Helpless and Vunerable

Our office had just opened for the day. Its Monday morning and things are hectic as we prepare for the week. The phone rings unexpectedly. Maybe its a coworker saying she will be late. If only...

She is hiding in a closet whispering "help" into the phone. In the background we hear the sounds of something hitting wood, but we cant make it out. She says she called 911 and they transferred her to us. Heaven forbid the police force do their job and protect its citizens, instead they transfer cases like this to the women's organization who has no legal authority, brushing her safety off as a "women's issue".

She tells us her boyfriend's uncle is trying to kick her and the baby out. He is beating on the front door with a hammer, screaming profanities. Her fight or flight told her to take the baby and hide. He continues to bang on the door, she says he is getting closer and she needs help. What are we supposed to do? The cops sent her to us.

We calm her down as the baby screams. She has lost all hope and is preparing to die when the banging of the hammer stops. The man has given up. Thank God he has given up.

After 6 hours of phone calls, threats and coordination she is safely in a shelter on the island, baby in tow and safe. She is still scared for her life but for tonight she will have a place to sleep and the promise of tomorrow.

Its amazing the gaps in the system that cause cases like this to fall through the cracks. Prevention is not a word in the vocab for local authorities on all levels. This woman would not of been helped before the incident occurred, only when that hammer would of taken her life.

Thank you world for saving this woman's life for just one more day!

Things I've Learned in the Last Year

I took the leap. We drove 2 hours to the airport: my mom, aunt kim and best friend. I was ready for the adventure but inside I was scared to death. I wouldn't dare show that to my family who were letting me chase my dreams while they stayed behind. I hugged them tight, told them I loved them and disappeared into the airplane tunnel. They didn't see me cry. I held it together, that is until I reached my seat on the plane and the water works started. I was leaving everything I had ever known, my best friends and the town that raised me up. I had no idea what was to come but I knew it was where my heart told me to go. For an entire year I held on to the dream of living in a new culture and changing the world while maybe learning a little about myself. And then I got the call from Peace Corps that would change my life forever.

I got on that plane ride one year ago today. It seems like forever ago, yet I remember it like it was just yesterday. So much has happened in the last year I couldn't begin to put it into words. I started reflecting on all the past blog posts to travel the journey again, trying to remind myself and the accomplishments I have under my belt already. But its not enough for me, my journey is not complete. I still have 13 months of service here in Grenada. I remember thinking I could never make it 27 months of service and now I'm here 12 months later. I did it. I feel energized for the next 13 months of service.

Things I've learned in the last 12 months:

• It is ok to not know what you are doing. Swallow your pride and pretend like you do.
• When times get tough, reflect on where you have been and where your eyes are set on going.
• Support systems are mandatory for being a good volunteer. Thanks to all the friends, family and volunteers who have lent me a place to vent, cry and laugh during these tough times.
• I am qualified, I must believe in myself to use those qualifications.
• Do the best you can with what you are given.
• Caribbean rum doesn't mess around.
• Nature is what calms my nerves, energizes me for tomorrow and tells me things will be alright.
• I'm alot stronger than I give myself credit for. 
• Living alone has taught me more about myself than I ever thought possible.
• I miss home and cant wait to return to Missouri. Its honestly where my heart will always be. 
• Life is to short for many so we must learn to live it while its here. (RIP Alec and BJ)
• America truly is the greatest country in the world. We should all feel so blessed. 
• Life. Goes. On.
• Being a vegetarian is fun!
• Language is situational.
• This is my personal journey and no one but myself can define it.

Cheers to the next 13 months of service. May it be more blessed than the last year and my we all continue to remember children are everyone's future, so invest in kids!!!!