Breaking Rules

I have a confession...

I broke a culture norm today. ohhhhhhhhhh!!!!! busted me!

Let me explain first. I worked at my primary school today and man was it a hectic day. I was testing students reading levels all day, a task that is very repetitive and exhausting. I promised myself that I had to pay my electric bill today, as it was due 2 days ago (they aren't big on paying on time here). I couldn't just go to town to pay a bill and that only, so I squeezed in my weekly roti lunch. As I was eating it started to rain which isn't unusual for rainy season in the tropics. As I waited on the rain to pass I kept glancing at my watch to notice the time ticking away towards 3pm. Grenlec, the electricity company here in Grenada has an office in town and it strictly closes at 3pm. The last time I looked down at my walk before leaving the roti shop it was 2:40pm, I had 20 minutes to go a little bit of a ways.



I braved the last sprinkles coming from the sky and started my journey to the electric company. Now that I have been here a six months I have learned a few short cuts to avoid hills, creepy men and vendors. There is one downfall to this particular short cut; I have to walk through a tunnel that allows one way traffic and pedestrians. Scary? Kind of, but its worth it to bypass the hills, creepy men and vendors. As I walk through the tunnel and notice no one is coming towards me the other way, as usually is, and I wonder why until I put two and two together and realize the other end of the tunnel is completely flooded. Here were my two options:

1. Break cultural norms by hiking up my britches and wading through the ankle deep water.

2. Turn around and walk the quarter of a mile detour through the city.

Disclaimer: Grenadians HATE rain. I hear repeatedly "We arent scared of guns, but we are scared to death of rain".

Which would you take? Be the strange white girl walking through a tunnel with her pants hiked up, dress shoes still on while trying to make it to the electric company with 5 minutes to spare? Or would you turn around and take the detour with the potential of not paying your bill that's already two days late?

Well if you chose number 1 you win a prize, because that's EXACTLY what I did. After a few strange stares from locals, one guy that said "you crazy white girl", and some giggles from children I was through the tunnel and on my way to Grenlec. Thankfully I made it with 5 minutes to spare, wet shoes and all. SUCCESS!!!!

After that event I thought it just couldn't get any better, but man was I wrong. Let me highlight a few of the "wow" moments of the day:

1. I had a girl puke in my class this morning right after talking about if you feel sick to always just run outside, NEVER sit at your desk and puke on yourself. We are still working on listening skills.

2. While waiting on the bus at the terminal I was observing people walking by and noticed a man with nothing but his boxer brief underwear on, walking down the middle of the road then stopping, raising his hands in the air in the middle of traffic, screaming something and then wrote the word STOP on the concrete, spelled STOPP!

3. I broke a bowl in the sink this evening while washing dishes. It cut me in a complete circle shape on my finger. Weird?

Always an eventful day in Grenada...

Visitor #2 and School Starts!

Excuse my lack of updates for all of you religious followers of mine. My life has been crazy hectic since I last checked in and I hope this post makes up for all of that lost time.

One of my best friends Ali came to visit me ALLLLLL the way from Topeka, Kansas Sept 1st-7th. It was the perfect time and I was so happy to show a best friend Caribbean culture. We spent her first day at the beach of course, enjoying the beautiful weather, sand in all the places you don't want it and the calm waters of the Caribbean Sea. I don't get to see the ocean as much as I would like because I'm so busy with work, so anytime I can break away for a day of relaxation I just right on it. I introduced her to roti's, which are a burrito like thing with veggies, curry and chicken. We made sure to do a little hiking and man was it exhausting. The other volunteers informed me it was a short hike, maybe 45 minutes or so. LIARS!!!! That damn hike took nearly 2 hours, 4 total. It might of been because I'm not in the shape they are, but one of the other volunteers even said it was hard. Note to self: never listen to skinny Peace Corps Volunteers!






Sadly, Ali's time here is over and now its time for me to get back to focusing on work. School started here on the 6th of September and I was so excited to see my new students. I went in over the break with Ali and handed out school supplies to grateful teachers and heard many many thank you's, so for anyone who has donated to my school, THANK YOU! My classroom teacher was so grateful and excited to get to use all the supplies. She just kept smiling and saying we were going to do this and this and this. It was a great feeling. The relationship between my counterpart teacher and myself has dramatically increased since last school term and its making me feel really good about the work I'm doing. Over summer break she called multiple times and even got to meet my family while they were here. This year is going to be a great year and I'm really excited about the things to come at St. Pauls Primary School.




Work at GNOW has slowed down a bit after completing my project proposal for UNIFEM, so I was really excited to get into school mode. With the international economy being so terrible, the NGO's are struggling more then ever to sustain projects and keep the doors open. This makes our job as development workers even harder because in order to promote new ideas and projects you have to have some funding available. That funding is drying up in the region and making my work even more hard. I hope in the coming months as tourist season kicks back in gear Grenada can get back on its feet and the cash flow will increase.

That's all for now. I promise to be better about updating this from now on. I will have some good things coming since school is back in session. Stay tuned...

Grant Writing

I wish I had another funny story to tell you, but this had me excited and I felt it was time to share.

I started writing a grant for a project about a month ago for a domestic violence campaign. I'm not sure if any of you have written a grant but its not fun, its tedious and extremely time consuming. I was excited about the potential of this project if we were awarded the grant. Oh ya, that's the other part, the call for proposals were sent to over 50 people for an original project idea and only THREE organizations will be awarded 10,000 US dollars. I have a one in 16.666666666666 chance of receiving the grant that's taken me a month to write.

Not only was I consumed with writing this grant, I was also stressing over having my mom and aunt here in the middle of writing it. Thankfully I squeezed in work and play time, but only really procrastinated the completion. On Friday another volunteer and I were working on the grant when we started feeding off each others thoughts (we do this well) and realized we had multiple projects with no single big overlying idea. There are radio appearances, door to door campaigns, workshops, protests and community meetings. But no big idea to tie all of these strings together, so we started searching the internet for something big and BAM...This is the idea we are going to try to imitate here in small Grenada.



Awesome right? Grenada doesn't have a single building that's over 6 stories, so making that project 8 stories is impossible. We hope to downsize the faces a bit and make this project possible. I'm so excited to have the grant OFF of my hands and in the hands of UNIFEM, and I would be so ecstatic if we were awarded one of the grants. This project coincides with the 16 Days of Activism, related to stopping violence against women. Each year from November 25th to December 10th, countries all over the world commit to 16 days of activities related to ending violence against women. We hope to continue that tradition in Grenada this year.

Wish me luck!

Ps. My dear friend Ali arrives on island on WEDNESDAY!!!!!!!!!!!

Moments of Gratitude #3

I'm sitting on my veranda this afternoon, as I usually do every night. Its my moment of relaxation to collect my thoughts of the day and prepare for tomorrow. I love to people watch and my house sits perfect into the side of hill so that I can see everyone that drives by. I can hear the honks of passing buses, children skipping to the bakery and of course the ridiculous sound of goats.

I have this particular neighbor goat that sounds like a baby crying when he "baaaaaa's". Not only does he have a childish sounding scream, but he is a MASSIVE billy goat. Huge black body, tongue as long as a snake and scary looking horns. I'm thinking he could do some damage, but the minute he opens his mouth it makes me laugh.

Today as Im sitting on my veranda admiring the Sea in the distance. Mr. Billy goat decided to jump through the bush and sit on the side of the road, unalarmed by the buzzing cars. A man comes walking down the road and notices the billy goat clearly to close to oncoming traffic and decides to stop for a conversation with Mr. Billy Goat. I watch as he tries to shuuuu him off the road...its not working. Then all of a sudden I hear "Yo boi, ya dunce, get out dah road boi". In English that translates to "Yo boy, ya dumb? Get out of the road". I couldn't help but laugh at this point, as Mr. Billy Goat was obviously not concerned with this gentleman. He just stood there baaaaaaaa-ing at the guy.

Sadly, the guy gave up, threw his hands in the air and kept walking, leaving me chuckling for the next 5 minutes. AHHHH I love Grenada.



This is where Mr. Billy Goat is SUPPOSED to stay. He decided he liked the road much better today.

Mr. Billy Goat hiding in the bush.

The hardest question I've ever been asked.

There is a notorious question every Peace Corps Volunteer has been asked: Why did you join the Peace Corps? For some people, its a matter of who you're talking to in regards to how you respond. But for the most part, I don't find this a hard question to answer.

But there is one question I have been asked recently that I've really put some deep thought into, partially because I'm not sure I know the extent of the answer yet.

Why would you move to another country to help other people when there are so many people that need help in America, especially children?

Rather then ramble on for paragraph after paragraph (which I can do, see previous posts), I find it more fitting to outline my response in bullet format. This gives me an opportunity to clarify broad examples and you easier reading.

1. Needed change. I have helped the children of America for the last 5 years of my life and plan to for the rest of my being. I dedicated countless hours and poor paying jobs while going to school in order to help the children not only in my community, but the surrounding communities. If you work anywhere around kids you would realize that its easy to get burnt out doing one particular job constantly for an extended period of time. I came to a point in my "career" where I found I needed something more, something that not only lets me help children but lets me explore myself in a deeper sense.

2. Exploring another culture. This one was a big selling point for me, as I come from a very conservative Midwestern culture. There isn't much diversity whether it be religiously, ethnically or economically. I always knew from a young age there was something more to this world than small town Missouri living. I mean that in the most kind hearted way as well; people who know me will tell you just how much I love my roots. But I came to a point in my life where I needed to see whats out there for myself with a new sense of independence and open mindedness. I want to know how other people live, how much Americans take for granted and see for myself how my own bias and judgements come into play.

3. Opening new doors. The Peace Corps experience is something that you cant fully comprehend unless you are a fellow PCV, but that doesn't mean I cant share my experience with others. I find that removing myself from American culture, going to a foreign land with foreign people to bring about new ideas was my opportunity to advance my personal and professional development. The things I'm learning in Grenada are invaluable and something I can take back to the States and use for years to come. Im trying new approaches to old ideas, presenting new ideas to old hearts and creating positive change for the advancement of all. That's something I can bring back to the States and use for the American children, advancing our own child welfare. I would be fooling you if I said I wasn't bringing back valuable knowledge to help the children of America.

4. Empowerment. Not only of myself, but Grenadians, women, children, Americans and men alike. To be given the opportunity to take my American education and bring it to Grenada gives me the opportunity to empower people of a developing third world country to strive for excellence. Most Grenadians have family in the States, families who are working in America and paying taxes in America. They are part of our culture and trying to live the American dream and maybe even getting an American education. Its a cycle my people. If I can empower ONE single person to see the hope and possibility in this world then I have done my job. If I can make one mother realize prostituting her children isn't worth it, or see one child learn to read, or watch as a mother walks away from an abusive husband...then I've done my job here. Its the beauty of grassroots work.

5. Serving my country. Last but not least certainly, I feel honored to be able to serve my country in a PEACEFUL way. If more attention was paid to building relationships with people from other countries, understanding their culture and respecting their customs, I can PROMISE we wouldn't be in a single war. Greg Mortenson is a mentor of mine and someone I have come to deeply respect through his writings in 'Three Cups of Tea' and 'Stones into Schools'. He promotes peace through understanding and respect, educating young women and building sustainable projects in the Middle East. People like him and programs like the Peace Corps build sustainable, respectful and PEACEFUL relationships with host countries and ultimately achieve more then guns and camo ever will. Don't get me wrong, I love our troops and support them completely (I have friends serving now), but I find going about change in a peaceful manner is much more productive for everyone involved.


I may continue to add to this list as my service continues. Its hard to believe I can answer this question after just 6 short months here. But I still think this list isn't complete, there is more to this story...

Moments of Gratitude #2

Waking up on my own time this morning I realized how quiet and empty my house feels. It was my first night in my own bed for a few days and there wasnt two other bodies in my house. I find myself missing them, but enjoying my normal routine.

I took a shower and laid on my bed listening to music, enjoying the moment of relaxation and taking the last week of events in. Im so grateful to be given this opportunity, but feel such gratitude to be able to show my family my new life here in Grenada.

In just a little over a week I will have another visitor to show my new life to, Ali. Im so grateful that she surprised me with a plane ticket to come visit and I cant wait to show her the isle of Spice.

Until then...I will lounge around the house, jamming to music and appreciating the world around me. :)

PEACE!

Completing Peace Corps Mission #3

Mission #3:

Helping promote a better understanding of other peoples on the part of Americans.


This past week has solidified to myself just how much I have grown in just 6 short months. I got the opportunity to share my new life with my mom and aunt this week, and I think they will say it was an experience worth sharing with people back in the States. Check out my aunts blog (http://afastone.blogspot.com/) to see how she viewed her experiences on the isle of spice.

Sadly, I didn't get to take off work to spend all of my time with them, but they assured me that hanging around my apartment, reading books and playing on the internet was just as much a vacation as was running around the island. My moms particular mode of passing time was sitting on my veranda and people (and goat) watching. She was often quoted as saying the children were beautiful, the mountains were amazing and that goat sounds like a baby crying.

After a day of shopping in town, seeing the fort and experiences "town life", I decided to introduce them to my favorite Grenadian lunch, Roti's. They were hesitant at first, but after some reassurance we ordered three veggie roti's and sat down with another volunteer. They ended up loving the roti's and trying some pepper sauce that burnt their taste buds. oops, forgot to tell them West Indians love their heat.

Wednesday, after 4 days at my apartment, we descended down the mountains to a resort on the beach. If you ever plan on coming to Grenada (which I suggest), I would highly recommend the Grenada Grand Beach Resort. They had three beautiful pools and AIR CONDITIONED ROOMS!!!! I wasn't sure to make of this at first, but it was a pleasant mini vacation that I'm very thankful I got to share with my family. I often times get so wrapped up in work and the redundancy of life here that I forget to take a moment for myself and enjoy.


Thursday I got some free time and decided to take them to Belmont Estate and River Antoine Rum Distillery. I thought it would be easier to take a cab then the 3 bus rides, to which my family agreed, but I later learned it wasn't.

Disclaimer: Grenadians drive fast, VERY FAST. Life may move at the pace of a turtle, but cars do not! Anyways, we got the pleasure of having the most terrible taxi driver on island, who drove no more than 20 miles an hour the ENTIRE trip. We should of been taking an hour taxi ride, but a 3 and half hour ride awaited us. To say the least, I was VERY pissed off. I was pissed off for a number of reasons, but I ended up narrowing it down to the fact that the driver KNEW I was a local and still managed to take advantage of my family and their "supposed" money. The driver politely got a piece of my mind upon arrival, and coincidentally we made it back to town in normal time. hmmmm...

Belmont Estate is the local chocolate factory which still makes 100% organic chocolate on a plantation that dates back 300 years. They ha vent moved to the likes of massive machines that run Cadbury and Hershey plants, but still remain to use local man (and woman) power to produce the most delicious chocolate I've ever had. We took an awesome tour, drank some delicious spiced cocoa tea and of course brought home chocolate bars.

Next we ventured to the River Rum Distillery which still uses machines from the 1700's. We got to see how they crush the sugar cane, move it to large vats to rot and finally makes it to the production line, manned by 5 local employees. The distillery cannot keep up with local demand, so international export isn't a possibility, although its constantly asked about. I love the fact that the distillery wants to remain low key, locally employed and honest to the process of making rum. Although my aunt Lori opted out of trying the rum (bad experience), Mom and I jumped in to try the rum.

The last couple days of their visit we enjoyed the beach, pool and pina coladas. YUM. It was a great time and I'm so happy I got the chance to show some of my family just what my Peace Corps experience is all about. I cant wait til my sister can come with my mom next Christmas.

One more thing...I cant forget to thank my mom and aunt (and all the people that donated) for bringing over 100 pounds of school supplies for the Grenadian children. My school will never be able to thank you guys enough.

Until then...Its back to the real world with no A/C, bugs and work calling my name.