Epi Island

Black endless beaches that feel like a sponge cake under my feet; dogs with seemingly broken legs  limping about or basking in the sun; being lulled to sleep by the waves breaking against the beach at night; these are the images of Lamen Bay on Epi Island. The Peace Corps GAD committee, including our honorary member Desiree, flew out to facilitate yet another one of our youth leadership Camp GLOW/BILD (Girls Leading Our World/Boys In Leadership Development) in the village of Bonkovio. Prior to the start of our camp we held our last quarterly committee meeting at Paradise Sunset Bongalows in Lamen Bay. A peaceful site that serves as a Yacht Club during its peak season. It's a great place for anyone visiting Vanuatu because of its proximity to the beach, cleanliness and peaceful atmosphere. We have a new PCV, Kathy, stationed minutes up the road from Paradise in Epi High School teaching computer science. Her site is awesome as is her computer lab. Very lucky chick.

20 minutes across the Pacific we find Lamen Island with 3 villages and a population of 500 people -- Lamen Island is breathtaking. When we boarded off our boat and walked a few yards into the village I felt like I walked into a fairytale. Black sand makes up its main road outlined with banks of black rocks that were initially created to keep the villagers' pigs from running away. Although considering how tiny the island is unless the pigs are good swimmers or cut a deal with a local boatman they would not get too far. The rock bank is covered with olive green moss and the contrast in texture and color looks wicked. It never ceases to amaze me what a great designer Mother Nature is. What I fell in love with the most were the tightly woven canopy of trees that stand like watchful soldiers over the main road. I was glad we were visiting during the day because I can only imagine how spooky the main road looks under the cover of night.

Because the island is so small one Abu (Grandmother) I spoke with explained that everyone shares the responsibility of cleaning or 'brooming' the road of fallen leaves and debris. Imagine that! America would be a different country if we made 1/2 the effort these folks make. Lamen Island exemplifies what happens when a community cares. They make a weekly community project of it and take pride when foreigners visit. I was hesitant in tossing a banana peel on the ground for fear of tarnishing their land-- an act that in many villages of Efate and other islands is not thought of twice. Then again, many villages I've visited are infested with flies because rubbish is disposed of everywhere whereas on Lamen Island flies were not as much of a nuisance...go figure! My friend, Amy Orr, lives on Lamen Island and I now understand why she is so in love with her island and her family.

The next day we took a 20 minute truck ride from our bungalows to the village of Bonkovio to begin our youth leadership camp. We had an awkward start as the Paster was not present for the opening prayer and when he finally appeared we were in the midst of an introduction Ice-Breaker (The Human Bingo) with our kids. Needless to say , my friend and fellow PCV, Jeff Kladder, had to apologize profusely to everyone for starting the camp before praying. Although it's funny now at the time my first thought was... if the Paster had been on time we would not have seemed disrespectful. Needless to say, the locals forgave us, we 'lego' (let go) and moved forward with our sessions.

Day 2 was interesting because while we played our popular afternoon sport (Capture the Flag) our ears were filled with a terrorizing scream. The young men and women we were competing with and/or against made no attempt to figure out where the screams were coming from, but the Pikininis (young boys/girls) collectively ran behind the Nakamal to watch the killing of a pig. Apparently, while we were strategizing  on how to capture the opponents flag the 'oldfala' men and women were conducting a 'sori ceremony'. Although I don't know the details of what caused this particular ceremony, in general a sorry ceremony takes place when an individual or nearby village has offended another. During the ceremony the village chiefs have their say as well as the person(s) involved. They apologize to each other, ask for forgiveness, present their 'gifts' (usually some mats, kava and pig) and end the ceremony with shells of kava and a feast. In this case, the feast was Wilbur the Pig. Although I didn't watch the slaughter my PCV friends, Billy and Chris, did and it seems the traumatizing squealing was due to the pig being butchered to death. First, the men involved in the killing attempted to silence Wilbur by knocking him in the head with a hammer not once, but 3 times. Unfortunately for Wilbur, who's a 'strong head', that didn't work. Next, as Chris so delicately put it, another villager "went Dexter" on the pig. This caused blood gurgling squeal #2, but once again, Wilbur was a fighter and was not going down for the count. Ultimately, it took a series of stabbings in the gut for Wilbur to cross over. By the way, this spectacular event occurs under the watchful eyes of the entire village who huddle around the men and the pig criticizing, laughing and/or making suggestions as to what will and will not work when it comes to pig killing.

I've come to understand and to some degree appreciate this cultural event. We all have to eat, right?! However, although I usually buy my chicken or bacon long after the animal has been slaughtered I can't bear to watch the animal suffer for sport. I've come to the conclusion that I may just have to look into kosher foods when I return to the States because the sound of Wilbur crying out is not something I can easily forget.

Jeff & I reviewing the 3-day schedule with the kids.

On our way to Lamen Island

Pikininis play on the main road of Lamen Island

Nature at its best on Lamen Island

On the beach enjoying the view with Desiree

Pikininis help their parents with the garden veggies

OMG it's a parrot on my head!

Not Wilbur...but possibly a kin.

Camp GLOW girls learn how to tie-dye

Camp BILD young men hanging out.

Tie-Dying is a great success.

CHECK OUT MORE FANTASTIC PHOTOS ON MY FACEBOOK PAGE. 

Milly's Facebook Page

Celebrating Halloween in Port Vila

My girl Courtney and I LOVE Halloween. It is hands down my favorite holiday ever! So she and I decided to create a "Halloween Commitee" this year, which basically consisted of the both us as co-chairs. LOL For the past month we toiled over the details of what we wanted to do and on Sunday, October 31st we had the 1st Annual Halloween Party/GAD Fundraiser in Port Vila at The Saloon Bar/Restaurant. It was a blast! Check out our pictures.

Lady Gaga, Greaser, Sue Syvester (from Glee) & Fortuneteller Madame Esperanza make their appearance.

It took a Team effort to put on the Lady Gaga outfit. Awei!

It's not an outfit without a manicure.

Even Rainbow Brite showed up...A-listers only!

Flipchart Man crashed the party! LOL J/k

Madame Esperanza attempts to kick the random dog that entered the Greaser's home.

The Onesua Presbyterian College Computer Science Department Certifies 233 Students

The Onesua Presbyterian College re-established their Computer Science Department this year after 8 years of not having a computer course or lab because their computers’ were massively infected by viruses. That’s where I come in. With the collaboration of Vanuatu’s National Training Council (VNTC) in Port Vila we implemented a Computer Science Course 1 that teaches students the basics of computers. At the beginning of the school year in February students had the opportunity to register for the course for an additional 6000 vatu. Initially, we started with almost 350 enrolled students ranging from grades 9 to 13. Throughout the academic year each student was taught how to operate a computer and use various Microsoft Programs (Word, Excel & PowerPoint). The curriculum requires a minimum of 130 hours, which was a bit frustrating to accomplish considering how many days off we had due to holidays, exams…and did I mention holidays? Nonetheless, the students were eager and excited to learn and many of them have become extremely proficient in using computers. I was most impressed with my 9th graders many of whom excelled in creating PowerPoint presentations. A few were brave enough to explore the programs and teach themselves how use additional functions that were not part of the curriculum teachings. Way to go Freshmen! I was also proud that many of my female students enrolled and gave the boys some competition for our Student of the Month.

Despite the many hiccups throughout the year from equipment breaking down to viruses and no internet service we managed to certify 233 students (70 of which were my students) by graduation on October 31^st, 2010. A feat that we are extremely proud of especially because the VNTC certification is nationally recognized and will assist our qualified students to land business jobs throughout the country.

Next year, we are looking forward to implementing a tourism business course that will complement our computer course and is also VNTC approved. Teaching computer science in the #1 worst country for computer maintenance is hard work…honestly, teaching in general is bloody hard work, but I can honestly write that watching a student go from being afraid to touch a mouse to creating a professional PowerPoint presentation with ease is worth all the headaches, sweat and tears.

Camp GLOW/BILD Arrives At Onesua Presbyterian College

OPC Students receive their Leadership Certifications

On October 1-2, 2010 the Onesua Presbyterian College in North Efate had the opportunity to experience G.A.D.’s Camp G.L.O.W/B.I.L.D with the help of Alexia Pool, Desiree Lopez, Jeff Kladder, myself and the majority of Group 23’s Peace Corps' Trainees. This was the very first time we brought the camps to my school and it was well worth it. I was a bit nervous at first because after 2 weeks of attempting to recruit male and female student participants I only managed to round up 15 by the time the camps were scheduled to begin. However, Alexia reassured me that the day we set up and paint our banner we would successfully recruite enough participants and sure enough she was right. We managed to recruit a total of 32 participants with a good balance of both boys and girls ranging from 14 to 18 years old.

It was a typical fun-filled weekend; full of laughter, relationship-building and inspiration. We split into female and male groups with Jeff leading the boys’ sessions and us women facilitating the girls. After creating our traditional camp banner with painted handprints, we established our rules for the weekend and opened with friendship bracelet making. It’s amazing how much teenagers love beads! As usual the kids were initially shy; however, by the time we began our public speaking session (Day 2) they came out of their shells and did a fantastic job speaking in front of each other with confidence. We covered an array of workshops from discussing the qualities of a great leader to the myths and facts of marijuana. In the end, our kids created a drama on a topic we had covered in our sessions and needless to say the boys’ skit on being a good leader by acting out the first encounter of the Ni-Van natives by the white man (costumes all all!) was hilarious.

I was so proud of my kids for taking the initiative to sign up to our camp and I was pleasantly surprised when my principal called me to tell me he was paying the 200 vatu for each of our 2011 Prefects (11 students), because he thought it was a great opportunity for them. We ended our second night with speeches, cake and the distribution of their certificates.
Next year, I expect our next camp will be bigger and better now that my students understand what the camp is all about. Our camps are not only a fantastic opportunity for kids to learn new skills, but they are also an opportunity for us volunteers to learn from our kids. By the end of the weekend what I took away from this experience was that my kids are a fantastic group of "leaders in the making" who are helping me live a life-long dream (I even got a little choked up when I gave my speech on dreaming big and being persistent) . I can’t express enough how proud I am of being a GAD member and Peace Corps Volunteer in Vanuatu!

1. Communication Activity --> the Human Knot

2. The Boys go all out with their skit on Leadership

3. Desi and Jeff resting before we begin our Welcome Toktok

4. Students share who they believe is a good community leaders

5. Female student participates in a communication activity

6. I run through our 2-day schedule with participants

7. Female participates making bracelets

8. Yet another communication activity with participants

9. Students decorate our banner.

1. 2. 3.

4. 5. 6.

7. 8. 9.

Creating the Next Generation of Ni-Van Leaders

I was recently invited to join Peace Corps' GAD (Gender and Development) Committee and had the pleasure to join the GAD members, other PCVs and local Ni-Van participants in a week long Training Of Trainers Workshop in Lakatoro, Malakula. Our objective was to teach our invited participants how to become better leaders in their community especially in terms of helping and inspiring their youth who have little to no resources for building their confidence and reach their highest potential. We also held sessions in Adolescent Reproductive Health (what changes occur in both female and male bodies), Sex Education (what contraceptions exist and how to use them), & the effects of Drugs & Alcohol. It was a looooong, tireless, inspiring & fun-filled week. Although I played a role in organizing and facilitating some workshops I gained so much by simply sitting in and listening. I learned that regardless of where you are in the world those of us who choose to become leaders do so because we have a passion to aspire to be better than say our parents in hopes of making our families proud and also because it's important that our nation (whatever nation we live in) has a solid foundation and the ability to move forward both intellectually and spiritually. At the end of our week our 32 participants and 12 PC Volunteers built unexpected friendships and grew closer as a people bond by a common understanding that a good leader is not based on what material possessions we have, but in the character of a person.

Enjoy the pictures!

Peace Corps Vanuatu Volunteers with our handmade Kamp Banner

GAD members (Arthur, Alexia, Tarakea & ME) arriving in Malakula Norsup Airport

GAD meeting pre-workshop agenda....if only all conference rooms had this view

Prepping for one of our many activities... tie-dying t-shirts.

Facilitating a workshop session the local way-- on the beach by the ocean...followed by local kakae (aka food) served on local plates (aka leaves)!

PCV Sandy and Alexia discuss the week long schedule while several participants make a presentation on their communities' leaders.

Malakula participants and PCVs enjoy making origama hats and an activity on building trust


Participants' condom relay race... lesson-how to properly put on a condom using a ripe banana.

What's a workshop without getting my hair braided by Odile the best hairstylist in the group.

Random Thoughts From the Past 11 months.

Some random thoughts from my in a journal...

• During the first few months of my working with my counterpart at site i found myself having a conversation with him about evolution and how interesting it is to find similarities between cultures/people of different countries. For example, the custom culture of Vanuatu and its rituals are similar to those that my family have practiced and our foods and dishes are also similar. So while in discussion I mentioned that some scientists theorize that back in the day our continents were all one massive land mass not separated by oceans and that why some similarities between people exists. When I said this he looked at me like I just told him I was from Mars. Apparently, he's never heard of such a theory and it ludicrous. I found it funny how quickly he was to disbelieve instead of considering the idea. I even when on to say that if you look at a world map continents look like they would fit perfectly together like a jigsaw puzzle. My explanations were in vain. However, this is the same person who is ok with believing that a man dying in the middle of his garden from a heart attack really died from black magic. Awo!
• Happiness is riding int he back of a pick-up truck with the wind and rain in your face. Unless the truck driver speeds up in which case happiness is ducking your ass behind the back window cause rain pelleting at your face hurts like hell.
• Happiness is seeing my little sister at a community event wearing the Peace Corps T-shirt I gave her for xmas with such pride.
• Sitting in a staff meeting listening to a colleague speak while she "digs for gold"in her nose is really distracting.
• Was speaking with a student and he began walking away from me as I was speaking because he was embarrassed that he was the center of attention. Initial reaction was anger. Afta I laughed at what a dummy he was.
• It's interesting to find out that countries like Australia, New Zealand and China give $$ to the people of Vanuatu to develop projects, but yet they don't teach them how to manage it. No skill in financial management = no forward movement as a country.
• Happiness is spending 4 hours in the back of a mango truck with a good friend and several Ni-Van Mamas selling the mangos allow several villages. It was longest time/distance from my site to town, but well worth it.
• During Term 1 I realized that the student roster of names had spelling errors for many students. Then I realized they are not really typos its that both students and parents choose to change the spelling of their name regularly. Kranki!
• Only in Vanuatu would I teach a class while my dog, Spanky, sits at my feet along with his buddies Rusty and Boss.

Kranki "Only in Vanuatu" Observations/Stories

My friend and PCV colleague, Jessica Wilkinson (she has an awesome blog www.jessinthepeacecorps.blogspot.com), wrote a small column in our Van-American Newsletter during our first few months in Vanuatu that's I've kept and read every once in a while for a good chuckle. I thought you'd enjoying reading it along with my first draft of "Sh** Yu Wud Not Believe Happens in Vanuatu" a column that I expect will come out in the October issue. It's a collaborative piece between myself, PCV Kalli and PCV Alexi.

Only in Vanuatu.....

by Jessica Wilkinson

Some observations from my first few months. These are some of the "kranki" (crazy) realities in Vanuatu which may make us smile, laugh or gag...

Only in Vanuatu:

• Do people use baby car-seats as swings
• Do people wear plaid, floral, polka dot and striped patterns in the same outfit
• Do families decorate their kitchens with banners made of shredded garbage
• Do children carry bush knives (aka machetes) to school (as early at 5 year old)
• Is sleeping until 6:30a considered sleeping late
• Are leaves used as tupperware, plastic bags, etc.
• Do people wear t-shirts with obscene sayings but don't know what it means
• Men carry satchels with Japanese Animation on them
• Are leaft bug and crickets eaten for dinner
• Do people eat dgo because the meat can cure sore joints
• Do people but baby powder on everyone to show they attended a celebration
• Are old school assignments and exams used as toilet paper
• Does everything start 2-3 hours later than expected
• Are ringtones used as the radio
• Is 70 degrees considered cold and requires hat and/or gloves
• Are ears and hair used to hold money
• Do men rub their bellies and chest while talking to anyone and everyone

And I must add....

• Do people pick their nose while holding a conversation with you
• Do students/teachers lie about a death in the family just to get an excused absences (seriously how many grandmas/pas does one person have)
• Do people run a marathon either barefoot or in socks
• Do people attend church because there's nothing else to do
• Do bicyclists apologize "sori sista" after stoning your dog because he chased them down the road

And here's the first draft of my collaborative column....

PCVs in Vanuatu are blessed to live in a country that’s the closest thing to Paradise or is it the Garden of Eden? Whichever; however, that’s not to say there are not some days that we find ourselves in situations aka sh** that you have to see or live through to believe. We wanted to share some one of our most recent experiences with you and hope you get a good laugh and sometimes while sitting together enjoying some wine we flashback and LOL remembering when…..

….Sh** Yu Wud Not Believe Happens in Vanuatu - Story #1

Alexia, Kalli and I were poolside at Sebel aka The Grand Hotel enjoying Happy Hour cocktails when a random man (we’ll call him Random Man aka Man Tanna in this story) walks over to us and hands Kalli a napkin-shaped rose and walks away. Aww! Romantic, no?! It gets better keep reading. Kalli thanks him; he walks away, we giggle and keep storian. Afta, Kalli leaves to watch the Friday night movie at Nambawan Cafe and Alexia and I continue to chat with drinks in hand. 20 minutes later Random Man walks up to us again and ask for Kalli. Persistent little bugger! When we explain that’s she's gone he says, “Really, that was my best work" meaning the napkin rose was his best work…artistically? Pick-up maneuver wise? Mi no save stret.

Despite the love his life (Kalli) running off to watch a movie and not sitting around in awe over his napkin-shaped rose, Random Man sticks around to chat with Alexi and I. Turns out he's a bigfala somebody. He has an “air of importance” about him. We didn’t see how important he was passed his bloodshot eyes and aggressive demeanor (not scary aggressive, but full of himself aggressive) but he insisted that he did in fact have “an air of importance”. Apparently, he missed the memo on people who are important don't walk around telling others that they are important. Random Man needs a a shot of Humble with his Jim Bean and Coke. Needless to say, he is doing some good work in Vanuatu working with and helping to develop the youth of this country and it was interesting to hear him talk about his plans.

Fast forward 45 minutes later (where he mostly spoke about himself), 2 free drinks and a plate of free h'ordeuvres and guess who shows up!? If you guessed, the WIFEY, you just won a basket of nada (congrats!). As he’s chatting about himself, explaining he’s Man Tanna (meaning he's original from the island of Tanna), been in Vila for 5 years blah, blah, blah out comes a fatfat woman with an air of anger about her. She steps up to Man Tanna and starts asking him “Where have you been?” and continues to share with all of us at the table that she left him at this very hotel “last night at 2 in the morning” and he was “suppose to be home by 3 am”, but had “not been home all day.” Nor did he go to work and she’d been “running around town looking” for him. In the middle of her interrogation she looks at Alexia and I and says “This is my husband!” with a look of “don’t get it twisted” in her eyes. She goes on to express that Man Tanna should be at a fundraiser that he organized and everyone including his parents were waiting for him.

Now, at this point any man with some degree dignity and self-respect would (a) be embarrassed smol and (b) attempt to defuse the situation by walking away with his wife to talk in private. But no! Not Man Tanna! This fool continues to sit with us nonchalantly (we believe he was trying to look flas (cool) in front of us) and begins to tell his wife, who looks like she’s not slept and is using every ounce of energy to maintain her composure, to “come sit down, babe, have a drink, join us.” I gotta give it to the wife she was calm and collected despite steam coming out of her ears. Not once did she raise her voice and thankfully nor did she verbally attack Alexia and I for finding us having drinks with her hubby. We were innocent bystanders! By this point Alexia turns to me and mouths “We should go.” I agreed without hesitation. We walked up the stairs to the hotel lobby. On our way up the hotel security guard asks “Evri sumting I oreat?” Obviously, this man sensed the negative energy spewing from Wifey at the bottom of the stairs. Alexia managed to quickly whisper to him “No, hemi wife blong hem! Hemi no bin lo hoas blong hem!” (No! That's his wife. He's not been home yet.) The security guards facial expression said it all and he immediately walked downstairs to “secure” the area. Once in the hotel lobby Alexia chugged her remaining gin and tonic while the wave of shock and disbelief at what just happened dissipated.

Afta, we walked to the Mama’s Market while remarking on what an a**hole Man Tanna was. Unfortunately, he lives up to the negative stereo-types all Man Tanna have (womanizers) and it’s a damn shame. In the end, although I felt sorry for the wife, this was the first time we experienced this type of situation and we had a good laugh at the expense of Man Tanna who most likely got his butt whup by his wife once we left. Or atleast I hope he did.

Peace Corps Volunteers Make Good Friends

As I've grown older I've come to believe that good friends....lasting friends, that don't judge or hold grudges and who compliment my personality and as my Goddess Sister, Tomiko, would safe "uplift" me are hard to find. I've been blessed to have found my best friend, Michelle, several years ago and I've always had my sister, Jocelyn, whom I'm lucky to also call my best friend. However, after being in Vanuatu for 11 months I can honestly say that Peace Corps Volunteers are some of the greatest people I've encountered. For most of us our only commonality is that we joined Peace Corps and have been assigned to the same country. Beyond that we all come from different states, background, ethnicities, etc., but we all found that when you've relocated to a foreign country we are all more willing to take the risk of opening ourselves up maybe a bit more than we would if we were in the comforts of our home in America to allow a complete stranger to share our deepest thoughts, fears and successes and most of all laughter.

Not every PCVolunteer is a close friend, but many have a special quality about them that I enjoy. Some have left a greater impression on me than others and because of that I know I will continue to stay in touch with them long after my service is over. So, I thought it important to highlight those who are helping to change my life for the better by simply being there for me when I've needed them; either by simply sitting in Coconut Palms Hotel watching music videos or just being present when I facilitated a workshop for the first time on my own. These are the messengers in my life that the Universe placed in my path on the other side of the world to teach me "wan sumting" that I did not even realize I needed to learn.

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Laura is the determined, fearless runner, which is how she handles life with seemingly no fear. Her energy has kept me focused on what matters most. Not to mention she was a great running partner during our Pre-Service Training in Paunangisu.

Kerry is the dancer of Group 22 and her bubbly nature is contagious. When shit hits the fan I think of her living in the Banks (the northern-most island in Vanuatu and one of the most remote) on her own and yet managing to do so much at her site; including organizing a dance troupe with her students.

Brianna & Bob are now in the States and are absolute sweethearts. Bri's fierce personality gets things done while Bob has a comedic response to almost everything. There is endless laughter when they're around. Brianna is a tough cookie...she broke her leg playing soccer...her leg fell in a coconut crab hole, but rarely did she complain or cry about hobbling around town for 6 weeks in a cast. Yu Yes!

Zoe and Hali are energetic and strong women. They know how to have fun and don't allow the stress of being a woman (esp. Hali who's in Tanna..manly man island) bring them down. In a fight Hali would absolutely throw down right beside me. Hali (again in the green shirt) looking angelic....so not (j/k), but thought the picture was cute.

Arthur is a doll. At first glance when I met him I thought "what the f#$* is that?" (at the time he has a long beard, long hair, no t-shirt and no shoes), but after a few conversations he turned out to be one of the sweetest individuals. He re-taught me not to judge a book by its cover.

Dan (not a PCV, but a Kiwi... we don't hold it against him) and I have a love/hate relationship. More love than hate, but don't tell him that. He's always up for some laughs and beers and has never shy-ed away from a good verbal ass whupping courtesy of me. I'd say he too can whup my butt verbally but 90% of the time I don't understand the words coming out of his mouth. ha!

Hilary (now back in the States) can trash talk as much as I can....that's how we bonded.

Erica (blue shirt) & Lauren (last one on the right) 2 of the girls from Pentacost are peas in a pod. They shared their home with me when I went to visit and always have great stories when they come into town. Erica's laughter is contagious!

Oh Travis (now in the States)! I had to post this picture of him cause it says it all. At first glance you think he's the quiet type but "waet smol" and he will let loose. He has a witty personality that comes out when you least expect it. I thought I'd pee my pants many times from his sillyness. But he's also a gentleman he's the one what will wait with you at a bus stop at night or walk you home to ensure you're safe.

Bridgett (yellow shirt; now in the States) and Sandy are another pair of strong women that I would definitely want on my side in a debate or a fight. They look out for their own and have no fear of sharing their opinion with others. Love them!

Michelle (black shirt; back in the States) and Alexia (turquoise jacket) are a riot in their own right; put them in the same room together and they will have everyone on the floor dying of laughter without even trying to be funny.

Kalli is a smart cookie. She never ceases to impress me with her knowledge on nutrition. She can break down a carbohydrate like nobodies business. The best part is despite her "save" she's never one to boast nor she is full of herself, which is why I enjoy her company. Intelligent women rule!

DARCIE!!! She is one of my girls! Any bright or not-so-bright idea I may have she's willing to take part in. Before relocating to the island of Erromango she opened her door to me countless times without hesitation whenever i came into Vila. Not to mention its always cool to have a friend who can dive her butt off. In case of open waters I'll have her attached to my hip.

Jessica (shown here with her friend the Dead Saloon Kangaroo) is another intelligent woman i would call if I only had one life-line left on Who Want's to be a Millionaire. She is so meant to be a teacher. Her skills at mediating hostile situations (our PST group was very emotional while in Paunangisu) were priceless.

My brother from another mother, Norman, straight from Puerto Rico he is a professional Peace Corps Volunteers as he's served in 3 different countries including Vanuatu. This man can survive anywhere. if lost in the middle of the woods i would smoke signal his butt to save me. I absolutely adore his crazy hippy self.

And here we have Eugene the IT genius...or at least he knows his computers and what i love most is that he is not condescending to those of us "IT volunteers" who may not know it all and he loves to share his knowledge. A man that is OK with treating women as their equal when it comes to computer science has my vote!

Sara is a Southern girl through and through. She is sweetheart! Sometimes I just want to "noogey" her like a little sister, but don't get it twisted she can hang with the best of us. Give her some bat, turtle or dog and she has no shame eating it. LOL.

Then there's Yegor...(reading a book in the distance) the GQ Spartan who is also my cooking buddy when we're in town together. He's the one that built his own gym on his island and makes me miss 24-hour fitness. Great motivator when it comes to staying in shape!

Courtney will probably kill me when she sees this picture up but I had to do it. This chick can turn any object into a microphone and karaoke her butt off no matter where she is. She is also known as Madame Esperanza for her ability to tell the future...well, she does a good job acting as a fortuneteller. I love this girl. We sit in the Peace Corps office and can't help but make each other laugh. Her Southern twang alone has me howling esp. when she's "mad" and curses. Georgia Peaches never sound angry... it's a trip!

Another PuertoPecanRican from NYC my girl Desiree...she may be 5'nothing, but when in a club she serves as my bodyguard and my Jimney Cricket. I will definitely be hanging with her when we return to the East Coast.

Here we have Nicky (far left), Alex (middle) and Alvetta... with Desiree (above) we were the United Nations in Paunangisu...fabulous multi-ethnic women who have a great knack for listening to me vent when i just needed to spew my frustrations. No way I could've made it this far without these ladies to support me and lift my spirits.

Well, in a nutshell these are the PCVolunteers that have found a place in my heart just for being themselves. Everyone should be blessed with these type of people in their lives.