A little help from my friends

This week was our Close of Service conference, our final get-together with our entire training group where we learn about reverse culture shock, Peace Corps health insurance, and talk about what we could improve about Peace Corps DR. We stayed at what for us is a swanky hotel near the airport in Santo Domingo, with high-pressure hot showers, an incredible buffet, AC and a pool.

The sessions were helpful, but more than anything I enjoyed being with our whole class again. At the start of the conference I was at the hotel early when everyone piled off the bus, and I hugged everybody and realized how well we all know each other and what great friendships we’ve made. At the end, we stood in a big circle and did “popcorn” compliments, shouting out for a minute all the things we remember of each other, or love about each other, etc. It was a great way to show how close we’ve all become and how much we’ve depended on each other to make it through (and make the most) of our Peace Corps experience. So here’s my thanks to everyone in my group. In any other context, I wouldn’t have been able to get to know you and become a friend. Everyone in my group has helped me so much to grow as a person and be a good volunteer. I couldn’t have done it without you!

Picture of our ICT/education group, doing the end scene from Rudy but with our dear Alanna, who learned to read and to love in the Peace Corps.

This one is supposed to be inspired by Iwo Jima. The challenge for me was to not crack up laughing.

Finally, the nativity scene with our own baby Jesus (Amanda, who played baby Jesus as an infant), virgin Mary and Joseph.

The evolution of the environment group. Looks like they elected Jared as our end goal.

After the conference the ambassador invited us to his residence at the embassy for a barbecue with delicious hamburgers.