Christina
Country of Service: Cameroon
Words of Wisdom:
“Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone; that is the only way you will really be able to make a change in yourself and in the world around you.”
PS - Scarfs are extremely practical, take one with you at all times to be prepared.
Thursday, November 20, 2014
Volunteer Options for Thanksgiving
As Thanksgiving comes up we all think of things we are thankful for. One of the things RPCVs are thankful for is the fact that we get to have the Thanksgiving that we missed out on while serving. The turkey, the stuffing, and all the goodies that are often associated with this holiday. However there are a lot of people out there (including some RPCVs) who do not get to enjoy this holiday. This post includes some of the volunteer options in Fairbanks for Thanksgiving. Its always important to give back to the community and we as RPCVs never really lose the urge to volunteer.
We hope that everyone takes a moment to think of all the things they are thankful for, the big and the small. Happy Thanksgiving.
Volunteer options for Thanksgiving:
The Fairbanks Food Bank-- http://www.fairbanksfoodbank.org/
They are still looking for food donations as well:
Turkeys
Homemade bread
Stuffing
Yams/sweet potatoes
Pies
The Tanana Valley Christian Conference Ecumenical Thanksgiving service and food drive will take place at Fairbanks Lutheran Church, 1012 Cowles St.
We hope that everyone takes a moment to think of all the things they are thankful for, the big and the small. Happy Thanksgiving.
Volunteer options for Thanksgiving:
The Fairbanks Food Bank-- http://www.fairbanksfoodbank.org/
They are still looking for food donations as well:
Turkeys
Homemade bread
Stuffing
Yams/sweet potatoes
Pies
The Tanana Valley Christian Conference Ecumenical Thanksgiving service and food drive will take place at Fairbanks Lutheran Church, 1012 Cowles St.
There are several kitchens doing a Thanksgiving day dinner:
The Fairbanks Food Bank
http://www.fairbanksfoodbank.org/
http://www.fairbanksfoodbank.org/
The Fairbanks Rescue Mission
http://fairbanksrescuemission.org/frmvolunteer.htm
http://fairbanksrescuemission.org/frmvolunteer.htm
Stone Soup Kitchen
http://stonesoupcafe.org/
http://stonesoupcafe.org/
Monday, October 27, 2014
Words of Wisdom 2
Heather
Country of service: Kenya
Words of Wisdom:
“On a daily basis, you will find that things will not go as you expect or plan. Of course, flexibility and patience are essential, but so is a healthy sense of humor...and a good book. Embrace the local ways of being neighborly-even if it means drinking 6 cups of tea. Utilize your fellow Volunteers - your Peace Corps family - for support and set up a realistic schedule to be in touch with your loved ones, while gently helping them understand that ultimately, “No news is good news,” for those times you miss the call. You WILL miss a call. Your headlamp is your best friend.”
Country of service: Kenya
Words of Wisdom:
“On a daily basis, you will find that things will not go as you expect or plan. Of course, flexibility and patience are essential, but so is a healthy sense of humor...and a good book. Embrace the local ways of being neighborly-even if it means drinking 6 cups of tea. Utilize your fellow Volunteers - your Peace Corps family - for support and set up a realistic schedule to be in touch with your loved ones, while gently helping them understand that ultimately, “No news is good news,” for those times you miss the call. You WILL miss a call. Your headlamp is your best friend.”
Some Good Reads
I know that a lot of people have questions or are curious about the WHOLE Peace Corps experience. They want to know what life was like, what people ate, how people felt, the big picture. You can of course always find an RPCV and ask them for the story of his or her Peace Corps life (which they will happily regale you with for hours) or you can read the blogs and various published works available.
If you like looking at blogs the Peace Corps keeps a list of "top bloggers" on their website of Peace Corps Volunteers writing it out for the whole world to see. If you are interested check out this link:
Another, funny but not necessarily helpful, blog is How a PCV puts it gently is worth a look just to get a look at some insider PCV jokes and woes. A quick warning, this blog may include some racy and/or disturbing topics for some, just be prepared to take it with a grain of salt.
howapcvputsitgently.tumbler.com
There are also a few books out there for people looking for a different kind of story.
You can find a series of books with Peace Corps stories in them, they each have a different editor and include stories from over 50 years of the Peace Corps:
One hand does not catch a buffalo
Gather the fruit one by one
Even the smallest crab has teeth
A small key opens big doors
Another couple great ones to check out are:
From the Center of the Earth: Stories out of Peace Corps by Geraldine Kennedy
Living Poor: A Peace Corps Chronicle by Moritz Thomsen
Nine Hills to Nambonkaha: Two Years in the heart of an African Village by Sarah Erdman
There are probably lots more memoirs and blogs out there but these are some good solid starts if you are interested in the a more in depth read. Enjoy!
howapcvputsitgently.tumbler.com
There are also a few books out there for people looking for a different kind of story.
You can find a series of books with Peace Corps stories in them, they each have a different editor and include stories from over 50 years of the Peace Corps:
One hand does not catch a buffalo
Gather the fruit one by one
Even the smallest crab has teeth
A small key opens big doors
Another couple great ones to check out are:
From the Center of the Earth: Stories out of Peace Corps by Geraldine Kennedy
Living Poor: A Peace Corps Chronicle by Moritz Thomsen
Nine Hills to Nambonkaha: Two Years in the heart of an African Village by Sarah Erdman
There are probably lots more memoirs and blogs out there but these are some good solid starts if you are interested in the a more in depth read. Enjoy!
Just as a side note, you can always contact our group for RPCV stories, we love to talk about the Peace corps :)
Thursday, October 9, 2014
Words of Wisdom 1
Words of Wisdom for Your Peace Corps Service
“Have fun; take your
work seriously, but not yourself. Your sense of humor will be one of your
best assets. And don’t forget to write down those humorous situations,
language bloopers, and emotional moments. They will sustain you long
after you complete your Peace Corps service.”
Carrie Hessler-Radelet, Peace
Corps Director
Country of service: Western Samoa, 1981-1983
Sector: Education
International Friendship Day, MI talks at UAF, and some updates
October and winter are upon us! If you are interested in enjoying a little of the diversity that Fairbanks has to offer, get out of the house, and get some good food- then check out International Friendship Day. This is an annual event that is planned by RPCVs and others in the community that happens in October.
The event is being held at the Pioneer Park Civics Centers from noon to 5pm. There is always a full program of cultural and local groups performing in the center area, ranging from Samoan dancing to break dancing to a fashion show of traditional clothing from around the world. In addition you can get a great variety of food and gifts as well as information. There is of course of Peace Corps booth with a large display of items from different countries to look at.
Another event that is worth checking out this October 24th is a talk being held my Master's International students/RPCV fellows about their experiences. It will be held at UAF in the Murie building (upper campus) in room 107 from 2-4.
Note: If you are planning to go be aware that you can park at the museum (right next door to Murie) and pay for a visitor's pass at the kiosk in the parking lot.
In other news we had a very successful couple of days with the recruiter from Seattle visiting on September 24th and 25th. I hope that if you were interested in meeting with her you got a chance. She isn't sure when she will be able to make it back to Fairbanks but with luck it won't be another 4 years before she can return.
And last but certainly not least... Tony Gasbarro, a long time Fairbanks resident and RPCV received an award for his work with UAF and the Master's International program-where he has been the liaison between UAF and the Peace Corps for several years. Tony also works with a non-profit in El Salvador and has been an integral part of the RPCV group in Fairbanks. If you know Tony be sure to congratulate him on his award.
The event is being held at the Pioneer Park Civics Centers from noon to 5pm. There is always a full program of cultural and local groups performing in the center area, ranging from Samoan dancing to break dancing to a fashion show of traditional clothing from around the world. In addition you can get a great variety of food and gifts as well as information. There is of course of Peace Corps booth with a large display of items from different countries to look at.
Another event that is worth checking out this October 24th is a talk being held my Master's International students/RPCV fellows about their experiences. It will be held at UAF in the Murie building (upper campus) in room 107 from 2-4.
Note: If you are planning to go be aware that you can park at the museum (right next door to Murie) and pay for a visitor's pass at the kiosk in the parking lot.
In other news we had a very successful couple of days with the recruiter from Seattle visiting on September 24th and 25th. I hope that if you were interested in meeting with her you got a chance. She isn't sure when she will be able to make it back to Fairbanks but with luck it won't be another 4 years before she can return.
And last but certainly not least... Tony Gasbarro, a long time Fairbanks resident and RPCV received an award for his work with UAF and the Master's International program-where he has been the liaison between UAF and the Peace Corps for several years. Tony also works with a non-profit in El Salvador and has been an integral part of the RPCV group in Fairbanks. If you know Tony be sure to congratulate him on his award.
Tuesday, September 23, 2014
Seattle Recruiter Visiting Fairbanks!
This is kind of last minute but the new recruiter from Peace Corps Seattle is visiting Fairbanks!
Stephanie Nys will be at UAF Wednesday, September 24th and Thursday, September 25th.
On September 24th be sure to stop by the Wood Center ballroom from 5-8 to meet her and chat about the Peace Corps.
On September 25th check out rooms C/D next to the Wood Center ballroom for a general information meeting and conversations with RPCVs.
If you are a student you might get a chance to chat with Stephanie as she does class talks.
Stephanie Nys will be at UAF Wednesday, September 24th and Thursday, September 25th.
On September 24th be sure to stop by the Wood Center ballroom from 5-8 to meet her and chat about the Peace Corps.
On September 25th check out rooms C/D next to the Wood Center ballroom for a general information meeting and conversations with RPCVs.
If you are a student you might get a chance to chat with Stephanie as she does class talks.
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