I believe...

Found this awesome poem thingy online, thought Id share. ENJOY!



I Believe...

That just because two people argue,
It doesn't mean they don't love each other.
And just because they don't argue,
It doesn't mean they do love each other.

I Believe...
That we don't have to change friends if
We understand that friends change.

I Believe....
That no matter how good a friend is, they're going to hurt you every once in a while and you must forgive them for that.

I Believe...
That true friendship continues to grow, even over the longest distance.

Same goes for true love.

I Believe....
That you can do something in an instant
That will give you heartache for life..

I Believe...
That it's taking me a long time
To become the person I want to be. (I totally relate to this one)

I Believe...
That you should always leave loved ones with
Loving words. It may be the last time you see them..

I Believe...
That you can keep going long after you think you can't.

I Believe...
That we are responsible for what
We do, no matter how we feel.

I Believe....
That either you control your attitude or it controls you.

I Believe...
That heroes are the people who do what has to be done when it needs to be done, regardless of the consequences.

I Believe...
That money is a lousy way of keeping score.

I Believe...
That my best friend and I, can do anything, or nothing and have the best time.

I Believe...
That sometimes the people you expect to kick you When you're down, will be the ones to help you get back up..

I Believe...
That sometimes when I'm angry I have the right to be angry,
But that doesn't give me the right to be cruel.

I Believe...
That maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you've had
And what you've learned from them and less to do with how many birthdays you've celebrated. (which explains my short 22 years of life)

I Believe...
That it isn't always enough, to be forgiven by others.
Sometimes, you have to learn to forgive yourself.

I Believe...
That no matter how bad your heart is broken the world doesn't stop for your grief.

I Believe...
That our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are,
But, we are responsible for who we become.

I Believe...
That you shouldn't be so eager to find
Out a secret. It could change your life Forever.

I Believe...
Two people can look at the exact same
Thing and see something totally different.

I Believe...
That your life can be changed in a matter of
Hours by people who don't even know you.

I Believe....
That even when you think you have no more to give, when
A friend cries out to you - you will find the strength to help.

I Believe...
That credentials on the wall do not make you a decent human being.

I Believe...
That the people you care about most in life are taken from you too soon.


'The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything;
They just make the most of everything.

Thank you God for all the wonderful people who help us throughout the journey of life...

"The List"

So today is the first day since I've been here where i really thought..."I miss this and this and this alot". I'm not one to obsessively miss things, especially since im in the Peace Corps and we are supposed to adapt to living with less. But today i get this sense that i miss certain things from back home. I decided to compile a list:

1. Webb City Cardinal football games
2. Wings and Coors Light at Buffalo Wild Wings
3. Seeing familiar faces in Walmart (that sounds so ridiculous)
4. DRIVING!
5. Late night drive thru
6. The town of Webb City and all its greatness
7. Pulling around the corner into my subdivision to see kids playing in the road
8. Float trips and camping
9. Garage parties
10. Random nights with old friends
11. Road trips for no reason
12. Pitt State football games/tailgating
13. Warm showers
14. Air Conditioning
15. Season changes
16. Bars where boys aren't constantly saying "hey white girl"
17. Blending in with the community
18. Hick talk (you know what i mean folks)
19. Sonic Happy Hour (Ice tea please)
20. Polos and plaid shorts
21. My dogs greeting me at the door
22. Never being bored because someone is always around
23. Interpersonal relationships with close friends
24. Moms homecookin'
25. Family being down the road

Grrr

I was so excited to find taco seasoning on the clearance rack today while going to the supermarket. I had set my mind on coming home and making some chicken tacos with all the fixin's. I had the beans, rice and chicken going when POOF! out went the gas. I looked at the burners and thought you have GOT to be kidding me, but it wasnt kidding. We dont have the nice gas lines that run into houses with endless supply like in the States. We have propane tanks in the cabinet that run out. Then you have to unhook them, take them on public transportation then lug them back to ur house. Its a wonderful process. I had half cooked rice, still hard beans and chicken that was not edible. I had just finished the homemade tortillas and cut the veggies. NOW what was i gonna do? I brainstormed as we have been taught in these situations and figured veggie tacos it was, since i had my mind set on tacos. Maybe this is my sign from upstairs that i really was made to be vegatarian in the Peace Corps...

Camping:Peace Corps Style!

First off, HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY to my wonderful, intelligent, caring and powerful momma Kelly. You have been the best support system while im on this journey and i couldnt do it without you. Everyone needs a mom just like mine because she is awesome! Sometimes we dont realize how important support systems like family until we are away in another country alone, but i have definatly realized how amazing my family is back home, especially my mother! LOVE YOU MOM!



We had our first EC 81 birthday this weekend (HAPPY BIRTHDAY STEPH!), and decided a camping trip would be a good idea. We went up to Victoria, a bumpy 45 minute bus ride to the north part of the island. Our kind bus driver John took us as far as the bus would reach and then we walked about a mile or so to our camp site. It was our first rugged Peace Corps experience in the middle of the woods with no one around but some cows. Our campsite was nettled right next to a beautiful little river that made me think of home. We set up shop and were eager to open the two bags of REAL chips, Doritos and Cheetos. Its a big deal to get the real thing, as they are pretty expensive here. We had some amazing cake and maybe a little drink to wash it down and were set for the evening.



We swam in the river for a little bit but decided the creatures biting on toes wasnt so much fun. There were some other guys there limin before us and they left a camp fire going, so we kindly took over the fire duties as it fit perfectly with our rituals. When you are on a remote island with other people with the same mindset as you, you tend to grow really close to them quickly. I feel like i have known these people for years, but truthfully its only been 3 months. Since we all live very busy lives here on the island and we are spread out across the island, we dont see each other as much as we would like. The group before us started these little rituals we do everytime all of us are together, as a bonding thing. Now i cant give you insight into these, but they are fun! Join the Peace Corps and maybe you will find out. haha.



So after another late night swim, dancing to our sweet handheld radio and roasting marshmellows we called it a night. It was relaxing to be out in the wilderness with no worry of fitting in, getting work done or integrating. It was just a bunch of crazy white Peace Corps volunteers having a blast in the middle of the woods!

The next morning we packed our stuff and hiked the way back to the nearest road. After a crowd of cows decided to try and ram us, we finally flagged down a bus. It was a great weekend with great friends! Camping in the middle of the woods on a remote island: CHECK!