Being a tourist on my island

Molly, one of the Peace Corps volunteers from St. Vincent, came to visit Grenada and her family met up with her as well. They're so cute (they all got scuba-certified and go on dive trips together) and I had so much fun spending time with them. I also loved playing tour guide and getting to share the Isle of Spice culture with them. And getting a delicious dinner at a nice restaurant...thank you Okuneffs!

Using the opportunity to take pictures of my everyday surroundings...





Hiking and jumping off the Seven Sisters Waterfalls (even her dad made the plunge!)...


Taking advantage of the hotel beach chairs (it's rather sad that this is a luxury for us)...
Some of my students found me too...

Sparkle Sparkle Little Teeth

I've been so fortunate to have 2 regular volunteers at the Limes After-School Program these past few months, Drew & Sarah (wives of medical students down here), so I've taken advantage of the extra hands to teach the kids some basic life skills:

Washing our hands and preventing the spread of germs...
Brushing/flossing our teeth and avoiding too much sugar...
A nature walk that opened up discussion about the environment and how to treat animals...

Grensave's International Food & Drink Festival

One of my community partners, an NGO called Grensave: Save the Children Agency, had their annual fundraiser today with vendors from all different countries selling their food and crafts. I was in charge of organizing the Children's Village again, so I recruited all the Peace Corps Volunteers for another crazy day of the Bouncy Castle, face-painting, and raffle prizes (and psycho mothers). We had a great turnout, raised a lot of money, and no one was seriously injured on the Bouncy Castle...it was a good day!

Don't count your chickens before they hatch...

...and don't crack your eggs over your cookie dough mixings until you've checked for dead ones.

Tonight, one of my childhood nightmares just came true. I was teaching my little neighbor girl how to make cookies when she cracks one of the eggs and says, "Rachel, I think this egg is bad." So I turn to look and see something dark inside the half-cracked egg as she calmly says, "I think it's a chicken." By now I'm in hysterics and safely on the other side of the apartment, while this brave 13-year old verifies...there was indeed a dead chicken fetus in the shell!

Happy Birthday Nicole!

I'm so glad Nicole was born 26 years ago, not only because we love her, but because it gave us the excuse to have a crazy night of dancing and then a really fun picnic on the beach.

When it rains, it pours

And I'm not just talking about the weather. For months I've been looking for more teachers for the Limes After School Program, and suddenly I have 3! One is a local girl and the other 2 are wives of medical students, and they have been such a blessing already. They're really good with the kids and a huge support to me. I've also applied for a grant to renovate the old building we've been using, so hopefully that gets approved and we can really begin to clean up the place and make it a safer, more fun environment for the kids. Ideally, I'd like to have a small library of books and a computer for them to learn on, and maybe even teach them photography (they love taking pictures with my camera!), but I'm taking it one step at a time. Donations are welcome. :)

Happy Independence Day Grenada!

Grenada celebrated their 35th Anniversary today, so the weekend was filled with celebrations and a big parade (and we all looked like we were getting ready for Christmas!).

Texas, Florida, & Puerto Rico in 72 hours!

On my way back to Grenada, I took the opportunity to see friends of mine by overnighting in each of the cities I had to fly through. My first was in Dallas, Texas to see a family I used to babysit for and am still very close with. Mind you, I knew Lexi & Macie since the time they were in diapers, so you can imagine how old I feel. :) It was so fun to see them again, race our scooters by the lake, sleepover with them, and know I can still make them laugh. Their parents Bill & Julie also treated me to some delicious meals, a pedicure, and a drive around to see Christmas lights. Although the time was short, I loved every minute of it.


My second stop was in Miami, Florida to see my dear friend Johnny. Johnny and I first met in Australia, and have been in different countries ever since, yet distance hasn't been able to keep us apart. So refeshing to spend time with him again...one of the funniest humans I know.


My third and final stop was in San Juan, Puerto Rico to see my old roommate from Semester at Sea, but unfortunately we had a miscommunication about flight times and weren't able to connect. Have no fear though, in true form I made friends with some strangers and had a great time nonetheless...walking around the beautiful town of Old San Juan, trying Puerto Rican food, and attempting to revive my Spanish (ay Dios mio). This is one place I am definitely going back to.

"I'm dreaming of a White Christmas!"

My parents gave me the best present they ever could've given me and flew me home for the holidays this December. I went to Southern California first to see my aunt, grandma, and friends, and was shocked by the cold spell I was greeted with at the airport. I loved it though...experiencing the fall season I never got in Grenada, getting to bundle up, drinking coffee without getting the heat sweats. Lovely!





It was even more of a shock when I flew into Portland and the runway was covered in snow! I don't think Oregon has had a winter like this in 50 years and it was honestly a miracle that we landed. But I got my wish this year...a White Christmas! I was actually content to be snowed-in and have forced quality time with my family. Of course it was just as wonderful when the snow melted and we were able to break free from house arrest. :) Highlights were sleeping with 3 duvet comforters, getting to wear my old sweats, drinking lattes by the fireplace, seeing old friends, ice skating, Thai food, and going to the ER (long story, but it involves a grizzly bear and the saving of several small children). I didn't want to gross you ALL out, so if you don't have a weak stomach, click here.

Merry Christmas from Grenada's Peace Corps!

Volleyball Competition

This week was the volleyball competition for the adult teams and marked a milestone for volleyball in Grenada. Like I mentioned before, the sport has been dormant for about 12 years and so this is the first year they've picked it back up. I'm really excited to be a part of the progress and especially to get to be a player as well as a coach. And so far my team, the St. George's Women, are undefeated! There's one more week of games next week that I will unfortunately miss because I'm going home for Christmas Vacation, but I know they will be great. The opening games attracted a lot of attention from fans and I'm hoping someday it will be up there in the ranks with football and cricket. Wishful thinking, I know, but a girl can dream, right?

World AIDS Day

December 1 was World AIDS Day and one of the projects a few of us volunteers helped facilitate was a week of sessions on HIV/AIDS, Discrimination, & Values in different secondary schools. Brady did an excellent job leading the activities and it was a huge encouragement to have some of the students ask us more in-depth questions afterward. Even if just one person got tested for HIV because of what they learned, it was worth it.

Shereen gets her diploma

One of my girls from the Limes After School Program graduated from secondary school tonight! I was honored to be invited and it was neat to share that milestone with her (and reminisce on my high school days). Although I really wish someone had told me the graduation ceremonies here are over 4 hours long!!! Not that it would have kept me from attending, but at least I would have been better prepared with a sack lunch and crossword puzzle.

Presentation Boys College

I've been coaching volleyball at PBC for the past couple months and this week was the Secondary School Tournament. We didn't win any matches, but the boys showed great form out there, especially considering this was the first time most of them have ever played volleyball. They represented their school's first volleyball team and I was very proud of them!