Alright, alright, I realize I've been lazy with my blog. I used to obsessively read other volunteers' blogs when I decided to apply, and I vowed that when I was a volunteer, I would blog religiously... Oops. I forgot. Hopefully, that's a testimate to how well adjusted and in the moment I am, as opposed to being miserable and on my computer all the time. That's my story, and I'm sticking to it! So here's an update:
School:
Term one is almost over! I feel like I'm getting the hang of things, and I'm still generally pretty happy. I absolutely love teaching. I love when I'm sitting with a group of kiddos, and we only half understand each other, but by the end of a session, I know they got it! It's chaotic in the best way, and it makes me feel like a super hero. I'm going to start wearing my lavalava around my neck like a cape!
I miss American schools where I have convenient access to books, computers, teaching materials, and consistent electricity. I miss the general culture of schools inAmerica (to a point). Kids here are way more respectful, but that's because they would most likely get slapped if they're not (My school is actually pretty good about avoiding corporal punishment, luckily, but it's a country wide problem that many volunteers struggle to be around). Children love me, which means I'm constantly struggling to get some personal space and privacy. They're everywhere. But the second I'm in the class room, I'm able to gain control of the situation, and set boundaries. The classroom is where it all works out (most of the time). I love it.
Village life:
I love my village. I love it. I realise I'm saying that a lot, and I hope that I'm not losing credibility here. It's true.
Church is a huge part of village life. There are 2 churches here (Mormon and Congregational). Some volunteers will try to go to all the churches in their village, and maybe this makes me a less super volunteer, but I don't go to the Mormon church. Mormons don't approve of alcohol, and I really don't drink often, but I don't want to have to lie when I do. Therefore, to aid my integration, I have thrown myself pretty deep into the Congregational church (called E.F.K.S.). I attend 2 Sunday services where I only understand 10percent of the sermon, I'm a Sunday School teacher (kind of) and I even go to Bingo with the church sometimes. My sister should be proud.
I am still learning Samoan, and I spend time with my neighbors to practice. Honestly, sometimes, I'm tired and don't want to socialise, but when I do, I know it's beneficial.
Other stuff:
Term 1 is ending and we get a week long break. I'm sad to miss Easter with my family because it's one of my favourite holidays, but I plan on going to a resort by my house and I hope to skype everyone there (I'm super lucky to live close to a resort with internet. You pay by the hour, and there aren't many places on the island where it's available).
After the break, Peace Corps brings us together for Early Service Training. It'll be nice to see everyone again, but I don't feel deprived of my friends company. We've been a pretty well connected group because there are so few of us (only 10). But I won't turn down a few nights of air conditioning, and socialising!
I tried to write a post that wasn't overly sentimental, and makes it sound like I spend my days baking rainbow cookies made of peace and sunshine or rescuing kittens from burning trees. I try to include the good and the bad. And I realise that the optimism is almost unrealistic. but screw it. I'm really happy. Some things make me unhappy, and some days I cope with those things better than others, but in the long run, I'm really happy. I love it.
