tuesday while I was walking down the little hill at school to head home one student comings running at me. My first thought is... "OoO someone got into a fight or something" but it was the complete opposite. He comes running at me with a HUGE smile on his face yelling Miss Miss! As he gets closer with pure excite he says "Miss look what I did!" as we was holding up a paper that he received 100% on and a sticker! He was so proud of his work and I was thrilled he wanted to share his achievements with me!

Enjoy your Thursday!

Where have I been?

I have been right here in the amazing island of Dominica. I have been trying to take in all of the little (and big moments) of life here! My mind has been far and engulfed with thoughts of the future, the new life that will begin in April, and this marvelous life in Dominica which I am leaving. In good old fashion Michelle style, I have not been good with communication with Family and Friends, I have been baking a lot, and spending many days and nights with my head in the clouds wondering "What is next?"

My Mother new phrase to me is "Michelle, Do not worry your little head!" I will try not to worry and simply embrace the last two months I have here!