My Personal Life: Peace Corps 2nd & 3rd Goals

Hello Dear Reader,

This festive season, I will have the exciting opportunity to incorporate Peace Corps' 2nd and 3rd goals into my personal life! Yep, you heard it right! But before I dive right into into it, let's revisit Peace Corps 3 goals:

1) Helping the people of interested countries in meeting their need for trained men and women

2) Helping promote a better understanding of Americans on the part of peoples served.

3) Helping promote a better understanding of other peoples on the part of Americans.

Now that we are all on the same page, let's continue.

As you may have read several posts ago, I will soon marry a beautiful Ethiopian man, who, as it turns out, has never been to the United States. Although he's never been there, he could probably beat the both of us in American history, geography, and present-day politics. He's seen American movies, adores Sam Cooke-era music, and can quote 1960's slang better than any James Baldwin character. Can you dig it? While he can do all of these things, as can many 'outside observers', a true understanding of the USA can only be gained from experiencing its many facets from within. Without experiencing the magic that is the spirit of America and its people for one's self, one can boil the US and all of its many dimensions down to sound bites from CNN and Fox News. Similarly, without exposure to the world beyond US boarder patrol, Americans can be led to think that all Arabs hate us and all Africans wear Zebra loin clothes to work. Nope, that just won't do!

During our two-week trip, with stops in Washington, DC; Chicago; and New York City, my dear, sweet, sweetness will have the opportunity to meet up with old friends who have immigrated to the US. He will take the requisite in-front-of-the-White-House photo, walk up the steps of the Supreme Court, listen to down home blues, decorate a real Christmas tree, watch the 24 hour marathon of "A Christmas Story" on TNT like a real American, stroll along Lake Shore Drive, see the bright lights of Time Square, feel the warmth of family and friends as they welcome him into their homes and lives, go ice skating in Millennium Park, eat a real Chicago deep-dish pizza, and much more. My lovely guy will get to experience how Americans celebrate Christmas and bring in the New Year. (Side note: Did you know that, in Ethiopia, they use the Julian Calendar? Did you know that, on September 11th, Ethiopians brought in the year 2004? Did you know that, in Ethiopia, Christmas (known as Ganna) is celebrated on January 7th?) He will see that, to be American, does not equate to xenophobia. He will learn that, to be American, is not reduced to Black or White, but is actually represented by the myriad of colors in a rainbow.

On the same token, my family and friends will have the opportunity to get to know and love my sugar pie-honey bunch, just as I do. They will get to hear, for the first time, the bird song-like quality of Amharic. My guy and his BFF, who lives in the US, will guide the family as it accepts its first Ethiopian meal of injera, wot and kitfo. I won't have to simply describe the warmth and inviting qualities of Ethiopians. They'll get to experience it every time they walk into the kitchen, or ride up the elevator to the top floor of the Empire State Building, or as they stroll down the streets of LaSalle...all with my lovely Ethiopian guy. My family's understanding of and appreciation for Ethiopians will be even further broadened during their first trip to Ethiopia in several more months.

Striving towards the 3 goals of Peace Corps is not merely limited to 2 years of active service, at least not for me. Incorporating the 2nd and 3rd goals won't even end at the close of our two week vacation. Being of service to my global community, and fostering a better appreciation and understanding of each other is a life-long pursuit!

Here's to a very merry festive season and a HAPPY NEW YEAR (to those on the Gregorian Calendar system, that is)!!!

Until next time,

Dani

World AIDS Day: Practicing What I Preach

Hello Dear Reader,

Right around December 1st, the day the world comes together to raise awareness of HIV/AIDS, I often see messages pop up on Facebook and around the web encouraging people to get tested for HIV. Surely it is important to remind others to test, but I often wonder if those very same people test as well. Is it easy to tell someone how to think/act a certain way, yet do not take our own advice? When it comes to HIV testing, do we practice what we preach?

I can't speak for anyone but me, so I'll take this opportunity to share with you 4 reason why I choose to test regularly for HIV.

1) Not to sound cliche, but knowledge truly is power. Knowing my HIV status allows me to make wise and responsible decisions about my health and behavior so that I can stay HIV negative. Further, I can empower my sugar pie honey bunch to make decisions that are best for him (just as I am entitled to the same option).

2) I can't think of a good reason not to. If I could think of a reason, more likely than not, it would just be a lame excuse. HIV testing is relatively painless (sans the little prick on the finger...unless oral swab testing is available). Results of a 'rapid test' are available within 10 minutes...so quick that I could do it on my lunch break. It is super easy to find FREE testing services, and I surely do like the sound of that...particularly in these trying economic times (j/k).

3) Peace of mind.

4) I work in an environment that encourages routine, opt-out HIV testing and TB screening for everyone. Can I rightly continue to promote a behavior that I'm not willing to adopt? If you heard me preaching about the benefits of and responsibility to test, yet I did not do it, would you be inclined to take my advice? My passion for improving public health, for me, means that I must model the behavior that I wish to promote. In essence, I must practice what I preach.

Yesterday, on World AIDS Day, my organization and many others joined the ministry of health to increase awareness of HIV/AIDS throughout the country. A major highlight of the event was the provision of HIV testing and TB screening. Because all of the reasons I mentioned above, and to encourage my friends and family to test for HIV, I tested for HIV...and have the pictures to demonstrate how simple and easy testing can be!

Mobile HIV Testing & Counseling Unit

Preparing to test

All it takes is one simple finger prick!

Collecting a few small drops of blood...see, simple!

Waiting for my test results. HIV rapid tests can provide your results in less than 15 minutes!

Now I know my HIV status and can make responsible choices to stay HIV negative!

...and getting screened for TB can be fun too!

HIV does not care if you're gay or straight, single or married, blue or purple, rich or poor, American or African, 'good' or 'bad'. The only way to know your HIV status is to get tested.

Until next time,

Dani

Time Flies!

Hello Dear Reader,

Earlier this week, I found myself staring at a calendar, trying to plan my (almost) annual pilgrimage to the US. November 12th was the date. Something about it stuck out. Hmm...November 12... Someone's birthday? Not a holiday. A meeting I've scheduled, perhaps? Tax day? No. Maybe it's time for my dog's annual vaccination. Nope, not that either. Why is this date so meaningful? I mean, the only thing about November that stands out is Thanksgiving, and admittedly, I haven't celebrated that holiday in years (#choosesnottorememberthefood&familyI'mmissing). Wait, wait...is it my parents' anniversary? No...that's not it...but it's definitely an anniversary!

Ahh...yes! November 12th most certainly is a special day...an anniversary day! The day marks 3 years of working in/service to the Kingdom of Lesotho! Wow...I can't believe it! Time surely flies! Three years ago, I never thought that I would still be in the same country, with the same organization. Three years ago, I did not begin to imagine all of the experiences (the good with 'bad') that I'd go through to bring me to this day! If you don't mind, I'd like to take you on a walk down memory lane:

* Almost 4 months to the day that I closed my service as a Peace Corps Volunteer, I was on a plane headed to the Kingdom of Lesotho, to start my life as a (paid) public health professional.

* Many evenings meeting up with friends for dinner, drinks, movies, silly/deep/meaningful conversations.

* Lifelong friendships made.

* Many trips to visit my friends/family living in Rustenburg (my Peace Corps site).

* Weddings, funerals, babies, new jobs, house warmings, traditional ceremonies, parties, graduations.

* Make ups. Break ups.

* Overcoming my fear of running to complete my first marathon, and subsequently removing the word "can't" from my personal dictionary.

* Gazillions of Skype calls.

* Road trips all over South Africa.

* Trips to places such as Egypt and Ethiopia.

* Learning how it feels to be a grown-up: filing taxes, purchasing a car, life insurance, buying a washing machine, turning 30....

* Meeting the man I will marry and trying to join two lives/histories/cultures/expectations/dreams.

* Taking note of how my perspective on people and the world has been reshaped with each new experience.

In the past three years, I have live enough for a whole lifetime. Each and every day presents an opportunity to challenge me, change me, and serve as a catalyst for me to grow more and more into the woman I want to be. Three years ago, I certainly did not think that I'd still be here...three years later. You may be asking, "What's the plan for the next three years?" At this point, there is no solid answer other than to say that I look forward to the magic that the future holds!

Thank you to my friends, family, and you for supporting me through this journey...as I continue to live out the dreams of my 3rd grade self!

Here's to the future!

Dani

Expanded Perspectives: LaQuita (RPSV- South Africa, 2006-2008)

Hello Dear Reader,

I'm so excited to introduce a new 3rd Goal project of mine: Expanded Perspectives. Through this project, I hope to provide you with blog posts written by my friends and fellow RPCVs who have served in the Peace Corps all over the world (admittedly with a heavy leaning towards Africa). In their own words, you will get varied perspectives on life in the Peace Corps, what life can look like after the Peace Corps, and everything in between (related to the Peace Corps, of course)! I'm even trying to talk my parents into writing a post (for all of the concerned moms, dads, families and friends out there) about their experience with a child in the Peace Corps!

If you are a PC applicant, PC Invitee, PC Trainee, a current PCV, or RPCV, and would like to contribute, please feel to free contact me through the 'comments' section of this post! You're welcome to write about funny stories, anxieties about service/the application process, how PC service has made an impact on your life, or anything you can think of related to PC. *Note-Please consider your submission a generous donation, because you won't be getting paid, but then again, I don't get paid for this either!* Just remember to keep it clean, keep it fun, and keep the 3rd Goal moving!

Starting off this new venture is my dear friend, LaQuita, who served in PC South Africa (2006-2008) in a town called Klerksdorp, which is located in the Northwest Province. ***If you've looked through my little blog, you'll noticed that she is referenced throughout!***

This is the first entry in the journal LaQuita maintained during her service! Enjoy!

“What was my first day in South Africa like?”

After a 17 hour flight across the Atlantic Ocean, my descent into Johannesburg International Airport was greeted with the distinctive smell of South African air and a great degree of relief, “finally, we are HERE”. Much to my dismay, this cross continent flight was followed by a 3 hour bus ride to a rural village in Mpumalanga Province (Mpumalanga means “where the sun rises”). We arrived very late, joyously greeted by the PC training staff and a buffet of hot South African food! On a full belly, we all dragged our luggage to the rondavel.

Now, I have NEVER been camping a day in my life, so you can just about imagine the week I had filled with all kinds of bugs, no heat (the seasons in South Africa are opposite from the US, so it was Fall…and quite COLD), and unreliable water source. Early the next morning, my face was warmed by a breathtaking South African sunrise, the sweet sounds of nature, and the reality that I am in SOUTH AFRICA…and the thought, what in the WORLD have I gotten myself into?

Photo: Animal life at the PC Training Site

“My Rural Village in Mpumalanga Province”

Photo: Boekenhouthoek, Mpumalanga Peace Corps Training Village

Wednesday, August 7 marked “Doom’s Day”, just kidding, but we were definitely anxious due to the impending arrival of our host families. My mind raced with the questions, “What if they don’t like me?”, “What if my family would prefer a white volunteer?”, “How in the world am I going to adapt to living in a rural village with no indoor plumbing, a pit latrine, chamber pot, bathing and washing my hair in a bucket, and doing my laundry WITHOUT the luxuries of a washer & dryer?", “How will I communicate with my family if they cannot speak English?”

Our arrival in the village was commemorated with the slaughtering of goats and cows for a big feast! We were all adopted into our families with the unveiling of our African names. I was honored with the name “Mapule”; it means the one who comes with rain, God’s gift from the heavens. The time period also marked the end of a 2 month initiation for the young men/ and 1 month initiation for the young women in the village. The rite of passage takes place in the mountains, where the boys and girls learn everything about their culture and return as “Men and Women”. A huge celebration is hosted for each participant and everyone is adorned with traditional attire and performs traditional dances.

Photo: Ndebele Initiation

The warm welcome and genuine love expressed by my host family and the community as a whole has far surpassed my wildest imagination. We were truly treated like “celebrities” and the red carpet was rolled out for us each and every single day. It never seems to amaze me that a group of people who are living in absolute poverty by American standards are so willing to share ALL that they have with a perfect stranger, without any reciprocation. I will forever be grateful for their benevolence and will seek to emulate the kindheartedness bestowed upon me. My “family” showed me that it is the simple things in life that bring pure joy and Ubuntu (the African concept that “I am because We are”) is far more important that individual success. I am thankful for the countless hours of discussion about South African culture, the painful memories of Apartheid and their hopes and dreams for the future.

Photo: My wonderful host family

The Kingdom celebrates Peace Corps' 50th Anniversary!

Hello Dear Reader,

September has been a month of celebration! I have been fortunate enough to celebrate Peace Corps' 50th anniversary twice in one month, which nicely coincides with my 5 year anniversary of officially swearing in as a U.S. Peace Corps Volunteer (September 2006)!

As you are aware, I was honored to serve as a guest panelist during Emory University's Rollins School of Public Health's celebration of 50 years of Peace Corps. Panelists participating in this event represented each decade of Peace Corps service to the United States and communities around the world. Today, along with my friend Blain (RPCV Paraguay, 2004-2008), I attended another celebration hosted by Peace Corps- Lesotho. The invitation requested guests to either wear business attire or 'national dress'. Believe it or not, I have not yet purchased a seshoeshoe (a dress worn in both Lesotho amongst the Basotho and in South Africa amongst the Batswana (where I served in PC))- pronounced se-shway-shway. Instead I wore a beautiful dress representing my new home away from home- Ethiopia!


Today's celebration was well represented by dignitaries from both Lesotho and the United States, specifically His Majesty King Letsie and U.S. Ambassador Bond, respectively. The common thread woven throughout the celebratory event was the enormous contribution Peace Corps Volunteers have made in the lives of not only the communities they've served, but in their home communities as well. One of the dignitaries from Lesotho commented about his personal experience with Peace Corps. One of his former teachers was a PCV in the 1960's. The impact this 23 year old teacher made on his life has made a lasting impact...some 50 years later!

In her speech, Ambassador Bond noted that Peace Corps Volunteers show that the world is both big and small- big in that each culture/community is unique in its own way, small in that, with each difference, there are many more similarities. Further, she stated that once an individual accepts the call to service in the Peace Corps, they will forever be a Peace Corps Volunteer. Just think about it, you'll never hear someone say, "I am an ex-PCV." No, we are "Returned Peace Corps Volunteers", because we have completed our two years (or longer) of service to our PC community, but spend the rest of our lives living out the 3rd goal (see previous post on 3rd goal). We are forever connected to the Peace Corps. I am so honored to be part of this awesome fraternity!

In addition to speeches, the audience was also treated to:

Cultural performances



Music sung by currently serving PCVs, and


We were honored to witness the new batch of Lesotho PCV being sworn in by Ambassador Bond and presented with certificates by King Letsie. How cool is that?!


Something else that touched my heart was to see that RPCVs, who served in countries all over the world and are now based in Lesotho, were well represented!

I'd say that today was a great day! Wouldn't you?!

As I end this little blog post, I'll leave you with a video of President John F. Kennedy's University of Michigan speech (1960), calling students to serve their country on a mission of global peace- a speech that inspired the development of the U.S. Peace Corps.




...and at the end of every speech or gathering in Lesotho, we pray for- Khotso (Peace)! Pula (Rain)! Nala (Prosperity)!

How far would you go to serve your country? Peace Corps!

Danielle

Emory University/Peace Corps Panel Discussion Link

If you're interested in watching the live streaming of tomorrow's panel discussion from 1-3pm EST, follow this link:

http://mediasite.sph.emory.edu/RSPHMediaSite/Viewer/?peid=dd5b6a6fac3e4300935905ba40fc33fc1d

NEWS ALERT

Peace Corps Atlanta Regional Office
Contact: Steve Hunsicker
305-929-3066
shunsicker@peacecorps.gov

August 12, 2011

For Immediate Release Contact: Steve Hunsicker
305-929-3066

Emory University and Peace Corps Foster Public Health in American Communities

Thursday, September 8, Emory University and the Peace Corps will celebrate the Peace Corps 50^th Anniversary with the event, “Honoring Our Public Health Legacy, Inspiring Future Generations.” Co-sponsored by the Rollins School of Public Health and the Atlanta Area Returned Peace Corps Volunteers, the event will include a discussion with current Peace Corps Director Aaron Williams, and a panel session with key public health professionals who have served in each of the decades of Peace Corps’ history.

In a special feature of the 50th anniversary celebrations, the Peace Corps and the Rollins School of Public Health will sign a partnership agreement for the school to join the Paul D. Coverdell Fellows Program, a graduate school initiative—including financial aid and career-building internships—reserved especially for returned Peace Corps volunteers.

“The Peace Corps is delighted to have the Rollins School of Public Health at Emory University as a partner in the Paul D. Coverdell Fellows program,” said Director Williams. “This new partnership not only opens doors to an enriching graduate school opportunity at a reduced cost, it also enables returned Peace Corps volunteers to continue their work in public service through meaningful internships in underserved American communities. Experience overseas, combined with graduate studies, position a Peace Corps Fellow well for all future endeavors.”

“We’ve piloted a Fellows program since August 2009 and witnessed great outcomes from our first group of Fellows. RPCVs add a unique perspective to leadership and service, enhance our academic programs and students' field experiences, and reinforce a culture of service that is integral to public health,” said Dr. Richard Levinson, Executive Associate Dean of Academic Affairs at the Rollins School of Public Health.

As part of the new program, Fellows will participate in internships serving international refugee populations in the local Atlanta community. To this end, Emory has established partnerships with various local nonprofits including Refugee Family Services, Lutheran Services of Georgia, Clarkston Development Foundation, Fugees Family, Global Village School and Refugee Resettlement & Immigration Services of Atlanta (RRISA).

About Emory University

Emory University, founded in 1836, has become a major national teaching, research and service center with a total enrollment exceeding 12, 930 undergraduate, graduate and professional students. The school ranks among the 15 universities with the largest endowments and is one of the fastest growing research universities in the country. The Rollins School of Public Health is 20 years old, and Emory has offered degrees in public health for 34 years.

About the Peace Corps:

President John F. Kennedy established the Peace Corps on March 1, 1961, by executive order. Throughout 2011, Peace Corps is commemorating 50 years of promoting peace and friendship around the world. Historically, more than 200,000 Americans have served with the Peace Corps to promote a better understanding between Americans and the people of 139 host countries. Today, 8,655 volunteers are working with local communities in 76 host countries. Peace Corps volunteers must be U.S. citizens and at least 18 years of age. Peace Corps service is a 27-month commitment. Visitwww.peacecorps.gov for more information.

About the Paul D. Coverdell Fellows Program

The Coverdell Fellows Program, formerly known as Fellows/USA, started in 1985 at Teachers College, Columbia University and now includes more than 60 participating universities in 30 states and the District of Columbia. The program is specifically reserved for students who have already completed their tenure abroad with the Peace Corps. More details can be found at peacecorps.gov/fellows.

About the Peace Corps’ Third Goal

The Peace Corps’ third goal, articulated by President John F. Kennedy, aims "to help promote a better understanding of other peoples on the part of Americans." This goal is realized primarily through the efforts of the more than 200,000 returned volunteers who share their stories and experiences with their fellow Americans. Within the Peace Corps, the Office of Public Engagement works to promote the agency’s third goal through: Coverdell World Wise Schools, an initiative which develops free teaching and learning resources—based on volunteers’ experiences—for K-12 classrooms; Returned Volunteer Services, which facilitates returned volunteers’ transitions back to the United States; and the Paul D. Coverdell Fellows Program, which partners with graduate schools across the country to provide returned volunteers with scholarships and career-building internships in underserved American communities. For more information, visitpeacecorps.gov/engage.

For additional information, contact:

Tarvis E. Thompson, Communications Manager
Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University
O: 404.727.3516
M: 404.693.4766
tthomp8@emory.edu

Peace Corps 50th Anniversary: "Honoring Our Public Health Legacy, Inspiring Future Generations"

Hello Dear Reader,

I'm excited to announce that Emory University's Rollins School of Public Health, in honor and celebration of Peace Corps' 50th Anniversary, is facilitating a panel discussion entitled:

"Peace Corps 50th Anniversary: Honoring Our Public Health Legacy,
Inspiring Future Generations"

Thursday, September 8th
13:00 to 14:35 (1pm to 2:23pm EST)

...and guess what?? I've been asked to serve as a panelist to speak about my Peace Corps service and my work in international public health! Too bad I won't be there in person, but I'll be Skyped in (just one more reason I looooove Skype)!

Here's a description of the event:

This event exemplifies the legacy of Peace Corps partnerships and the impact that the Peace Corps has made on global health through the eyes of Returned Peace Corps Volunteers who have made their careers in public health.

The event also marks Peace Corps’ commitment to the future and demonstrates the importance of ongoing partnerships with a signing ceremony to recognize the Rollins School of Public Health Paul D. Coverdell Peace Corps Fellows Program.

RPCVs representing the five decades of Peace Corps service and public health organizations including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Rollins School of Public Health at Emory University, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Carter Center, and the Mailman School of Public Health at Columbia University will address the following topics:

1960's - Laying the Foundation – Kathy Parker

1970's - Responding to the Call – Deborah McFarland

1980's - The impact of Peace Corps on a Career in Public Health – Stephen Dorage

1990's - Partnerships – Kelly Callahan

2000's - Shaping One's Perspective – Danielle Morris

Remarks will be provided by Peace Corps Director Mr. Aaron Williams (RPCV- Dominican Republic, 1967-1970), and Georgia State Senator Mr. Jason Carter (of the Jimmy Carter- Carters) who served as a PCV in South Africa from 1998 to 2001!

The event is being co-sponsored by Emory University's Rollins School of Public Health and the Atlanta Area Returned Peace Corps Volunteers.

Pretty cool, huh? Yeah, I agree!

For more details, contact Emory University.

Wish me luck kids!

Dani

I am a product of "The Third Goal"

Hello Dear Reader,

If you've been researching the Peace Corps, you probably know of or at least have heard a little something about the organization's 3 goals:

1) Do good in the hood (I know JFK didn't put it like that);

2) Represent the diversity that is America in "host countries" (no, we're not all like the people you see on "Jerry Springer" or "Keeping up with the Kardashians"); and

3) Bringing the world to America (but that happens already...cue the song "We are the world")...but seriously, (Returned) Peace Corps Volunteers are uniquely positioned to bring their individual experiences home to big city/small town America (no, the world isn't full of terrorists).

Goal #1 (check...and beyond...or so I'd like to think): The importance of/obligation to live a life of service was instilled in me from day 1 outside of the womb (thanks mom and dad). I'd like to think that my Peace Corps service merely added to my volunteer resume and now, over three years post service, I am continuing to building on that amazing foundation.

Goal #2 (ongoing): The awesome thing about my service was that I was one of two African American PCVs in PC-South Africa at that time. Being in this unique position, I was not only able to show South Africans that not all American Black people are rap stars playing out a looped episode of "The Wire", but I was given the opportunity to demonstrate that to my fellow PCVs as well. Sure, this was frustrating at times- I was brought to tears by it, expressed my anger and frustration about it, and made some of the most amazing friends who will forever been in my life (both South African and American).

I say "ongoing", because I am fortunate enough to be able to continue representing who I am...as an American...out in the world. I have grown tremendously from my experiences, and through these experiences, I've become both more patriotic and more broad-minded than ever. I've learned to drop the labels we as Americans cling to so tightly to define ourselves. I.Am.American.

Goal #3 (a lifetime): Better known amongst the PC set as "The Third Goal". The Third Goal- Bring the world to America (but this has taken place from our great nation's inception). Sometimes, however, we tend to forget that we all came from somewhere "out in the world". As it relates to PC, like I said, RPCVs are uniquely positioned to serve as America's constant reminder that the world is not always how it is depicted on CNN/BBC/Fox News/Al Jazeera. No, the world is not to be feared. Instead of confirming our fears of "it's us against them", PCVs are able to put a diverse face to the "Us" and help their fellow Americans see that the "Us" looks/feels/thinks/desires/hopes/dreams/loves/fears/hates/wants change just like "Them".

You see, I am the result of two RPCV's quest to achieve "The 3rd Goal". As I've mentioned before (I'm sure you're sick of hearing it by now), but in the 3rd grade during "International Day", my teacher invited two RPCVs (a couple) who served in PC- Morocco, to share their experiences with me and my classmates. Little did those (now) nameless, faceless RPCVs know, but, by sharing their experiences, they forever shaped mine. Every.single.thing that I did from that day on inspired me to want to see the world beyond the library books, tv programs, and newspapers. And now, it is through my little PC/RPCV blog, that I hope to pass that quiet light of inspiration that was handed to me over twenty years ago, to you.

Happy 50th Birthday Peace Corps!

With love,

Dani (RPCV South Africa 2006-2008)

Black Girls' Special: What am I going to do with my hair when I'm in the Peace Corps?

Hello Dear Reader,

This special blog post is dedicated to all of the Black Girls out there who have considered joining the Peace Corps, but thought to themselves, "What am I going to do with my hair in the middle of nowhere?" For all of you non-Black Girls, don't worry, we all have something to learn in this post!

If you are a Black Girl or happen to know a Black Girl, you will know that hair is, shall I say, a 'sensitive' issue. Let's be honest- for many of us, our hair plays a major role in how we feel about ourselves.

A Black Girl's Hair:

• Determines if we're going to get in the pool on a hot.as.hell.day, or not.
• Determines if we're going to get our exercise on, in fear that our hair-do will not last until our next salon appointment.
• Determines who and how we let someone touch us in fear that our hair might 'get messed up'.
• Determines our Friday and Saturday schedule. I mean we need to make our regularly scheduled, hours long salon appointments.
• Determines where we live. A good hair stylist is hard to find. Will you trust a stylist in D.C. the same way you trust your 13-year long relationship with your current stylist?
• Determines our nightly bedtime routine. Moisturize, comb, wrap, scarf, satin pillow...
• Determines how we feel about ourselves. Is it long enough? Straight enough? Styled just right? Is it the right texture? Will it behave today? I hope it doesn't rain, otherwise I'm in for a bad day. I hope it's not too hot, because I don't want to sweat out my style.

The list goes on.

I bet that if you're considering joining the Peace Corps (or living abroad), you've given pause to what you'll do with your hair. I'm sure that there are plenty of other Black Girls who wouldn't even consider joining or considered PC, but the well-being (etc) of their hair was was found to be too great of a barrier.

Don't worry, I too had this internal discussion! I knew that, first thing out of college, come hell or high water, I was going to join the Peace Corps...so I needed to make a plan for the queen's crown! My vision of my PC experience was to be in the middle of the bush somewhere and figured that I'd look pretty crazy searching high and low for a box of PCJ (little did I know that, even in that 'bush' experience I'd been dreaming of, a home perm kit or salon is never out of reach). Mind you, I was also a budding womanist and figured that I needed to get in touch with my ruuts (roots)! When I finally came to a conclusion, I was in Cape Town, South Africa attending a summer-long human rights program and in serious need of a touch-up. It was going to be now or never...so I did the best I could and threw a French braid at my mane. That summer, my new friends grew to hate the French braid. So did I. It wasn't until just after my Senior pictures that I cut the permed ends off of my hair and became fully "natural". Oh My! And the funny thing is that I didn't end up joining PC until three years later!

Black Girls...I should have probably prefaced my story by saying that this was my journey, and mine alone. Doing the 'natural' thing has served me well...10 years strong. But Black Girl, don't despair if you can't imagine giving up your luscious locs. During my time in PC, I served with Black ladies who had locs, perms, presses, home cuts (me), beauty shop do's, shaved heads, braids, twist outs, and everything in between. So fret none (yes, very country, I know!). Your hair does not have to stand in your way from you too living your Peace Corps dreams!

That's my story and I'm stickin' to it!

From one Black Queen to another...

Yours Truly,

Dani

Staying connected to home while living abroad

Hello Dear Reader,

I hope that this blog post finds you well!

When I served in the Peace Corps from 2006 to 2008, staying connected with my friends and family back home was, well let's just say...expensive! If I wanted to communicate with my friends and family back home, I could 1) write an email if and when the internet was on its best behavior; 2) do what we in Southern Africa call a 'missed call', meaning let the phone ring a couple of times so caller ID would register your number, and hang up before anyone on the other side picked up or 3) Hope that someone on the other side would pick up the home sickness in the atmosphere and like you enough to call. Back then, I knew nothing about Skype and the internet speed wasn't fast enough to have reliable access to AOL instant messenger or gchat. Sad face.

During my service, I relied very heavily on option #2- the missed call. The challenge with this option was that my parents were often the only ones who could afford to call me back on a regular basis. As a result, my parents learned more about my personal and work life than they probably would have otherwise...boyfriend problems and all.

When I accepted my position in Lesotho, my parents were not too thrilled at the thought of gazillion dollar monthly phone bills (+/- $800/month) for the duration of my employment. Luckily, somehow, Skype came into my life...the single greatest invention for improving the quality of life for expats, only second to SOS insurance!

Ahh Skype! I (heart) Skype! With Skype, combined with 'fast and reliable' internet access, I'm able to keep up with everyone. I not only have the program, but a US number that people without Skype can contact me on (i.e. grandparents, my bank when I have fraud alerts on my accounts after using it in some random country, etc.), Skype calls forwarded to my Lesotho cell phone, group video chats, and low cost international calling rates when my fiance is on site visits and away from his...Skype! No, I'm not getting paid by Skype, don't worry. It's just that Skype has revolutionized my life abroad...don't even get me started on Facebook (although I think it's the devil!)!

Speaking of the Devil (not FB), but my dad is actually calling me right now. Hold please....

No fathers were harmed in the taking of this Skype screen shot

As you can see, Skype just allowed me to have a brief conversation with my daddy-o for a quick hello...and to tell him about my up-coming trips to Ethiopia and the US of A! Awesome, huh?!

I told him that he'd be making a guest appearance on my lil' ole RPCV blog, specifically talking about how the addition of Skype in our lives has allowed both them and me to be more comfortable with their only daughter living abroad and away from home for extended periods of time. He also wanted me to highlight the fact that, Skype is free, thus eliminating the need to keep calls to me as a line item on his budget!

On another note, with the advent of FB, smart phones, and inexpensive internet service on cellphones, currently serving PCVs are also able to afford to and are able to keep up with friends and family back home! For instance, PCVs in Lesotho, some of whom are so remote that, in order to get cellphone reception have to walk up the tallest hill, can even keep in touch on the regular! (P.S. That's something you can tell your 'nay-saying' parents when they bring that up as a reason why you should not serve in the Peace Corps.)

Oops...I need to cut this blog post short, I see that my BFF (an RPCV- South Africa) currently living in South Sudan just popped on Skype...gotta run!!!

Gchat with you later!

Dani

Love & The Expat

Hello Dear,

When I was in 3rd grade, my teacher hosted 'International Day' for our class. In addition to eating 'ethnic' foods and gaining a new appreciation for the various cultures represented by the student body, my teacher invited two of her friends...RPCVs from Morocco...to share their experiences of life abroad. That one day opened my eyes to the world beyond my classroom...my neighborhood...my home town...the USA. Literally, the day that changed my life! I knew at that very moment that my life would, for sure, include service in the Peace Corps and beyond that...a life lived as a global citizen.

After school that day, I rushed home and told my parents about the amazing people I met and how I was definitely going to 1) have a pet monkey (don't know where that came from), 2) join the Peace Corps when I grew up, and 3) travel the world for the rest of my life. Everything (almost) that I did from that point on shaped the volunteer experiences I took on...the education I sought out...the jobs I took...the things I read...the vision I had for my future (right down to the type of husband and kids I was going to have...I have an imagination, ok?!).

With respect to the husband and kids thing...I always thought that, by 27, I'd wind up with a Frenchman (don't ask me why), we'd have kids named Jean-Michelle and Gaston (again...don't ask me why), we'd live in a village (but with a little flat in Paris), have a garden, and of course, I'd have a pet monkey like Bubbles (Michael Jackson's monkey friend in the 80's).

Peace Corps (check)! Life and career abroad (check)! My Frenchman, Jean-Michelle, Gaston, and Bubbles Jr by 27...not so much! Well...after learning overtime about the cruelty of taking wild animals out of their natural habitat, made me change my mind from a monkey to a dog...and after the unfortunate incident with Travis the super frustrated chimp, my decision to stick with a dog was confirmed. So instead of the monkey...I have a bovine relative...or rather a pig.

Instead of focusing on getting the French-American family of my dreams, I focused on doing all of the things I loved and figured that the man and the family would find me in the midst of me living my life. There were those along the way who I thought might have a shot at matching me toe for toe, yet again...not so much. So I kept living my life...and enjoying it!

My job was going great and I was newly assigned to an awesome project to strengthen nursing and midwifery education in Lesotho...how rad is that?! And the best part was that, because of my involvement in this program, I was sent to Ethiopia to attend a nursing leadership summit. What?!!!! Ethiopia...the second place I wanted to visit, after Morocco, of course. Little side story: towards the middle of my PC service, we were told that the PC Ethiopia program was about to re-open after being closed for some time and there was active recruitment of currently serving volunteers and RPCVs to help open it back up. What?!!! Uhh...Me!!!!! But alas, that didn't work out...but I managed to secure a spot at this awesome leadership summit in Addis Ababa several years later!

The first day I arrived, I knew I was 'home'. This was the first place that people looked me in the eyes when speaking to me instead of at my ridiculously poofy/curly hair. 'You look Habesha', they'd say. 'Oh, for real?'

The second day, I was minding my very own business when I saw this devastatingly beautiful Ethiopian profile walk in the room. 'Whaaaaaaaaaaaat!!!' Oh Yeah! And he noticed me too!

This beautifully handsome face and lovely spirit eventually caught my imagination over a helping of injera and tibs fed gursha-style. He asked, 'Can I come visit you in Lesotho.' I balked and said, 'Well that's dramatic!' After dinner, the lovely man dropped me off at my hotel and we said our goodbyes. The next day, I caught a flight to Lesotho thinking that I'd never see that classic nose of his again. The day after that, I sent an email with the parting words, 'You're more than welcome to pay me a visit in Lesotho.' And that's where the love story began...

...And during a recent trip to Addis Ababa, my lovely Ethiopian (who obviously took to heart lyrics sung by one Beyonce Knowles) 'liked it, so he put a ring on it'! Woohoo! In the immortal words of Shug Avery in Alice Walker's 'The Color Purple', "I's (almost) married now! I's (almost) married now!"

Move over Frenchman, Jean-Michelle, Gaston and Bubbles! Welcome to our forever Ethiopian man, Tekkle, Yohannes and Bubbles-substitute!

...in the midst of doing what you love...and living your dreams...what you want and need (and sometimes didn't even know you wanted and/or needed) will find you!

And that, my Dear Reader, is my short (kinda) and sweet story of 'Love & The Expat!'

Until next time,

Dani

Expats, dinasours and things...

Hello Dear Reader,

As promised, and then un-promised, and then promised again, I'm back to give you one expat's perspective on living abroad...

Come November 2011, I'll be able to say that I've lived in Lesotho for 3 years. THREE YEARS?!!! Yes, three, whole years! Aside from the foreigners who moved to Lesotho, fell in love with the place and people, and have committed to building a life here, I'm one of the few expats who've been here for so long. You see, the every-day-expat tends to take assignments (job contracts) either with the same organization or a different one for six months up to two years. Three years?...well that's just crazy talk! At least in the Lesotho context, I'm damn near a dinosaur!

At every expat party, you're always either meeting someone new, saying goodbye to a friend, but usually both at the same time. Let me quickly take you to an expat party (in Lesotho). And since I love the highly acclaimed cult classic, The Golden Girls, I'll do it Sophia Patrillo (RIP) style:

Picture it- Maseru, winter 2011. That year was one of the rainiest winters on record. There was so much rain that we had to canoe to work and the village idiot (so not politically correct) tried to build an ark with his blanket as the sail...but I digress.

The young, extraordinarily beautiful Expat Dani (hey, I'm telling this story here) went to yet another expat party to bid farewell to Leena, who was leaving Lesotho after a year of living in the hut on top of Thaba Bisiou (the final resting place of the first king of Lesotho- Moshoeshoe). Dani had been to parties like this- ones where she barely recognized all who were there. Walking through the crowd of new people/same conversation was like dodging a Starbucks in Seattle...you can't! But she was prepared, she brought her handy dictaphone with a pre-recorded responses:

Newbie: Hello, my name is Newbie!

Me: [Turns on pre-recorded message] Nice to meet you Newbie.

Newbie: I work for HIV Kick It. Where do you work?

Me: Oh, you work with Mark and Anna.

Newbie: Oh, no. I'm the new Anna and my friend over there is the new Mark. So how long is your contract?

Me: I don't really have a contract. It's really based on the availability of funding. And you?

Newbie: I have a six month contract. I'm from San Fransisco. I'm trying to plan a road trip to Zambia, Mozambique, Cape Town, Namibia, and Swaziland. I want to go pony trekking and mountain climbing and learn Sesotho and learn how to drive a manual car...and and and...

Me: Oh, that's nice...I see my friend over there. Nice to meet you and if I don't see you again, goodbye.

Me: [Turns off tape player]

The moral of the story: keep extra batteries for your recorder.

Yes, I know that was a very weak attempt at a Sophia Patrillo a la Golden Girls story, but you get the point.

So as I fast approach my 3rd year in Lesotho, I have earnestly started the process of asking the question, "What next?" Should I stay and become a permanent fixture in Lesotho? Should I strike out and start the next, new adventure in another country, or should I go back to the US and finally stop putting off furthering my studies in a Ph.D. program (and move back abroad after wards)? Hmm... I mean the whole point of accepting this expat life was to explore myself and the world (hopefully at the same time). Even now, I'm not ready to settle down in one place for too long...and most lifetime expats will say the same...they don't want to go home for long and don't want to settle in one place long enough for it to start looking/feeling like home.

Again: Hmmm.....lots to think about!

And on a completely different note, but will perhaps be followed up with another post about Love & Life Abroad (a series even), next Thursday, I'm headed back to Ethiopia to spend some much needed time with my awesome boyfriend. Think eleven days of the bright lights of Addis Ababa...hot springs...tibs and injera...Ethio-jazz...schistosomiasis-free lakes...Oh My!

So until next time, Dear Reader, if you have any specific topics you'd like for me to address, feel free to post as many questions as you'd like. I'll do my best to address them.

Oh, and yet another note, my friend who watched me go through the final, frustrating stages of my Peace Corps application process just contacted me after some time. And guess what: She just completed her Pre-Service Training (PST) in Peace Corps Belize. Furthermore, her cousin will soon be entering PC- Cape Verde. ...And Peace Corps still lives on in my heart!

Can't wait to hear from you! Yes, I mean YOU!

Dani

Jay-Z did it too...

Hello Dear Reader,

Yes, I'm back (said with head hung low in shame). After a great deal of persuasion and promises of a lifetime supply of Reese's buttercups, I've been talked into re-activating this little blog o'mine...even though my PC service ended 3 years ago...even though I've started up other blogs...even though I promised you in the previous post that I would be out like a light...suffice it to say...I'm back and we'll see how this goes!

You may be wondering...where in hell have you been (maybe not, but I had to start this post off somewhere, right?) and what can life look like after Peace Corps?! Well, that's an easy question to answer, Dear Reader! I've been going strong in the Mountain Kingdom of Lesotho for the past going on three years!....and a few other places in between:

Lesotho

Egypt

World Cup Feva in South Africa (in Rustenburg no less...my PC site)

Ethiopia

Zambia

I am the proud mother of a stinky, burping, snorting, sleeping, scooting, squish-faced Bulldog named Beef-Wellington!

...and after 7 months of training, I no longer have a dream deferred...

I just completed the Publix Georgia Marathon!

So as you can see, I've been kinda busy over the past 3 years! In starting up this blog again, I hope to express to you in not only words, but images as well, what one Returned Peace Corps Volunteer (RPCV) did with her life post service. Furthermore, I hope to encourage you, through my own experience, to get out and see the world...learn through doing...expand...stretch...grow...challenge yourself...actively engage your world...and realize that the world is not only what you see on the O'Reilly Factor or even CNN.

...and if you have any questions, feel free to ask and I'll do my best to give you an unfiltered answer. I've always enjoyed a two way conversation, myself.....

Until next time!

Danielle