A Week into my Adventure!!...27 Months to Go

This will be a short post because I am tired  but it is my first post since I touched down in the Dominican Republic a week ago!! I am really excited to be here. Im also typing from a Spanish keyboard so no judgments please. The training team is pretty awesome, my host family is extremely understanding (of my lack of Spanish skills), and there are a lot of amazing people (that Ive already started to connect with) in my training group... there are 32 of us total.

well since its day 7 here goes the top 7 things I{ve learned so far in my 7 days here

7.) I will probably eat rice chicken (or some unknown meat) and beans (although I need to get used to the beans part) everyday while Im here...and if you know me you know that sounds great to me (Soy Nigeriana)
6.) 6 passengers in a 1992 corolla is the norm...and Im not even ready to discuss the guaguas
5.) when there is a death....the community really comes together to support...(Yes Ive already had to witness this unfortunately) but I appreciate the community bond in the barrios
4.) I have to ride a motoconho...think motorcycle...other wise PC volunteers could not get to 60% of the sites....wow!!
3.) Dominicans come in all shades and sizes. Here I am frequently mistaken for a Dominican woman and called morena linda until I open my mouth and say no entiendo (aye caramba!!)
2.) bucket showers!! I may be a pro already!!
1.) Youth everywhere inspire me and the D.R. is no exeption. Truly humbled to get to meet and live among some amazing youth down here. I cannot wait to become a volunteer!!

ps if you want to send me a letter...and you should I need words of encouragement...updates on your life...and gatorade packets (orange, fruit punch, or lemon lime) childrens books (in english and spanish) and an icebreaker book and some chewy bars cookies and creme. Send anything in a padded envelope...no boxes I cannot afford to pay to pick it up. I hear that if  you write Vaya Con Dios on it, it may not get tampered wth...Ill let you know when I get my uirst package if thats true.




send to Peace Corps
My name, PCT
Av Bolivar 451, Gazcue
Apartado 1412
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

Okay I promise a more indepth...thoughtful post sometime soon. good night loves

16 days left...

Well I am busy wrapping up life in the U.S. I've switched my blog over from applicants to D.R., I'm almost done purchasing items for my trip, and my going away party is on Saturday. I didn't get to see a lot of my favorite people, but I'm excited for who I've seen, will see, as well as those who will visit me in the D.R. (smile). Plus you can always send me a handwritten letter, I'll def appreciate those! 

2011 has been a whirlwind journey so far of outstanding accomplishments, bittersweet disappointments, and a beautiful ongoing struggle to discover my truths. In an effort to not become overly emotional about all that I'll leave behind and the adventure that awaits me in the Dominican Republic... I have a bunch of quotes below that frame my thinking and will keep me grounded as I transition. Enjoy. PS I'll post the list of things I'm taking to the D.R. soon

You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:14-16)

Be strong!
We are not here to play, to dream, to drift;
We have hard work to do and loads to lift;
Shun not the struggle, face it, ’tis God’s gift. -M. Babcock

Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined. -Henry David Thoreau

You must not lost faith in humanity. Humanity is an ocean; if a few drops of the ocean are dirty, the ocean does not become dirty. -Gandhi

Let us touch the dying, the poor, the lonely and the unwanted according to the graces we have received and let us not be ashamed or slow to do the humble work. -Mother Teresa

If you have come to help me you are wasting your time. But if you have come because your liberation is bound up with mine, then let us work together. -Aboriginal activists

  

I may never be cool enough to remember but I still hope the heart inside me touches people and reminds them of Christ.-my sister Connie

I don't pretend to know anything... But I know I love seeing people become their best selves. -Me

"When my world shakes, heaven still stands"-from my AP Ashley

All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence. -Martin Luther King Jr.

  

If you want to feel proud of yourself, then do good. Take action that will make you proud. Black or white, don't make excuses, don't blame anyone, and if you really want to feel proud, then do something to help someone else. -Oseola McCarty

We learn wisdom from failure much more than success. We often discover what we will do, by finding out what we will not do.
Samuel Smiles 

If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart. -Nelson Mandela

 

A Virtuous Woman uses her time wisely. She does not spend time dwelling on those things that do not please the Lord. -taken from Angel B.

Change does not roll in on the wheels of inevitability, but comes through continuous struggle. And so we must straighten our backs and work for our freedom. A man can't ride you unless your back is bent. -MLK Jr. 

There is always the danger that we may just do the work for the sake of the work. This is where the respect and the love and the devotion come in - that we do it to God, to Christ, and that's why we try to do it as beautifully as possible. -Mother Teresa

I dreamt that I could paint you with words, but there were no colors bright enough, black or white enough…they didn’t mean enough — Mos Def

Being unwanted, unloved, uncared for, forgotten by everybody, I think that is a much greater hunger, a much greater poverty than the person who has nothing to eat. -Mother Teresa

All men dream but not equally. Those who dream by night in the dusty recesses of their minds wake in the day to find that it was vanity; but the dreamers of the day are dangerous men, for they may act their dream with open eyes to make it possible.
T.E. Lawrence

More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. (Romans 5:3-5)

I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.-Nelson Mandela

 
Give yourself fully to the adventure of today. Walk boldly along the path of Life, relying on your ever present Companion. You have every reason to be confident because My Presence accompanies you all the days of your life - and …onward into eternity. Do not give into your fear or worry, those robbers of abundant living. Trust Me enough to face problems as they come, rather than trying to anticipate them. Fix your eyes on Me, the Author and Perfecter of your faith, and many difficulties in the road ahead will vanish before you reach them. Whenever you start to feel afraid remember that I am holding your right hand. Nothing can separate you from My Presence.

 
I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word in reality. This is why right, temporarily defeated, is stronger than evil triumphant.-MLK Jr. 

Never underestimate the inspirational power of your own journey. When people see you changing your life, they may be moved to follow your lead.

A Month of Updates

I hope I have more to say once I am actually in the Dominican Republic; I am not a fan of once a month blog posts. However, the past month has been quite eventful and extremely hectic.

I spent most of it adjusting to living out of a book bag and developing my youth facilitating skills—which will def come in handy while I’m in the Dominican Republic.

I spent 3 weeks at Amherst College in Massachusetts serving as a Rap Director for the College Summit program. (check it out: www.collegesummit.org)  This summer marked my 4^th summer serving as a Rap Director trainee-which meant it was time to become a certified Rap director (youth facilitator). I’ve spent the past 3 years overcoming obstacles, taking possibility walks, making positive choices for myself, thinking outside of the box, accepting acknowledgements for my accomplishments, getting rid of my ice princess mask, studying and living the curriculum: in preparation for this moment. My College Summit Rap Director process and journey has positively impacted my life: it is huge reason why I finally had the courage to serve as a Peace Corps volunteer. It is oftentimes hard for me to finish things that benefit me solely, I have no problem completing and spending countless hours working on things that impact and benefit others. I was nervous about this milestone because it has been the most selfish yet selfless one I’ve ever endured.

In the middle of preparing for this momentous occasion, I began to receive tons of staging information from the Peace Corps At first it was hard to focus on College Summit when the next 27 months was calling…or rather emailing with new info everyday. Complete sidenote: I am slightly relieved that staging is in Virginia because I only have to travel from staging to the Dominican Republic. BUT I am a little nervous about waking up at 2am in preparation for our flight to the D.R. I’m sure I’ll be too nervous to sleep so I probably don’t have to worry about oversleeping. Sidenote over. Anyways I regained my composure and focused on being in the moment—and I’m so thankful I did because (not being in the moment) would have cost me countless memories, laughs, tears, and vulnerability that my peer leaders deserved.

Now back Rap Directing….I was excited, scared, and nervous. I spent 2 weeks with an amazing I spent the first 2 weeks co-facilitating with someone else…who challenged me to be in the moment, get out of my head, and share myself with the students authentically. It was just the advice I needed to step into my next level of facilitation.

My trainer “Mama T” came to Amherst to certify me. As soon as she arrived, she took my Rap Director manual from me.  I usually referred to it before sessions in the previous 2 workshops. But I simply focused on my intentions….got out of my head…and checked the tone of the room to gauge how to implement my intentions. It was a 4day workshop chalk full of many challenges and an unreal heat wave, but despite all, my peer leaders earned their 5 goals by Sunday at 12:30. And I have reached my milestone as well….Mama T certified me!! I was ecstatic…this has been the most fulfilling inward journey/outward service in my life so far.

I’ve been back in Maryland since late Sunday night trying to readjust for a few weeks and get a little rest (no luck so far with the latter). Now I have less than 20 days to research and buy the rest of my gear, pack, and say goodbye to all of my friends and family. AHHHHHHHH! That probably didn’t sum up all of my emotions but it gives you a sense. It is indeed a stressful time but I am thankful that everything is coming together (as it always does when I let go and let God). I am also hoping that I have a day or 2 to just reflect on the chapters that are coming to a close and the new one that is about to begin. I tend to complete one thing and leap headfirst into another, but this time I want to enjoy every component of each journey and be in every moment. And I plan to be intentional about it =)

Peace Corps' events bring much needed updates

The last time I posted was almost a month ago, right after I received my invitation to serve in the Dominican Republic.There is a lot to write about in this post so please bear with me. I know I've got to get in the habit now of updating this more now so here goes.

First....let me update you on the past month.... I immediately accepted my invite and realized later that I probably should have given myself a couple of days because it was a crazy week trying to meet the deadline of submitting my updated my resume and creating my aspiration statement while prepping for my students' graduation. Also, with accepting my invite came the immediate prep to not be in the U.S. after august. So I went into a frenzy of preparing to move, letting my school know that I would not be returning, sharing the news with all of my family and friends, and prepping all of my financial/loan/car documents for the 27 months I will be gone.

Graduation: My students graduated on June 13...and the theme was Coolidge to College....I was surprised and elated that this was the theme chosen because I partnered with students. It was a theme I had been working on over the past year and a half to plan through the College Summit program. However the students implemented it and used us (their awesome English teacher, their DC-Cap advisor, and myself) as the support they needed to graduate and create a successful postsecondary plan. It was such a gift to watch each student walk across the stage and hug me after they received their diploma. It was one of the most special days of my life and great preparation for the Peace Corps. There were days when I questioned why I chose to teach, if students were benefiting for my presence, why it take so much  time to make a real difference, what are they gaining in the day to day, how do I help them invest in their own learning and their futures.... Clearly I could go on and on but you get the point...I couldn't see progress in the day to day but everyday that I went to work with intentions for my students and positivity, it all worked out because they worked hard to overcome numerous obstacles. And I won't be here to see all of the fruits of my labor of love as they go off to college, but thats more than alright. It was never about me, I'm just thankful to have supported them in their journey. While I have no concrete expectations for my Peace Corps service, I hope that I can reflect on my service and feel the same way that I feel about my partnership with my students.

Just as soon as I was overcome with these joyful emotions, I had to move on to the next task at hand....moving...which was definitely frustrating and slightly overwhelming.

Moving: To pack up one's things and figure out what to keep or throw away is an exhausting transitional endeavor. I've moved a lot in the past so dare I say I'm slightly used to this...but this was the first time that I was not moving into my next place. Instead I spent the last 3 weeks sorting through my acquired things, trying to figure out what I could part with and what I just had to keep for when I returned. It was difficult because my parents live in a smaller place so they do not have space for most of my stuff. I have luggage at friends' houses and I had to part/try to sell a lot of my stuff. I know that you should not become attached to material things but I think all of this jarred my world a little because I will really have to start all over when I return. I was watching a movie at my friend's house last Thursday (when my move out was complete) and just cried for about 30 minutes (although I was watching a sad movie about a girl who was losing her father to cancer) but I knew I needed to release a lot of my emotions. I've been kind of bouncing around my friends houses and my parent's house until I head to New York for some college access workshops that I am facilitating. It has been good practice (I think) to live out of a bag and keep as few things with me as possible. Special thanks to my Mom, Dad, Linette, KK, and Ashley for your help and support with my move...and space on your couch!

Black Peace Corps event: At the BPCV event in May, we were encouraged to bring our friends and I'm thankful to have a core group of women around me who encourage, love, and hold me accountable-so of course they came to the event. My friends were open to learning more about the Peace Corps and a couple have started their own application. I hope that this blog and conversations that I have with friends will encourage more people to research and learn about Peace Corps. Here is a pic of me and some of Core after the event

Peace Corps Porch: So if you are in the D.C. area, I hope you know that Peace Corps is featured in the Smithsonian folklore Festival and I was asked to speak on the Peace Corps Porch about my inspiration to serve. It has been such a long process from when I first had the courage to submit my application to the complete joy I felt when I received my invitation that I've had to spend a couple of days in reflection of all of the highs and lows I've experienced for this event. I spoke about my service in the community I've grown up in and how I have always learned more from the students I've served than I've ever given to them. I spoke about how I'm looking to share what I know, build capacity in the community I get to serve in, and share life with the people in my community. I am not planning nor creating expectations for my service and thereafter (except spending time talking to people and I likened that experience to sitting on the Peace Corps porch)  It turned out really well and there were several RPCVs there who offered me words of wisdom and encouragement. (On that note I've got to add in that RPCVs and current PCVs in the D.R. have been really supportive--from emailing me and answering a million questions to posting packing lists --it has all been extremely helpful and comforting.)

That's all I can think to include at this point. I'm hoping you do not have to wait another month to hear from me again. If you made it to the end of this post, I'm impressed!! Remember to share your thoughts so I'll be encouraged to write more =)

PS: I hope to create another section soon to thank all of the wonderful family and friends in my life who have the courage to let me go live out my dream--and support me while I do it. It means more than they will ever know and I think its important that people get a chance to smell the roses while they can =)

Hasta Luego!! I'm Headed to the Dominican Republic

"We can do no great things - only small things with great love" -Mother Teresa

I saw this on twitter this morning so I think its really fitting that I lead with this. This entire process has been about completing a number of steps with care and love. Some parts were extremely tedious and exhausting, but in reflection...well worth it. I had the opportunity to open my packet in front of my core sisters, and it was what we had suspected (and hoped for): I will serve as a Youth Development Promoter in the Dominican Republic!!!!!!!

It's hard to describe all of the emotions I felt after opening the packet. Excitement, nervousness, humility, sincere thanks. But more importantly confirmation. In 2009, I was beginning the process of coming out of a rough space. I wrote a letter to myself which included a list of 30 things I wanted to do before 30. Before I even knew how wide open and flexible placements for the Peace Corps is... #6 on my list was to serve as a Peace Corps Volunteer in the Dominican Republic. (naive right) So to actually have the opportunity to serve there, gives me further confirmation that this is a God order step.

One of my line sister's just sent me an email that said I hope you do as much learning down there as teaching. And I definitely plan to. I'm not out to accomplish some great feat so I can look back and say...yep that was all me. If you know me you know I actually don't like the spotlight at all and I'm still learning to accept compliments and kudos. God's purpose for my life is to serve, and because of that I know I will openly immerse myself in the day to day lives of the people I'll be blessed to meet.

There's so much more I could say but its off to graduation rehearsal....my babies graduate on Monday! Plus there are an awful lot of contents in the BBP that I need to re-read and a million forms I need to fill out. And as my PS put it so eloquently on my invitation letter: "keep learning Spanish" so that will become a much bigger part of my daily routine. Thanks to all of the PC applicants whose blogs gave me insight and comfort in knowing that I am not alone. And to those who are just starting, see it through, this journey is well worth it.

Invited!!!!!!!!

Soooo I had my final interview yesterday! I was sitting with my friend at work and she was trying to convince me to call my placement assistant. I told her that I did not want to disturb the busy people in the Placement Office. She finally convinced me to send an email to the lady I met at the Black RPCV event. As soon as I turned to send her an email (reluctantly might I add) I had one email in my inbox...from my Placement Specialist(PS)!!

I have been waiting for this email for forever, and as soon as I got it, I immediately started procrastinating. Its amazing how you wait and pray for something but as soon as you have it, anxiety hits. I started delaying in responding to the email and finally decided that I would just call. Thankfully he picked up!! We talked about a number of things and I was on edge and nervous because I had no idea what he was thinking the entire time. We talked about how I should not expect to run throughout my community (gender roles), I'm not on a 2 year mission trip (because I spoke a lot about my faith in my essay), my job may be really unstructured (go youth development!), if I am willing to go anywhere and serve in a rural location (I said I would go anywhere I felt I would be safe and rural would be uncomfortable but I'm willing to be stretched), and I may need to cut my locs (dredlocks in certain parts of the world are associated with people who are in jail or involved in organized gangs). I felt pretty good during the convo but as we continued, I realized I had no idea or direction as to where to or when I would get an invite. He also asked me if i was available in august, September, or October, and I eagerly said yes. He also mentioned that he had to take my medical restriction and special education background into consideration. 45 minutes later, I had passed placement but there was no congrats you've been invited at the end of the convo.

So, needless to say I was kind of a wreck after the call. I was anxious and unsure of what would be next. Thankfully, my PS didn't keep me waiting because he called me 5 minutes later! He said that he had called me originally with a program in mind and he wanted to talk to me about before sending the invite. So he said I am going to serve in a Spanish speaking country in the Caribbean or Latin America, mid august, as a youth development volunteer. He said tourists visit but there is real work to be done with at risk youth. I told him it sounded perfect-my original nomination. I'm completely thrilled and ecstatic that I patiently waited for this!!

And....I actually already have the packet!! (For once it pays to live so close to D.C.!) I was able to open the packet around some of my dear friends. Once I inform all of my family and friends, and read through all of the content in the Big Blue Packet (BBP), I'll be sure to add another post!

Placement Contact

Progress, hope, and comfort all in one week about the Peace Corps.

I have a specific contact in placement =) She sent me an email last Friday requesting an updated resume, transcript, and proof that I've been actively learning Spanish. She also informed me that they are unsure whether or not the program I had been nominated to would be cut or not; they are still evaluating programs for final cuts. She asked if I would still want to be considered for placement after january 2012 if in fact my program is cut. So at least I know where I stand right now.... progress...

So I responded (and of course sent her the wrong resume, it wouldn't be me if that didn't happen) and told her that it really didn't matter when, I am still completely committed to this process...but I did mention that I would want to leave between June and August 2012 since any job I would get....or if I continued teaching, I would want to service students for the entire year and not just half of it. I haven't heard back from her about that so perhaps I will just leave in August as originally planned =) hope....

The other amazing Peace Corps event that happened this week was the Black RPCV/PCV/prospective PCV happy hour in D.C. I am sooooo thankful I went. I met a lot of people who enjoyed their experiences, stayed through COS and even one who extended their service. Many of them served in the Caribbean, Latin or South America, so it was great to hear their perspective. It was a wonderful opportunity to network....in my time there, I was promised letters and soap when I leave, offered Rosetta Stone, convinced someone to consider becoming a special education teacher (because we rock!) and connected with someone who is going to come to my school and do an HIV/AIDS presentation..... awesome!

But more than that, I received some comfort.... I am not alone. It is definitely important to create a circle to share what I may or may not experience as a volunteer and to have someone else who has been throughout understand my unique perspective. I also realized how important it was for me to be an ambassador, more people who look like me and come from where I'm from should venture to explore the world through traveling and serving internationally. I am hoping that this blog can be a vessel that provides insight into my experiences and encourages my friends and family to consider serving as well.

Well back to enjoying a wonderful weekend (in the middle of nowhere) with my lovely sisters in Christ as we grow closer to God, rest, and strengthen our connection. Enjoy your Memorial day weekend everyone!!