Day # 321 wow pressure is over its a in bed movie day

Monday

Now that school is over and the bazar is over I don't have to worry about anything other than getting ready to go on my trip home. So today I decided that I was going to lay in bed and relax. I did enjoy painting everyday and going to work but I just needed a mental break.

Interesting fact/ observation about Grenada Christmas music.

As I was ridding the bus trying to understand the lyrics of the songs I discovered that most of the songs are about the types of food that they eat and brining run to and from different peoples houses. Its interesting to me that some people take Christmas as an opportunity to go to different peoples houses and enjoy everyone. Compared to me who likes to spend all of my time with my close family. I hope that I can be their in Grenada to see what its like during Christmas and the New Year.

population and religion in Grenada

Population Facts 

105,483 Hundred thousand people Grenada

4,788 St. Geoges,  Granada 

143.5 Million United States 

524,295 Tucson, Arizona

Religion in Grenada

Religion	Percentage [citation needed]
Roman Catholic	53
Anglican	14
Other Protestant	33
Rastafari / Spiritist	1.3
Hindu	0.7
Muslim	0.3
Buddhist	0.2
Baha'i	0.2

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grenada

Day # 320 Its here Bazar

Sunday

Bazar Day

This morning was crazy I had everything packed and ready to go but I was trying to make sure that everything was actually where I put it. I was planing on being on top where I was going to be picked up at 7 but I ended up getting some extra time so that was nice. When my ride came I piled in the car and we headed to the True Blue (Doggy Dock) Resort. When I got there I unloaded my stuff and I was so exited that under the roof so when it rained I didn't have to worry about it ad I got so lucky that I got a booth right next to White Canes booth, I work with them so that was nice I got to talk to them when it go slow. Are both was right next to the bar so people allays walked by. I sold enough bottles to make back what I booked the table for and cover supplies and have a bit extra, I think I did good. I got a lot of ideas and suggestions from people who walked by. It was a long day but it was fun, I was way ready for bed when it was over it was a relief to not have to go home and paint.

Photo coming soon

Day # 319 Prepiration

Saturday

Today I was running around like a chicken with its head cut off, I was painting Grenada on a lot of the bottles, spray painting them wit the clear coat, adding my name, packing what I need for tomorrow, finishing bottles and trying to do it all in one day. Well I did it so I am happy about that. everything was wrapped packed and ready for in the morning. I was off to bed by 10 I was happy with that. I felt accomplished and ready for the next day to start.

Day # 318 Order for 10

Friday

Friday is white cane, I was kind of disappointed that we could not paint but I was happy that white cane is getting so many orders for baskets. It was another day of observing. I also got a personal order for 10 bottles but I did not have the shape that she was looking for so I have to look for some before I can complete it. I was sad that I couldn't do that for her before christmas. I did however get Brigit's order of four peace corps bottles done so that was exiting, she came by and collected them. The clock is counting down until the show. I decided to go out to Doggy Dock and get some dancing in to let a bt of stress out and clear my mind before I had to settle in a paint like crazy for Sunday. I danced had a good night and then went home nice and early to get a good nights rest.

DAY # 316-317 Paint Paint Paint Paint Paint

Wednesday

My school was not going to do anything, I had asked the teachers the day before in level 2. So decided to go into white can and spend the day their being productive. I don't like sitting around not doing anything. So I worked with tow of the boys cleaning up some started bottles. It was a long day but well worth it.

When I got home I painted some more bottles  I was up until 12 organizing and making strings for my labels.



Thursday

It was an interesting day, when I woke up and checked my computer people where like if you need anything let me know, did you here about so and so? I found out that one of my best friends from high school was killed in a hit and run walking home. I didn't know how to feel. But i was upset. I spent that day thinking a lot and painting some of my sadness away. I had so much to do before the Bazaar and heading home for christmas. I had no open space to put extra stress. I had to keep going and i did get a lot done that day.

Day #315 Lets talk next semester

Tuesday

So I discovered from one of the teachers that some of the other teachers where upset because they felt like I was in charge of arts and crafts and I was not doing all of the activities that they want. One teacher said that she didn't like my class. So I decided to talk to the teachers and see what I could do to make next semester better. They told me that I need to work more on crafts that were holiday connected for example, V-day is coming, sports, and independence day. I was really sad that those 3 teachers at my school felt that way. I don't understand why communication is so hard at my school. I always ask them if they have something that they would like to do, and they never say anything so I plan something. I am so fed up with some of the people at my school, I also found out that most if not all of the people teachers and principle call me white woman and do not use my name. Their is 12 people at my school and I know all of their name so I was very hurt to be herring all of this. I work so hard to not pick a side on the divide between jr staff and senior staff, and please everyone. Me and one of the other volunteers where talking about how bad the treatment is for hard working volunteers like resells. We noticed that the teachers are lazy and when people who come n and ask the teachers to participate more they tend to run the other direction. Its been a very hard place for me to work. I also found out by a teacher that a long time ago a Peace Corps volunteer had a little black book that she wrote down her emotions in, mainly bad. This is one strategy that is tough for us to release inner feelings without confronting people if its negative. Any ways she forgot it and the teachers found it, didn't like hat it said burned it and never admitted that it had been found. That was 10 years ago and still to this day we have a stigma placed over are heads. I think my school needs some serious work with teachers and ethics about everything, not just people who come out of the goodness of their hearts. I am so thankful that I am not there every day of the week and that I have another outlet where I am loved and taken care of.

This is my place to let people know some of my hardships because nothing is perfect no matter if your on a beautiful island or not.

Day # 314 Level two testing take two

Monday

I decided that I was going to help out with testing at St. Davids RC today but I ended up being late and missing most of the testing but that was ok because it was less kids than last time so we ended early. I was so exited I got to go home and nap for a little bit, I did not to a hole lot that day other than paint I have about 28 bottles done, I feel really good about that but I am  pushing myself more to get as manny as I can done. The more I get done the more variety I have for people to chooses from. Its been nice though now that I have an assembly line going.

Day # 313 Lunch on the beach with the girls

Saturday

I got to sleep in and then I got ready for girls day on the beach with my friends family. It was nice we went to the local drug store and got some snacks and then picked up bbq on the way into the beach.  We all sat and talked for a long time. I found out that his sister is having a baby that is exiting so hopefully I will get to go to a wedding and be around for when another baby is born. Its nice to relax with the girls. It rained a little bit but we were shaded by a tree and it cleared up fast so we got to get in a water after lunch and cool off. I ran into Tom and Bridget two other Peace Corps volunteers and we got to talk for a bit as well. It was back to painting bottles after the beach lots to get done.

Day # 312 Photograph exhibit at the museum

Friday

Fun day at work we painted some bottles at White can and touched up some some old ones. Its exiting to see the progress that they have made over time, and determination to keep going that the have established. We spent all day doing that.

When I got home I got ready to go to the museum for open mike night, Max's family came to town and he was going to play some songs on the guitar for them. It was grate he played five songs and I got to meet his family. They also had a photography exhibit going on, I knew the artist and that was fun. He uses film and overlaps it to make your eyes see tricks as you look at them. He does some interesting stuff. It was kind of refreshing to be in a museum, I don't think any of my family would thought I would be saying that.

From their I went to Doggy Dock to dance and relax, and after that I went to the Spice Basket it had been a while since I had been so I thought I would go but it turned out to be a slow and boring night I wish I had gone home and slept. But its ok I had fun.

Day # 311 Not as planed, but FUN

Thursday 

Todays lesson did not go as planed but it was a learning experience for me. I was working with about 30kids for the day in one class grade 6, 7, and 8. I had planed on making the handprint santa cards but the kids got a little bi crazy and didn't follow the instructions so it turned into handprint cards and face painting. I however did not start the face painting another teacher did. I thought it was funny but I was worried about their cloths and the principle. As you can see their close got messy. They had a grate time.

Day #310 Business cards

Wednesday

As school is winding down less and less is happening, I asked the teacher last week if she wanted me to do something with the kids and she said something small so I just picked coloring wish lists. The kids enjoyed it but it was so fast. Its ok that they did it fast level two is crazy and they have a very low attention span. After that class I went into town and gathered some last minuet things for the bazaar on Sunday.  It took me a long time because I had to go to two different places before I found the place that made business cards. From their I had to go to White Cane but to my surprise they where not going to be doing any painting because they had so many basket orders. I was interesting to watch one of the men who is completely blind make a basket. When I got home it was straight to painting. I was up late painting.

Day # 309 Second grade assessments South St. Georges School

Tuesday

Today I got up and went to South Saint Georges, thats in Springs. Its funny how many times you will pass something and not know what it is. I must have passed thats school 100 times not knowing what grade it was. Any ways to met to of the other Peace Corps volunteers their. One who started the special education desk in Grenada and he is the one who is heading this testing of all second grade students in Grenada. He put in a huge amount of time putting together  an assessment, he had never written one before,and training local teachers and Peace Corps how to give the test. We tested reading, math, and writing. It was interesting watching the kids take the test, some could not stay focused others where way advanced. I didn't give any assessments I kept the kids under control and then for the individual reading tests I went and got the kids. It was a long day and by the end I was so tiered because we had done like 60 kids and then we had to grade them.

Grenada Christmas

Christmas is here again and for the first timers to a Caribbean Christmas, let us talk about what to expect, FOOD / FUN and FESTIVITIES.

FOOD

Sorrel is made from the flower of the sorrel plant. However, it may be spiked with white rum and is generally very sweet. Ask about the rum or if it is very sweet - it's ok (would not be considered impolite). Usually red in color.

Ginger beer is made from the ginger root. It could be made 'strong' – i.e.: with a strong ginger taste - so try a little first to be sure that you like!

Punch-a-creme is an alcoholic drink (a bit like eggnog but usually with lots of rum) – be fore-warned.

Black Cake - cake made with candied or mixed fruits (raisins, currents, prunes, dates, citrus peel, etc.) left to soak in sherry (wine) for an extended period of time (days, weeks, months), browning to make it black, and nuts (optional). 

Ham - Ham is to Caribbean Christmas as Turkey is to American Thanksgiving!
  
FUN and FESTIVITIES

Mid-Night Mass – We may not go to church all year round, but mostly everyone will go to church over Christmas, either on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.  Many of whom will go to Mid-Night Mass on Christmas Eve. Normally starts at around 11p.m. with about an hour of carol singing by the Choir and Christmas skits and performances, usually by the church's youth group. If a community member or neighbor invites you to attend, it's a great way to experience the Christian side of our culture!

Caroling - Sometimes choirs may perform for the public, at schools, at homes or at special events

Serenading - a dying tradition. Still practiced in some of the more rural communities. Serenaders (singers and musicians with guitars, cuatros and percussion instruments) go around the community singing traditional Christmas songs and bringing Christmas cheer to everyone.  Sometimes the steel band in the community may do this today!

Local Christmas music -Check out the local Christmas and parang music on the radio stations 

Grenada Highlight of the month ME!!!!!!

Grenada VAC Newsletter 

A. VAC Spotlight

This month Grenada PCVs recognize Allie Armstrong for her outstanding contribution in her secondary project with White Cane Industries. Located in the capital of Grenada, St. Georges, White Cane is supported by the Grenada National Council of the Disabled (GNCD) and manufactures arts and crafts produced by individuals with special needs. White Cane is known for its high quality cane baskets, and aims to provide individuals with disabilities and special needs with skills and vocational training that enables them to generate incomes. GNCD is a non-governmental, non-profit organization which coordinates development and advocacy activities benefiting thecitizens of Grenada with disabilities and special needs.

As Allie began her primary assignment with the Grenada School for Special Education located in the Limes, St. George's, she recognized an opportunity to support a school-wide art show that was already in the making. Allie came up with the idea of teaching her students to paint recycled glass rum and wine bottles to place on sale in support of the school. The bottles and their artists received overwhelmingly positive feedback, and sparked the interest of PCVL Stephanie Rouch and counterpart Hillary Gabriel, Coordinator of GNCD. During the summer academic holiday Allie began teaching painting and bottle art at White Cane.

Allie continued her collaboration with White Cane into the new school term and currently instructs five individuals(counterparts) with varying special needs and strengths. Bottles are collected from local restaurants and privatedonations. Allie has taught her counterparts the entire process of bottle art creation, from cleaning and priming the bottles, to painting a variety of designs and figures, and finally applying a brilliant clear coat and product tag whichleaves the bottles gleaming and ready for sale. Finished bottles are sold at White Cane headquarters and at a newly founded booth in the Esplanade Mall. Proceeds support individuals with special needs and disabilities in Grenada.

Allie’s success stems from her patience and phased instructional techniques. She started by teaching basic skills such as mixing colors and various brush strokes. As her counterparts improved over time, she has taught them to paint more exact symbols and images such as nutmegs, the sunset, and the outline of Grenada. She supplies each of her counterparts with one bottle a week which is completed in two days of work.

Allie has had enormous individual success with her counterparts since starting at White Cane. Rudy is 23 and lives with cerebral palsy, leaving him with the full use of only one hand. Prior to Allie’s arrival his main job was to sanddown components of cane baskets. Allie noticed that on certain days he had little to do, and asked him if he wouldlike to help create bottles. At first he was hesitant and uncertain of his ability to paint. However, Allie encouraged him to start by simply priming bottles, and as time when on he learned the entire process of bottle art production.Rudy is now completing his second bottle and professes his newfound love to paint. Allie has had similar success with Kimani, a 19 year old counterpart with Down syndrome, who was previously unaware of his abilities and now loves to paint nutmegs and jellyfish.

 

Allie hopes to continue her support of White Cane and looks forward to training a new set of young counterparts in bottle art creation throughout the remainder of her service. Allie’s artistic talent and innovation have created both an immediate and sustainable impact in Grenada. Please join the Grenada PCVs in congratulating Allie on her exemplary achievements!

B. Grenada Fun Facts

1.

It is estimated that Grenada was formed 2 million years ago by a submarine volcano.

2.

Grenada is the world’s second largest producer of nutmeg, accounting for nearly 20% of the global market share.

3.

Grenada is the only home to the Grenada Dove (Leptotila wellsi), the island-nation’s national bird. It is considered to be one of the most critically endangered doves in the world.

4.

The Rivers Rum Distillery, located in St. Patrick, has been in operation since 1785, and is the only distillery in the Western Hemisphere that is still powered by wooden waterwheel.

C. Holiday Tidings

As the Michealmas Term on the Grenada Academic Calendar comes to a close, school-based volunteers have a much needed respite from December 16th until January 3rd. In this period many volunteers have family visiting Grenada or will be returning home to celebrate the holidays. The Grenada PCVs wish all volunteers and staff members in the Peace Corps Eastern Caribbean a happy holidays. We look forward to a safe, joyful, productive, and successful 2014 in the EC.

Day # 308 Christmas tree cards

Monday

This morning when I got to level one I found a big leaf on the desk. The teacher wanted us to do big leaf impressions. It was fun to watch the kids use their fingers to pain the leafs and then flip them over and feel the ridges on the leaf. I think they had a good time.

Then I moved to level four and we worked on christmas tree cards. I cut out christmas trees out of green paper and then had them color pictures of ornaments to place on the tree. They turned out cute I did take some pictures of them I will come back on and add them this weekend hopefully.

Nothing ells to exiting that day.

Day #307 Brunch fundraiser

Sunday

I had forgotten about this mornings fundraiser for Dorothy Hopkins but I am so glad that Steph reminded me. I got up and got ready and me and Steph walked down to the boat club. I was so exited to see all of the people their and the place was set up really nice. We volunteered, we passed out plates and seated guests. 300 people bought tickets to support the group home for people with disabilities. We got to enjoy lunch after we where done helping. It was a grate event I liked the auction at the end I was sad I did not know about it or I would have given one of my bottles. Next year I will. After tat I just went home and painted before bed.

Day # 306 Peace Corps Thanksgiving Party

Saturday Thanksgiving

This morning I woke up and put my green been casserole in the oven, when it cam tout I tasted it and realized that I had missed a step in the preparation process. I forgot to cook the green beens before I put everything together, so I took out the green beens and boiled them for five more minutes and put everything back together, by then it was about time to go. Me, Max, Steph, Lyndon and Nan all piled in the little car and drove up to Croshue near Gren Vill. When we got their we finished help setting up before the others got their. We each had a name tag for are dish that we made we had all kinds of things, rosemary mashed potatoes, five layer salad, turkey, cranberry sauce, sweet potato casserole, stuffing and then for sweets we had, pumpkin bread, penut butter cookies, chocolate chip cookies, apple pie, pumpkin pie, chocolate covered pretzels and ice cream. We where well fed. We had about 25-30 people, local friends bosses, host families and the Chargé came as well. It was a good celebrations. I still missed my family back home.

After dinner I headed back to town to get ready for football (soccer), it is the finals. I was sad because when we got their I
had missed the girls match. I was surprised to here that SGU had a woman's teem. But any ways the mens football game went by so fast, that was nice because I could not see anything anyways it was so asked with people. Then after they had the concert. I think it was way better than the concert I went to last weekend. It was a long day but I had a grate time.    

Day # 305 Green been casserole

Friday

This afternoon I went into town and got my hair changed back to red. After that long time of sitting the a chair I finally got to go into town and go shopping I had to find a big tin pan to put the green been casserole in, then I had to go to the market so I could get a bunch of green beans (fresh). After the market I had to take a but to Gran Ance so I could get the cream of mushroom sup and the fried onions on top. More American things you have to go to the store closest to the University. So I got all of my stuff and then I went to Ricks Café and got a pizza. Every once in a while I like to spoil myself and friends with a good pizza. After that I went to Port Louie for happy hour with some of the other Peace Corps. We had a  bunch of rum punches, that were grate sweet and had local juice in them. When I got home I made my green been casserole and then went to bed. It was a long day but I enjoyed it. Things seem to be getting more and more crazy as I get closer to Christmas and the end of school party's, fundraisers and such.   

Day # 304 IST2 Day #3

Thursday

Its Thanksgiving. so Happy Thanksgiving to everyone back home in the U.S. This is the first one that I have missed but I now have a Peace Corps family up here to step in a fill a space when needed. Today was the rap up are project planning and then we went over how to write a grant. I loved this exercise. When I get interested in something its amazing how much I like to do the harder stuff. It was so awesome going over what people look for I your grant, what you need and how it will turn out. We spent all day on that. It was nice though because we had some people bring in pumpkin cookies and Steph brought a home made pumpkin pie, so all of are counterparts got to try a slice of the U.S traditional sweets. They don't really make sweet pumpkin stuff so that was fun. I am happy to say that tanning is over but I hope the next one is just as good. Mid service is next in May I believe.

When I got home I took a brief nap and then went to dance class. The married couple in my group had their kids visiting one was a peace corps volunteer in Maracco so I took her and her mom dancing with me and they loved it. It was just open dance but I showed them the basics and the dance teacher danced with them. That was a good day.      

Day # 303 IST2 Day 2

Wednesday

I was so exited that I finally had a counterpart to come with me to a training session. My boss from White Cane who I love to death came! Todays session is all about what you need to start a project. I have been talking to Hillary for a while about starting a ceramics program for the people at White Cane and GNCD. We worked on that project all day, looked for ways to get funding, community involvement, problems we  would come accost and what all we would need. It was a step by step proses that was instructed by two other peace corps volunteers. It was such an amazing tanning, so much fun and inspiring at the same time. I love when I get all exited about something and I can feel my hole mind and body getting into it. I loved today and I am exited about tomorrow.