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Rehydration Salts: Day Three in Country, Day Four in Peace Corps

October 2, 2016February 19, 2017 First Person ForeignChanges

We started the day with our first language lessons. All the language teachers lined up to call out our names at the front of Salon Quetzal. A friendly man named Eduardo called my name and we[…]

The Bet I Made, The Best I Lost

October 2, 2016October 3, 2016 First Person ForeignAlaska

On Friday, I am astonished to report, I lost a bet. As I was packing to leave Alaska (two weeks ago), I struck a deal. You see, I worked on the docks, wearing bright green[…]

Health & Safety & Hip-Hop & Privilege: Day Two in Guatemala, Day Three in Peace Corps

October 2, 2016February 19, 2017 First Person ForeignBlank Slate

At the end of a day as long this election season, we gathered in a circle. We were down two volunteers (one: sick, one: ready for bed). Today, there were several wake-up calls, one right[…]

Bienvenidos, Day Two: Training

October 1, 2016February 19, 2017 First Person ForeignChanges

We get to the lobby at 3:30am and get on the bus at 4. We arrive to the airport by 5. Apparently the driver got lost and Gladys had to tell him where to go.. It[…]

WATCHING, WRINKLED | Day One: Staging

September 30, 2016 First Person ForeignChanges

WATCHING AND WRINKLED. 10:32pm That Night: At the end of Day One in the Peace Corps AKA Staging, I ironed my teal shirt. In real life I don’t iron. But It’s my last night in America.[…]

“Alaska, You’re the Best Kind of Breaking My Heart!”

September 28, 2016September 28, 2016 First Person ForeignAlaska

I’m going to tell you something about Ketchikan that no one knows: the clouds are drippy faucets in clever marshmallow costumes. A few years ago I fell in love with John Green. He writes Youth[…]

Preparing to Go, How I Leave Ketchikan.

September 27, 2016September 27, 2016 First Person ForeignAlaska

Guess what I learned? You can’t be sad about leaving a place you love while you’re still there loving it. Try as you might. That don’t make no sense. My Last Day, Sunday September 18[…]

Flying Blind: The Night Before Peace Corps

September 26, 2016 First Person ForeignChanges

WHAT THE HECK BOBBY. Tomorrow I am going to Peace Corps? I got a Medical Clearance Message Reminder email, a separate email about Menstruation. I got another with the itinerary for Houston (we are there[…]

“So This is Ketchikan,” (The First) Conversation in Alaska | 1 of 50

September 25, 2016September 25, 2016 First Person ForeignAlaska

I texted Danielle- “Just landed!” at 4:05pm on Friday April 15th. “Okay! Slight change of plans. We will be picking you up with a boat as of right now. Some of us have to do[…]

“Baby?” Conversations in Alaska | 5 of 50

September 25, 2016September 25, 2016 First Person ForeignAlaska

I stood in a dear friend’s living room in July. I asked “What’s been going on?” I was hung up on a Fisherman, she was hung up on fertility. Different boats. This is what followed: “It’s[…]