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.