Camp GLOW

Camp GLOW (Girls Leading Our World) is a worldwide Peace Corps initiative designed to educate and empower girls living in predominately male-oriented societies. Our Camp GLOW here on Pohnpei took place just last week for three days and two nights with 110 8^th grade girls from all over the island. Yes, it was chaotic, and yes plenty went horribly and completely wrong, but yes indeed the girls had fun and accidently learned a lot. I think we can officially call it a success.

Preparing for and facilitating this camp made me realize how lucky we are in America to have such a comfort level with discussing issues such as puberty, hygiene, teen pregnancy, and STDs. Here, that is far from the case. For most girls, the first time they learn about menstruation is the first time they get their periods. And even then, the explanation from their mothers (if the girl even has the courage to ask) is simply that it happens once a month. No details. This is due in part to the fact that discussing menstruation is a social taboo, but also because it is likely that the mothers themselves honestly do not understand it themselves (probably because their mothers never told them…). It makes the awkward talks given to 5^th graders around the nation as they put condoms on bananas not seem so unnecessary.

So I drew a picture of a uterus and ovaries (an artistic masterpiece, I might add), and we taught the girls about what is happening in their bodies. (We were going to have it translated, but couldn't because there literally are no words in Pohnpeian for the female sex organs, because there is just no scientific understanding of those body parts). We had speakers come in and teach the girls about STD’s and the importance of safe sex. We had sobering discussions about rape and sexual assault. We demonstrated, amidst generous laughter, proper personal hygiene. And we answered countless questions about pregnancy. These girls are full of questions and concerns, but never before had a venue in which to comfortably and safely articulate them. It was humbling to realize that I personally had a huge hand in these girls’ personal education. I also taught them the chicken dance, so obviously I made a giant impact.

And woven in between the teaching, the girls just got to be kids. They swam, played games and sports, made bracelets, and completed team building activities. There was even a dance competition and party that was met with huge enthusiasm. And six exhausted Peace Corps Volunteers and six exhausted but equally amazing local women who volunteered to help happily boarded the buses when it was time to go home. (I slept roughly 14 hours the following night.)

So I am happy to say I survived my first Camp GLOW, with roughly one thousands mosquito bites to show for it. And despite late busses, no-show presenters, pouring rain, cooking fiascos, and several acts of delinquency, the Camp was largely a success. My teammates and I learned a lot, and we are confident that next year’s Camp GLOW will be even better.

Here are the girls that I brought from my school and I after we got our camp shirts:

 

Stay well,
Christy

A Lull in Enthusiasm

Hello out there. I know it’s been a long time since my last post, and the reason is simple: I didn’t feel like writing. The last few months have been difficult and I’m not going to pretend otherwise.

I suppose there comes a time in each Peace Corps Volunteer’s service when it all finally catches up with them. The fun, excitement, novelty, and sense of adventure are no longer enough to cover the overwhelming feelings of loneliness and dissatisfaction. I have finally come to that point, just weeks before my one year anniversary of arriving here in Pohnpei. This is just one of those many emotional obstacles I will have to overcome during my service. But to be frank, it sucks.

But thank God for my fellow Volunteers, because no one can understand the frustrations and misery associated with PCV life better than, well a PCV. I have relished in the chance to unload some of my unhappiness on my friends who have received it sympathetically and have had plenty of their own to dish out. As isolating as it is to live in the rural jungle almost an hour from town and internet and hot water, it’s nice to know that my fellow PCV’s are also within reach.

And just as most of my teacher friends back home, I am beyond ecstatic that school is almost over. For us it ends on May 22 and it couldn’t come a day sooner. The normal stresses and frustrations associated with teaching are amplified here as they are forced together with a culture that doesn’t view education with the same importance that America does. I frequently feel like I am fighting a losing battle that no amount of donated books or pencils can ever solve.

I’m hopeful that this summer will lead to a recharge of my patience and will to live. Plus, there’s a lot to look forward to this summer:

-My Mid-Service Training takes place in early June, and all of my remaining teammates who are currently spread across the Pacific will come back here to Pohnpei for a week. I’m excited beyond words to lay eyes on all of them after a year of separation. I foresee much celebrating and commiserating  in our futures.

-The new Volunteers arrive at the end of our training week to begin their Pre-Service Training rituals. I think it will be nice to have some fresh blood up in here and some new smiling, eager faces to brighten up the mood. Plus, it gives me the opportunity to feel useful and knowledgeable, which isn’t bad for massaging my ego.

-My best friend on the island, Mia Neidhardt (check out her blog at http://miapeacecorps.blogspot.com/ ) and I are heading to Japan in mid-June for one week of well-deserved and desperately needed vacation. Mia has a friend who is living in Japan working as a teacher and has graciously allowed us to crash on her floor. The culture shock should be pretty extreme, but it will be a welcomed changed after having spent a year on a secluded developing nation adrift in the Pacific. Wish us luck!

- I have a summer project at my school in the works involving reading (The Magic Tree House series by Mary Pope Osborne), learning about the places around the world that are visited in the stories, and then painting a giant world map wall mural. I’m still waiting for grant funding to come through, but I’m excited to do something with some of my students that they may actually enjoy.

So that’s it. A very real update of how things are going in my little speck of the world. Thanks to all who continue to send me letters and encouragement. Especially my parents, my aunt Janet, my wonderful godparents Carole and Fred, and my two best friends James and Rachel. Your love is felt in abundance.

Stay well,

Christy