Belleza!!!!

It's amazing how a simple bucket bath accompanied by a full body, homemade, sugar scrub and a change of your finger and toe nail polish can give you a whole new outlook on life. Some people like to use being a Peace Corps Volunteer as a an excuse to let themselves go-higiene wise- I feel the exact opposite. To be completely honest I feel so much cleaner and refreshed here after a bucket bath than I think I ever did from a hot shower. Now, I realize that my judgement could be clouded by the fact that I have actually taken a hot shower in about a month (the weekend after swear-in -Aug 12th) but it's true! When I can take the time to heat up three or four kettle's worth of water and wash away the days dirt and sweat, the week's insecurities, fumbles with the language and/or whatever other stressors, I really truly feel clean, fresh, and rejuvenated. I also really thank the girls from Moz 14 and 15 who suggested that I bring nail polish and "smell good" (as my Godmom calls it lol). Spritzing on a little Black Amethyst or Exotic Couconut body spray and giving yourself a new set of brightly vernished hands and feet are like putting hot fudge, whipped cream and ten cherries on top of my Peace Corps sundae!

I mean I have always enjoyed getting my nails done and applying all the other products generally associated with being a "girlie-girl",  but when it's easy to take pampering yourself for granted after long HOT days, struggling to understand what is going on at your orgs or with your colleagues when everything is spoken in a language that you didn't spend ten intensive weeks learning ((But I Digress--i'll save that for a different post)). So in an effort to create a regular routine, stay "pretty" and to maintain my sanity I think I will allow myself a pamper day every week. Whehter it be a full body sugar scrub, repainting my nails, washing and retwisting my hair or even just plucking my eyebrows (WOOF! it's been a struggle lol) I will do whatever it take to keep myself happy. I've even begun a regular exercize regimine so I'm excited about seeing those results.
I'm determined to put all this free time to good use and to emerge from this 27 month cacoon a beautiful, healthy, happy, multi-lingual Peace Corps DIVA!!

As always my lovelies!!!
                                                            ~Ate Logo Meninos!!~

Aviso!!!

• Taking one's own advice is probably the hardest thing to do. For whatever reason, it is nearly impossible to encourage, persuade, dissuade or counsel yourself...well it is for me anyway.

In a recent conversation with one of my closest friends here in Moz, where I was the listening ear and eventually the counsellor, I realized that the stresses she was having were eeriely similar to my own and yet the advice I was giving to her sounded like a foreign language to me.
We were both dealing with feelings of inadequacy as is related to being "replacement volunteers"-meaning we are taking on the role of a volunteer that is preparing to end their service- and not really fitting-in with our communities, and the everpresent homesickness.  In response to her concerns, I said the following (and in writing this I hope that these suggestions with be clear to me as well):
Blaze your own path-don't try to fill the previous volunteers shoes. Put on your thinking cap, pack your new, different, fresh ideas and make your mark on your new community. Each volunteer is different and our individuality and varied personal experiences are what make this cultural exchange possible.

• Remember why you're here-joining the Peace Corps is a big decision and one that (hopefully) you took a long time to consider. You are here to "change" the world-or the very least your community--and in turn to learn more about yourself. These 27 months are just a drop in the bucket compared to all the lasting memories and experiences you will have when it's all done.

• Keep this whole thing in perspective-think about what else you would be doing right now? The job market (in the States) isn't the greatest. The mention of school loans, rent, phone bills, car notes, etc. alone are enough to cause many 20 somethings to retreat to the hills or in this case Mozambique. Remember that while you might be "roughing it" right now when you go back home you'll be in a much better position to take on the all that life in the developed world has to offer. You'll be a few dollars richer, your resume will be virtually "rejection proof", you'll be fluent-ish lol in another language (or two if you've learned a local language), you're stories of Peace Corps life will be a hit at any party or social gathering, the list of pros goes on and on. 

• Two years really isn't as long as it sounds-already we've been at site a month, and in-country for nearly 4! It doesn't seem like it as the days drag on but time is already flying! So, stop watching the clock and counting the days before you miss an opportunity to really enjoy all that this place and program has to offer. Set little goals for yourself and plan trips to occupy your time and to give yourself something to look forward to every week, month or year. 

*BONUS* T.I.M. This Is Mozambique!!-We've hit the Peace Corps lottery! Mozambique is an amazing country with awesome beaches, games reserves and some of the coolest PCVs anywhere! Take advantage of all the awesome things that Moz has in store like swimming with the largest fish in the world to learning how to play a timbila (a xylophone like instrument). Also, take time to visit some of the surrounding countries. It's amazing how a couple days away from site can rejuvenate you and give the energy to press on for one more week.

So in closing, it's not all bad. You just have to keep these few tips in mind and a prayer on your lips and your service will be a Peace of Cake ;)

As always meus amigos!!

I Come With Peace!!                              ~Ate Logo!!!~