(no subject)
Aug. 31st, 2006 06:06 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
aintbrokeI don’t much like updating without feeling like I have something to say; and yes, I am off in Peace Corps, adventure ho, and all that, but, man. I got nothing. On the other hand, it has been something like a month since I updated.
So. I finally finished my training. Which, geez-oh-pete, if there were ever a longer six weeks on this planet, I don’t even want to hear about it. Training succeeded in making me wildly thankful that I hadn’t actually been sent to a Latin American country, because I just don’t think I could have handled three months of language training and cultural sensitization for a language and culture I already know. Six weeks nearly killed me.
Thankfully, we were right on the beach, my host family was affable, and the other volunteers (though, at that point we were mere trainees) are completely not a waste of space. They are, in fact, a more or less wonderful group of people, with an interesting outlook, a stupid sense of humor, and an impressive collection of dumb tan lines. I approve mightily.
But that, that was days ago. NOW, I’m a full fledged volunteer. I’ve actually been fairly productive my week here- none of this casting about for projects I hear is so common for volunteers- I can type brochures and research grants like no-one’s business. I’ve been assigned to St. Thomas, the south-eastern most parish on the island. I’m working with the SDC (Social Development Commission) and STEC Foundation (St. Tom Emancipation and Cultural Foundation). Look at me toss those acronyms! And there was that eight hour meeting I sat in yesterday. I can also identify key people at JSIF, JAMPRO, TPD Co, and TEF. I practically feel like I local, albeit a local office worker.
More updates as warrant. Hopefully they’ll be more, you know, interesting.
So. I finally finished my training. Which, geez-oh-pete, if there were ever a longer six weeks on this planet, I don’t even want to hear about it. Training succeeded in making me wildly thankful that I hadn’t actually been sent to a Latin American country, because I just don’t think I could have handled three months of language training and cultural sensitization for a language and culture I already know. Six weeks nearly killed me.
Thankfully, we were right on the beach, my host family was affable, and the other volunteers (though, at that point we were mere trainees) are completely not a waste of space. They are, in fact, a more or less wonderful group of people, with an interesting outlook, a stupid sense of humor, and an impressive collection of dumb tan lines. I approve mightily.
But that, that was days ago. NOW, I’m a full fledged volunteer. I’ve actually been fairly productive my week here- none of this casting about for projects I hear is so common for volunteers- I can type brochures and research grants like no-one’s business. I’ve been assigned to St. Thomas, the south-eastern most parish on the island. I’m working with the SDC (Social Development Commission) and STEC Foundation (St. Tom Emancipation and Cultural Foundation). Look at me toss those acronyms! And there was that eight hour meeting I sat in yesterday. I can also identify key people at JSIF, JAMPRO, TPD Co, and TEF. I practically feel like I local, albeit a local office worker.
More updates as warrant. Hopefully they’ll be more, you know, interesting.
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no subject
Date: 2006-08-31 11:12 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2006-08-31 11:43 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2006-09-22 11:37 pm (UTC)On the upside, native Jamaicans ask for clarification about twelve times per conversation too.
no subject
Date: 2006-09-01 12:06 am (UTC)it's nice to hear you survived the brutal training portion, and are now a full-fledged volunteer. *applause*
because my brain is swiss cheese - I can't recall how long you'll be there? if it's any length of time (6+weeks) would you like mail? I'm totally fine sending notes or postcards out of the US, and if mail would be appropriate and/or appreciated, just let me know how to get it to you.
no subject
Date: 2006-09-22 11:41 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2006-09-01 02:40 am (UTC)"it seems easy to get addicted to the internet/livejournal. but then you spend any time away from it and that need just vanishes."
"yeah, i friended someone on lj to hear about life in the peace corps, and i guess when she got down there that same thing happened to her. i haven't heard a thing."
:)
no subject
Date: 2006-09-23 01:07 am (UTC)I go though phases of lj-ing and not, but I really miss it when I'm not around. This is my communication mode, you know? I don't have a cell phone, move too much for a land line or permanent address, and am entirely too lazy to send out personal email often. SO. I may have this whole thing worked out, and I hope to send out more updates.
no subject
Date: 2006-09-01 03:38 am (UTC)