Two weeks. That is how long I have been in this new place called "home. Africa. Cameroon... West Africa. It's been a reality check for sure, but I've been learning a lot living a lot and loving every minute. I re-read my last blog entry and the roller coaster phenomena already holds true; but this is life "c'est la vie" and I wouldn't trade it for any other situation in the world.
I am living in Bokito Cameroon with a family of one housewife and two older daughters, three older boys, and a bunch of younger children (two young boys and three young girls). I don't get much alone time and PCT (Peace Corps Trainees) spend most of their time at the training venue learning French and having safety/security, medical, cross cultural, and technical sessions. I have played a few games of football and have managed to score some critical goals! Good for me, since I've prided myself on being quite clumsy lately :) I spend my nights hanging out with other volunteers over a casual beer, teaching/ helping my host siblings with their English homework, and watching various Cameroonian/ American films and or listening to said music.
The drivers are crazy here and I am thankful that we are not allowed to take part in that act. I am a bad enough driver in the States; that being said.... can't wait to take my first moto ride. I think this will be soon. The drive from Bafia (where the other trainees are) to Bokito is about 25 minutes and will only cost about 1000 CFA ($2 USD). Wish me luck :)
I have yet to join "the club" which in Peace Corps means getting sick/ horrible diarrhea. FTW but I have been cautious about filtering/ bleaching my water and making sure the food I eat is hot. I sadly had to pass up the pieces of bread my family offered that was swarming with ants. Africa and protein or not.... I don't know if I can stomach that quite yet.
It's the end of the rainy season here and the heat is coming- more so than it already is. It actually has been pretty comfortable and while it gets hot at night the breezes are great and the storms cool things down quite a bit. The mosquitoes love me but thankfully it isn't Malaria season. Lucky me that I finally got my bug lotion.
I only get internet about once or twice a week here, which is probably the same as what I'll get when I'm at post (health will be in pretty rural areas- we find out where we will be for the next two years in about a week or two.... i'll update with more info then). I'm hoping to be in a Francophone region in the south. The North gets too hot for my liking and I think I rather battle humid and mosquitoes then 115 degree heat in the shade and a lack of variety for food/vegetation/life......
My french is getting better, kinda been helping others more than learning new things but living with a host family has aided me. I tested into Intermediate Low and need to be at Intermediate High in order to go to Francophone. (I'm not too worried as of now- we will see after our next LPI: language proficiency interview).
I have been eating alot of plaintains, haricots (beans), riz (rice), and other Cameroonian dishes such as Ndole (which is a stew with bitter greens and fish) It's actually quite good. Haven't had much meet but alot of fish here. Peanuts and sauce d'arachide (peanut sauce) is quite common. Today was my first day where I got to eat a sandwhich- oh how I missed that. Laughing Cow cheese, bread, and piment (chili sauce that kicks Sirachi out of this world.... doesn't mean I don"t want and don't miss it though)
Overall life is good, all is well and loving this experience.
It is hard connecting with others after only being here for two weeks; but things are coming along and every day is a new day.
Live and let live; keep calm and carry on.
Much love to you readers.
ps: bought some sugar cane (yum) and le tissu (fabric) for some traditional Pagna!!!!! I will post pictures after I get my first Cameroonian getup made. I'm thinking a dress, pair of capris, and a head wrap will be in line
Saturday, October 8, 2011
Sunday, September 18, 2011
2
2 days.
That's all I have left in this place I call 'home'. 3 days left in the United States. It all happened so fast, and yet time passed ever so slowly as I waited for this moment to come.
I have been spending the past few weeks saying my goodbyes, giving hugs, hosting parties, and telling others about my soon to be adventures (a countless number of times). People ask a range of questions, always involving "are you excited/ nervous?" , "what do your parents think, do they think you're crazy?", and "oh my god two years, that is such a long time, how will you handle it?"
I feel excited. I'm not nervous. I've been waiting and preparing for the Peace Corps for technically: a year (application process; interview to departure) and really: about three years (researching/ deciding if it was for me). So it's about time that I get the opportunity to see what this is all about.
I think I'll enjoy myself, I think it truly will be as the slogan says it is "the toughest job you'll ever love". I'm approaching it in quite a realistic manner, I know it's not going to be easy, I know it's going to be a roller coaster. I KNOW I'm going to be happy, sad, scared, nervous, unsure, elated, proud, etc- but I cant wait to feel all of that. I've been alive for 22 years but I have a feeling that the Peace Corps will truly make me feel alive, on the tip of my toes, and open my eyes to a whole new set of experiences.
I want to thank all of my friends and especially my family for supporting me through this entire process. I know I have my moody moments in the midst of frustration and stress- but you never gave up on me and my decision to take a hiatus on "normality" and run away to Africa for two years. It may seem like a long time, but it will (probably) pass quickly- and you'll never be out of my heart nor mind. I love you all!!! :)
This is a once in a lifetime opportunity. I'm taking it and running. Where will I end up next? (that is what is exciting to think about- that abyss of endless possibility}
I'm not the best with goodbyes but I will miss you all very much.
Keep in touch and I'll let you know 'how goes it' en Afrique.
Feel free to keep the questions coming, I want to relay as much information about Cameroon and my experience abroad as possible. I can write about whatever in any post, but I want to know what YOU ALL want to know too :)
Till next time.
[check it]
Monday, September 12, 2011
9 things.
9 things about my soon to be home.
- The name Cameroon comes from the Portuguese word for prawns; cameroes, which were found in abundance in the Wouri river when the first European explorers arrived.
- Cameroon covers an area of 183,638 square miles, some of which is water, so it is roughly twice the size of the U.K.
- In a 1999 census of the country there was an estimated to be 15.5 million poeple, of which 50% live in rural areas.
- Cameroon is one of only two countries in the entire world to have two official languages; English and French. The other bi-lingual country is Canada.
- There are 275 ethnic groups in Cameroon, other than the official languages there are 167 different dialects spoken.
- Mount Cameroon is the tallest mountain in West Africa at 4095m.
- Cameroon is home to the Goliath frog which at 0.3m (0.6m with legs outstretched) is the largest frog in the world
- Cameroon encompasses many geographical lanscapes that are similar to the whole continent, lush rainforest in the south to scorched desert in the far north, great volcanic lakes and vast savanna planes. It is for this reason it is sometimes dubbed 'Africa in miniature'.
- Debundscha, at the base of Mt. Cameroon, has an average annual rainfall of 405 inches. It is the wettest place on earth.
Here are some websites that give a flavour of the country and the continent.
www.cameroonnews.com
www.africa-geographic.com
www.ethnologue.com
www.southerncameroons.org
www.irinnews.org
www.allafrica.com
www.africaonline.com
www.usafricaonline.com
- The name Cameroon comes from the Portuguese word for prawns; cameroes, which were found in abundance in the Wouri river when the first European explorers arrived.
- Cameroon covers an area of 183,638 square miles, some of which is water, so it is roughly twice the size of the U.K.
- In a 1999 census of the country there was an estimated to be 15.5 million poeple, of which 50% live in rural areas.
- Cameroon is one of only two countries in the entire world to have two official languages; English and French. The other bi-lingual country is Canada.
- There are 275 ethnic groups in Cameroon, other than the official languages there are 167 different dialects spoken.
- Mount Cameroon is the tallest mountain in West Africa at 4095m.
- Cameroon is home to the Goliath frog which at 0.3m (0.6m with legs outstretched) is the largest frog in the world
- Cameroon encompasses many geographical lanscapes that are similar to the whole continent, lush rainforest in the south to scorched desert in the far north, great volcanic lakes and vast savanna planes. It is for this reason it is sometimes dubbed 'Africa in miniature'.
- Debundscha, at the base of Mt. Cameroon, has an average annual rainfall of 405 inches. It is the wettest place on earth.
Here are some websites that give a flavour of the country and the continent.
www.cameroonnews.com
www.africa-geographic.com
www.ethnologue.com
www.southerncameroons.org
www.irinnews.org
www.allafrica.com
www.africaonline.com
www.usafricaonline.com
Monday, August 22, 2011
un mois
One month from today I will be on a plane flying to Cameroun.
Received staging email and called SATO travel immediately to book my flight, honestly the easiest travel arrangement ever. Just gave them my name, email, and date of birth- flying out of Green Bay, WI it is- 6:00 am on September 21st!
The spectrum of emotions I'm feeling as of right now is wide and varying depending on my mood. Sad/ happy/ jittery/ excited/ nervous/ confused.... the list goes on. But to know that I am about to depart and about to leave for the US Peace Corps, wow that is something to say. I've waited a good three years for this- and can't believe it's coming up soo quickly. The group of people who are in my training class seem to be quite nice and I am looking forward to getting to know and experience this with all of them.
One month to eat all the cheese and American goodies I can get!
I'm a WISCONSIN gal.... cheese is not only one of my favorite foods, it's another food group. This could be a problem :)
Some people were wondering about how mail/ communication will be while I'm away: so I'll post some information now.
Communication
Due to recent technological advances (email, international SMS, etc.), Americans have become increasingly accustomed to immediate and convenient communication. This is increasingly becoming the case for Volunteers in Cameroon, although frustrations, particularly with traditional “snail mail” do remain.
Peace Corps Cameroon would like to emphasize the following points to give you a realistic picture of the means of communication available to Volunteers in Cameroon before they leave home:
1. Traditional snail mail still takes a long time and is not reliable. A letter sent from the US will typically take a minimum of 3 weeks to reach a Volunteer in Cameroon. Packages and envelopes that appear to contain valuables still go missing with disheartening frequency. If you are going to regret something if it is lost or stolen, don’t send it.
2. Cell phone service will soon cover the entire country – although many volunteers will still be posted to areas where the network may not yet be available. With the ubiquity of telephone and email, volunteers and family members may want to set up schedules for communication to prevent unnecessary worry when systems go down.
3. In the case of an emergency, Families should contact the Peace Corps/Washington Counseling and Outreach Unit. Please see specific instructions below. This will ensure that family inquiries are handled in the most efficient manner.
4. All inquiries concerning Volunteers, mail, conditions in Cameroon, other non-emergency inquiries, etc. should be directed to the Cameroon Country Desk in Peace Corps Washington (see below). This will insure that family inquiries are handled in the most efficient manner.
5. Cyber cafés now exist in all the larger cities and many of the smaller ones in Cameroon. However, due to infrastructure problems and the limited service, e-mail is not totally reliable and often slow.
Mail
Few countries in the world offer the quality of postal service that we consider normal in the U.S. Volunteers, family and friends who expect U.S. standards for mail service will be disappointed. Mail takes a minimum of three weeks to arrive in Cameroon and may take several months. Some mail may not arrive at all (this is not a frequent occurrence, but it does happen). Some letters may arrive with clipped edges because postal workers have tried to see if any money was inside (again, this is rare, but it does happen). We do not want to sound discouraging, but when we are thousands of miles from our families and friends, communication becomes a very sensitive issue. We would prefer you be forewarned of the reality of mail service in the developing world.
Despite delays, we strongly encourage Volunteers to write to their families regularly. Family members will typically become worried when they do not hear from their Volunteer, so parents, friends, and relatives should be advised that mail is sporadic and that they shouldn't worry if they don't receive their Volunteer's letters regularly.
In the past we have noticed a common Volunteer letter writing pattern that particularly disturbs families and friends. During training and their first three to six months at post, Volunteers write home frequently. They are adapting to a totally new environment (which can be very difficult), and writing helps them process the new sights and sounds. However, once Volunteers feel at home with their surroundings and their work starts to take off, many simply forget to write home for long periods of time. Please don't be overly concerned if there is a break in correspondence three to six months after your Volunteer arrives at post!
However, if a family member or friends does not receive mail from a Volunteer for over three months, then that person may contact the Counseling and Outreach Unit (COU) at Peace Corps Washington (1-800-424-8580, extension 1470). COU will then send a "health and welfare” inquiry to the Peace Corps Country Director in Yaoundé and ask her to check up on the PCV.
Typically, Volunteers are in regular contact with the Peace Corps/Cameroon office in Yaounde. However, as necessary, to respond to a “health and welfare” inquiry, the office in Yaounde will contact a Volunteer at his or her site by making a series of phone calls, radio contacts, or even sending a staff member to the site (which means several days travel in some cases). The PCV will then be asked to write home and the Country Director will inform COU with information to pass on to family members. As you can see, this is a time-consuming process that affects quite a few people. Peace Corps asks
Volunteers and their families to try to avoid both heartache and headaches by maintaining a regular pattern of writing to loved ones.
Most packages sent to Cameroon arrive (sometimes a few months late).
Nevertheless DO NOT send things that have important sentimental or monetary value. Don't send expensive items, such as the Volunteer's favorite pair of one-carat diamond earrings. Items such as food and clothing have usually arrived with no problem, but it's expensive for the sender and receiver. If sending packages, "bubble envelopes" work best. If sending any food items, put them inside a ziploc bag. This will reduce chances that bugs or rodents will devour them.
For the first 3 months after your Volunteer’s arrival in Cameroon, mail should be sent to the following address:
Crystal Kazik, Peace Corps Volunteer
Corps de la Paix
B.P. 215
Yaoundé, Cameroon
Once Volunteers complete training and are at their posts, the quickest way to send mail is to send letters and packages directly to your Volunteer's address at post. Remind your Volunteer to relay their mailing address at post as soon as they know what it will be. If you do not know your Volunteer's address at post, mail can be sent to the Yaoundé address above the entire time the Volunteer is in Cameroon. Please realize that mail sent to this address will be held in Yaoundé until sent out on a bi-weekly basis to Volunteer posts (thereby delaying delivery for up to several weeks).
The following suggestions and postal regulations may be useful:
1. Mail should be sent directly to the Yaoundé address, OR directly to your Volunteer's post address once training is finished.
2. Both Volunteers and family members should number letters sent so that the receiver can determine whether any letters do not arrive.
3. Packages should be sent via air, not surface mail (surface mail has been known to take longer than two years to arrive).
4. Sending packages to your Volunteer in Cameroon is a risky proposition. Theft of packages is not only a problem in the Cameroonian postal system, it also occurs on the U.S. side. Although occasionally a package arrives quickly and without problems, it may take months or it may get "lost" along the way. Therefore, it is not advisable to send valuables this way.
5. If you do send packages, bubble envelopes seem to work better than large boxes. They are less tempting to would-be thieves. The sender should clearly and honestly mark the contents on the outside of the package, but a general description of the contents is sufficient: "clothing and candy" rather than "Nike high top sneakers and 2 lbs. Godiva chocolate."
6. Express mail is an expensive option that may take just as long to get to Cameroon. Perhaps a more secure option than regular airmail for documents, checks, etc., it is subject to more scrutiny by Cameroonian customs than regular mail. For items other than documents, Peace Corps staff has to submit import licenses to customs, and clearance can take up to 10 days. Thus, you may not necessarily save any time by using Express mail. DHL and UPS operate in Cameroon for those important documents. Note that current prices for these services run around $100.00 for one pound or less.
7. There is a tax which Volunteers will have to pay on all packages received before they can retrieve them from the post office. This tax varies according to the size of the package. It might be a nice gesture from friends or family to send a six-pack of Mountain Dew, but it may cost a Volunteer up to $10.00 to get it out of the post office.
8. Packages sent to the Yaoundé office are sent regularly but not immediately to Volunteer posts. This may delay delivery to the Volunteer by up to several weeks.
9. If Volunteers wish to send a package from Yaoundé to the States, Cameroon postal rates are high and insurance is not available. For this reason, many Volunteers wait to send packages with returning PCVs (whom they ask first, in country) or wait until their Completion of Service (COS) date to send home gifts and souvenirs. Letters going to the States through the Cameroon post have been quite dependable.
10. US postage-stamped letters can be put in the "next traveler" box at the Peace Corps office in Yaoundé, to be hand carried by the next person going Stateside. Note that this is a courtesy, not an obligation, and Volunteers shouldn't expect any traveler to carry more than letter mail, unless special arrangements are made with the individual. Air travelers may be required to open letters and packages and/or submit them to X-rays, especially when they don't belong to the traveler.
11. The Cameroon Desk in Peace Corps Headquarters, Washington, is available to answer Volunteer & families' questions about mail. Due to staff and budget constraints, they cannot, however, facilitate the sending of personal mail for Trainees and Volunteers.
Telephones
All major cities and increasing numbers of remote towns in Cameroon have access to telephone and FAX services. Almost all volunteers now have cell phones (GSM). This has greatly improved Volunteers’ ability to communicate with their family and friends in the U.S.
The cost of calling the U.S. can be expensive. Often a Volunteer will place a short call to a friend or family member and have them return the call.
Received staging email and called SATO travel immediately to book my flight, honestly the easiest travel arrangement ever. Just gave them my name, email, and date of birth- flying out of Green Bay, WI it is- 6:00 am on September 21st!
The spectrum of emotions I'm feeling as of right now is wide and varying depending on my mood. Sad/ happy/ jittery/ excited/ nervous/ confused.... the list goes on. But to know that I am about to depart and about to leave for the US Peace Corps, wow that is something to say. I've waited a good three years for this- and can't believe it's coming up soo quickly. The group of people who are in my training class seem to be quite nice and I am looking forward to getting to know and experience this with all of them.
One month to eat all the cheese and American goodies I can get!
I'm a WISCONSIN gal.... cheese is not only one of my favorite foods, it's another food group. This could be a problem :)
Some people were wondering about how mail/ communication will be while I'm away: so I'll post some information now.
Communication
Due to recent technological advances (email, international SMS, etc.), Americans have become increasingly accustomed to immediate and convenient communication. This is increasingly becoming the case for Volunteers in Cameroon, although frustrations, particularly with traditional “snail mail” do remain.
Peace Corps Cameroon would like to emphasize the following points to give you a realistic picture of the means of communication available to Volunteers in Cameroon before they leave home:
1. Traditional snail mail still takes a long time and is not reliable. A letter sent from the US will typically take a minimum of 3 weeks to reach a Volunteer in Cameroon. Packages and envelopes that appear to contain valuables still go missing with disheartening frequency. If you are going to regret something if it is lost or stolen, don’t send it.
2. Cell phone service will soon cover the entire country – although many volunteers will still be posted to areas where the network may not yet be available. With the ubiquity of telephone and email, volunteers and family members may want to set up schedules for communication to prevent unnecessary worry when systems go down.
3. In the case of an emergency, Families should contact the Peace Corps/Washington Counseling and Outreach Unit. Please see specific instructions below. This will ensure that family inquiries are handled in the most efficient manner.
4. All inquiries concerning Volunteers, mail, conditions in Cameroon, other non-emergency inquiries, etc. should be directed to the Cameroon Country Desk in Peace Corps Washington (see below). This will insure that family inquiries are handled in the most efficient manner.
5. Cyber cafés now exist in all the larger cities and many of the smaller ones in Cameroon. However, due to infrastructure problems and the limited service, e-mail is not totally reliable and often slow.
Few countries in the world offer the quality of postal service that we consider normal in the U.S. Volunteers, family and friends who expect U.S. standards for mail service will be disappointed. Mail takes a minimum of three weeks to arrive in Cameroon and may take several months. Some mail may not arrive at all (this is not a frequent occurrence, but it does happen). Some letters may arrive with clipped edges because postal workers have tried to see if any money was inside (again, this is rare, but it does happen). We do not want to sound discouraging, but when we are thousands of miles from our families and friends, communication becomes a very sensitive issue. We would prefer you be forewarned of the reality of mail service in the developing world.
Despite delays, we strongly encourage Volunteers to write to their families regularly. Family members will typically become worried when they do not hear from their Volunteer, so parents, friends, and relatives should be advised that mail is sporadic and that they shouldn't worry if they don't receive their Volunteer's letters regularly.
In the past we have noticed a common Volunteer letter writing pattern that particularly disturbs families and friends. During training and their first three to six months at post, Volunteers write home frequently. They are adapting to a totally new environment (which can be very difficult), and writing helps them process the new sights and sounds. However, once Volunteers feel at home with their surroundings and their work starts to take off, many simply forget to write home for long periods of time. Please don't be overly concerned if there is a break in correspondence three to six months after your Volunteer arrives at post!
However, if a family member or friends does not receive mail from a Volunteer for over three months, then that person may contact the Counseling and Outreach Unit (COU) at Peace Corps Washington (1-800-424-8580, extension 1470). COU will then send a "health and welfare” inquiry to the Peace Corps Country Director in Yaoundé and ask her to check up on the PCV.
Typically, Volunteers are in regular contact with the Peace Corps/Cameroon office in Yaounde. However, as necessary, to respond to a “health and welfare” inquiry, the office in Yaounde will contact a Volunteer at his or her site by making a series of phone calls, radio contacts, or even sending a staff member to the site (which means several days travel in some cases). The PCV will then be asked to write home and the Country Director will inform COU with information to pass on to family members. As you can see, this is a time-consuming process that affects quite a few people. Peace Corps asks
Volunteers and their families to try to avoid both heartache and headaches by maintaining a regular pattern of writing to loved ones.
Most packages sent to Cameroon arrive (sometimes a few months late).
Nevertheless DO NOT send things that have important sentimental or monetary value. Don't send expensive items, such as the Volunteer's favorite pair of one-carat diamond earrings. Items such as food and clothing have usually arrived with no problem, but it's expensive for the sender and receiver. If sending packages, "bubble envelopes" work best. If sending any food items, put them inside a ziploc bag. This will reduce chances that bugs or rodents will devour them.
For the first 3 months after your Volunteer’s arrival in Cameroon, mail should be sent to the following address:
Crystal Kazik, Peace Corps Volunteer
Corps de la Paix
B.P. 215
Yaoundé, Cameroon
Once Volunteers complete training and are at their posts, the quickest way to send mail is to send letters and packages directly to your Volunteer's address at post. Remind your Volunteer to relay their mailing address at post as soon as they know what it will be. If you do not know your Volunteer's address at post, mail can be sent to the Yaoundé address above the entire time the Volunteer is in Cameroon. Please realize that mail sent to this address will be held in Yaoundé until sent out on a bi-weekly basis to Volunteer posts (thereby delaying delivery for up to several weeks).
The following suggestions and postal regulations may be useful:
1. Mail should be sent directly to the Yaoundé address, OR directly to your Volunteer's post address once training is finished.
2. Both Volunteers and family members should number letters sent so that the receiver can determine whether any letters do not arrive.
3. Packages should be sent via air, not surface mail (surface mail has been known to take longer than two years to arrive).
4. Sending packages to your Volunteer in Cameroon is a risky proposition. Theft of packages is not only a problem in the Cameroonian postal system, it also occurs on the U.S. side. Although occasionally a package arrives quickly and without problems, it may take months or it may get "lost" along the way. Therefore, it is not advisable to send valuables this way.
5. If you do send packages, bubble envelopes seem to work better than large boxes. They are less tempting to would-be thieves. The sender should clearly and honestly mark the contents on the outside of the package, but a general description of the contents is sufficient: "clothing and candy" rather than "Nike high top sneakers and 2 lbs. Godiva chocolate."
6. Express mail is an expensive option that may take just as long to get to Cameroon. Perhaps a more secure option than regular airmail for documents, checks, etc., it is subject to more scrutiny by Cameroonian customs than regular mail. For items other than documents, Peace Corps staff has to submit import licenses to customs, and clearance can take up to 10 days. Thus, you may not necessarily save any time by using Express mail. DHL and UPS operate in Cameroon for those important documents. Note that current prices for these services run around $100.00 for one pound or less.
7. There is a tax which Volunteers will have to pay on all packages received before they can retrieve them from the post office. This tax varies according to the size of the package. It might be a nice gesture from friends or family to send a six-pack of Mountain Dew, but it may cost a Volunteer up to $10.00 to get it out of the post office.
8. Packages sent to the Yaoundé office are sent regularly but not immediately to Volunteer posts. This may delay delivery to the Volunteer by up to several weeks.
9. If Volunteers wish to send a package from Yaoundé to the States, Cameroon postal rates are high and insurance is not available. For this reason, many Volunteers wait to send packages with returning PCVs (whom they ask first, in country) or wait until their Completion of Service (COS) date to send home gifts and souvenirs. Letters going to the States through the Cameroon post have been quite dependable.
10. US postage-stamped letters can be put in the "next traveler" box at the Peace Corps office in Yaoundé, to be hand carried by the next person going Stateside. Note that this is a courtesy, not an obligation, and Volunteers shouldn't expect any traveler to carry more than letter mail, unless special arrangements are made with the individual. Air travelers may be required to open letters and packages and/or submit them to X-rays, especially when they don't belong to the traveler.
11. The Cameroon Desk in Peace Corps Headquarters, Washington, is available to answer Volunteer & families' questions about mail. Due to staff and budget constraints, they cannot, however, facilitate the sending of personal mail for Trainees and Volunteers.
Telephones
All major cities and increasing numbers of remote towns in Cameroon have access to telephone and FAX services. Almost all volunteers now have cell phones (GSM). This has greatly improved Volunteers’ ability to communicate with their family and friends in the U.S.
The cost of calling the U.S. can be expensive. Often a Volunteer will place a short call to a friend or family member and have them return the call.
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
l'aventure.
we are approaching august, which means a number of things.
1) road trip to Arizona with friends Sarah, Brandon, and David- where she will begin studies at ASU and all will begin life in a new place. we're driving from good ol' De Pere, WI all the way to Phoenix, AZ. we are planning to move them in, explore Phoenix (hiking, nightlife, etc), take an excursion to Southern California, and then a few day camping trip (around Sedona). it will be a much needed vacation, and i have never road tripped with friends before! can't wait to see some mountains!
2) peace corps will be right around the corner! it IS right around the corner! less than two months! :) :) :) i completed my vaccination paperwork, printed off passport photos, filled out my financial loan forms, and will be receiving my 2010 elections absentee ballot by mail. the only thing i am not looking forward to are the good byes :( i will post the address of where i will be as soon as i get staging information/ more concrete details! along with this will be packing packing packing and alot of organizing! but i have a little bit of time to relax. (however it will be about a month left once i get back from AZ!!) can't believe it's almost here.
hope all is well with everyone.
i'll share a poem by emily bronte, as my parting words:
No coward soul is mine,
No trembler in the world's storm-troubled sphere:
I see Heaven's glories shine,
And faith shines equal, arming me from fear.
O God within my breast,
Almighty, ever-present Deity!
Life--that in me has rest,
As I--undying Life--have power in thee!
Vain are the thousand creeds
That move men's hearts: unutterably vain;
Worthless as withered weeds,
Or idlest froth amid the boundless main,
To waken doubt in one
Holding so fast by thine infinity;
So surely anchored on
The stedfast rock of immortality.
With wide-embracing love
Thy spirit animates eternal years,
Pervades and broods above,
Changes, sustains, dissolves, creates, and rears.
Though earth and man were gone,
And suns and universes ceased to be,
And Thou were left alone,
Every existence would exist in Thee.
There is not room for Death,
Nor atom that his might could render void:
Thou--THOU art Being and Breath,
And what THOU art may never be destroyed
1) road trip to Arizona with friends Sarah, Brandon, and David- where she will begin studies at ASU and all will begin life in a new place. we're driving from good ol' De Pere, WI all the way to Phoenix, AZ. we are planning to move them in, explore Phoenix (hiking, nightlife, etc), take an excursion to Southern California, and then a few day camping trip (around Sedona). it will be a much needed vacation, and i have never road tripped with friends before! can't wait to see some mountains!
2) peace corps will be right around the corner! it IS right around the corner! less than two months! :) :) :) i completed my vaccination paperwork, printed off passport photos, filled out my financial loan forms, and will be receiving my 2010 elections absentee ballot by mail. the only thing i am not looking forward to are the good byes :( i will post the address of where i will be as soon as i get staging information/ more concrete details! along with this will be packing packing packing and alot of organizing! but i have a little bit of time to relax. (however it will be about a month left once i get back from AZ!!) can't believe it's almost here.
hope all is well with everyone.
i'll share a poem by emily bronte, as my parting words:
No coward soul is mine,
No trembler in the world's storm-troubled sphere:
I see Heaven's glories shine,
And faith shines equal, arming me from fear.
O God within my breast,
Almighty, ever-present Deity!
Life--that in me has rest,
As I--undying Life--have power in thee!
Vain are the thousand creeds
That move men's hearts: unutterably vain;
Worthless as withered weeds,
Or idlest froth amid the boundless main,
To waken doubt in one
Holding so fast by thine infinity;
So surely anchored on
The stedfast rock of immortality.
With wide-embracing love
Thy spirit animates eternal years,
Pervades and broods above,
Changes, sustains, dissolves, creates, and rears.
Though earth and man were gone,
And suns and universes ceased to be,
And Thou were left alone,
Every existence would exist in Thee.
There is not room for Death,
Nor atom that his might could render void:
Thou--THOU art Being and Breath,
And what THOU art may never be destroyed
Monday, July 18, 2011
Other interesting facts:
[courtesy of Wiki & The US Dept. of State
French & English are the official languages.
It is described as "Africa-in-miniature"- a microcosm if you will.
Religions: Christian 40%, Muslim 20%, indigenous African 40%.
Government Type: Republic; strong central government dominated by president (currently Paul Biya)
Independence: January 1, 1960 (from France)& October 1, 1961 (from Britain).
Natural resources: Oil, timber, hydroelectric power, natural gas, cobalt, nickel, iron ore, uranium.
Agriculture (2009): 19.8% of GDP. Products--timber, coffee, tea, bananas, cocoa, rubber, palm oil, pineapples, cotton. Arable land (2005 est.)--12.54%.
Cameroon has a number of private newspapers, radio stations, and private television stations. Censorship was officially abolished in 1996, but the government has on occasion seized or suspended newspapers, radio stations, and television stations. In recent years the harassment and arrests of journalists has increased.
Approximately 140 Peace Corps volunteers continue to work successfully in agroforestry, community development, education, and health. The Peace Corps plans to double the number of volunteers in Cameroon by 2011. The Public Affairs section of the U.S. Embassy in Yaounde organizes and funds diverse cultural, educational, and informational exchanges. It maintains a library and helps foster the development of Cameroon's independent press by providing information in a number of areas, including U.S. human rights and democratization policies. The Embassy's Self-Help and Democracy and Human Rights Funds are some of the largest in Africa.
I'd like to hike Mt. Cameroon, visit the black sand beaches in Kribi, and go to Waza National Park during service.
Sunday, July 17, 2011
clock's a tickin
So some things.
My invitation said that staging would be September 15/16 and depart for Cameroon on the 17th.
Word on the street is that it will be moved back to September 21/22 and be in country the 23rd. There is a group of about 10 volunteers leaving in August to begin intensive French language training and the rest of the group will come in late September. I will keep everyone posted as to whether or not this is INDEED fact, when I hear from the country desk! For now I must focus on financial deferment papers for my student loans, getting my Yellow Fever vaccination, and brushing up on my French wouldn't be a bad day. If we do leave a week later I think I'll be both relieved and angsty at the same time. I have been waiting for this for so long, the application process alone took over a year, and then a 4-5 month gap between invitation and staging. It has been a good cushion with a number of events occurring: graduating and moving and needing to make money and wanting to experience and do things and see friends and family before leaving.
I wanted to mention some of my preferred French films (for anyone looking for entertainment or to practice) I feel like film is a great medium to learn a language because it's both pleasure and educational. :)
(in no specific order):
1. Amelie
2. Le Papillon
3. 8 Femmes
4. Le Placard
5. Persepolis
6. Monsieur Ibrahim et les fleurs du Coran
My invitation said that staging would be September 15/16 and depart for Cameroon on the 17th.
Word on the street is that it will be moved back to September 21/22 and be in country the 23rd. There is a group of about 10 volunteers leaving in August to begin intensive French language training and the rest of the group will come in late September. I will keep everyone posted as to whether or not this is INDEED fact, when I hear from the country desk! For now I must focus on financial deferment papers for my student loans, getting my Yellow Fever vaccination, and brushing up on my French wouldn't be a bad day. If we do leave a week later I think I'll be both relieved and angsty at the same time. I have been waiting for this for so long, the application process alone took over a year, and then a 4-5 month gap between invitation and staging. It has been a good cushion with a number of events occurring: graduating and moving and needing to make money and wanting to experience and do things and see friends and family before leaving.
I wanted to mention some of my preferred French films (for anyone looking for entertainment or to practice) I feel like film is a great medium to learn a language because it's both pleasure and educational. :)
(in no specific order):
1. Amelie
2. Le Papillon
3. 8 Femmes
4. Le Placard
5. Persepolis
6. Monsieur Ibrahim et les fleurs du Coran
Thursday, July 14, 2011
i open at the close
i know that everyone feels that harry potter is overrated.... or that it is god's gift to this earth. i'll agree with the latter.
can't wait for tonight!
can't wait for tonight!
Monday, July 4, 2011
cuisiner
recipe for gallo pinto:
Gallo pinto is a traditional dish of Costa Rican and Nicaraguan cuisine. Though many variations exist, the dish at its most basic is composed of pre-cooked rice and beans fried together. It is considered the national dish of these two countries, and is eaten as a part of any meal, although mostly for breakfast.
Cook the beans, reserve 1/2c of the bean juice, then sautee some onion and pepper with a smidge of garlic, then add in the beans and cook them for about 5 or 10 minutes, then add in cooked rice
it's REAL simple! all you need is a a few tablespoons of oil to fry.
This will bring me back to the Nica days, ate that every day multiple times a day. It got old, but it was delicious and I definitely crave it. Can't wait to try it out! :)
I was researching Cameroonian cuisine a bit. Food, like (it seems) everything else in the country is varied and quite diverse, one of the most in Africa.
Merci "Wikipedia":
The national dish of Cameroon is ndolé, a stew consisting of fish or beef, nuts and bitter greens.[1] Staple foods in Cameroon include cassava, yam, rice, plantain, potato, maize, beans, and millet. The French introduced French bread and Italian pasta, which are not as widely consumed, however, due to their price. The main source of protein for most inhabitants is fish, with poultry and meat being too expensive for anything other than special occasions. Bush meat, however, is commonly consumed, some of the most sought after species being the pangolin, the porcupine and the giant rat. There is also a thriving trade in such exotic bush meat species as chimpanzee and gorilla."
Bushmeat... that alone will be an adventure!
There is very fertile soil throughout Cameroon so that means gardening will hopefully be successful (unlike my peppers and squash here- damn heat... this is WI!). There is a large variety of vegetables and fruits.
"Wiki" encore:
Among Cameroonian specialties are brochettes (a kind of barbecued kebab made from either chicken, beef, or goat), sangah (a mixture of maize, cassava leaf and palmnut juice) and ndolé (a spicy stew containing bitterleaf greens, meat, shrimp, pork rind, and peanut paste).
I've read vaguely about the Peace Corps diet and although everyone tends to lose weight during training; males lose weight throughout service and female volunteers tend to gain. Can anyone speak truth to this and if so, why does this phenomenon occur?
Gallo pinto is a traditional dish of Costa Rican and Nicaraguan cuisine. Though many variations exist, the dish at its most basic is composed of pre-cooked rice and beans fried together. It is considered the national dish of these two countries, and is eaten as a part of any meal, although mostly for breakfast.
Cook the beans, reserve 1/2c of the bean juice, then sautee some onion and pepper with a smidge of garlic, then add in the beans and cook them for about 5 or 10 minutes, then add in cooked rice
it's REAL simple! all you need is a a few tablespoons of oil to fry.
This will bring me back to the Nica days, ate that every day multiple times a day. It got old, but it was delicious and I definitely crave it. Can't wait to try it out! :)
I was researching Cameroonian cuisine a bit. Food, like (it seems) everything else in the country is varied and quite diverse, one of the most in Africa.
Merci "Wikipedia":
The national dish of Cameroon is ndolé, a stew consisting of fish or beef, nuts and bitter greens.[1] Staple foods in Cameroon include cassava, yam, rice, plantain, potato, maize, beans, and millet. The French introduced French bread and Italian pasta, which are not as widely consumed, however, due to their price. The main source of protein for most inhabitants is fish, with poultry and meat being too expensive for anything other than special occasions. Bush meat, however, is commonly consumed, some of the most sought after species being the pangolin, the porcupine and the giant rat. There is also a thriving trade in such exotic bush meat species as chimpanzee and gorilla."
Bushmeat... that alone will be an adventure!
There is very fertile soil throughout Cameroon so that means gardening will hopefully be successful (unlike my peppers and squash here- damn heat... this is WI!). There is a large variety of vegetables and fruits.
"Wiki" encore:
Among Cameroonian specialties are brochettes (a kind of barbecued kebab made from either chicken, beef, or goat), sangah (a mixture of maize, cassava leaf and palmnut juice) and ndolé (a spicy stew containing bitterleaf greens, meat, shrimp, pork rind, and peanut paste).
I've read vaguely about the Peace Corps diet and although everyone tends to lose weight during training; males lose weight throughout service and female volunteers tend to gain. Can anyone speak truth to this and if so, why does this phenomenon occur?
Thursday, June 23, 2011
arrivals and yellow fever
departure is creeping ever closer.
which means that i have been shopping/ ordering and the best part.... receiving a ton of goodies i will be using while serving in cameroon.
today:
Suisse Sport Adult Adventurer Mummy Ultra-Compactable Sleeping Bag (Assorted Colors)
by Suisse Sport
Amazon.com Product Description
The Suisse Sport Adventure extra-small sleeping bag is ideal for long treks when a few inches or pounds can make the difference between a pleasant hike and an unbearable slog. The mummy bag is ultra-compact, compressing down to 12 by 7 by 7 inches when in the stuff sack. How small is that? Well, it's petite enough to hold in the palm of your hand. That means you can easily fit the bag in your hiking pack without using up a third of your pack space. At the same time, the bag is warm and comfortable, with a 100-percent polyester ripstop outer and inner lining, a double-layer construction, and a 700-gram Micro Tekk.7 high-performance microfiber insulation. The construction materials ad up to a 30-degree F temperature rating, making the bag a good choice for summer, spring, and fall camping trips. Other details include a full chest baffle, a draft tube, and a utility pocket. The Adventure sleeping bag measures 29.5 by 84.5 inches (W x L) when open and weighs 2.9 pounds in the stuff sack. The bag is also machine-washable for easy cleaning. (Cost: $37.91)
Cheri by Colette: (Dual-Language book)
Read this piece in my French Lit class last semester and loved it.
(Cost: $10.15)
Seagate FreeAgent GoFlex 1 TB USB 2.0 Ultra-Portable External Hard Drive STAA1000100 (Black)
I decided to just do the "go big or go home route" and purchased a 1 TB drive. I know a little extravagant but it was a good deal and I will be loading tons of music, movies, and tv shows onto it. Anyone have any suggestions or wishes??
(Cost: $89.99)
Black Diamond Cosmo Headlamp
Amazon.com Product Description
One DoublePower LED and 2 SinglePower LEDs provide 55 Lumens (max setting)
Ultra-compact design uses 3 AAA batteries to allow up to 100 hours on the DoublePower or 140 hours on the SinglePower LED settings
IPX 4 water resistance rating
Single power switch toggles between long range single DoublePower LED mode, proximity dual SinglePower LED mode
(Cost: $26.63)
I posted the prices of some of the stuff just to give other applicants/ invitees/ persons of interest an idea as to what I am spending and what they can expect when preparing for service.
I have opted out of purchasing a watch (may rethink this), hiking boots, and a kindle (potential xmas gift though?). and how important is having a solar charger, that may be something i get sent over.
I also purchased a solar power/ crank radio found at:
http://www.prepare-now.com/902.html
and an idea for the ladies out there: The Diva Cup...
http://www.divacup.com/
I'm not sure what that will be like, but from what i have read i rather just forgo the trash, mess, and awkward encounters with locals at the drugstore.... discreet and environmentally friendly it is!
Recently received an email stating that the Cameroonian government is not issuing visas until receiving proof of yellow fever vaccination, so just a reminder to myself and other cameroon invitees, get your vaccine! :)
which means that i have been shopping/ ordering and the best part.... receiving a ton of goodies i will be using while serving in cameroon.
today:
Suisse Sport Adult Adventurer Mummy Ultra-Compactable Sleeping Bag (Assorted Colors)
by Suisse Sport
Amazon.com Product Description
The Suisse Sport Adventure extra-small sleeping bag is ideal for long treks when a few inches or pounds can make the difference between a pleasant hike and an unbearable slog. The mummy bag is ultra-compact, compressing down to 12 by 7 by 7 inches when in the stuff sack. How small is that? Well, it's petite enough to hold in the palm of your hand. That means you can easily fit the bag in your hiking pack without using up a third of your pack space. At the same time, the bag is warm and comfortable, with a 100-percent polyester ripstop outer and inner lining, a double-layer construction, and a 700-gram Micro Tekk.7 high-performance microfiber insulation. The construction materials ad up to a 30-degree F temperature rating, making the bag a good choice for summer, spring, and fall camping trips. Other details include a full chest baffle, a draft tube, and a utility pocket. The Adventure sleeping bag measures 29.5 by 84.5 inches (W x L) when open and weighs 2.9 pounds in the stuff sack. The bag is also machine-washable for easy cleaning. (Cost: $37.91)
Cheri by Colette: (Dual-Language book)
Read this piece in my French Lit class last semester and loved it.
(Cost: $10.15)
Seagate FreeAgent GoFlex 1 TB USB 2.0 Ultra-Portable External Hard Drive STAA1000100 (Black)
I decided to just do the "go big or go home route" and purchased a 1 TB drive. I know a little extravagant but it was a good deal and I will be loading tons of music, movies, and tv shows onto it. Anyone have any suggestions or wishes??
(Cost: $89.99)
Black Diamond Cosmo Headlamp
Amazon.com Product Description
One DoublePower LED and 2 SinglePower LEDs provide 55 Lumens (max setting)
Ultra-compact design uses 3 AAA batteries to allow up to 100 hours on the DoublePower or 140 hours on the SinglePower LED settings
IPX 4 water resistance rating
Single power switch toggles between long range single DoublePower LED mode, proximity dual SinglePower LED mode
(Cost: $26.63)
I posted the prices of some of the stuff just to give other applicants/ invitees/ persons of interest an idea as to what I am spending and what they can expect when preparing for service.
I have opted out of purchasing a watch (may rethink this), hiking boots, and a kindle (potential xmas gift though?). and how important is having a solar charger, that may be something i get sent over.
I also purchased a solar power/ crank radio found at:
http://www.prepare-now.com/902.html
and an idea for the ladies out there: The Diva Cup...
http://www.divacup.com/
I'm not sure what that will be like, but from what i have read i rather just forgo the trash, mess, and awkward encounters with locals at the drugstore.... discreet and environmentally friendly it is!
Recently received an email stating that the Cameroonian government is not issuing visas until receiving proof of yellow fever vaccination, so just a reminder to myself and other cameroon invitees, get your vaccine! :)
swax
this is my plug for scapegoat wax. i have been listening to "okeeblow" since i was a little girl, and i love them as an adult
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
hello. bonjour.
"As a result, the Peace Corps provides testing for some of the rarest language varieties in the world..." I just read that from a language manual the Peace Corps published.
That fact alone makes me so beyond excited to start my service in Cameroon! :) How amazing, to be a part of that small percentage of people who can speak the language, to communicate and educate and share ideas. No one else would know what these people thought, they wouldn't come to understand us either if we didn't learn. I think that language comprehension will be one of the biggest factors as to if I will really enjoy my service, and yet maybe i will learn to appreciate other ways of communication/ perception.
all in all I'm very excited to start training.
btw:
Cameroon has over 230 languages.
http://www.ethnologue.com/show_country.asp?name=cameroon
i'll focus on 1: french 2: pidgin 3: various other languages
That fact alone makes me so beyond excited to start my service in Cameroon! :) How amazing, to be a part of that small percentage of people who can speak the language, to communicate and educate and share ideas. No one else would know what these people thought, they wouldn't come to understand us either if we didn't learn. I think that language comprehension will be one of the biggest factors as to if I will really enjoy my service, and yet maybe i will learn to appreciate other ways of communication/ perception.
all in all I'm very excited to start training.
btw:
Cameroon has over 230 languages.
http://www.ethnologue.com/show_country.asp?name=cameroon
i'll focus on 1: french 2: pidgin 3: various other languages
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
i love summer
and floating down rivers
and feeling the hot rays after a looooong and dreadful winter
the heat is pretty bad here in Wi.... but I know it's only gonna get hotter, so trying to prepare for that :)
i love cooking out and eating fresh ingredients
and spending time with friends.
it's been a great first few weeks of 'vacation'.
next weekend, i will go visit my friends in eau claire
i have missed everyone very much.
ps: can NOT wait to get my hiking pack in the mail. I ordered a North Face Terra 55 pack in silver, and although slightly smaller than the Kelty I looked at, I think I'll be satisfied with the results. Now on to finding that headlamp.... think I'll have to go with a Black Diamond piece on that one :)
and floating down rivers
and feeling the hot rays after a looooong and dreadful winter
the heat is pretty bad here in Wi.... but I know it's only gonna get hotter, so trying to prepare for that :)
i love cooking out and eating fresh ingredients
and spending time with friends.
it's been a great first few weeks of 'vacation'.
next weekend, i will go visit my friends in eau claire
i have missed everyone very much.
ps: can NOT wait to get my hiking pack in the mail. I ordered a North Face Terra 55 pack in silver, and although slightly smaller than the Kelty I looked at, I think I'll be satisfied with the results. Now on to finding that headlamp.... think I'll have to go with a Black Diamond piece on that one :)
Sunday, May 29, 2011
memorial
this weekend has made me very excited to start my actual physical adventure as a PCV. i helped my aunt and uncle build a fence yesterday. my cousins and brother with their partners and my parents and aunts and kids and all these people came and helped. family, together just building a fence... it was alot of work. but with the quirky list of characters that IS my family, it was an adventure and worth getting up at 6 am to do a little healthy manual labor. the beginning training of some construction projects abroad? :) :) today i continued that streak with a little yard work, and probably wouldn't put up a fight if my parents made me do the entire lawn haha
everyone i have talked to lately has gushed over cameroon, which further builds my excitement to live and work there! they all speak of people have amazing times and life-changing experiences abroad. i know that this is a "to each their own" .... "it is what you make it" opportunity; can't wait to start. i have been nervous, wondering a little if this is right or if i should have made a different decision. but i think everyone does that.... or at least everyone should. i can't even yet comprehend how big this is going to be, i don't think i'll realize that until i am there. i know that my friends and family are worried, but trust me when i say i will write and try to contact you as much as i can.
i just counted and its about 3 months and 17 days until i leave... i better start packing now. oie. im definitely an over packer.
everyone i have talked to lately has gushed over cameroon, which further builds my excitement to live and work there! they all speak of people have amazing times and life-changing experiences abroad. i know that this is a "to each their own" .... "it is what you make it" opportunity; can't wait to start. i have been nervous, wondering a little if this is right or if i should have made a different decision. but i think everyone does that.... or at least everyone should. i can't even yet comprehend how big this is going to be, i don't think i'll realize that until i am there. i know that my friends and family are worried, but trust me when i say i will write and try to contact you as much as i can.
i just counted and its about 3 months and 17 days until i leave... i better start packing now. oie. im definitely an over packer.
Friday, May 27, 2011
Thursday, May 26, 2011
commencement
i am a recent graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. GO BLUGOLDS! Huh-Rah! all that jazz. i honestly can't believe how fast the past four years have went. i definitely did not see myself where i am now, but i am pleased where my path is taking me. i recently moved back home with good ol' mom and dad, and although a little weird to be back in the nest it has been nice. i always feel as if nothing has changed when coming back, but everything has- it's been moving and adjusting just like you.... but that familiarity is calming.
i have really begun to dig into looking at things to buy for cameroon and the amount of things/ the cost of it all is going to be an adventure to tackle :). DOES ANYONE KNOW AN AVERAGE AMOUNT THAT PCV'S USUALLY SPEND?
Who thought even six months ago that I would be THIS excited to pick out an LED headlamp :p No matter the price, I still want quality items, so whatev.... what matters is that i'll be in the Peace Corps!!! :) i feel like my parents and i will be able to handle looking around for deals a little bit, i am glad that we are talking more about the process, what pc will be like/ what to expect. it's nice to be talking and informing and wondering right alongside them.
i really am happy to be back home with them for my final months in the states. :)
my friend sarah mentioned being in egypt for a wedding while i'll be serving (totally making that a vacation!!)
i have really begun to dig into looking at things to buy for cameroon and the amount of things/ the cost of it all is going to be an adventure to tackle :). DOES ANYONE KNOW AN AVERAGE AMOUNT THAT PCV'S USUALLY SPEND?
Who thought even six months ago that I would be THIS excited to pick out an LED headlamp :p No matter the price, I still want quality items, so whatev.... what matters is that i'll be in the Peace Corps!!! :) i feel like my parents and i will be able to handle looking around for deals a little bit, i am glad that we are talking more about the process, what pc will be like/ what to expect. it's nice to be talking and informing and wondering right alongside them.
i really am happy to be back home with them for my final months in the states. :)
my friend sarah mentioned being in egypt for a wedding while i'll be serving (totally making that a vacation!!)
Thursday, May 5, 2011
tuneage
I have decided that I want to create an epic playlist for my trip abroad.
Anyone have any "must-have" feel good songs, I'd love to hear suggestions
Please, and thank you.
I already know that Dave Matthews, Kid Cudi and Radiohead will be incorporated
:D
Much love
Anyone have any "must-have" feel good songs, I'd love to hear suggestions
Please, and thank you.
I already know that Dave Matthews, Kid Cudi and Radiohead will be incorporated
:D
Much love
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
oofta
I think saying that I NEED to be here with a Mojito right now.... is an understatement...
Today was a rough one...
Today was a rough one...
Sunday, May 1, 2011
A decade
Osama bin Laden is dead. I feel like my entire childhood I have heard this man's name. I was taught to fear it, taught to hate it, and now that this person is dead I have no idea how to feel. Should we celebrate death? Is that right? I understand that many lives were and still are being taken from us, but there is a certain unrest in the air now. What will come of this? Backlash, uprise, stagnant warfare? I hope that peace will grow and casualties are avoided. Best wishes to everyone serving abroad (PCV, military, etc).
About 4 months until Cameroon! :)
Only 3 weeks until graduation!!!!!
http://whatthefuckhasobamadonesofar.com/
About 4 months until Cameroon! :)
Only 3 weeks until graduation!!!!!
http://whatthefuckhasobamadonesofar.com/
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
paperwork oh my
After reading through my welcome handbook and volunteer description, I whole-heartedly decided to accept my invitation for service in the United States Peace Corps.
It is crazy to think that three years ago this was just an idea.... and now it's actually happening!
On the downside..... this paperwork they ask invites to fill out for VISA/ Passports is kinda ridiculous and in my hectic and stress filled last weeks of undergraduate study.... government papers are the last things I want to deal with. I think I got it taken care of, but they should really think about explaining some of that stuff better.
To Do list (academic/PC):
Begin/ finish aspiration statement
Contact Student loan lender
Financial Aid exit interview
French dissertation
Send out Visa/Passport applications
For anyone who is interested or looking to see what kind of stuff to put on their PC resumes, I'll post mine below:
Crystal Marie Kazik
Cameroon
September 2011
EXPERIENCE
2010-2011 AIDS Resource Center of Wisconsin- Eau Claire, WI
Volunteer and Prevention Intern- 130 hours
Understanding and learning to communicate basic HIV/AIDS and STD information
Facilitating prevention groups in correctional & Alcohol and Drug treatment facilities
Understanding the social, political, biological, and economic factors that play into an individual’s risk of transmitting or contracting HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis ABC, STD’s
Learning to facilitate pre- & post- HIV test counseling, client risk assessment, and running clean needle exchange programs
Maintaining a positive and supportive attitude towards individuals who may be suffering from effects of this epidemic
[July, August 2009] Nicaragua Study Abroad Program
Lived in a poverty stricken/ rural community for one week
Taught parasite education and handed out parasite medication to residents (in Spanish)
Helped school children with homework
Interacted with the community by teaching American customs/ games (UNO, Phase 10), teaching children English (informally), dancing/ singing, and helping the families cook and clean
DEGREE
[2007-2011] University of Wisconsin- Eau Claire; Eau Claire, WI
Bachelor of the Arts in Women’s Studies
Double concentration in French and Sociology
Graduated Cum Laude
TRAINING/ EDUCATION
[2011] HIV Foundations 1 Training hours- 8
[2011] Dismantling Racism workshop hours- 16
[2011] Safe Space LGBTQ awareness training hours- 1
Conservation of the Environment credits- 3
Human Sexual Biology credits- 3
Environmental and Public Health credits- 3
Traveler’s Health & Wellness credits- 1
Feminist Economics credits- 6
Computer Competencies:
High level of skill in Microsoft Office applications
Trained in using the following programs: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Final Cut Express (Macintosh)
FOREIGN LANGUAGES
Bachelor of the Arts in French (liberal arts)
Intermediate and conversational to professional written and oral skill
[2007] Visited France: lived with host family and toured country- 1 week
PERSONAL HOBBIES/INTERESTS
Digital photography
Music & Dance
Politics/ Social movements
Gardening (floral & vegetable)
Feminist pedagogy
Reading
It is crazy to think that three years ago this was just an idea.... and now it's actually happening!
On the downside..... this paperwork they ask invites to fill out for VISA/ Passports is kinda ridiculous and in my hectic and stress filled last weeks of undergraduate study.... government papers are the last things I want to deal with. I think I got it taken care of, but they should really think about explaining some of that stuff better.
To Do list (academic/PC):
Begin/ finish aspiration statement
Contact Student loan lender
Financial Aid exit interview
French dissertation
Send out Visa/Passport applications
For anyone who is interested or looking to see what kind of stuff to put on their PC resumes, I'll post mine below:
Crystal Marie Kazik
Cameroon
September 2011
EXPERIENCE
2010-2011 AIDS Resource Center of Wisconsin- Eau Claire, WI
Volunteer and Prevention Intern- 130 hours
Understanding and learning to communicate basic HIV/AIDS and STD information
Facilitating prevention groups in correctional & Alcohol and Drug treatment facilities
Understanding the social, political, biological, and economic factors that play into an individual’s risk of transmitting or contracting HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis ABC, STD’s
Learning to facilitate pre- & post- HIV test counseling, client risk assessment, and running clean needle exchange programs
Maintaining a positive and supportive attitude towards individuals who may be suffering from effects of this epidemic
[July, August 2009] Nicaragua Study Abroad Program
Lived in a poverty stricken/ rural community for one week
Taught parasite education and handed out parasite medication to residents (in Spanish)
Helped school children with homework
Interacted with the community by teaching American customs/ games (UNO, Phase 10), teaching children English (informally), dancing/ singing, and helping the families cook and clean
DEGREE
[2007-2011] University of Wisconsin- Eau Claire; Eau Claire, WI
Bachelor of the Arts in Women’s Studies
Double concentration in French and Sociology
Graduated Cum Laude
TRAINING/ EDUCATION
[2011] HIV Foundations 1 Training hours- 8
[2011] Dismantling Racism workshop hours- 16
[2011] Safe Space LGBTQ awareness training hours- 1
Conservation of the Environment credits- 3
Human Sexual Biology credits- 3
Environmental and Public Health credits- 3
Traveler’s Health & Wellness credits- 1
Feminist Economics credits- 6
Computer Competencies:
High level of skill in Microsoft Office applications
Trained in using the following programs: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Final Cut Express (Macintosh)
FOREIGN LANGUAGES
Bachelor of the Arts in French (liberal arts)
Intermediate and conversational to professional written and oral skill
[2007] Visited France: lived with host family and toured country- 1 week
PERSONAL HOBBIES/INTERESTS
Digital photography
Music & Dance
Politics/ Social movements
Gardening (floral & vegetable)
Feminist pedagogy
Reading
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Bienvenue a.....
CAMEROON!
I am so happy about receiving placement in Cameroon. I will be a Community Health Educator in Cameroon, Africa leaving September 15th! I was feeling very anxious about location and I was hoping for Cameroon, so I'm feeling pretty content at the moment.
Does anyone out there have any advice on all of this paperwork we must fill out, I feel like there is so much to do and we only have 10 days! :/
I am so happy about receiving placement in Cameroon. I will be a Community Health Educator in Cameroon, Africa leaving September 15th! I was feeling very anxious about location and I was hoping for Cameroon, so I'm feeling pretty content at the moment.
Does anyone out there have any advice on all of this paperwork we must fill out, I feel like there is so much to do and we only have 10 days! :/
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
gLee
I received an email mid-day on Monday from Brian, the placement specialist I had talked with the week before. After checking my email in the morning.... imagine my surprise upon receiving an email around 3pm. I thought was unusual since most communication/updates with PC seems to happen during the morning- like 5 in the morning TOOLKIT updates! The following is his email:
"Dear Crystal,
It was nice speaking with you last week. After checking program availability I've decided to invite you to a health program departing in mid/late-July for Africa (after your 15-July-2011 availability date). More detailed information will arrive in the mail shortly. After reading through your invitation materials, please contact me if you have any questions or concerns. Otherwise, please follow the detailed instructions in your invitation packet on how to accept your invitation.
Best,
Brian"
He later went on to say that the program would be leaving in Mid-September actually.... which is even better. I will be able to relax/rest, recuperate, enjoy being graduated, say goodbye to everyone/thing, pack/buy stuff! Leaving in September will help me transition into my life in the Peace Corps. Instead of going to campus for class, I'll be walking from a village into a classroom.... I almost can't wrap my head around this. An invitation to Morocco sounded quite enticing (Staging- around September 9th) but I'm thinking my invitation will be: Rwanda, Cameroon, Botswana, or Togo.
Fingers crossed for a good placement.... I don't want to hope too much for one over another, I know that wherever I go I will feel lost and confused and yet.... hopeful and somewhat accomplished. Now I will manically check the mailbox every day!
"Dear Crystal,
It was nice speaking with you last week. After checking program availability I've decided to invite you to a health program departing in mid/late-July for Africa (after your 15-July-2011 availability date). More detailed information will arrive in the mail shortly. After reading through your invitation materials, please contact me if you have any questions or concerns. Otherwise, please follow the detailed instructions in your invitation packet on how to accept your invitation.
Best,
Brian"
He later went on to say that the program would be leaving in Mid-September actually.... which is even better. I will be able to relax/rest, recuperate, enjoy being graduated, say goodbye to everyone/thing, pack/buy stuff! Leaving in September will help me transition into my life in the Peace Corps. Instead of going to campus for class, I'll be walking from a village into a classroom.... I almost can't wrap my head around this. An invitation to Morocco sounded quite enticing (Staging- around September 9th) but I'm thinking my invitation will be: Rwanda, Cameroon, Botswana, or Togo.
Fingers crossed for a good placement.... I don't want to hope too much for one over another, I know that wherever I go I will feel lost and confused and yet.... hopeful and somewhat accomplished. Now I will manically check the mailbox every day!
Sunday, April 3, 2011
news, news, news!
So woke up Friday morning with two missed calls: I'm sorry to my roommate for missing your call the night before :) but the other was from a 202 area code! Ahh! Voicemail. Yup, it was the Peace Corps Placement Office calling to set up a time to talk about a few things. After a little game of phone tag, finally got to talk to him. Instead of setting up the interview for another time we decided to do it just then! Ahh nerve-wracking, my heart was beating so fast but I was so excited and nervous. So much I wanted to say and get through to him.... so I hope my speedy talking and nervous giggles didn't give him the wrong idea :) I think it went quite well, so well that he said he would qualify me for service, just that he would look around for programs to fit my availability to depart (I would like to leave in July-onward.... and July is when my nomination is for). He knew of a program in June that would suit me, but I need a month to get everything in line after graduation, moving back home, packing/ buying stuff!
I hope to hear back from them soon, it would be great to finally find out where I'm going and that there is a place for me! :)
I hope to hear back from them soon, it would be great to finally find out where I'm going and that there is a place for me! :)
Thursday, March 24, 2011
big easy living
I am sitting in a hotel room in New Orleans, La. Resting my foot (a freak blister accident) and listening to Mumford & Sons before heading out for a jazz bar and mojitos with some amazing people. This trip has been.... amazing. I thought I knew so much about the Civil Rights Movement and race relations in the U.S prior to this week, and I have been blown out of the water. The stories I have read about, people who have told their first hand accounts of their struggle in the attainment of justice, and the intense emotions felt have been.... life changing. What a great way to spend my last spring break as an undergraduate. This week has pushed me and shown me that I am on the right path in life and although I have been on a roller coaster this past year, I finally am feeling content. I just want to let the people know who I have hurt along the way know that I am sorry and I know that leaving you may have been a selfish step but one that will be good for us in the long run. I miss you and think about you daily, but the passion and intense pull towards peace, understanding, and education is like a drug for me. I am inspired by so many, but I just want to thank my family for supporting me and for all of those leaders/activists/average people who stood up for what was right- you are all amazing.
The thought of going back to school for the final month and a half seems unbearable. Not only do I have a documentary to shoot/edit/present (the film will be about HIV/AIDS & Prison culture stigma- and how they shape prevention/ outreach work) but I have to wrap up the last four years of my life. Say goodbye to friends, get those degrees, pack & move on out! I am scared, I am exhilarated, I am lost.... I can't wait.
No matter what happens (meaning with PC), I am confident in the fact that I will find a fulfilling yet challenging life for myself. Bring It.
[but first Bourbon Street :D]
The thought of going back to school for the final month and a half seems unbearable. Not only do I have a documentary to shoot/edit/present (the film will be about HIV/AIDS & Prison culture stigma- and how they shape prevention/ outreach work) but I have to wrap up the last four years of my life. Say goodbye to friends, get those degrees, pack & move on out! I am scared, I am exhilarated, I am lost.... I can't wait.
No matter what happens (meaning with PC), I am confident in the fact that I will find a fulfilling yet challenging life for myself. Bring It.
[but first Bourbon Street :D]
big easy living
I am sitting in a hotel room in New Orleans, La. Resting my foot (a freak blister accident) and listening to Mumford & Sons before heading out for a jazz bar and mojitos with some amazing people. This trip has been.... amazing. I thought I knew so much about the Civil Rights Movement and race relations in the U.S prior to this week, and I have been blown out of the water. The stories I have read about, people who have told their first hand accounts of their struggle in the attainment of justice, and the intense emotions felt have been.... life changing. What a great way to spend my last spring break as an undergraduate. This week has pushed me and shown me that I am on the right path in life and although I have been on a roller coaster this past year, I finally am feeling content. I just want to let the people know who I have hurt along the way know that I am sorry and I know that leaving you may have been a selfish step but one that will be good for us in the long run. I miss you and think about you daily, but the passion and intense pull towards peace, understanding, and education is like a drug for me. I am inspired by so many, but I just want to thank my family for supporting me and for all of those leaders/activists/average people who stood up for what was right- you are all amazing.
The thought of going back to school for the final month and a half seems unbearable. Not only do I have a documentary to shoot/edit/present (the film will be about HIV/AIDS & Prison culture stigma- and how they shape prevention/ outreach work) but I have to wrap up the last four years of my life. Say goodbye to friends, get those degrees, pack & move on out! I am scared, I am exhilarated, I am lost.... I can't wait.
No matter what happens (meaning with PC), I am confident in the fact that I will find a fulfilling yet challenging life for myself. Bring It.
[but first Bourbon Street :D]
The thought of going back to school for the final month and a half seems unbearable. Not only do I have a documentary to shoot/edit/present (the film will be about HIV/AIDS & Prison culture stigma- and how they shape prevention/ outreach work) but I have to wrap up the last four years of my life. Say goodbye to friends, get those degrees, pack & move on out! I am scared, I am exhilarated, I am lost.... I can't wait.
No matter what happens (meaning with PC), I am confident in the fact that I will find a fulfilling yet challenging life for myself. Bring It.
[but first Bourbon Street :D]
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
4
Dear Placement,
I hope to hear from you soon. I see that there have been a lot of updates from fellow nominees about June invites, and I hope to find out soon as well! :) I will wait patiently until mid-April... but just know I'd love to talk with you!
Thank you
Crystal
In the meantime.... spring break starts Friday at 4:00 pm. Yes!
Although I will be going on my universities "Civil Rights Pilgrimage" and it will be an educational experience with alllloooot of museum visits, I can not wait to get outta' town and into some nice warm weather :) I am also awaiting the visit to the CNN headquarters and Heifer International. We will be going to a Baptist church service and visiting Memphis, New Orleans, Atlanta, Montgomery, Selma. Swamp tours, local cuisine, good friends, learning- sounds like a great break. Now this week can hurry on up :)
I hope to hear from you soon. I see that there have been a lot of updates from fellow nominees about June invites, and I hope to find out soon as well! :) I will wait patiently until mid-April... but just know I'd love to talk with you!
Thank you
Crystal
In the meantime.... spring break starts Friday at 4:00 pm. Yes!
Although I will be going on my universities "Civil Rights Pilgrimage" and it will be an educational experience with alllloooot of museum visits, I can not wait to get outta' town and into some nice warm weather :) I am also awaiting the visit to the CNN headquarters and Heifer International. We will be going to a Baptist church service and visiting Memphis, New Orleans, Atlanta, Montgomery, Selma. Swamp tours, local cuisine, good friends, learning- sounds like a great break. Now this week can hurry on up :)
Thursday, March 3, 2011
you learn something new everyday
I had a long conversation with my friend Kelsey last night about how this summer will be.
I don't think it hit me until last night how big graduation and the next year will be in my life, in my friend's lives, in everyone's! I could be living in a different country in the matter of months, Kara may be in Spain, Kelsey will be in Nicaragua. We will all be traveling, and finding jobs, graduating, and beginning our lives in the 'real world'.
Overwhelming, exciting, scary yet exhilarating!
I found an interesting blog post today. I will quote from it.
Your passing emotional states can’t be trusted for measuring your self-worth or your position in life, but they are great at teaching you what it is you can’t let go of. The trouble is that emotions make us both more biased and more forceful at the same time. Another survival mechanism with nasty side-effects.
It is gratifying to speak forcefully, it is gratifying to be agreed with, and this high is what the die-hards are chasing. Wherever there is a belief, there is a closed door. Take on the beliefs that stand up to your most honest, humble scrutiny, and never be afraid to lose them.
What I do build depends on the books I’ve read, the people I’ve met, and the experiences I’ve had. It means I will never see the world quite like anyone else, which means I will never live in quite the same world as anyone else — and therefore I mustn’t let outside observers be the authority on who I am or what life is really like for me.
http://www.stumbleupon.com/su/1Dwdj0/www.raptitude.com/2010/10/9-mind-bending-epiphanies-that-turned-my-world-upside-down%3Fawesm%3Dfbshare.me_AV3k9
I don't think it hit me until last night how big graduation and the next year will be in my life, in my friend's lives, in everyone's! I could be living in a different country in the matter of months, Kara may be in Spain, Kelsey will be in Nicaragua. We will all be traveling, and finding jobs, graduating, and beginning our lives in the 'real world'.
Overwhelming, exciting, scary yet exhilarating!
I found an interesting blog post today. I will quote from it.
Your passing emotional states can’t be trusted for measuring your self-worth or your position in life, but they are great at teaching you what it is you can’t let go of. The trouble is that emotions make us both more biased and more forceful at the same time. Another survival mechanism with nasty side-effects.
It is gratifying to speak forcefully, it is gratifying to be agreed with, and this high is what the die-hards are chasing. Wherever there is a belief, there is a closed door. Take on the beliefs that stand up to your most honest, humble scrutiny, and never be afraid to lose them.
What I do build depends on the books I’ve read, the people I’ve met, and the experiences I’ve had. It means I will never see the world quite like anyone else, which means I will never live in quite the same world as anyone else — and therefore I mustn’t let outside observers be the authority on who I am or what life is really like for me.
http://www.stumbleupon.com/su/1Dwdj0/www.raptitude.com/2010/10/9-mind-bending-epiphanies-that-turned-my-world-upside-down%3Fawesm%3Dfbshare.me_AV3k9
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Solidarity
So Wisconsin has been up in arms lately regarding the budget "repair" bill our govenor, Scott Walker is trying to pass. Taking away collective bargaining rights, forcing layoffs, using threats and manipulation to keep sheep herded. It has been a politically heated time and frankly makes me feel as if we have stepped 50 years in the past. I am not a social activist, humanist, feminist, etc to see this kind of blatant disrespect and honestly bullshit from happening. I do not want to seem as if leaving the country or state is me throwing in the towel and running away. Our world is in a state of disarray and I have a strong desire to experience and bathe myself in the richness of other cultures/ lands. But this is just the perfect time for me to leave and move on to bigger and hopefully better things. I updated my resume and sent it to placement. I have read that we won't be hearing until probably April. I hope it is sooner rather than later, I want this verrrrry badly, but if it isn't going to happen I want to be prepared for what happens next. I'm thinking Portland, Oregon if not.... or San Francisco :)
The Castro District of San Francisco, CA- July 2010
The Castro District of San Francisco, CA- July 2010
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Tests
2011 is testing me. Oofta
I started my last semester of school and it was a busy one!
My internship is great, it is going very well so far. I can't wait to see what the rest of my time there will be. I feel like I have learned so much already and it's really nice to see the process of morphing into a more professional/active individual rather than just academic.
I will be very busy this semester and I think that will be good to help clear my mind and find my focus. :)
I started my last semester of school and it was a busy one!
My internship is great, it is going very well so far. I can't wait to see what the rest of my time there will be. I feel like I have learned so much already and it's really nice to see the process of morphing into a more professional/active individual rather than just academic.
I will be very busy this semester and I think that will be good to help clear my mind and find my focus. :)
Monday, January 24, 2011
little monster ball
Tada! It's my birthday :D I'm the big 2-2!
It was my last first day of school ever.... I am graduating in about 15 weeks. I met the professors and the syllabi and the peers I will spend my last days of college with. Pretty Intense.
I have had a lot of fun lately. I enjoyed two excursions to the Twin Cities last week to meet new friends and visit with others! I also got to spend the weekend with my best friend Sarah who drove her butt all the way to see me. What a great gal. The Monster Ball was somewhat of a flop (not a lot of people came, but it was great fun!) but we all got dolled up and went to our Lady Gaga themed birthday party. It was a ton of fun; even though the night flew by.
As far as the Peace Corps goes: I haven't heard anything from placement yet, :( I'm trying not to dwell on this so I'm just reading other people's experiences and for the most part remaining collected and calm :) I think that focusing on the internship (that I start tomorrow eee yay!) and on my classes will be best. I want to do well in school, go out with a bang! Also working out has been great, it feels good to start exercising again. Maybe I will attempt a marathon/ charity run before I graduate/ leave the country. ::knock on wood: :)
Life feels different lately, not bad but... strangely calm/mysterious. I'm at a strange place in life, I'm on the cusp of something big. I can just feel it building, what will I do next where will my life take me next year? What is going on! Luckily I have good new books to read and learned to do and friends to hang out with. So I guess all I can say is... it's life.
And here we are... 11:15 pm.
Internship at 9:00 am
'Night Neverland-
It was my last first day of school ever.... I am graduating in about 15 weeks. I met the professors and the syllabi and the peers I will spend my last days of college with. Pretty Intense.
I have had a lot of fun lately. I enjoyed two excursions to the Twin Cities last week to meet new friends and visit with others! I also got to spend the weekend with my best friend Sarah who drove her butt all the way to see me. What a great gal. The Monster Ball was somewhat of a flop (not a lot of people came, but it was great fun!) but we all got dolled up and went to our Lady Gaga themed birthday party. It was a ton of fun; even though the night flew by.
As far as the Peace Corps goes: I haven't heard anything from placement yet, :( I'm trying not to dwell on this so I'm just reading other people's experiences and for the most part remaining collected and calm :) I think that focusing on the internship (that I start tomorrow eee yay!) and on my classes will be best. I want to do well in school, go out with a bang! Also working out has been great, it feels good to start exercising again. Maybe I will attempt a marathon/ charity run before I graduate/ leave the country. ::knock on wood: :)
Life feels different lately, not bad but... strangely calm/mysterious. I'm at a strange place in life, I'm on the cusp of something big. I can just feel it building, what will I do next where will my life take me next year? What is going on! Luckily I have good new books to read and learned to do and friends to hang out with. So I guess all I can say is... it's life.
And here we are... 11:15 pm.
Internship at 9:00 am
'Night Neverland-
Monday, January 17, 2011
winter wonderland
I'm feeling content today, feeling happy. Becoming refreshed... determined for what's to come. Bring it on semester! haha However once the semester actually begins I'll be pretty damn busy and stressed and blahhhh! Oh well, c'est la vie!
There are some of you who don't know.... alot actually (I have been somewhat awol for awhile... for reasons academically, professionally, and mostly personally) but I'm I am quite excited to start my internship at AIDS Resource Center of Wisconsin (ARCW). I am supposed to get training done this week but the prevention coordinator has yet to contact me for details. I'll have to call or e-mail tomorrow. I have done volunteering at the center for a few months, nothing substantial. But I approached John, the coordinator, and told him that I wanted to assist him in his outreach programs within the WI prison system. I will be going into county jails, prisons, and domestic violence shelters to talk to women and men who may be at risk for contracting and transmitting the virus &/ or disease. I will be running risk assessment counseling and pre-testing counseling as well as co-facilitating and leading outreach empowerment sessions. I also suggested to John that since I'm making this not only my internship credits but also my senior capstone WMNS studies project... I try to adapt and facilitate my own workshop using a feminist methodology and dealing specifically with female empowerment and educational attainment. :D I have never had experience in discussion based therapy or awareness training, so working with a Social Work professor as my capstone advisor and a Sociology professor as my internship advisor..... I feel like this program will be great!
I will also be finishing my undergraduate degree ::ugh shudder.... that's scary:: with a Race & Ethnicity sociology course, a French literature course, and a capstone course. Add two jobs... and an internship... plus trying to enjoy my final semester with many of the people I have come to know over the past four years and may not see again..... It's gonna be a wild ride!
I'm not really good with blogs and internet codes and stuff, so if anyone has any tips (Ex: as to how to add a timeline page / link) that would be pretty groovy!
The Social Network was good.... I think I'll talk about it more in my next post though.
Tout a l'heure!
There are some of you who don't know.... alot actually (I have been somewhat awol for awhile... for reasons academically, professionally, and mostly personally) but I'm I am quite excited to start my internship at AIDS Resource Center of Wisconsin (ARCW). I am supposed to get training done this week but the prevention coordinator has yet to contact me for details. I'll have to call or e-mail tomorrow. I have done volunteering at the center for a few months, nothing substantial. But I approached John, the coordinator, and told him that I wanted to assist him in his outreach programs within the WI prison system. I will be going into county jails, prisons, and domestic violence shelters to talk to women and men who may be at risk for contracting and transmitting the virus &/ or disease. I will be running risk assessment counseling and pre-testing counseling as well as co-facilitating and leading outreach empowerment sessions. I also suggested to John that since I'm making this not only my internship credits but also my senior capstone WMNS studies project... I try to adapt and facilitate my own workshop using a feminist methodology and dealing specifically with female empowerment and educational attainment. :D I have never had experience in discussion based therapy or awareness training, so working with a Social Work professor as my capstone advisor and a Sociology professor as my internship advisor..... I feel like this program will be great!
I will also be finishing my undergraduate degree ::ugh shudder.... that's scary:: with a Race & Ethnicity sociology course, a French literature course, and a capstone course. Add two jobs... and an internship... plus trying to enjoy my final semester with many of the people I have come to know over the past four years and may not see again..... It's gonna be a wild ride!
I'm not really good with blogs and internet codes and stuff, so if anyone has any tips (Ex: as to how to add a timeline page / link) that would be pretty groovy!
The Social Network was good.... I think I'll talk about it more in my next post though.
Tout a l'heure!
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Tada!
Received the letter :) now just trying to focus on whats in front of me. I'll be entering my final semester of school and I have to keep my internship at the top of my mind. Looking back through the years, I never imagined I would be where I am today. That's not a negative in the slightest, I'm thankful for all that I have, it's just interesting to imagine different paths for your life and seeing how it really ends up. I am over the portion of life wondering what I'll do if the Peace Corps doesn't work out, I believe what will happen will happen and I just hope its one that leaves me feeling fulfilled and happy. I want to travel, more than anything, I want to just chill and dance and live life. Sounds like a total hippie huh? Ha.
Although the whole "I want to lose weight" resolution is pretty cliche, I actually did go out and purchase a membership to my university's athletic facilities. I want to be fit, feel healthy... I rather be in better health while I were away and I just haven't been feeling up to par lately, a good long work out will be good to kick my butt in gear :)
I've been reading "Saturday is for Funerals" by Unity Dow and Max Essex; it's about the AIDS epidemic in Botswana, I didn't even read a total of two pages today and it struck me that I was meant to make an impact for women and children abroad who are suffering from HIV/AIDS. I honestly can not wait until this whole application process is over and I (hopefully) will have an invitation in my hands.
Until then, continuing work and trying to enjoy the rest of my final (tear!) winter break.
Au Revoir mes amis :)
Although the whole "I want to lose weight" resolution is pretty cliche, I actually did go out and purchase a membership to my university's athletic facilities. I want to be fit, feel healthy... I rather be in better health while I were away and I just haven't been feeling up to par lately, a good long work out will be good to kick my butt in gear :)
I've been reading "Saturday is for Funerals" by Unity Dow and Max Essex; it's about the AIDS epidemic in Botswana, I didn't even read a total of two pages today and it struck me that I was meant to make an impact for women and children abroad who are suffering from HIV/AIDS. I honestly can not wait until this whole application process is over and I (hopefully) will have an invitation in my hands.
Until then, continuing work and trying to enjoy the rest of my final (tear!) winter break.
Au Revoir mes amis :)
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
waiting...
Still waiting to receive my letter regarding my medical status :/ I'm hoping to get word by the end of the week. The wait is overwhelming but I have enjoyed my rest time with my roommate Kara. We have been planning delicious meals to make and have had good times catching up on movies and dramatic American television shows :)
Instead of focusing on the Peace Corps every waking minute, I will put more thought and time into planning my birthday party. I'm turning 22 soon and since this may be the last birthday I can spend not only in the U.S but with all of my friends, I am hoping it turns out to be a good night! Theme: Lady Gaga! :)
Happy New Year, best wishes
Instead of focusing on the Peace Corps every waking minute, I will put more thought and time into planning my birthday party. I'm turning 22 soon and since this may be the last birthday I can spend not only in the U.S but with all of my friends, I am hoping it turns out to be a good night! Theme: Lady Gaga! :)
Happy New Year, best wishes
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