Adventures in the Peace Corps

Monday, January 31, 2011

Monday Morning Beauty

I have been in the picture posting mood lately, so I apologize to the followers who prefer my long drawn out often times boring stories. But these pictures from this morning I just couldn't resist in sharing. Life is beautiful!!!


Sail boat #1

Sail boat #2

This was my view on the way to work today.

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!!!!!

Saturday, January 22, 2011

Peace Corps Biggest Loser

After indulging in way to much wonderful Grenadian and American food over the holidays we as Peace Corps Volunteers collaboratively decided it was time to lose some weight. So what better way then to have a little friendly competition? And that is how Peace Corps Biggest Loser started. Here are the logistics of how we are competing:

Logistics:

2 months (Jan 14-Mar 15)
$15 EC entrance fee
$1 for each pound gained
$5 for each missed weigh-in, no "make-ups"!
Percentage of weight loss determines winner and loser for each week and entire competition
Loser of the week must do 10 push-ups, 25 squats/lunges, and 50 jumping jacks immediately on site
Winner of fitness challenges will get a 1 pound advantage
Challenges will be held bi-weekly before the weigh-ins and are OPTIONAL
Weigh-in attire: bathing suit with bare feet or socks
Weigh-in every other Saturday (bi-monthly) at PC office (subject to change)
Our weight will never be disclosed unless we choose to do so personally. Steph will weigh participants in a private space, calculate the percentage of weight loss, and maintain the weigh-in logs. She understands that these cannot be used for blackmail.

Prizes:
Second place gets their entrance fee returned ($15 EC)
First place is awarded the remainder of the money collected
Everyone wins a healthier (and muy caliente) body!

We met last week at the office to have our first initial weigh-in and competed in a nutrition Jeopardy game. The winner of the competition received a one pound advantage at the next weigh-in. Today we met at the beach and had a physical challenge...the obstacle course. Although I didn't win the competition, I did complete the challenge successfully. We had to run in scuba fins, take a sponge and fill up a cup with sea water, carry a ping pong ball on a spoon and finally run to the finish with a wet tshirt on. It was exciting to watch and definitely an activity to get your heart rate going.

We have one more week of diet and exercise before our second weigh-in. Even if I don't win the competition, I'm happy to have the opportunity to lose some weight with encouragement from my fellow volunteers. Its been a friendly competition that we are all enjoying.

Wish me luck!