Day at the Beach

I havent been able to break away to the beach for some time now. Between scheduling events, doing activism work and trying to survive the heat, I havent got the slightest chance to go relax on the beach. My village is about 5 miles from the beach but its quite the lug to get there by two buses, which can take around 20-30 minutes. So today i figured i didnt have anything else to do for once so why not the beach? The sun makes me refreshed, lively and appreciative of the experience here on the island. I figured i would post some pictures.















AND my Momma called while i was on the beach. She was jealous!

Down Time

Im sitting here in my nice hard bed with my computer on my lap, pondering life. Im not sure if this is the typical Peace Corps Friday night, but its mine. There are no deadlines to meet, no dinner parties or events to attend. Im still getting used to this slow paced life after just four short months here in Grenada. I came here expecting to be going non-stop all of the time and i sometimes wish it were that way. But then after a long days work i enjoy the time i have to myself on my veranda as i watch the sunset. Its the best of both worlds most of time.

Then there are nights like tonight where i miss my family, my friends and my American lifestyle. As my friends go on with their lives and are making new friends im stuck sitting on my bed on a Friday night. I want so bad to be having a great time with my friends back home, but i committed to do a job here, and im determined to complete this mission. When my mind gets cloudy with thoughts of homesickness i try to remember why i decided to join the Peace Corps and what exactly it means to be part of this legacy. These kids here need me and want me here as long as possible. Its selfish of me to sit here and sulk when there is work to be done. Just yesterday as we were headed to the beach i hear "miss! miss! miss!" and it was one of my students from the primary school running up to say hello. She had the biggest smile on her face and was so excited to show her mom who i was. Those are the moments of solitude where you realize just the impact you are having here.

So for now im going to turn up my itunes and read a book. Its my little moment of realization that im doing this alone...for myself. Thats such a good feeling.

Job Skills Training

After about a months preparation I have successfully launched my first big project as a Peace Corps Volunteer. Since being at the YWCA of Grenada full time things have been really slow, which causes some frustration. Many times when people think of PCVs they assume they are constantly making progress and doing work, but the honest truth is that often times we have to do so much prep work (aka sitting around, building relationships) to get anything accomplished. So after my month of not much to do i finally got to unravel a project named the Job Skills Training. This program is funded through the World YWCA 'Power to Change' Fund and has been reached with great enthusiasm from participants.



The tough economic market around the world has of course hit Grenada too, causing many people to resort to entrepreneurial fields of work, like selling fruit/pastries/goods. Its sad to see that people who have worked so hard through secondary school and went on the community college not being able to find legitimate work around the island as many would think the term "third-world developing" means there should be lots of new jobs sprouting up. It isn't the case.




So the YWCA thought up the idea of holding a Job Skills training for 25 unemployed persons from around the island. The objective of the training is to equip these young people with the interpersonal skills to gain employment on the island. Topics covered throughout the month with be: Effective Communication, Customer Service, On-The-Job Etiquette, Resume Building, HIV/AIDS in the workplace and Small Business Management. I volunteered to facilitate the Resume Building workshop and hope to have the trainees leave with a professional resume.




Today was the opening ceremony and first session which i thought went really well. Grenadians make a BIG deal about opening ceremonies. It seems if you are having ANYTHING, you MUST have an opening ceremony and invite "important" people.

"Yes ma'am we will be having a meeting tomorrow morning"
"OHHHH do we need to have an opening ceremony for that?"

Ok, maybe not THAT dramatic, but events ALWAYS start with an opening ceremony that concludes with a feature address from someone important. Today we had the Governor Generals wife, Her Excellency Lady Norma Glean speak on the importance of jobs in Grenada. I'm not sure what the equivalent of a Governor General is to the American system, but its way up there.

I'm glad that today was successful and that all of our participants are eager to gain the knowledge necessary to be a productive citizen. I hope that their enthusiasm continues throughout the training and that my sanity is spared too. :)


OHHHHHH....and im attaching a picture of a yacht that is apparently the sign of Oprah vacationing on the island. She often vacations to Grenada as well as Morgan Freeman. Her beautiful yacht is placed right outside the bay can easily be seen from all parts of the island. HEY OPRAH!!!!

Forever Remember

Happy Memorial Day everyone. Just wanted to make a quick shout out to all the troops who have served or are currently serving our great nation. Thank you for all you do and helping keep "the land of the free, home of the brave".

Today especially im remembering my friend Janet whose life ended way to soon. You were a great soldier and an awesome friend. Miss you lots Janet and cant wait to see you again. P.S. Thanks for sending the BEAUTIFUL rainbow to Grenada this morning. :) RIP.