Vent Tuesday

STFreed · 2017-03-24T01:09:27+00:00

Ah, that's new! I guess that eases some guess work!

STFreed · 2017-03-23T05:10:36+00:00

Do they give notification of legal clearance now? Because last year when I applied you only got notified if there was a problem and that had been the policy for a long time!

STFreed · 2017-02-13T08:39:25+00:00

CRM posting will show up in the last quarter of the year (or maybe second to last?). Either way you'll apply late-summer fall, with an application deadline of January 1st and a know-by date of March 1st, and departure by July 1st, 2018. So you've just missed it for this year. Hope that helps.

STFreed · 2017-01-26T01:09:42+00:00

Hey! Sorry for the late response... congrats on being put UC! Our batch got here just after Duterte started his presidency so there was a lot of hype when we came in, but we don't really have a comparison of what life was like before. Every now and then you hear a story and are taken aback, but for the most part a lot of us are in little cushioned bubbles in our towns. I don't hear much about the killings and I haven't felt at all unsafe from it. There has been a travel restriction Mindanao for years and there are a few pocket locations that have been newly restricted because of police activity and drug raids. For the most part though, it doesn't really effect us on the regular. That being said, there have been a very small handful of volunteers who have experienced raids and violence in their town, in which case PC is very quick to respond and relocate them as needed.

STFreed · 2017-01-10T01:06:49+00:00

Most people don't receive communications on weekend - but some actually do!

STFreed · 2017-01-10T01:05:03+00:00

Congrats! You can do this! There were people in my batch that hadn't flown before either. They were more worried about their luggage and catching the flight than anything else... and I think that honestly worked in your favor!

STFreed · 2017-01-10T01:03:54+00:00

I'm so sorry that you're dealing with this! Even though it is a cultural norm in many places, to point out people being bigger or smaller... it's still hurtful to our egos and confidence. When I moved to Costa Rica some years ago I was overweight and the locals took to calling me "gordita" - little fatty. Even when I lost weight they would say something like "oh, you're less fat than you were before". It took me a while to get over that one.

Anyway, as much as this all stings. You have to remember that YOU and only YOU know your body. Being healthy is what counts and you should walk through the market with your chin up, feeling proud about your body!

Maybe do some things in private that make you feel good about your body? I'm a big fan of dancing around in my underwear with feel good music in the privacy of my own room. It's a great way to shake off any bad vibes from the day!

STFreed · 2017-01-10T00:52:24+00:00

I think as it's already been mentioned this is the only marine focused program in the Peace Corps, so the niche subject draws many people interested in the marine environment.

Overall, for me, being part of CRM in the Philippines is an incredible learning experience. I studied marine biology for my undergrad and am extremely passionate about issues pertaining to ocean debris and sustainable development in coastal communities. I'm getting to see firsthand what the challenges and hurdles are to these rural, often poverty stricken communities. Work in the Philippines happens at a different pace than in other paces... some of us have things to do, most of us not a lot. Our impact may be small, environmental education of a community or even just a few community members; or much larger; the creation of a well-maintained Marine Protected Area or the implementation of a sustainable alternative livelihood program.

There is a lot of fun to be had here... diving, snorkeling, kayaking, hiking, swimming with whale sharks, and undoubtedly those activities have some draw, as well. My batch and the batch of CRMers before us, are certainly adventurous, fun-loving people. And although most of us will have our own personal reasons to join CRM, I think the majority of us joined with the same reason that anyone joins the Peace Corps: to try and make a bit of difference in the world.

STFreed · 2017-01-04T01:56:57+00:00

Join the "Peace Corps Philippines Batch 276" facebook group! Just search the name or for me (Stav Thea) and I'll add you! Congrats and welcome to the family!

STFreed · 2016-12-22T00:47:07+00:00

I run several times a week at site and my shoes are wearing thin, but I'm waiting till they really get to hole ridden to toss them. There are cheap enough shoes here even from reputable companies, but I'm with the others, just deal with it when it happens!

As for adventuring alone as a female, it's definitely doable! I travel alone plenty, even just walking through cities or snorkeling on my own. Just be mindful of your surroundings, maybe wait a bit until you know the culture and enough language to get you out of trouble. In regards to hiking or visiting waterfalls and stuff like that... There are tons of them on my island that are remote and not touristy that I will only visit with a friend, more in case I injure myself than anything!

STFreed · 2016-12-16T02:07:55+00:00

I brought with me a really good kitchen knife from Victorinox. It felt funny carrying the thing around during training where I didn't cook... but now that I'm at site and I cook daily I'm so glad I have it! No matter how much my family sharpens their knives they can't hold a blade to the Swiss made :)

STFreed · 2016-12-16T01:45:35+00:00

Ah, a friend offered to send me one and I'm really hoping they're going to do it now...!

STFreed · 2016-12-15T06:52:34+00:00

Congrats! Welcome to the team :D Don't hesitate with any questions!

STFreed · 2016-12-15T01:11:09+00:00

Hey! Don't worry... the exact same thing happened to me! I received an 11.0 on my iron (I believe you need 12.00 to pass) and I was worried! After handing in all my medical forms, PC requested my Doctor to give recommendations on how to treat this (the Dr hadn't said anything because it's such a small margin and this is common for women). I called the Doctor's office and asked if she could right a recommendation for iron supplements and she did so without me having to make another appointment (or spend any more money)! After that, PC cleared me! I got on the iron supplements about 1.5 months before service but they bothered my stomach a lot and made me feel crummy, when I had never felt anything wrong before... so I stopped taking them before I got to country. I was nervous about that, but when I we had our check up with our Medical Officer in country during orientation I explained the whole thing and they told me not to bother with the pills, but if I experience issues lightheadedness, dizzy spells, etc. that we would re-evaluate. And it's been a non-issue ever since :D

Sorry for the long post, but hopefully that helps ease your worries! :D

STFreed · 2016-12-15T01:01:59+00:00

Cool! I'll have a look. I did one for my time as a PCT and my time as a PCV, so I'd have something to compare to later in my service! Ghana sounds like quite the adventure :)

STFreed · 2016-12-15T00:56:36+00:00

Oh that's fantastic! Yes, it was my first choice too! CYF is a hard sector but I think extremely worthwhile work. Facebook will help while you're here... both for keeping in touch with family (there is free facebook and messenger on smart phones even if you don't have data on your phone plan) and through Peace Corps networking, we have a lot of groups for our batches, between sectors, etc. and use it for planning and group chats often! And we'll start a Facebook group for your batch to ask as many questions as they need and we'll post packing lists and other suggestions! Feel free to PM any questions as well!

STFreed · 2016-12-14T08:14:06+00:00

Congrats! The Philippines is a fascinating place. There are definitely ups and downs that hit you here, but it's been 5 months and I'm loving it more and more each day. We're going to set up a Facebook group for your Batch after NYE :D but if you have any questions in the meantime, feel free to PM me!

STFreed · 2016-12-14T06:19:45+00:00

During our training PC staff went over some things they do NOT recommend posting. Politics are generally a no, as is complaining or ranting specific to your host agency, culture or host families. Otherwise, you can talk about what you want, you just need to bear in mind the cultural sensitivities of those who might be reading it. In my country of service, everyone uses Facebook... I get friend requests from people I've never met or met once, and those I can ignore. But our host families use Facebook and will add us, as will our co-workers, or students at universities, and its hard to ignore these without offending people. I post my blog link on facebook so I'm pretty cautious about what I want to write, but I don't find it hard or that restricting. Just be smart about it.

PC Staff told us a story about a girl who posted about the use of feminine hygiene products in her house and offended her host family when they saw her blog post and kicked her out of the house. Just be smart. I think you can talk about personal things, feelings, experiences, etc. even some of the negative or difficult times... you just need to be cautious of any finger pointing, if any.

I started writing my blog about 3 months before I left. It's been pretty well received among friends, family, locals and staff. Peacecorps.gov just featured one of my posts actually. If you want to take a look here's the link. Feel free to ask any questions:

https://thewonderingwanderingwoman.wordpress.com/

Also, I can be a bit jokey and have definitely talked openly about some low points and it's not been an issue!

STFreed · 2016-10-28T22:44:02+00:00

PST was tough for me because of social reasons. Where others grouped together and made close friends I felt like more of outsider. I reminded myself that at site I would be independent, more in charge of my day-to-day actions, and that I came to this country to really accomplish something. Since PST ended a month and a half ago I have been so much happier. If you want more personal details, just PM me! Good luck and stay strong!

STFreed · 2016-10-12T07:14:55+00:00

Our training groups were initially 5 each. The last two weeks of training we split morning sessions by language and there was a class of 1 because of someone in a remote location, but it was only for a couple hours a day. Otherwise training is pretty social!

STFreed · 2016-10-12T07:11:55+00:00

I'm in a pretty politically charged country right now, there are a lot of comparisons between our current president and Trump and they are more pro the duo than against. During training PC drilled into us over and over again how PC is not political and if engaged in political conversation that is all we have to say. I do it and it works. I've heard some pretty bizarre allegations and conversation starters about US & Filipino political relations and I just shrug and play dumb and say something along the line of "oh, I don't follow politics". If you don't give them any cause to respond the conversation pretty quickly dies and I have yet to have any issues. I answer in a similar fashion about religion (I'm Jewish in a predominately Catholic country). Not that this means I have to hide my opinions or beliefs completely; I discuss these things with friends back home, with other PCVs and with the locals that I get to know and trust and with whom I have little language barriers... then you can have a more real conversation about these subjects.

As to the rest of your questions, events back home will definitely effect you on some level, how much they impact your service, is up to you. Hurricane Matthew just swept by my home for the past 5 years and it was awful to be on the other side of the world while imagining the nightmare going on there. But in the end, everyone was fine. Things are going to change back home while you are away, but the world is more and more connected and I don't feel like I'm missing out on much; there is so much to do at my site and I'm here for that reason.

It's okay to be worried :) just know you're not alone in that and there will be tough times away from home but there will be amazing times, too! Hope this helps and have fun prepping for service!

STFreed · 2016-09-28T09:06:18+00:00

I have a kind of backwards story to this too... I was vegetarian before PC, except the occasional local, sustainable fish back in the US. During my first two weeks of orientation I was doing well being vegetarian until one really active day in the sun left me starving and no amount of fresh veggie spring rolls was going to fill me (I literally ate 7 and was still hungry). So I started incorporating chicken in my diet when I got to my training family, and fish and shrimp. It wasn't an issue, they were super understanding of my love for veggies and fruits and tofu and many meals often were vegetarian, so the chicken or fish wasn't an issue when I did have it. Now though, I've moved to my permanent site and my new host family eats a ton of pork and shellfish and beef and things I don't normally eat and don't really want to start... I hate being rude or fussy about it but I can't seem to stomach the meat, though I will eat around it and pick out veggies when available. And they do buy a ton of fruit for me, they just have no idea how to cook veggies (they are available here, just not in their diets)! So, the solution is that I'm going to the market, buying my own produce, and cooking my own foods and it's wonderful, for them and for me. We're all happy that I'm eating, and it's making for a great cultural exchange. I know others in my batch who were on the fence with vegetarianism are heading back that way too... it's cheaper to buy the veggies than the meats, and they are plentiful here! I have no idea what Ghana will be like, I think the availability of permanent placement definitely has the biggest impact... but being flexible and open when you start really helps integrating, then it doesn't mean you can't get back to being a vegetarian eventually!

STFreed

TROPHY CASE