Yesterday's 50th anniversary celebration for Operation Crossroads Africa was awesome. There was a service in the morning that leaned a little on the religious side. There were some drummers who played music from West Africa, accompanied by dance, a gospel choir from a local high school, speakers from past Crossroads groups, and a few former Crossroad-ers who are now Reverends who said prayers and a litany. It payed tribute to Rev. Dr. Robinson, the founder of Crossroads. Afterwards we headed to the UN building for an incredible feast of food from all over Africa with 4 tables, buffet style, with food from each of the regions of Africa. There was crispy duck and zucchini from South Africa, Red Snapper and Yams from East Africa, Yassa chicken and jollof rice from West Africa, and Pecan Crusted Lamb and couscous from North Africa. There were also a variety of appetizers, drinks and desserts (including mango sorbet).
My good camera broke and I had to buy a new smaller one since I would have no picture taking ability. We leave in an hour for the airport going to Dubai. My group is "fighting" over who gets the window seat so they can see the palm tree shaped island as we fly over the country. We'll finally land at Entebbe on Tuesday and head off to our site near Mbale along with the other Uganda group (working with the FDNC and Samuel).
I'm getting more excited by the minute! I'll write more when I get to Uganda.
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Friday, June 20, 2008
America
I'm back in America and getting here was a little difficult but I finally made it. I got back on June 7th and my stomach problems adusting to American enriched chemically altered food are now kicking in. Good thing I'll get to go through this again in about two weeks...
Mike was really suprised to see me at the airport 3 days early and we had a great time in Winston with my family and friends. Lauren suprised us and took us to see a new musical about pirates! We also hung out with Ler, Adam and Daniel at the annual rib fest (yay bbq!).
I'm now in New York for Crossroads Orientation. I arrived Tuesday after a much delayed flight. Mike and Rick drove up Wednesday and we went into the city, drank way too many Long Island ice teas, and saw Spamalot. Very funny! Yesterday the participants arrived and we had day one of orientation. My group has 8 people (including me), mostly college students, one recent graduate, and one older woman. The majority of them are pre-med or work in the public health field. I'm really excited to start this next adventure with them and I think we are all looking forward to finally getting to Uganda.
Today is the Crossroads pinning ceremony where we are sworn in as the 2008 (50th anniversary) group of Crossroaders. Tomorrow is a big 50th anniversary celebration in the city and an African food feast at the UN.
That's about it for now. I'm going to indulge in some more Starbucks before our medical session this morning.
Ti logo...
Mike was really suprised to see me at the airport 3 days early and we had a great time in Winston with my family and friends. Lauren suprised us and took us to see a new musical about pirates! We also hung out with Ler, Adam and Daniel at the annual rib fest (yay bbq!).
I'm now in New York for Crossroads Orientation. I arrived Tuesday after a much delayed flight. Mike and Rick drove up Wednesday and we went into the city, drank way too many Long Island ice teas, and saw Spamalot. Very funny! Yesterday the participants arrived and we had day one of orientation. My group has 8 people (including me), mostly college students, one recent graduate, and one older woman. The majority of them are pre-med or work in the public health field. I'm really excited to start this next adventure with them and I think we are all looking forward to finally getting to Uganda.
Today is the Crossroads pinning ceremony where we are sworn in as the 2008 (50th anniversary) group of Crossroaders. Tomorrow is a big 50th anniversary celebration in the city and an African food feast at the UN.
That's about it for now. I'm going to indulge in some more Starbucks before our medical session this morning.
Ti logo...
Friday, June 06, 2008
The end of the road
So this is it. My official last day as a Peace Corps volunteer. These past few days have been exhausting and emotional. It took until last Friday to find out my plane ticket information and my boat to Praia ended up leaving at 3 am Friday morning. So much for that 24 hour rule. Needless to say I am exhausted.
I really hate saying goodbye. In the states I always like to replace it with "see you later" but who knows when I'll be back in Cape Verde. I would really like to return on vacation but that could be a long time from now.
My despedida passeo was a lot of fun. About 40 of us from Vila and Calheta went to Pao Seco for the day and cooked a ton of food. One of the guys found a star fish and gave it to me. Now I just worry that it will smell up my bag but its really cool.
I'm looking forward to going home but also really sad to leave the past two years of my life behind. Peace Corps was a dream for me. Something I envisioned doing for a very long time and now that these past two years have passed I'm kind of stuck in this place trying to figure out what is next. I mean sure I have the immediate plans, go home, go to Uganda, move in with Mike, find a job, but its not the same as working in a job that you love that takes you across the world and challenges everything you have ever known. I know I have learned so much from this experience, more than I realize and can eloquently express. And its hard to think back on the two years and generalize because everything was unique.
When they say that the Peace Corps is the "toughest job you'll ever love," its true. Despite the days that I wanted to give up and just leave or cried for hours over something silly, the experience is worth it. The people you meet are worth it. And the changes that you see in yourself are worth it.
I really hate saying goodbye. In the states I always like to replace it with "see you later" but who knows when I'll be back in Cape Verde. I would really like to return on vacation but that could be a long time from now.
My despedida passeo was a lot of fun. About 40 of us from Vila and Calheta went to Pao Seco for the day and cooked a ton of food. One of the guys found a star fish and gave it to me. Now I just worry that it will smell up my bag but its really cool.
I'm looking forward to going home but also really sad to leave the past two years of my life behind. Peace Corps was a dream for me. Something I envisioned doing for a very long time and now that these past two years have passed I'm kind of stuck in this place trying to figure out what is next. I mean sure I have the immediate plans, go home, go to Uganda, move in with Mike, find a job, but its not the same as working in a job that you love that takes you across the world and challenges everything you have ever known. I know I have learned so much from this experience, more than I realize and can eloquently express. And its hard to think back on the two years and generalize because everything was unique.
When they say that the Peace Corps is the "toughest job you'll ever love," its true. Despite the days that I wanted to give up and just leave or cried for hours over something silly, the experience is worth it. The people you meet are worth it. And the changes that you see in yourself are worth it.
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