J'ouvert

I attended my first J'ouvert celebration on Monday. J'ouvert is celebrated on many islands within the Eastern Caribbean and other cities around the world. J'ouvert is a celebration that involves calypso and soca bands and their followers dancing through the streets. The celebration starts well before dawn and peaks a few hours after sunrise. Some the origins of Carnival coincide with the emancipation of slavery. Emancipation provided Africans with the opportunity, to not only participate in Carnival, but to embrace it as an expression of their new found freedom.Others say, slaves were banned from masquerade balls of the french and the slaves would stage their own mini-carnivals in their backyards — using their own rituals and folklore, but also imitating and sometimes mocking their masters’ behaviors. Also, people would cover their bodies oil and paint to avoid being recognized. I woke up around 4am to go to town with another volunteer. We got a great seat at a restaurant and watched the parade from above. It was great to see young and older people having a great time. It was a great experience and Im glad I went. I experienced Carnival :) 

It is amazing how much people can get done if they do not worry about who gets the credit." --Sandra Swinney

I was given the opportunity to help build a demolish and rebuild a house for a citizen of the community. This man is 80+ years old and he worked for the government for 55 years and the Department of Youth Department decided to make a difference in his life. The man is called Country in the neighborhood and he has such a friendly and greatful spirit. I feel very blessed to be a part of rebuilding someone's home and providing them with joy and hope. All of the material used was donated and often times throughout the day he would say "Who's stuff is that?". We would say "Its for you" and he would say "Wow, really for me?"  I imagine that seeing you home demolished would be devastating to me, but seeing all of the people who came out to rebuild would be a breathtaking experience.

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed. It is the only thing that ever has." --Margaret Mead

HIV/AIDS "Small aids to individuals, large aid to masses " -Maria Mitchell

Today is World AIDS DAY!! I am volunteering with the National AIDS Secretariat which is a great organization. It also apart of  the Ministry of Health and the Health Promotion Unit. Every year there is a HIV/AIDS march that brings about solidarity and awareness to the community. It was a great day and people from different schools and professional organizations came out to show support. I was responsible for recruiting volunteers which was my first real responsibility as a volunteer. I also passed out different forms of contraceptives and educational packets to people in the community. It was interesting to see how much of a stigma is associated with sexual activity and I learned to be very discreet in handing out information. I found this made people more comfortable with accepting information or forms of contraception. Now, I am participating with the Ride the Bus Campaign and the People's Show,the latter will air live. The Ride the Bus Campaign is great way to inform people, I along with a health educator jump on a bus and talk about HIV and create a discussion about sexual health and awareness. I will have some pictures from the Campaign and the Talk Show  :)

Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter.” Mark Twain

The oldest lady on the island, lives down the street for me. She turned 112 yesterday!!!! Can you imagine living over a century and seeing your country change completely. She was born in 1898....yeah I know. Living your life to fullest and taking time to appreciate the small things is very important. You only have one life and I think many people work so hard to try and find a way to balance it. However, if everyone was able to achieve that perfect balance, it wouldn't be called life. The pitfalls, the road blocks, and the lessons we learn make us who we are. I believe its a true blessing to live this long and see history actually happen and not have to read about it.

“Old age is not a disease - it is strength and survivorship, triumph over all kinds of vicissitudes and disappointments, trials and illnesses.”- Maggie Kuhn

Updates

I know I have been gone for a while, but life got a little crazy. Lately, I have been noticing the power of "Mother Nature" Hurricane Season just ended and now we are in mosquito season :) Instead of carrying an umbrella everywhere, I carry OFF :) I have a few pictures of the water and its aftermath after a storm.  In other news,I have really been embracing my sweet tooth lately. I along with some other volunteers visited a popular ice cream parlor in Port Zante. Port Zante is a place where most tourist visit when they come in from the cruise ships. I had the yummy cookie monster (chocolate chip, chocolate, and fudge). Also, I have fallen in love with.......soy ice cream!!!!!!! There is this great stand (I Queen's Ice cream) in the Independence Square in the capital that sells non- dairy and low sugar ice cream. I along with another volunteer spoke with the owner yesterday, her name is IQueen and she makes the most delicious ice cream ever!!!!She makes regular favors "vanilla and chocolate" during the week and fruit flavors on Friday :). The options this week was pistachio mixed with guava and mango mixed with coconut. I went for the mango mixed with coconut and lets just say it made my day. I never thought any ice cream was better than mint chocolate chip, but I was wrong!!

Shipwreck

All of the volunteers and staff came together to celebrate our accomplishments as the newest PCV's (Peace Corps Volunteer). The restaurant was 20 steps from the ocean. Can you say beautiful? The food was great and the people were very nice. Shipwreck is a bar and grill that many people come to visit. You can sit underneath a small cabana and grab a book or magazine provided by the restaurant. It was a very laid back atmosphere, which I can appreciate. I also saw a monkey and my first mongoose in the same territory. Ive been pretty busy lately because I am volunteering for the World AIDS campaign here. The campaign was kicked off this month to inform people about their choices during the holiday seasons.In a few weeks a AIDS march will take place and be a visible response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the Federation. I'm excited for the things that will come. I'm learning how to be patient and allows things to happen as they should. I feel as individuals we put a lot of pressure on ourselves to do everything perfect. What is perfect? I'm learning that every path that we take on this journey called life is meant to teach us something and meet people who will give us the best lessons of our lives. Oh yeah and its mosquito season, OFF has become my new perfume of choice :D Experience the opportunities presented to you and if you dont see them as yet, go out and find them.- brykimso

My internet is down

My internet is down due to the storm that knocked out our electricity. However, my school has wireless. Blessings are everywhere :) The lack of communication with my family and friends was altering my mood a bit. However, I told myself that what I am experiencing now is only temporary. I had some weekend plans that fell through due to the weather but hopefully, I will be posting some new pictures. I found this quote that pretty much sums up my feelings now. Enjoy the experience.

Watch your thoughts, for they become your words.
Watch your words, for they become actions.
Watch your actions, for they become habits.
Watch your habits, for they become your character.
Watch your character, for it becomes you destiny.
- Anonymous

Appreciation: The hardest struggles in life, make the best stories and novels -brykimso

I often times forget how powerful the word appreciation is. I have realized how often people tend to work for that "pat on the back". However, I have learned that people work and do so to the best of their ability because of the passion they have for their career. Often times I hear the teachers say, "I'm going to educate the nation's youth". Educators have enlightened and stimulated the minds of the most notable and intelligent people in the world. I consider everyone in the world to be a part of that category. We all have come into contact with educators in some shape of form. How many times have we as a society showed our appreciation? I found a few quotes that made me think about the impact of educators and the power of appreciation and gratitude. I am experiencing the impact of appreciation.

“Appreciation is a wonderful thing: It makes what is excellent in others belong to us as well” Voltaire quotes  
 “Learn everything you can, anytime you can, from anyone you can - there will always come a time when you will be grateful you did.” Sarah Caldwell
“We tend to forget that happiness doesn't come as a result of getting something we don't have, but rather of recognizing and appreciating what we do have.” Frederick Keonig
 “Don't underestimate the value of Doing Nothing, of just going along, listening to all the things you can't hear, and not bothering.” Winnie the Pooh
“Life is full of beauty. Notice it. Notice the bumble bee, the small child, and the smiling faces. Smell the rain, and feel the wind. Live your life to the fullest potential, and fight for your dreams.” Ashley Smith 

Pictures

Updates :)

I have finished training as a Peace Corps Trainee and now....I am officially a Peace Corps Volunteer!!! I have been very busy and experiencing St. Kitts. So far I have seen a fire dancer and gone on a treasure hunt on the island. I also had the opportunity to be on a local show here called Talking Point and we talked about the impact of tourism on the island. I had a personal triumph today :) I was able to get my clothes off the line before the rain. It may not sound like a huge deal but I think I'm developing the Kittian intuition. I also taught my first dance class to Form 1 students (11-12 years old). I also heard a young woman talk about her experience with breast cancer and the importance for both men and women to know their bodies.  I'm hoping to get some time to go out and take some nice photographs. I am living the experience until then.

Island Expressions

I was able to attend the program Island Expressions last month. I witnessed young adults reciting spoken word and singing. It was very empowering to see young men and women all excited and supportive of talent in St. Kitts and Nevis. It reminded me of Def Poetry Jam :).  They say today is a day of perfection, I hope it is a blessed one for everyone. My next I post I will be an official Peace Corps Volunteer :). Happy Happy Joy Joy.

10.10.10

I'm so excited its 10.10.10 and despite my busy schedule I had to send out a post. I'm dedicating this post to all the Devastating Divas of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated., Nu Chapter.

Updates

So the internet went out at my house. I'm really not sure what happened, but I have been pretty busy with training and work. A lot of good things seemed to be coming together so I'm feeling very blessed these days. Today I am facilitating my service learning project and will be evaluated (bites nails) This should be an experience :)

Brimstone Hills

updates

I know it has been a while since my last post but I have been pretty busy. As a part of our cultural training we visited Brimstone Hills which is a fortress that overlooks part of the island. Also, I attended the Independence Day events and had the opportunity to meet the Prime Minister of the Federation and members of the US Embassy. I had a great weekend and a very busy week with training. Im working hard on my service learning project that I will be presenting this week. In about three weeks I will become an official Peace Corps volunteer :) I did have the opportunity to see my alma mater play football today :) GO BLUE  I am living and experiencing a lot of different people and different aspects of culture.

Live,Travel,Experience

Fun times :)

culturefest :)

Culturefest

Sorry its a little blurry

Nevis: Our sister island

Updates

I know I havent posted in a while. I have been a bit busy with training and my work at the school. I am working on integrating into my community. Aside from my greetings "Good Morning, Good Afternoon and Good night". I went on a drive with my host family through St. Kitts and saw what many tourists see when they visit St. Kitts and Nevis. We saw the resorts and the St. Kitts Marriott and the Southern Peninsula. I have found that beauty can be found in nature. No matter how many mosquitos or fire ants attack you (smile). I also attended a Cultural Concert yesterday for the celebration of National Hero's Day ( which was today September 16th). It was a great experience with my fellow Peace Corps Trainees (PCT) , Peace Corps Volunteer and the Peace Corps staff from St. Lucia. Im still getting used to "island time" and walking slower everywhere I go. Im still working on living in the moment and accepting the beauty of life and taking things as they come. Its harder than it seems to shed the "American way of doing things". Im beginning to learn to stop checking my watch every 30 seconds and  that everything will be completed in due time and often times it will result in a better project. I met with a Peace Corps volunteer who is leaving soon and the Guidance Officer for my school. We are going to work to continue and build up the project that she started. Today I am thinking about the power of sustainability and the tools that are needed to do so.  Also, today is a very important  day because I celebrated my one year anniversary with the love of my life :) He is truly a great man and I feel very blessed to be with him. This time last year we didnt think we would be celebrating via Skype, but it has been a great journey so far :)  So today I am experiencing the beauty of life and love and appreciation that comes with it.

Update

Hello All,

Today I had to get a typhoid shot to protect myself againt the mosquito that spreads dengue fever. I think this is the most painful shot I have ever had :(.  On the bright side I am adjusting to life in my village of Cayon and excited to working with both the faculty and staff at the local high school. I will keep you updated on my progess and tomorrow I am attending a get together with the other trainees where I have appointed myself as the historian :) The Caribbean sun is a little hot for me so I will be wearing my floppy hat and snapping  pics. I am learning to live in the moment.

Arrival

Hello All,

I have arrived to the beautiful island of St. Kitts and I am living with my host family now. My luggage was lost but my host family is optimistic so Im going with the flow.They are really great and today we walked around the neighborhood and met some of their family and friends. The view of the sea is beautiful and I love it. I am not sure what to expect from my job description, but I have decided to take it day by day. Today I will live in the moment.

Greetings

I am excited to be writing about my experiences in the Eastern Caribbean, it is a beautiful place filled with great people and food. I began this blog because I wanted to share my experience with others. Currently, I have been experiencing the beauty of St. Lucia while I train for my work in youth development. As a part of our cultural immersion we visitied the beautiful village of Laborie. This community was built and preserved by the people. I respect the fact that all the people come together to keep the community alive through various acts of kindness. The Peace Corps volunteer that we visited with showed us the beautiful Laborie Community Centre. This center educates the public about the rich cultural history of the village and employs the citizens of the community as tour guides. The town was so beautiful and the kindess that we experienced from our tour guide and the young ladies that we met in the restaurant were great. I was the most impressed by the citizens idea of unity. For example, the church that we visited was rebuilt by the people when the original was destroyed during a tropical storm. It took them seven years to rebuild the church and every weekend men went to the ravines and gathered stones to help rebuild the church. There were houses in the village that were built over one hundred years ago, but they have stood firm during all of the storms. The experience made me reflect on the word community and how important it is to be an active member in you community. Everyone was an active member in their community from the man who made handwoven fish traps from bamboo to the woman who spent her lunchbreak helping her friend serve food while we ate at the restaurant. I find its the little things in life that inspire me to live,travel and experience.