Ambae and the US

Ambae:

A group of us went to the island of Ambae for a workshop called Kamp GLOW/BILD for a week. Each Peace Corps Volunteer brought a counter part to do the workshop with. Most of us arrived on Friday, August 21^st. So for two and half days we had free time.  Most of us spent the time catching up with each other and hanging out. We also decided to go on a small walkabout that turned into a mini hike. We started to walk on the beach and had to climb huge rocks to go around it. Then in order to get back to site, we had to hike a very steep mountain then hike down on the other side. It was so steep that I sat on my butt and slid down most of it. It was quite comical. I guess this was to get us ready for the big hike the following week. Then, on Sunday afternoon we started the week long workshop. There were plenty of small workshops, games, and food. The small workshops included activities to promote public speaking, making decisions, beliefs, morals, etc. There were also activities that talked more in detail about choosing a partner, our rights and responsibilities, aides, etc. All the activities were very useful and helped everyone share their feelings about all topics. We also played games in the afternoons like capture the flag, ultimate Frisbee, and made tie-dye shirts and friendship bracelets. Our days started at 6:30am and ended at 8:00pm. They were very long, but worth it. The best part was watching the participants become more confident with the discussions. This Kamp was amazing and I can’t wait to implement these workshops at my site.

The Beach on our small adventure before the Kamp started.

Hanging with the girls after face painting!

The View!!

Another View!!!

The Pink Team

My counterpart and I, we painted each others face.

On Thursday, August 27, the camp and my life changed. We were all getting ready to eat breakfast in the kitchen when another Peace Corps Volunteer came to me and said that I needed to call Keith (which is our country director). I said, "okay, sure no problem." I turned to my friend Cole and asked, "is that weird that Keith wants to talk to me." He said, "he didn’t know and gave me his phone to go call him." So I went into the middle of the field, where we could get cell phone reception and called Keith. Nothing could have prepared me for what he would say. He told me he had a message for me from my family. I immediately thought it was one of my grandparents because lets face it they are getting old and I worry about them. But nope, he said, "my brother CJ has died and I needed to call home." Cole told me that I fell to my knees and just started crying. I lost reception with Keith but couldn’t talk anyways. Caroline came to me first and started to console me. I was lucky enough to be surrounded by my amazing Peace Corps family. They all took care of me. Caroline called Keith back to figure out what I needed to do. Michelle and Laura got me 4000 vatu on my phone so that I can call home and figure out what the hell happened. As I talked with my mom, my sister, and Jamie (CJ’s mother), we decided that I did not need to come home right away because Jamie had to fly to Arkansas (where CJ died) and take care of everything there. Peace Corps agreed to fly me home on Tuesday, September 1^st. that worked out well because they would have had a hard time to get me home sooner. So the next few days are a blur and I cannot thank my group of friends here for being there for me during this horrible time.

Volcano: I went ahead with the plans to hike the massive volcano with my group on Sunday. Our journey started on Saturday with custom tattoos. My friend Caroline writes about it perfectly so if you would like to read about it you can on her blog at Cole and Caroline's Blog.

I will just say that was the hardest thing I have EVER done in my life. It was 14+ hours. It rained the whole time. I was done about hour 4. I cried A LOT. I fell A LOT.  It was very muddy and slippery. I will never hike again and I mean it!

The needles for the custom tattoo!

This hurt worse than a regular tattoo.

Pose Shannon :)

Everyone who got a tattoo and showing it off.

Stewart, Laura, and I on the trail. I owe these people my life.

I am pretty sure I was crying before and after this picture!!!!!

We finally made it back to site!!!!!!

 I flew out on Monday from Ambae to Vila. Then, I started my journey home on Tuesday. I had a sleepover in Fiji, which was nice except for I was very anxious about getting home. I finally arrived home on Wednesday night at 11:45. The first person I saw was my Gabby. She started this whole journey with me but has been on medical leave due to her gallbladder. It was so nice to see her. Then, Tiffany brought me McDonalds. OMG!!! It was so good; I do not think I asked anyone if they wanted any. Then my mom, sister and Bob were there. It was so nice to hug my mom and sister. I have missed them so much. I had 14 days to be home.

Being home was very surreal. I mean I plan on coming home in March. I have a list of things that I want to do. I have a countdown. I will be ready to come home and see everyone. This all happened so fast that I was not ready to come home. I was afraid that if I came home; I would want to stay. I also was going home on the worst terms possible to say bye to my brother. There really isn’t anything that can prepare you for this. So coming home and being home was really hard. My two weekends were spent with Jamie and my sister in Jacksonville getting things ready for CJ’s Celebration of Life. We did get a tattoo together in memory of him. We had his celebration and it was sweet to hear the stories from his friends. CJ was very loved; I just don’t think he knew how much everyone loved him. I will miss him terribly. I wish I had written that letter to him that I kept on meaning to. Jamie reassured me that he knew that I love him.

At the tattoo shop, getting ready!

Jamie's tattoo!

Christy's tattoo!

Mine

Us with our tattoo guy! 

Then we went to the beach where CJ liked to go. 

Our favorite picture of him. This shows his personality so much! We love you and miss you!

Balloon release at his celebration! I love you!

During the two weeks I was home I was able to see some dear friends of mine. I ate a lot of food, which made my stomach hurt all the time. LOL I stayed with family and relied on friends and family to drive me everywhere. My favorite time was when I was with my niece and nephew.  Man, I miss them so much and they are growing up so fast. It was a great two weeks and I am forever grateful to Peace Corps for sending me home.

The things I miss about America:

·      Hot showers!!!

·      Chips and Salsa

·      The smell of clean laundry

·      Air Conditioner (I was COLD everywhere I went)

·      Free WiFi

·      TV

·      Driving

·      My family and Friends

·      Buffalo anything

Yum!!!! Thank you Julie!

At one of our favorite places and her favorite ride! I love this girl so much!

He wanted a picture too! He has my heart!

I so much enjoyed being home but I know that my home right now is in Vanuatu. I have family and friends here. I also have many commitments here that I need to see through. I have this precious time here to learn more about myself and learn about God. I am learning more and more everyday to enjoy this little piece of paradise that God has given me for 27 months.

9 months in and 19 months left! :)