"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

Saturday, January 29, 2011

Just a Friendly Stroll

One of my favorite things to do here in Grenada is to take daily walks throughout my village. Its a time for me to reflect on my day and refocus for the coming days. Often times we get so busy fixing things and helping people out that we forget to take care of our personal issues. The problems around me seem to engulf my thoughts continuously, sometimes not even letting me sleep well at night. I'm always contemplating my next move or if my strategy is working for my community.

So when I get the opportunity to take a walk down the road, I make sure to jump at it. The trees make subtle whistling noises, the sun shines on my face and the ocean scenery brightens my thoughts. I cant help but smile at the beauty that is around me, the strength and determination to do all I can do for Grenada, and the absolute joy I feel being surrounded by love.

I have been reflecting on the last year of service here in Grenada, as a new group of volunteers began their journey to the Eastern Caribbean today. It seems like just yesterday I was overwhelmed with anxiety as I boarded plane after plane on my way to Grenada. I remember it like it was yesterday and cant believe its been almost a year. I have made it this far because of one simple word: LOVE.  The love of my family, the love of my friends, the love of my hometown, the love of children, the love of hope, the love of service, the love of complete strangers and the love of myself.

I couldn't do this without all of my supporters. So as I stroll down the winding roads of my village, I cant help but have an unexplainable sense of appreciation. This world has given me so much, how can I ever pay it back?

This world is beautiful...we just don't take enough time to stop and realize it.






Thursday, January 27, 2011

Nutmeg, Cocoa and Bananas too!



These are my students practicing their Grenada song for the Independence Day assembly. I love my job!!!!!