I was officially sworn in yesterday as a Peace Corps Volunteer. I raised my right hand, said the pledge and everything. I have completed my training (the first part of it at least) and fulfilled all the requirements to go to my assigned community for the next two years. I know I know, it’s PRETTY exciting. We had the ceremony at a hotel where we stayed our first two nights in the country, where they had a large (air conditioned, thank goodness) room. We took a ton of photos getting ready and when we arrived. All of us went all out (as much as possible) and dressed up to the T. All the girls wore different colored dresses, so obviously we looked completely fabulous head to toe. I have a few photos on face book already and I will add a few here of course for all of you to check out the best we will look probably over the next two years.
The ceremony was pretty simple, all of our host families came, our Spanish teachers, training staff, a lot of the Peace Corps staff from San Salvador, the US Ambassador and our Country Director. Andrew, one of the guys in our group gave a speech on behalf of the trainees, which was awesome. He totally rocked it. The Ambassador spoke, as well as some guy from the Alcaidia (a community organization), and our Country Director for Peace Corps El Salvador, Jaime. It was a truly wonderful event, though I kind of felt like it was just a REALLY small high school graduation. We shook hands, took photos, and received our little certificates with our names on them and of course a now lamented version of the PC Core Expectations (I probably have 11 copies by now). After the ceremony we continued to take copious amount of photos as if we have not spent 8 weeks together.
(My friend Tricia and I)
They also had a cake with a photo of all of us at the Embassy on it (so literally you could eat your face), coffee, sodas, and sandwiches were served as well. We all sat outside and mingled. I proudly told the Ambassador when she came to our table that my family was the best host family in all of Peace Corps. :-)
(A proud Salvadorean Madre)
After we finished up the reception, ate lots of cake and chatted it up in Espanol y Ingles, we headed back to the training center to change. Trust me; you really do not want to rid the pickup home in a dress, not so smart. The best surprise ever awaited us. Not being sworn in, that was cool and all, not the pan dulce lady, we awaited…air conditioning….and…..wait…for…it…MAIL. Yes, mail had arrived after two weeks of nada mail. It was glorious (glorious I tell you, glorious!).
People received everything they finally needed before going to their communities, shoes, bras, underwear, candy, nuts, etc. As per usual I had the complete embarrassment of receiving the most amount of mail from the woman I love most dearly, my Jewish mother. It literally filled TWO CUBBIES in the Peace Corps office. I think I am good for mail for awhile, maybe 2-3 months. I know my birthday is coming up too, but I feel kind of bad I get so much mail. My poor mother, thank you though, I cannot be more appreciative. Plus, I share almost all of it with all my friends, which they also appreciate. I received even more candy, dried fruit, a t-shirt, enough life savers to be catapulted across a room and seriously hurt someone, or bruise them. I was also sent delicious coco puff breakfast bars that my mom bought in France. I know, totally and completely awesome.
My lovely Aunt sent me a HUGE package (my love, you are good for a year, no need to send me anything) of lots of facial tissues as well as fruit and nuts travel packs. This I shared with a bunch of my friends, as you can see below. They are all very thankful and cannot wait to meet my mysterious Aunt and mother. (banana bread made it!)
My best friend Bonnie, thank you for the sour candy, cliff bars and delicious dried pineapple. You are a rock star. Kudos to Amanda, who also sent me letters and photos. :-)
I probably will not have a chance to update again between now and when I leave on Saturday for our Counter-part day. But, I will update when I find internet at some point after I move to my community, I promise. Thank you so much for reading and hopefully I will update soon! I will also post my new address here as well once I get it set up. Sending lots of love and to those celebrating later this month, L’shana Tova! Ciao!
US Ambassador and I after the ceremony!
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