Queen V

As I've mentioned in a previous post- Black Americanah in Rwanda-one of my biggest struggles throughout my service has been my experience as a Black volunteer.   Part of a Peace Corps Volunteer's responsibility is to be an ambassador for America, sharing and promoting its values in our countries of service.  A few months ago two secondary school students knocked on my front door and told me they wanted to learn about America. They had found out I was American from some other students, and wanted to learn about the history and culture. They followed American news, and brought up the killings of black people in America, and the presidential election. One of the students asked me if black people were safe in America and if I would be safe when I go back to America. They told me to not vote for Donald Trump because he hated black people. It's 2016 and I was asked if black people are safe in America.  How are we supposed to share  America's values of fre

Yikes! It's been four months since I've blogged...my excuse is that I've been busy...watching Gilmore Girls, hanging out, finding creative ways to cook cabbage (I've given up), and napping. Close of Service Conference Last week my cohort attended our final Peace Corps Conference- Close of Service (COS). It is crazy that we have less than 4 months left of service! It was a week full of mixed emotions- excitement that I have almost accomplished finishing my service, sadness reflecting on the events of last April, and also disbelief in realizing that I will soon leave a community and country that I have grown to love so much. This conference was all about the logistical, emotional, and practical steps of closing out service, saying goodbye, readjusting to life in the states, and eating as much delicious food and enjoying as many hot showers as physically possible… Health 6 with Staff at COS Conference, April 2016 Wrapping up Projects Just before COS, I co