And So It Begins...

All Im going to say is this is what welcomed me to my new home:

Luckily I have this to protect me (and some really nice 500 thread count egyptian cotton sheets):

 And the view from my bedroom is amazing:

Verbal Diarrhea/Constipation

Depending on the situation, I may be afflicted with either one of these conditions at any given time.  Yes, I understand they are opposites. But, it makes sense, because after all, I am the epitome of contradictions and opposites.  

I have noticed that when I try to blog, its either a stream of consciousness, complete and utter verbal diarrhea, or conversely, verbal constipation.  Everything just comes out all at once in a big jumbled, mashed up mess, or I can’t articulate my thoughts in an expressive comprehensive manner.  I either have a lot to say about nothing in particular (such as the weather), or nothing to say about important issues, like how I feel about my new life path.

I have never been an eloquent speaker/writer.  Sometimes I wish I could write beautifully, inspirationally, eloquently, lucidly, vividly, powerfully and accurately expressive.  But I just cant. When trying to be inspirational, I come off as being cold and perhaps utterly realistic/pessimistic rather than optimistic.  I can’t help it, that’s the dominant left side of my brain working.  I don’t write beautifully because I would rather be concise, to the point, using facts and as few words as possible.  There is no need to sugarcoat anything.  I have never had a way with words; other than stuttering, stumbling, silence, or spurting out random words. However, I wish I could package my thoughts in beautiful words using all sorts of literary terms that I cannot remember now (metaphors, alliterations, etc.?).

Bear with me, because as much as teaching, working, and living in a new country are new challenges and struggles, so too will expressing my thoughts, feelings and experiences in an attractive, coherent manner.

Thoughts of a New PCV

Introducing PCV Valarie

April 4th 2011 marked the day I and 10 other fellow Americans took the oath to officially become United States Peace Corps Volunteers.  The night before swear in can be best described as the night before the first day of school when you are in middle school or high school or something.  You cant sleep because you are so anxious.  I couldnt sleep because the day that I have waited for for SO long has finally arrived. The day I have been working so hard during training for has finally arrived.

            The Swearing In Ceremony took place at 10am at the Frenches House in Kingstown, SVG in front of Peace Corps SVG Staff, government officials, news crews, host family, current PCVS, colleagues and new friends. Also in attendance were my Host Mom and my IPP who I will be working with at EHSM. It began with the singing of the SVG and US National Anthems, then an opening speech from Mr. Cool, the APCD, followed by a speech given by Kevin Carley the Country Director of PC Eastern Caribbean, then the awarding of certificates to the host families, a keynote speech from one of our Trainers, Debbie Dolrymple, more certificates, a pep talk, The Oath, more speeches. Lastly, we had to sign our lives away for the umpteenth time, thereby officially becoming a United States PCV.  Honestly its kind of a blur, but it was very nice.

            To celebrate our achievements, we headed to Villa for a day at the beach.  Nothing notable happened except for the van ride home.  For once, there wasn’t music blasting so loud that I could barely hear myself think, but instead the news was on. After all the typical news there was a bit about 11 Peace Corps Volunteers being sworn in.  The news lady discussed the areas we were serving, NGO and Youth Development; where we were working, Mespo, Barrouallie, Kingstown, Owia, among others; what we would be doing, Literacy, HIV/AIDS education, community development, etc. I cant entirely remember everything now, but the segment was a good 3 minutes long.  It brought a smile to my face!  It was very well done.

            The following day, I was on the van headed to Layou to spend the evening celebrating the birthday of a fellow PCV’s colleague, when a man asked me if I was a Peace Corps Volunteer.  Obviously, I said yes and he remarked with “Yeah I know, I saw you on the news on TV.”  Im famous now!

Better Than Christmas.

Thats what getting a package is like.  It really is the simple things.  Crystal Lite drink mixes=amazing.  Chocolate=heavenly. Old clothes are suddenly new clothes!  These are just some of my new favorite things!


First piece of mail and it was a package from my mommy!

 Bible quotes to prevent theft..

YAY Package from my BFF Lauren!

 With some much needed necessities....

 ...exlax, deodorant, body wash, hand sanitizer, luna bars (with nuts) and stickers!

 2nd package from my mommy. a HUGE box.

 With so many goodies.  A Bookbag, some much needed tie dye! drink mix, hand wipes, a belt, and a lunch sack.

 SO MUCH Crystal Lite! I couldnt be happier! Thanks mom!