So, I know I haven’t really updated since I got to Jamaica.
Sorry! I just haven’t felt like writing. I have stuff to write about. I just
haven’t really had the energy. Training is from 8 to 5, so by the time I get
home, I’m just ready to eat, chill, and go to sleep. And the heat is really
tiring. The air conditioner has got to be like one of the greatest inventions
ever, and I am REALLY missing it right now.
Anyways, I’ve been inspired to write a new post because
another trainee’s mom (shoutout to Matt’s Mom!) read my blog, liked it, and
thought I should write more. So I’m really gonna try to keep this blog running.
The main purposes will be to keep friends informed about my life and/or general
well-being and also to help fulfill the third mission of the Peace Corps which
is “Helping promote a better understanding of other peoples on the part of
Americans.” Now I know you’re dying to
find out the first and second missions of PC, so here is the full quote from my
handbook:
The mission of the Peace Corps is to promote world peace and friendship by:
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Updates!
· Helping promote a better understanding of Americans on the part of peoples served
· Helping promote a better understanding of other peoples on the part of Americans
Yeah, it sounds all sappy and hippy-like. Probably because it was started by John F. Kennedy in the 60’s. But it’s been going strong ever since. To learn more, visit www.peacecorps.gov .
Alright, so what have I been doing? Well, on March 17, I took my first plane ride ever from Birmingham to Atlanta. Quite an experience. Flight got delayed. I was supposed to leave at 6 am but left at about 7 am instead, which caused me to miss my 9:40 flight to Miami and forced me take a 12:30 flight. Safely arrived in Miami. Luggage was lost. Waited. Luggage was found. Waited. Finally got a shuttle. Arrived at hotel at about 2:30 pm…staging started at 12:30 pm. Soo, I was late to staging. Missed the meet and greet. Had to catch up. Got my H1N1 shot. Filled out forms. Got dinner with everyone. Etc, Etc, Etc.
The next day we all woke up really really early, left the hotel, flew to Jamaica, met staff and volunteers at the airport, went to a welcome ceremony, filled out more forms, then went to a hotel. The first few days are really a big blur. So much happened so fast. It’s tiring just to think about it. But it was definitely exciting too. All of us had been waiting for months for this to come and we were finally here.
So, now what’s going on is PST (Pre-Service Training). We are not yet volunteers, but trainees hoping to become volunteers in about 3 months. We have sessions everyday from 8 to 5 covering topics such as language and culture, safety and security, integration, etc. It would bore you to go into details. Basically, they’re covering everything we would need to know to be successful development workers.
On Saturday, the 20th, we moved in with our host families, who we will be living with for about 2 and a half weeks, as part of the community-based training. It’s basically to help with the integration process. Get familiar with the food, culture, Patois, etc. Then we’ll split up into our different sectors for our Hub-based training. Youth trainees will be in one city and health and environment trainees will be in another. At this point we’ll be getting sector-specific technical training. We’ll each be living with new host families and continuing the integration process. After about 3 total months of training, we’ll swear in as volunteers. Got it?
So, how am I feeling? Good. A little tired. Just taking it all in. I’m adjusting. Adjusting is hard at times. But it makes me stronger. That’s what I keep telling myself lol. I miss the US. I miss home. I miss my favorite foods (the food is here good too, but different; it deserves a post of its own). I miss my freedom; I should probably explain that a little more. See, Jamaica is a tad bit dangerous. BUT, foreigners generally aren’t targeted. Still, our host families and PC sorta keep a tight leash. It’s understandable though; they want us to be safe. Most of us can barely understand what people are saying here, so I’m pretty sure we’re not ready to just roam around on our own yet. Baby steps. I miss being able to just jump in my car, go anywhere, and do anything I want. I MISS AIR CONDITIONING. Can’t stress that enough.
In future posts, I’ll talk about language, culture, foods, and whatever else I find interesting. I’ll also talk about how I’m always mistaken for a Jamaican, at least until I start talking…
Laita!(Later!)
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Benita: Thanks for adding to your post. I am certain all of your friends and family have been delighted to hear of your adventure since you left home. And, to me, it is nice to hear another side of the story. Keep up your blog. All of us with kids, family or friends in Jamaica with the PC will wait for your next update. Thanks! Matt's Mom
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