Training Village - Group 84

I returned yesterday (Friday, October 26, 2012) from the training village in Upolu where the newest group of Peace Corps Trainees are being tortured...oops, sorry, make that trained.

During my two weeks with the group I took photos and wrote some stuff that I'll be trying to post today.

Just in case, if someone you love is in the Group, know that they are doing well and working hard.  More to come!

Photos!

Ok, now I can't make paragraphs or get the "add caption" to work.  Anyway, the first photo is me and the three boys we've been fundraising for.  The plan is for them to come to Michigan with their former teacher and RPCV Kyle.  This was taken in downtown Apia. Saturday morning.  The kids, their families, Kyle and I were selling vaisalo and koko arisa (types of soups) and niu as well as raffle tickets.  It was fun, hot and exhausting.

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In the second photo I'm with Ed Mulitalo, a former NFL player (Detroit Lions and Baltimore Ravens) who now lives in Apia.  I'm almost six feet tall, btw.  And speaking of coincidences, Ed was born in Daly City CA where I used to work.  He played at the University of Arizona, which is in my home town.  and he played for the Detroit Lions.  I lived in Detroit for 13 years.  I met Ed at a trvia night fundraiser last week and he won the raffle.

What Are The Odds?

There's a cruise ship in town.  It's the Oosterdam from Holland America.  I strolled toward the ship in my puletasi and talked to some locals and some tourists from the boat.

The first woman I spoke with is a former PCV (RPCV) who served many years ago in Venezuela. 

The next person I spoke with was an RPCV from my hometown of Tucson, who served in Liberia in the 80's and has a good friend who is an RPCV from Samoa.

Just to further the string of coincidences, I sailed across the Pacific on the sister ship to the Oosterdam, the Rotterdam. 

What are the odds?

This is me, looking down at my feet in front of my door.  That is Odie, my family's dog who likes to stand between my legs.  I love him but it makes it hard to walk.

I cooked for Women's night with the new group.  Salad (lettuce, bok choy, mango, crab and avocado), vegetarian and meat lasagnas, garlic bread and mini cheesecakes.  They won't see food like this again for a long time.

Niu (young coconut) was the beverage of choice for the ladies.  Our DMO generously let us use her house for the event.

More Photos

The new house in Pu'apu'a where one of the new group will live.  The pink house in the back is on stilts over the ocean.  That's where the principal lives.  I took the photo from the bus as we drove by. 

Year 8 boy, dressed as a girl.  The boys had a Miss Samoa contest.  Having men dress as women is really funny here.

This is Year 3.  Lofi, in the front is only 3 and the daughter of a teacher and my best friend.  She was terrified of me when I arrived but now spends most of her day following me around.

I'm in the back - we were preparing to march through the village in the early morning.  Singing and asking the village to give money to the teachers in honor of Teachers' Day.

Fundraising for the teachers continued with each class doing a tausala - dancing for money.  Parents and others gave us enough for $120 for each teacher and $200 each for the SRO and principal.  These two kids are Year 1.  Sooooo adorable.
 

Vote

I just sent in my vote for both Presidential and Legislative candidates. If I can vote from a small island in the middle of a very large ocean, you can too. Please remind everyone. We are a free country, because we can vote. DO IT!

Photos

A new bus which can take me to Salelologa.

I don't get cell coverage in my house, so make all of my phone calls at the road.  These are some of the kids who live next door and keep me company.  The two younger boys scream "We love you, Nancy!" when they see me, thanks to their oldest sister (not shown).  It will be so hard to say goodbye.