Next Stop: Dominica

What up everyone,

I've had a very enjoyable time in St. Lucia.  I have really bonded with a bunch of the other Peace Corps Trainees in my class.  It is really cool to see us all get along so well even though we have only known each other for a short period of time.  We have been playing board games, walking around Castries (a bigger city on St. Lucia), and of course getting in lots of time on the beach.  I've been bringing my frisbee everyday to the beach and have had a good time diving into the ocean while catching the disc!

Our time in St. Lucia is almost up.  We are all about to ship off to the different islands in the Caribbean.  Personally, I am about to depart for Dominica on Saturday!

I finally received my worksite information form too.  I'll be working for a Non-Government Organization called East Dominica Children Federation in a community called Castle Bruce which is also where I'll be living.  Castle Bruce is located on the East Coast of the island right off of the Atlantic Ocean.  When I arrive there, I'll be living with a host family while continuing training in Roseau, Dominica for about eight weeks.  It should be interesting to live with a host family because of the cultural differences we share.  Also, I'm required to learn a French-based Creole so that should be interesting as well. 

The mission of the organization I will be working for is:  To help deprived, excluded, and vulnerable children have the capacity to improve their lives and the opportunity to become young adults, parents, leaders who bring lasting and positive change in their communities; and promote societies whose individuals and institutions participate in valuing, protecting, and advancing the worth and rights of children.

It appears I'll be working with kids of various ages while developing programs in sponsorship relations, income generating activities, and child and youth agencies for this organization.  I'm quite excited to get started although I will still have to keep training for a few more months.

Anyway, I will keep you all posted about my first experiences in Dominica and I hope all is well with you all!

Joey