St. Patrick's Kindy Wokabot

The Kindy (kindergarten) 0f St. Patrick's headed to Center, the south part of the island, to celebrate Kindy Day. They all wore matching island attire to represent there SPC. Here are a couple photos commemorating their departure.

Quebec Day in Vanuatu!

Today I had the privilege of celebrating Quebec day with my new Canadian friends. Who knew that the first time I would ever hear about Quebec day would be all the way in Vanuatu?! We listened to fulap French music, ate really good French toast, along with other delicious goodies. A little rain, but over all a very enjoyable day!

I'm the worst blogger...

It's been well of two years in Vanuatu and I have officially given myself the title of Worst Peace Corps Blogger EVER.

I have officially ended my second year as a PCV in Vanuatu and have begun my third and final year. The best thing about extending a third year is the benefit of getting flown home for 35-45 days. My home leave will begin on December 14th - I'm so excited to see my friends and family. A small part of me is a bit nervous because I'm not sure what to expect, I mean, things have definitely changed for all of us.

Besides my home leave coming in a few weeks, I am proud to announce that my Peace Corps Partnership has been fully funded! This means that my lab will get a new N-computer system to replace six of our 'outdated' systems, and also clear up some space in the lab because the system will take up less space.  I will be spending the last two weeks of my time in Vanuatu ordering and (hopefully) shipping the equipment to my island. We will see, I'm sure this process won't be a smooth as I'm hoping it to be. I will also be learning how to make my own network cables - this I'm excited for (YES, I'm a nerd) because I finally get to use the crimper that was donated to me from a nice tech guy from Australia, Dave. So, what better way to spend my last few weeks in paradise before going to Las Vegas... I love my job!

Ok, last few somethings before I publish my latest blog... hmmmm.... oh yes, notice to any tourists planning a trip to East Ambae - There is a new bar called the Beach Bar. This place won't look like much, but with the right people, It's a hoot n' a half :)

Cheers!!

Third year extension paperwork submitted

Christina and I at school

This past week I officially submitted my extension letter along with my school's supporting letter. I'm so very excited about this next year (even tho year 2 isn't even finished yet)... I finally know what's going! This past year hasn't run as smoothly as I would have hoped for, but on a personal level, things are pretty great. I realized early on in my service that teaching computers in a county like Vanuatu is not easy because the lack of resources available - reliable power, internet, working computers, etc, but still I have signed on for another year because even without these resources, the gratitude that I see in my student's faces is what makes it worth the stay!

Some of my students opening a box of donated books

(2011) year 12 students in class

(2011) My counterpart working with our year 12 cass.

Tacos y Margaritas!

Headed to Saratamata tonight for tacos and margaritas... and kava!

100 Dei blo Mommy

It's taken me awhile to write a blog about this, but I think I've finally found the right time...

When you decide to join the Peace Corps, you plan on leaving you family and friends for at least 2 years of your life. Before the journey, we wonder about the new people that we'll meet or the new friends that we're bound to make as we all travel down the same 2 year path (less traveled by for sure). What we don't expect is the fact that we could loose that new somebody to something as tragic as death.

I'm not an emotional person at all, but having to cope with the death of my host-mother, somebody who had taken me in as one of her own daughters from the beginning, was so emotionally devastating for me. My reaction was complete shock (still is today), as it was for my family here on Ambae.  I feel a great loss, but I feel for my sisters and brothers who have lost their mommy to an illness still this day unknown.

The death shook everything up in my life, as well as my family's. Since I was not on the island when she passed away, I missed the beginning. I came back about 25 days after and really felt as If things were completely different. Going to the family's house for dinner and small story times with mom were over - "no more simboro blong mommy", my sisters would say. The house that once was filled with singing and laughter were now filled with tears and long moments of silence. I really miss her.

We celebrated the 100th day on April 26th at the family's village. The hoas blong mommy (grave) was almost complete and family from all the surrounding villages were there to say their final farewells. At bongies on Ambae, everybody gets together for large kakaes and kava drinking. My family had held these bongies every 5th day since the death of my mom - that is a lot of laplap and kava! It was always good to see people that I hadn't since Christmas or even before the holidays, but I knew that after this main day, the bongies would end and things would go back to their normal ways.

Normal way, hmm..... I still am uncertain as to what will happen with my family. Will my dad send my sisters off to school in Port Vila, will my brothers be sent to live in the village with other mommies - mi no save now. I just hope for the best and send my thoughts to my family. I know things will never be the same now that she is gone, but I can still make the most of the remaining time I have here and try to help whenever I can.

I did get to take part in a kastom the day before the 100 days. I killed two pigs which came with a new kastom name - Molimataravi. The pig killing was just one of many events that took place the day before and the day of the 100th day. I'm grateful that my family let me be part of this custom ceremony - a memory that I will truly remember for a lifetime!

Happy Easter

My Easter, this year, was spent in Santo once again. The easily accessible island near Ambae is a perfect getaway for those well-needed and well-deserved walkabouts. It's always great coming to Santa and getting a chance to see friends. After the past few months at school, I was very ready to get on that plane and head over the big blue ocean.

Why would I say that I'm ready to getaway? Well, lets just say the past few months have been very stressful and tiring. Our power at the school has been out which has in turn made my teaching computers extremely difficult. I don't think there is anything worse for a student than sitting in front of a computer and not even getting to use them for weeks on end. I think the hardest thing I've had to endure would be the constant planning and developing lessons that can be taught without power, but still be enjoyable. Just last week, I had two classes (both double periods) in the afternoon. The students were full from lunch, the room was hot and there I w as talking about the difference between system software and application software and computer impacts on our society. I've noticed that these two subjects are just the thing if your looking to put your students to sleep.

So, having to deal with ongoing planning and having students constantly come up to me asking when the lab is going to open... well, I'm tired and I need a break.  Now, my last day in Santo is here and I'm heading back to Ambae tomorrow afternoon. I'm looking forward to getting back home. Only a couple more weeks of this term left - sooooooo much to do yet! I'm hoping the power comes back before the start of term 2!

Ale for now :)

Kangaroo Meat, McDonald's, Cider, and Museums - Sydney Australia

Dad and I on a the Manly ferry :)

I can finally say that I have been to Australia - the trip was amazing and well worth it. We managed to eat, drink, and do pretty much everything that we planned to. My dad and step mom came and hung out with us for a few days... always good to see the family from time to time.

My good friend Jennifer made a great video, so I'll go ahead and share that we you all. Click on the link - Australia!

Mac, Jen, and Me

My Peace Corps Partnership was finally approved and has been posted on the PC website. If you are feeling in the giving mood, feel free to donate to my project. If not, that's ok... take a look anyway and read about my project and my school. Cheers!

https://www.peacecorps.gov/index.cfm?shell=donate.contribute.projDetail&projdesc=461-052

YEAR ONE FINISHED WITH RAIN – YEAR TWO BEGINS WITH RAIN

So, my first year is over and completed and I feel pretty darn good about it. I know the work that I did at my school and the surrounding villages have really been successful in every aspect in regards to IT. My classes all managed to run smoothly with only a few hiccups that I was able to suppress. I was able to fix pretty much every computer that came to me that either needed updates, repairs, or new installs. Also, I managed to teach the entire bit of term 3 without power and the use of my very small computer – this probably being the hardest. 

Now that classes are over and I started to enjoy my spel, I’m taking the time to look back and figure out what I can do to better improve my classes, manage my time, update my computer lab, ­­and prepare myself in case I end up without a counterpart next year.  The loss of my counterpart will end up forcing me to take on years 12 and 13, letting go of years 9 and 10, and keeping year 11. I admit that I am a little sad about dropping the younger classes (which are headaches at times, but fun headaches), but I will do whatever I have to next year to make sure things go as they should. I have a total of two weeks left to figure out what all I need to do before the school officially closes – which I think will be sometime after December 2^nd. As far as extending my contract, I’ve moved more to the idea of not staying and heading back home after a few months of travelling. I figure I’m not getting any older and I should probably figure out what I should do with the rest of my life – get some sort of plan in action. Then maybe I can re-apply back to PC and then serve again at a later time. Yea, I think that’s more of the way to go. Ahh, but the life of a PCV teacher – the long summer holiday off is pretty nice... give me a couple more months to make a decision on that.

After the holidays (Christmas and New Years), two of my good PCV friends and myself are taking a well deserved trip to Sydney Australia. We are staying for two weeks and during this time I will get to see my dad and step-mom. Really looking forward to the time away from the islands and eating some good white man kakae. The only thing that I’m afraid of is not having any decent clothes to wear, haha, never thought that would ever be a problem I’d have to face! The first thing on the list of things to do when we first arrive in Sydney is shopping for clothes after eating of course.

I think that’s it for now. The rest of my dad is fully planned, but completely dependent on the weather. I have a little shopping for my Secret Friend gift for our staff party this Friday, work on a virus-infested computer at the Education office, and check on the girls about Thanksgiving plans for tomorrow... oooh Thanksgiving J Rain rain go away please!

Term 2 Finished, Afta Sports and VILA!

Happy to announce that the end of term 2 has finally arrived! I'm surprised with how fast it has flown by, but at the same time sorry that it's going by so fast. Now that the students are finished with all their exams, we will head to Maewo tomorrow for the start of PISSA games. The games officially start on Sunday, so we'll have a few extra days before hand to get settled in. I'm looking forward the time on Maewo as well as the time I get to spend with the students! Also, I finally get the chance to try this strong Maewo kava I keep hearing about.

After PISSA, it's Vila time for a little training, project planning, and a little re-charging of the body and soul. A well-deserved break from the island is well over due and I'm extremely looking forward to this. I'm excited to see all my fellow pcvs as well!

Coaching at PISSA

Myself and my counterpart have been given the duty of coaching the senior and junior girls soccer teams for our school for the PISSA games next month. I'm a bit nervous because I have never coached a team before, only played. The girls are excited and so am I... hoping we do well!

On a sad note - the US Girls team lost today against Japan in the Women's World Cup. Megan and I went to a neighboring village to watch the game. We were lucky to watch it, but sad to have lost such an important match. It's only a game, right?! Next time girls :)

Term 2 - Bae Hemi Klosap Finis Nao

Term 2 is nearly over and I'm a eagerly counting down the days until my next trip to Vila. This past term has been great and very busy. We haven't had any trouble with any of the computers in my lab - hoping this lasts until at least the end of the year. We finally got Internet, but now I never seem to have to time to use it. I managed to get most of the students into the lab for an Internet/Computer orientation class... that was fun and a headache at the same time. Image at least 150 kids all ages 15-20 with no computer experience using a computer WITH Internet for the frist time. It was a challenge, but I think most of them are getting the hang of it.

Besides school, there are few more things in the planning. My friend Megan has started a girls youth soccer league on our island. She has three teams at one school and I have about three teams (unofficially) at my school in the works. We had a small coaching workshop this past weekend to train a few of the senior girls - I want them to coach the younger girls. The registration will start on Monday or Tuesday for the official teams. This should be exciting once things get going. Megan and I are in dire need for equipment, but hoping to get funding next month for balls, jerseys, and cleats.

On a spell note - a few of us are planning a trip to SE Asia during the skul spel. I can't even imagine how much fun this well be! I think the planning will begin sometime in August. I'm glad that we decided to go there instead of the states because I think a trip back home would be too hard on me. It would be too hard to go see friends and family (emotionally), eat good food, and then have to come back - that's just my opinion, but I do know some other volunteers that are planning on going home and who are excited. I just know that I wouldn't handle it too well. Might at well take advantage of my time in the part of the would to travel around.

Sorry bakagen - I know my English spelling and grammar are both worse now than ever before, but Bislama will do that. Until next time, lukim yu

A little bit of everything samting

Ah, Ambae… probably one of the best islands on Vanuatu (at least in my opinion.) I finally made it back to my site on Wednesday of last week. Leaving Vila and coming back to island life after nearly three weeks of crazy white man bliss was almost too much to handle. Unlike my first arrival on Ambae back in November of last year, this time is was troublesome to say the least. I’m not quite sure what put me into a funk when I returned, but the feeling of emptiness and loneliness crept its way into my soul and wouldn't leave.

My two evil and unwanted friends stayed with me until Friday, when I finally made it out to my family’s village, Mataravi. There, I was greeted with an abundance of kisses and handshakes from all my mommies, daddies, aunties, bubus, and pikinini. I think all I really needed was to be surrounded by happiness, and if you’ve ever been to a village in Vanautu, you know that this isn’t something hard to find.

While at my village I decided to take some time for me. I have found a favorite palm tree that sits overlooking the ocean, and from there you can see both Maewo and Pentecost. I often go to this place when I need alone time. I sit there and look out and imagine what my friends on doing on either island… are they doing the same thing, looking back at me? I always feel uplifted after I sit there for any amount of time, like it’s a mini getaway from reality. The view is amazing and always reminds me of how lucky I am to be living in such a beautiful place – Vanuatu.

I knew that these horrible feelings of homesickness and despair would eventually show their faces, I just didn’t know when. We are all too good of friends now and the relationship that we share is one that now knows it’s boundaries. The past few months leading up to my past trip to Vila was a strong sign that I’d be able to handle my time alone so far away from home. Also, I can say thank you to my friends here in Vanuatu for being so supportive. Even though my sadness showed for only a few days, talking with friends who were either experiencing the same pain or had already faced it, really helped me a lot. J

After letting you know about the struggle of my return, I’ll let you know how much fun I had while in Port Vila…

Basically, the entire first two weeks were spent at the Peace Corps office in what was called “Phase Two” training. Most of the sessions that we sat in were very informative and then information presented will definitely be handy tools for once school actually begins. For the second week of training, the IT teachers and the Teacher Trainers were separated and put into two different groups. Unlike the first leg of training back in October and September, this was actually very helpful.

Besides all the actual PC work, we did indeed find time to have a good time. I spent the majority of the time paling around with my friend Jennifer. The spark in our relationship revealed itself early on due to the fact that our minds and bellies both have similar interests. Anyway, along with Jennifer and all my other SHREPer friends here in Vanuatu, we took our time in Vila as a way to enjoy ourselves and relax from island life. I’m pretty sure I drank kava almost every night… I like kava and maybe just a little too much hehe.

Kava weekends always ended up leading to nights of dancing at Voodoo and then Maxies (a favorite of mine). After dancing and drinking, a quick bite to eat at Emile’s (a little 24/7 restaurant and then a nice stroll back to the Coconut as the sun was coming up. The end of the first crazy night in Vila, with the sun coming up, made me miss Las Vegas just a little bit. Oh, how I can still remember the many times I came home after a wonderful night of dancing with my girls… soon my friends, soon.

Ok, so now I’m back home in my lovely house at Saint Patrick’s College. After my little unhappy hiccup, I’m really to get back into things. This is the last free week until school commences next week. School is scheduled to begin on the 14^th, but classes usually don’t really start until the following week. More teachers have arrived and it’ really nice to see everybody back again. My neighbor has also returned – hopefully this will aid in deterring any creepers from coming around during this next year.

I’ve started going back into my lab, cleaning and doing small repairs on what I’m able to fix. Sometimes I still feel that I’m not really fixing anything rather just moving things around, but I think I am. The lab has 13 computers in total and two that I still haven’t been able to fix… this drives me crazy! Eventually I will figure out what’s wrong with them and get them fixed, but nothing too concrete can happen until I more reliable power during the day. This is something to look forward to once school starts – POWER.

I got a glimpse of the classes I’ll be teaching next year, ouch! I have all of year 9, two hours of year 10, and two hours of year 11. I’m not really sure how everything will come together, but I have faith that things will and I’ll just be fine. I’m very nervous and can’t wait for this feeling to be over with. I’m guessing in a couple weeks things will start to settle into place and I’ll be in a routine that fits me most appropriately. I’ll try to do my best with keeping you all posted on my successes J Oh, and a big Thank You to DJ Gil Barba for supplying me with my ‘Getting Ready for School’ soundtrack, and for Jessica Rodriguez for sending me the CD… miss you guys! There is nothing like great beats to get you on the right track haha.

Island Life Bakagen

So, we finally just finished our last leg of training in Vila and are finally heading home after two weeks of being away. I'm happy to be going home, but very sad to be leaving all my fellow SHREPers. The past few weeks have been full of teacher-training, kava drinking, dancing, and spelling. Now, as I sit here in Santo, I'm just beginning to realize how much I wasn't able to accomplish while I was in town. No worries tho, I'll have plenty of time to work on stuff once I get back home.

Now, a little about training...

Our training began on the 18th and lasted until the 28th. The days all began around 7:30am and finished around 3-3:30pm. Each day we had talk talks with various people who work within the Education sector here in Vanuatu. The training was great, especially the IT. I believe this time around, the training for our group was a step up from the last. I'm taking back a bunch of resources that I think will be beneficial for both Stephanie and I for the new year.

What did we do on our down time? Well, plenty of things to do and not enough time to do them all. Myself and a few other volunteers took it upon ourselves to enjoy kava almost every night while in Vila. I managed to check out six different kava bars while in Vila. Seaside Maewo was my favorite one out of the group with Reynolds being a close second. I've named Reynolds the 'Epcot' of kava bars because they offer kava from different islands. I like having the option to choose different kinds at one location.

The downside of drinking kava, for me at least, is the lack of desire for food afterwards. Some people enjoying eating a big meal, but me not so much. I was planning on having a 'Last Supper' with Jennifer on our last night, but kava took precedence and I missed out on a delicious pasta meal from the hotel. I'm a fan of kava, so this wasn't such a bad thing.

So now, after all this time being away from my site... I'm ready to go back. I actually miss my host family and my house. I'm looking forward to sleeping in my own 'large' bed and showering in my own shower. I might have even possibly gained a little weight while I was in Vila, so it'll be nice to shed that off again, haha. I'm excited to see if my avocado tree has started producing it's delicious little fruits :) I was told that it would be by the time I returned... fingers crossed. Also, power should be back on all day which will allow me to start working in my lab during the day again. So many things to do... ale for now!

My Ambae - My Home

I’ve attempted in the past few months to finish this first blog posting, but haven’t been able to scrape up the energy to actually write… via computer. I believe I have about 4 different files all labeled the same, but nothing worth posting. So, here it goes bakbakagaen J I do want to point out that I am in no way a professional writer, so be easy on my grammatical and/or spelling errors… I’m sure there will be a few. I’m only using this site as a tool to share my thoughts and experiences with you, my friends.

On the 5^th of November, myself and fellow volunteers where officially sworn. Our swearing took place in Port Vila, the capital of Vanuatu in Efate. I don’t really think the realness of being an official PCV (Peace Corps Volunteer) had sunken in until I landed on my island, Ambae. For the most part I was very comfortable at first, even during my 7-week stay at my training village. I think it was because I was always surrounded by other ‘Whiteman.’ The training village was a great way to learn about the culture and language of Vanuatu, but it was almost like a mini holiday, something that you knew would be over in a few weeks and then it was off to Port Vila for the remainder of training. Well, that is all behind me and I can honestly say that it feels very much real now that I’m here.

A little about my island and what I’ve begun to call home for the next 2 years, Ambae. From the moment I landed on this gorgeous island, I knew was where I was supposed to be. Very unsure of what to expect when I arrived and not knowing if anybody would be at the airport to greet me, all seemed a little unnerving. About a week before my arrival I had tried ringing both my principal and host papa, who’s also the deputy principal, to discuss the details. They never returned my calls and this did make me slightly nervous. Not really knowing what to expect on my first day, I boarded my small plane and headed to Ambae.

After a few hours and one stop in Pentecost to drop off some other volunteers, I landed at the airport in east Ambae. The airport was a single story, white and bare building. The only action this building sees is on flight days, the other days is sits alone and abandoned. I was thankfully greeted by my Principal and the school driver. Before, I imagined my principal in the usual island attire – shorts, t-shirt, and flip-flops, but surprisingly, he was wearing slacks, a maroon button-up shirt, and shoes. This is something you don’t see much in Vanuatu unless you’re either in Santo of Efate. We all loaded up into the school pickup truck and headed down the (very) bumpy road to my school.

The pickup finally made it to the top of what seemed like a never-ending hill and we were greeted by a sign that welcomed staff, students and visitors to the school. We made the right turn and headed down the road and into a valley. I was told by my CD (Country Director) that this school was extremely nice and he stood correctly. The school was positioned in a valley right next to the sea. This location, I believe, it very safe if ever thrown a cyclone or tsunami because it’s protected from the sea by a massive hill. There is a small break in the hill that allows access to the black sand beach. I will tell you about that a little later.

I was dropped off right in front of my apartment where I was greeted by my neighbor. He is 25 year old teacher, but looks older because he has facial hair. It was at that moment when I decided that having a boyfriend back home was a very good idea. Anyway, he took it upon himself to give me a tour of the school grounds and then led me back to the main office to have a chat with the principal. My meeting the big chief of the school didn’t last very long, but I was introduced to my counterpart, Stephanie. Stephanie was once a student at the college, but was now taking Computer Science classes at the technical college in Vila. I’m very thankful to have a female as my counterpart.

After my meet and greet with almost all of the staff at the school, I headed back to my house for a smol spel. I didn’t arrive with my all luggage due to weight restrictions of our small plane, so I couldn’t do too much unpacking. It was Monday and I needed to wait till the next plane came in on Wednesday for my other bag to arrive. I also had five parcels on board a ship named The Tina 1 – most of my belongings needed to set up shop in my house. I really had no idea when this was going to arrive, basically because I stops a nearly all the islands. Weather had a big part to do with its arrival time. If the weather was bad or the sea was rough, the boat would take longer. All I could do was sit and wait. Luckily, only a day later than I was told, my parcels arrived and I was ready to unpack and cook some food!

I met my host family the same day I arrived. As I said before, my host papa is the Deputy Principal and my host mama works up at the school’s store. They have a total of 4 kids, one who is schooling in Vila and will be home on the 10^th of December. I have met so many other family members all who are called either, mamas, aunties, bratas, sistas, daddies or Apus. I’m starting to think that I’m related to almost everybody who works at the school… this is reassuring to me. I usually eat lunch and dinner with them. I was trying to get up early for breakfast, but it didn’t make any sense to me to do that. I’d have to get up at 5:30am, get dressed, walk up to their place (they lived on the other side of the school), eat and then come back and go back to sleep until I needed to get up. This did work for a while because I needed to get up early to help supervise exams, but school is over and I enjoy sleeping too much.

Now that school is over, I usually spend my time either working in my computer lab, watching movies, reading, storian with the family, or sleeping. The days seem to last forever, but the weeks fly by. I enjoy it for the most part and surprisingly haven’t been home sick yet. I’m guessing that it’ll sneak up behind me and hit me one of these days.

And the Countdown Begins...

Today is the 10th of August and my departure date is officially one month away. I have to say I'm a bit nervous, but sooooo excited! I keep laughing to myself when my mom and I where sitting at the dinner table discussing whether or not I should accept my invite. I had received the wrong assignment (English Teacher/Literacy Educator) and didn't have a clue. I figured they had a change in jobs and needed somebody to fill an open slot. After originally hearing that I was going to be working computers, the thought of 'Literacy Educator' made me think twice. I ended up accepting this invite only to find out later that it was indeed the wrong assignment lol. PC emailed me the correct assignment of 'Information Technology Educator' and I accepted, AGAIN, for the second time :) ... and boy was I relieved.

There's so many things one must do in order to prepare for a 2-year leave from ordinary life, I have no idea where to begin. Unnecessary belongings have slowly made their way to the Salvation Army, which has finally cleared up some room in my storage. I'm still trying to figure out how to pack my Mac G-5 and still meet my weight requirements... I will miss you my long-time friend. I must not forget about my DROID, I will miss this as well.


So on that note, biggest challenge for me so far is re-introducing myself to the inner and outer workings of a PC. For the last 8 years I've been nothing but Mac this and Mac that... time for a change I guess :) lol As well as learning Bislama, I've been studying up on my PC computer skills.

My Invitation Arrived

I finally received my e-invitation via email instead of the traditional UPS delivery system. My technical job title will be 'Information Technology Educator' and I'll be working within the SHREP project in Vanuatu. I sent off my acceptance email today and now I wait for my (hard copy) invitation to be sent, which includes more detailed information for the next steps to be taken.

I must say that I'm a little nervous about writing my aspiration statement, but I'm sure it'll flow once I get started!

Vanuatu, here I come!

I've Been Invited to the Peace Corps!

I've officially been invited to become a Peace Corps Volunteer! I received a phone call Wednesday morning with the news and now I await my invitation in the mail. I'll be going somewhere in the South Pacific working in some type of Computer Science program. Once I get all the details, I'll let you know.

This process has taken me almost exactly one year. I submitted my application in September of 09 and I'll be leaving in September of 2010. I'd have to say the medical portion of this process took the longest. Constant visits to numerous Dr.s and finally I'm finished!!

I was originally nominated for Central America, but I guess this does change 40% of the time for volunteers. I'm just happy I've been accepted.