"Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined." --Henry David Thoreau


"Service is the rent we pay for being, It is the very purpose of life and not something you do in your spare time."

--Marion Wright Edelman


"The fruit of love is SERVICE. The fruit of service is PEACE" --Mother Teresa

Monday, August 2, 2010

Update!

Wow, I must admit, I've been slacking on the updates. I told myself I needed to update about a week ago, and Im just not getting around to it. Where do I start?

Last week the organization I work for (GNOW) took a big step forward in ensuring people the right to feel safe in their homes. For almost 3 years, in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Development, GNOW has been working on a protocol for domestic violence and sexual abuse cases. In present day Grenada, no protocol or set of procedures is set up for medical professionals, police force, social services and judicial services to follow when dealing with sexual abuse and domestic violence cases. That means that when someone is being abused domestically, there is no guarantee how the police will handle the situation, if the doctors will see you or even if legal matters will be handled correctly. Its a scary thought, one Americans definately take for granted. This protocol will set up a list of procedures that must be followed by every sector to ensure proper handling of these cases. Last week was the consulation to introduce the protocol to all the sectors, get feedback and gain approval and support. Overall, it went very well.




This weekend was the Rainbow City Festival in Grenville. The festival celebrates the Emancipation of Grenadians and was a truly unique cultural experience. There was a parade of people dressed in traditional African garb carrying torches and chanting things I couldnt understand. After that, the music was set up (outside the courthouse mind you), and the alcohol started flowing freely. Grenadians never pass up the chance to dance to good music, drink lots of rum and eat good food.



This morning I awoke and headed into rainy Grenville with some other volunteers to hand out HIV/AIDS prevention kits that I have been working so hard on the past month. We handed out about 100 prevention kits equiped with condoms, HIV/AIDS brochure, STD brochure and arm band. It was overall a success and the kits went fast enough. People love free condoms!



Oh ya, I also got my hair platted. Im becoming a Grenadian!