CELEBRATING CIBAO 2010: SLIDE SHOW YOU TUBE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GYahS85_shQ.

CELEBRATING CIBAO 2010: DIVERSITY CAMP

AUGUST RUSH

One would think that August would be particularly slow. Everyone would be getting some beach time; relaxing. This is not the case for many volunteers on this island. Summer means lots of camps; youth group meetings, normal day to day business and activities up the wooha!

Those who know me well will say to themselves, eh Marite likes busy, well…..you are absolutely right J I can’t imagine sitting around not doing a thing. I’d probably consider shooting myself. Granted there are a few days where I find myself feeling a bit overwhelmed but I just keep telling myself that it will only make me stronger and better for the next time around or at least that’s what my mama tells me….. Moms are always right so I’ll take her word for it.

Anywho, Just spent the last week experiencing something incredible right along the border. A camp called Peace Camp hosted primarily by PLAN intl. and the US Embassy from both Haiti and the DR. Basically it is an English camp inviting youth from both Haiti and the DR. The first half of the camp takes place in the DR and the second week in Haiti. The two goals of the camp are to help these kids learn some English while they learn to bond. As a volunteer on the island of Hispaniola, one quickly realizes and sees the stigma between the Haitians and Dominicans. It’s really uncomfortable and sad.

Only 6 volunteers from Peace Corps were able to participate in this camp. Volunteers were given lots of training on group strengthening and bonding. These activities are basically Ice breakers as well as group critical thinking/ analyses. It does sound like a lot of fun and games but the experience can be described as trying. Details are too long to describe but in summary after one week of participation (In the period I was able to volunteer and participate) there were some noticeable differences in the bonding between the two groups. PEACE CAMP WOOT!

So I’m back at my site. Since I arrived we have had these insane afternoon storms that are unlike any I have experienced before. Coming from hurricane central, it may seem much to say but my village roads are rivers. People have to stay indoors or fight in knee deep floods through rocky roads. Pretty dangerous I must say. I can’t imagine an actual hurricane passing through here. Yesterday our bridge was washed away (video posted). Family please don’t fret, I’m safe! So safe that I went rafting down the Yaque del Norte River today with several volunteers. This was my second time taking the trip, and this time was much better than last. Definitely level 4-5 compared to the level 2 we experienced last time.

My youth are completing their final draft to the business plan for the nationwide competition, “Construye Tus Suenos”. The submission deadline is this Sunday. We will find out sometime the end of next week whether or not my kids made the finals and will compete in October :x cross fingers.

Two weeks ago I was granted a large sum of money to begin a latrine project. This means I have a bit of work to do in September.

By taking it one day at a time things should fall into place and this month should fly.

Love you all

M