some more early thoughts on fiji

Since folks are actually finding this, I should probably start keeping it up more! I am going to Fiji for a 27 month service in the Peace Corps. I leave May 18. My program title is "Integrated Environmental Resources Management." It sounds totally exciting and right up my alley. The reality hasn't quite sunk in yet for me, and I'm not sure if others are feeling the same way. It's hard to focus on my life here while thinking and planning for the next two years on a tropical island. It's very easy right now to get distracted by being below the equator in weather that is never less than 50 degrees and never more than 90 degrees. Quite a change from Wisconsin's weather- hopefully tomorrow it gets to the high 20's! Almost like summer! No, I love the seasonal weather changes and I know I'll miss the seasons, temperature changes, and patterns of sunlight when I don't have them around. Spring is always so wonderful because it makes you feel alive after the cold and dark winter. I love that feeling of re-birth and excitement for the impending long days and nights of sunlight, greenery, and not having to wear layer upon layer of wool. But what I was getting at is that I don't think I'll realize what I've gotten myself into until I'm on that plane. Right now it still doesn't quite feel real.

That said, this has been such a snowy winter that Fiji will be a welcome reprieve. I'm anxious to find out more about what kind of natural resources are available in a Pacific country. I can almost taste the fresh mangoes and papayas!! They're such a delicacy here and given my commitment to (trying to) eating locally grown foods, that kind of fruit is a special kind of treat for me. Yum, yum!

Already I wish I had more info to give people, and I don't know if others are also feeling like they're giving these two years to a cause that they don't fully know yet. I have no qualms about or fears of my position, but it would be comforting to know a little more of what to expect (I know I know- PATIENCE!).

Until then, it's more, "I'll just have to wait and see!"

Some updates... (housing, Fiji)

Why does "home ownership" seem to be the magic key to "safer," "better" neighborhoods? I'm glad to hear it finally acknowledged (although not at the level it should be) that in downtown Madison there can be and are long-term renters, even renters with children. It's that stigma that needs to be changed. Just because you implement more programs for home ownership doesn't mean the quality of the people will change. I see the point, "if you own the property you'll take better care of it," but causation and correlation are not the same. Doesn't owning the property give you more license to not maintain a property or to do whatever you want with it, without fear of reprisal? No one can kick you out for doing something they don't like, in your own home.

I think about my neighborhood a lot and the dynamics of it, especially being involved in the Housing team in South Madison. I'm fortunate enough to have an alder who is supportive of housing initiatives and public participation, unlike South Madison (who incidentally only seems to care about providing more housing options when he gets press coverage from a potentially politically problematic issue). I can't really picture myself living in downtown Madison forever, but I also can't imagine not living in the heart of Madison. I hate to be one of those condo dwellers who pays too much, but I really like my location and I really just hate those big multi-unit, cheaply made, massive structures. Then again, I really haven't looked too hard at or for other housing options, nor have I had much of an income to do so.


Speaking of living places... My invitation is to FIJI! Fiji. In three months I will be on a Pacific Island. So bizarre. I'm honestly surprised at all the assurances Peace Corps keeps making in this process. At this point, I've already accepted the invitation and been going through all this since August. If I wasn't serious about it, would I really be at this point? I guess people don't follow through, but all the time, effort, money, and anxiety I've put into the process I sure better be going! I don't know from where I'm leaving, only that I leave the US May 19.

So that's my big news!

First post!

This is the start of what I hope will be a long and fruitful blogging relationship. This is my first go around and I don't really know what I'm doing, so bear with me. This blog will hopefully take me through 27 months of my Peace Corps experience. I have an offer to go to the Pacific to do a health/water sanitation program. It hasn't been confirmed, but I'm gearing up for it as if it really will happen.

That said, this will be my blog throughout the process, so check back regularly as I don't know what I'll add or when!