Guyana GAFF Newsletter Spring 2017

POSTED ON MAY 16, 2017BY GAFFPOSTED IN GAFFTAGGED GAFF, GUYANA, PEACE CORPS, PEACE CORPS GUYANA

GAFF SPRING 2017

GAFF staff would like to start with a huge hello to our readers!
Thanks for taking a little hammock time with us.

EXCITING NEWS!
GAFF is now online – for the world to read – and ANYONE can subscribe to this newsletter. Check out our spot on the web here, and share away!

Here’s a taste on what you’ll read about in this edition:
A GAFF sesh with the new CD, Kury.
Holidays are back: Mash and Phagwah.
Welcome spot for GUY 30!
Smoothie recipes with market fresh ingredients.
Volunteers are whining all over the Caribbean.
Love from your taskforces and committees – as always!
An awesome Goal Three example & story!
Other bits to pepper your day.

Hope you enjoy 
LOVE,
Your GAFF Staff: Gabriella, Sarah, Alex, Catherine, Steven & Liz

May

All month – Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

1 – Labour Day (Guyana)
3 – World Press Freedom Day
5 – Arrival Day (Guyana)
14 – Mother’s Day (USA)
12 – International Nurses’ Day
15 – International Day of Families
26 – Independence Day (Guyana)
29 – JFK’s birthday
30 – Memorial Day (USA)

June

All month – Gay & Lesbian Awareness Month
1 – International Children’s Day
5 – World Environment Day
8 – World Oceans Day
18 – Father’s Day (USA)

July

3 – CARICOM Day (July 3)
4 – American Independence Day (USA)
8 – 16 – Peace Corps Guyana Camp GLOW
30 – International Day of Friendship

Moruca Mini-GLOW (Region 1)

An interview with PCVs Eneka Lamb and Amber Enyart

Briefly describe your mini-GLOW.

Amber and Eneka: Our mini-GLOW was held in Waramuri, in Region 1, from 16-19 December. It was open to any girls from Waramuri [Amber’s site] or Santa Rosa [Eneka’s site] and our mentors were girls from these areas who attended Camp GLOW last year. We led the mini-GLOW, and Jackie and Gabby were two resource PCVs who helped us out.

How did the mini-GLOW come to be?

Amber: Two girls from Waramuri were mentors for Camp GLOW, and one approached me on my porch and said “I would love if we could do a mini-GLOW in Moruca.” (That’s the subdistrict that includes both Waramuri and Santa Rosa villages.) I replied that we would need to get mentors and leaders together. The girls asked all GLOW girls from that past year to be mentors. We kicked off with a brainstorming session at my place – I asked the girls, do we want to include Santa Rosa girls? They did, and the Waramuri girls contacted the Santa Rosa girls, and really got the ball rolling from there.

How was the community involved?

Amber and Eneka: The girls in Waramuri really took the initiative in deciding to have the camp. Also, to travel between the villages involves a 9 mile drive on a dirt road, and we knew we would need reliable transportation for both communities to be involved. We approached a bus driver who is the uncle of a mentor, and he gave us a half-off discount for multiple weekends. We and the girls held walk-arounds to raise money for everything we would need for camp, and the local community also donated foodstuffs before and during camp. Local aunties, the Waramuri village council, and some local boys helped build and stock our outdoor bathing areas and kitchen and hang hammocks for the girls when they arrived. The head chef for the school feeding program came and helped us cook one day of camp!

What was the most challenging part of planning the camp? Of the camp itself?

Eneka: For me, I had too-high expectations of mentors. I assumed that some basic skills of planning were there and they were not.

Amber: For me, it was the details, for everything from fundraisers to camp itself. Who brings the hammock ropes? Where will we find toilets? Whose permission do we have to get for this fundraiser? And on and on. During camp? The cooking. We cooked outside on open fires and it took forever. Also, we had mentors initially not attend sessions so they could help with things like cooking and cleaning, but then it meant that mentors weren’t mentoring because they were too busy working.

What was the most rewarding part?

Amber: Actually executing it, and seeing the impact. Two of the girls I know from the Waramuri football team were also GLOW girls, and they are the too cool for school type. The day after camp ended they played a tournament in Santa Rosa, and on the way there they sang every song, chanted every chant, from camp. When they got to Santa Rosa they looked over and saw a passing girl and said “Hey, that’s our GLOW sister.”

Eneka: Getting to know the girls, and seeing them grow over the course of the camp. Their plans, their dreams, and even the way they talked about themselves changed – I saw this more with mentors because I had a closer relationship with them. We learned a lot about their lives, which could be hard much of the time. We saw some girls go from zero to hero. There were lots of sweet moments.

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What do you think the main takeaways were for the girls? Have you seen an impact?

Amber and Eneka: A lot of it was female empowerment – we can do anything, let’s literally scream it – and they still do. “Girls can do – anything!!!” It was exciting for them to be a part of this group!

Amber: One girl who attended camp moved out of the community recently. She called me and thanked me for the mini-GLOW experience and said, “When I grow up I want to be the woman you are.” That was pretty amazing.

Eneka: I’m not sure if I can say this is directly related to the camp, but one girl recently sent me a selfie where she was flexing her arm and told me she’d just gotten her HPV shot. I was really proud of her. Oh, and there was that one girl who, after we had them run around in the rain collecting dead coconut branches for a bonfire, said “Miss! That was the most fun I have had in my entire life!”

Amber and Eneka: Women have a tendency to break one another down – but after the mini-GLOW, we saw more celebrations of one another. They learned that it’s ok that others are better at some things than you, and you are better at some things than others – you have to build each other up. Otherwise you’re like crabs in a barrel climbing over one another to escape.

What advice would you give to other PCVs planning mini-GLOW or BRO camps?

Amber and Eneka: IT’S WORTH IT! But it’s very taxing. One make or break is your mentors. Be choosy, and also be aware of what you’re asking of them – is it realistic? You’ve gotta have fun, and roll with it! And, if the community is not asking for it, don’t do it. Because you need a lot of buy-in to make it a success.

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PC Guyana welcomes a NEW Country Director!
Welcome to Guyana, Kury! We already love you!

Setting: Liz runs into Kury one afternoon in the kitchen when she is simply trying to enjoy a bowl of oatmeal and an apple. Liz loves a good chat over well balanced meals, so she sprung for it!

And of course, being the wonderfully up-for-anything human that she is, Kury jumped right in!

This gaff sesh has been condensed for clarity.

>> PCV Liz & Country Director Kury in her office

Liz: What will you be trying to focus on for these initial months of being in Guyana?

Kury: I’m Interested in promoting the fabulousness of volunteers! I want to learn more about what volunteers lives are like, the work they do, and share this out to the wider Guyanese community, particularly at the government level. It’s one of my goals to get people to recognize and understand the value added from peace corps volunteers. Especially since the government in Guyana has recently transitioned, there is an opportunity to get them reinvested in utilizing PCVs. One idea is having volunteers present the great work they’ve done to government officials; helping them learn further about our support to their communities.I also want to strengthen in-house management structures; reinforcing them with the help of our volunteers. The goal is to help task forces function more efficiently as a means to inform the direction of programming and management for PC Guyana. I’m hoping for more volunteer investment and increased transparency among everybody in the Peace Corps Guyana Family (volunteer and staff alike).

Liz: Love it! So, why did you return to peace corps?

Kury: I’ve wanted to for a while because I feel like peace corps gave me my start. It brought me to Africa for the first time. The journey fascinated and humbled me about the rights and privilege I grew up with; enabling me to gain respect for people, who while perceived to have less, are contently and gracefully living life as they know it. The values I gained in peace corps informed my career in international affairs, and the rest is history. So, I wanted to return the favor, giving back to where I got my professional start close to 30 years ago and hopefully positively impact the lives and service of serving volunteers.

Liz: Tell me a little bit more about your service!

Kury: I was a volunteer in Equatorial Guinea (EG) from 90-92 and Namibia from 92-94. In both locations, I lived in capital cities. First I was a teacher and then I extended to be a teacher trainer. I enjoyed teaching English to children but I loved teaching teachers. Teachers want to learn, actually wanting to work on developing their English language skill. As children can lose interest, adults are there with a purpose. So I really dove into working with adults. Peace Corps has changed a lot since my service. The goals are the same, but how it’s done has come a long way. For example, I trained in Cameroon for my 3-month PST, not even in the country of my service! I had one week of cross-cultural integration (home stay) before my service began. I had a much smaller group of volunteers, in EG I trained with 9 people and there was a total of 20 volunteers in-country (including our training group). In Namibia, I trained with 20 people with around 80 volunteers in-country at the time.

Liz: Interesting! So, any piece of advice for us 21st century volunteers?

Kury: Choose your adventure. Do you. Life never stops. Every day you’re breathing, you’re living. Use it to your advantage!

Liz: Thanks so much for gaffing with us!

Kury: Always happy to do so!

Kury has already done a great job at reaching out to current volunteers and learning (and sharing!) more about their Peace Corps experiences.
Check out her stories from her trip to Region 9!

I spent an amazing week connecting briefly with the lives and work of some incredible, trailblazing volunteers based in Region 9 (one of the most remote in the country). One such firecracker is Gabrielle, a Community Education Volunteer swiftly coming to the middle of her service in Guyana. Her energy and passion emit from every pore the moment you meet her – starting with an infectious smile; leading to one of the best hugs I’ve ever had. Then there’s the excitement and joy when she introduces you to her Headmistress, counterpart, and colleagues; tells you about her work supporting the capacity building of teachers at her school; not to mention the passion and pride behind the creation of the school’s first reading library due in large part to her unwavering commitment and tireless effort.

Thank you, Gabrielle, for sharing a little slice of your life and service with me.

About 45 minutes from Lethem, the capital of Region 9, is a picturesque little village, population 767 (or so says the Toshau). One of the newer inhabitants is Thomas, a GUY 29 member (first Peace Corps/Guyana Environment group). As we drove up on Thomas’ little slice of heaven, we were met by his lovely Auntie (aka Host Mom). She immediately took me on a tour of her property, which hosted an impressive amount of various fruit trees (from what I recall – orange, cashew, pear (aka avocado) and lemon). The pride on her face as she told me about her crops and then gushed about her “Son’s” own vegetable garden (also amazing). I then had the pleasure of being introduced to Thomas’ work in the village; hosting a Wildlife Club right next to the primary school and supporting the Head Mistress filling unexpected teaching needs at the school. A highlight of my time there was meeting with the group of children that participate in the Wildlife Club. Their wonderful smiles told me all I need to know about the future success of this program.

Mashramani 2017 

Celebration with dignity, liberty, and greater unity;
Promoting a green economy (Guyana Chronicle).

Celebrating the anniversary of Guyana becoming a Republic through vibrant colors, steel bands and masquerades, fueled by the rhythms of chutney, soca and calypso music.

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GUY 30 embracing the spirit of Mashramani in Essequibo!

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Playin’ Phagwah!

“One of my favorite things about getting to experience the Guyanese culture is the opportunity to take part in new holidays. Phagwah stole my heart as my favorite holiday because it is a day celebrating love. Hearing how they throw colored powder on each other so you can’t see if a person is black, white, brown, red, etc., everyone is colorful, and it doesn’t matter your color, religion, race or gender, all that matters is that we love one another. I will hold the festival of love, festival of color, in my heart forever.” – Molly Therese Guy 28

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“To celebrate a day where religion, ethnicity, and nationality is engulfed by a sea of color and love. Phagwah is probably the best way to start off our service in Guyana. It’s a reminder that communities can be brought together and we are all one big human family.”  – Vianssa Armendariz Guy 30

GUY27 reflects pon we time in Guyana

GUY27 recently had our bittersweet close of service (COS) conference to take a look back at what we’ve experienced and accomplished. As well as a look forward at what the future holds.

Here are some reflections as most of us say goodbye to Guyana.

Name: Alex Farugia
Site/Region: Dartmouth, Region 2
What advice do you have for future volunteers? One day at a time
Quote: Sooo close…

Name: Judy White
Site/Region: Mahaica, Region 4
What’s something you did that you never thought you’d do? Wear a partial after it was stolen by a mysterious pack rat.
Quote: Happiness is an inside job.

Name: Mitchell Fischer
Site/Region: Mabaruma, Region 1
What’s the strangest thing you ate? Water cow (manatee) curry
Quote: It’s all fun and games until you COS.

Name: Zach Keefer
Site/Region: Black Bush Polder, Region 6
What’s the strangest thing you ate? Labba
Quote: How the weather?

Name: Gabriella Miyares
Site/Region: Santa Rosa Village, Region 1
What’s something you did that you never thought you’d do? Drink homemade potato wine out of a bleach bottle.
Quote: One beer nah nuff. Two beer, yuh balance.

Name: Tony Skow
Site/Region: LaGrange, Region 3
What’s the strangest thing you ate? Chicken foot stew
What’s something you did that you never thought you’d do? Put on my own boy’s camp
Quote: Don’t put all your eggs in one basket

Name: Cassie Roth
Site/Region: Fyrish, Region 6
What’s the strangest thing you ate? Tacuma worm
What’s something you did that you never thought you’d do? Be comfortable teaching sex ed and mental health
Quote: Don tek stress

Name: Liza Rudd
Site/Region: Mahaica, Region 4
What’s the strangest thing you ate? Fish head and its eyes
What’s something you did that you never thought you’d do? Live with bats (a lot of them)
What advice do you have for future volunteers? Find a neighbor or host family you love (even if they weren’t given to you)
Quote: Don’t bite the hook!

Name: Kristen Killgore
Site/Region: Saint Cuthbert’s Mission – Region 4
What advice do you have for future volunteers? Learn the beautiful skill of selective apathy. A great emotional survival skill, and you can really be 100% when it counts.
Quote: Everything is everything.

Name: Ally Kenney
Site/Region: East Canje Region 6
What’s the strangest thing you ate? Katahar (jackfruit) – it is weird looking
What’s something you did that you never thought you’d do? Climb a mango tree to pick fresh mangoes
What advice do you have for future volunteers? Embrace every experience, good and bad…it’s all a learning process
Quote: Live the dream every day

Name: Missy Taylor
Site/Region: New Amsterdam, Region 6
What’s something you did that you never thought you’d do? Shit in a hole
Quote: I’m not funny. I’m actually really mean, people just think I’m kidding.

Name: Sarah Shearer
Site/Region: Bohemia, Region 6
What’s the strangest thing you ate? Labba, tapir, iguana
Quote: Every day is a new day

Name: Chad Elsey
Site/Region: Akawini, Region 2
What’s the strangest thing you ate? Ant infused oatmeal with cockroach coffee
What’s something you did that you never thought you’d do? Got lost in the jungle…twice
What advice do you have for future volunteers? Embrace the chaos
Quote: Sun hot, breeze blow, rain fall

Name: Jarrett Liebhart
Site/Region: Suddie, Region 2
What’s the strangest thing you ate? Cow face soup
What’s something you did that you never thought you’d do? Kill and cook an iguana
What advice do you have for future volunteers? Remember, it’s only Peace Corps
Quote: Be yourself

Name: Damian Owens
Site/Region: Region 5
What’s the strangest thing you ate? Tamarind
What’s something you did that you never thought you’d do? Spear fishing, swimming in black water, finding love.
What advice do you have for future volunteers? Embrace the new you.
Quote: To change a nation, start with the youth.

Name: Sarah B.
Site/Region: Rosignol, Region 5
What’s the strangest thing you ate? Sheep chitlins or fish egg curry
Quote: Who vex lose

Name: Leah (white gyal) McManus
Site/Region: Tarlogie Region 6
What’s the strangest thing you ate? Mannish water
Quote: The violets in the mountains have broken the rocks – Tennessee Williams

Name: Kyera Shea
Site/Region: Blankenburg, Region 3
What advice do you have for future volunteers? Bring lots of books and/or a Kindle, b/c reading = life
Quote: Veni, lego, condo (bibliotheca). I came, I read, I built (a library).

Name: Lori Karker
Site/Region: New Amsterdam, Region 6
What advice do you have for future volunteers? Tek no stress.
Quote: Peace out.

Name: Sarah Shirley
Site/Region: New Amsterdam, Region 6
What’s the strangest thing you ate? Cow face
What’s something you did that you never thought you’d do? Be on the radio
What advice do you have for future volunteers? Manage your expectations!
Quote: Too blessed to be stressed!

Name: Damaris Bravo
Site/Region: New Amsterdam, Region 6
What’s something you did that you never thought you’d do? I never thought I would be in a Guyanese commercial.
Quote: Just go with it.

Name: Emily Garcia
Site/Region: Malali, Region 10
What’s something you did that you never thought you’d do? Swam in piranha-infested waters…on the regs
Quote: Rama lama lama ka dinga da dinga dong
Shoo-bob sha wadda wadda yippity boom de boom
Chang chang changitty chang sha-bop
Dip da-dip da-dip doo-wop da doo-be doo
Boogedy boogedy boogedy boogedy
Shoo-be doo-wop she-bop
Sha na-na-na-na-na-na-na yippity dip de boom
Wop ba-ba lu-mop a wop bam boom!

Name: Eneka Lamb
Site/Region: Santa Rosa Village, Region 1
What’s the strangest thing you ate? Labba brain (after cracking the skull of a cooked labba head)
What advice do you have for future volunteers? Waterproof yourself and your belongings. You’ve got to laugh.
Quote: Of all the people I couldn’t choose…I am glad it’s you.

Name: Haley Hegarty
Site/Region: Bush Lot Village, Region 5
What advice do you have for future volunteers? Bring a Kindle
Quote: Travel far enough, you meet yourself. – Cloud Atlas

Name: Rachel Ivancie
Site/Region: Georgetown, Region 4
What advice do you have for future volunteers? You first, everything else later. Do not compare your service, site or projects to others!
Quote: Humanity for humanity, be careful of your opinions otherwise – Kristen Killgore

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Welcome GUY 30!

Peace Corps Guyana is excited to have a brand new batch of sparkly health and education volunteers.
Fun fact: THEY ALL MADE IT TO SWEAR IN!

Name: Vianssa Armendariz
Site: Supernaam, Region 2
Sector: Health
Hometown: El Paso, TX
University and Degree: University of Texas at El Paso, Biology
Food craving from home: Beef chimichangas, Greek salad, tofu pad sew ew

Name: Rachael Bentley
Site: Wakapoa
Sector: Health
Hometown: Riverside, CA
University and Degree: George Washington University, BS Geology, BA Archaeology;
Tulane University, MPHTM
Food craving from home: Tacos and pho <

Name: Michaela Bonnett
Site: St. Cuthbert’s, Region 4
Sector: Health
Hometown: Bellevue, NE
University and Degree: University of Nebraska Lincoln, Biology
Food craving from home: Chocolate chip cookies

Name: Reed Boulter
Site: Wakenaam Island
Sector: Health
Hometown: Orange, CA
University and Degree: Westmont College, Philosophy
Food craving from home: Burritos and tacos

Name: John Ryan Brown
Site: Viva la Force
Sector: Health
Hometown: Charleston, WV
University and Degree: WVU, Biology
Food craving from home: Good pizza

Name: Isaac Coppock
Site: Better Hope, Region 2
Sector: Education
Hometown: Chico, CA
University and Degree: Humboldt State University, Child Development
Food craving from home: Mexican food

Name: Samantha Daisy
Site: Mabaruma, Region 1
Sector: Health
Hometown: Peterborough, NH
University and Degree: Stony Brook University, B.S.S.W.
Food craving from home: Reese’s

Name: Oumou Dao
Site: Auchlyne, Region 6
Sector: Education
Hometown: Towson, MD
University and Degree: Stevenson University, B.S. Human Services
Food craving from home: Nando’s chicken

Name: Christle deVera
Site: Wakenaam Island, Region 3
Sector: Education
Hometown: Virginia Beach, VA
University and Degree: Old Dominion University, B.S. Interdisciplinary Studies, M.S. Education
Food craving from home: Chocolate chip cookies

Name: Caroline Deurwarder
Site: Ithaca Region 5
Sector: Health
Hometown: Seattle, Washington
University and Degree: University of Washington, Public Health, American Ethnic Studies and Minor in Diversity
Food Craving from home: Shrimp Phad Thai

Name: Aicha Diouf
Site: Patentia, Region 3
Sector: Education
Hometown: New York City
University and Degree: Wheaton College, M.A. International Relations
Food craving from home: Thai food

Name: Tish Fox
Site:Betsy Ground
Sector: Education
Hometown: Battle Ground, WA
University and Degree: Washington State University, Psychology
Food craving from home: Tea. Fancy tea.

Name: Lee Hendrix
Site:Leguan Island, Region 3
Sector: Health
Hometown: Statesboro, GA
University and Degree: Georgia Tech, Biology
Food craving from home: Country (salty) ham

Name: Javaris Herndon
Site: Bartica
Sector: Health
Hometown: Jacksonville, FL
University and Degree: University of South Florida, Public Health, International Relations
Food craving from home: Latin foooooooood

Name: Jami L. Herring
Site: Cumberland, Region 6
Sector: Health
Hometown: East Liverpool, OH
University and Degree: Ball State University, M.A. Anthropology
Food craving from home:1. Rockne’s Bacon Cheddar Fries (without bacon, extra cheese, and honey mustard dipping sauce), 2. Dark chocolate, 3. Beef, 4. Red Wine

Name: Andy Keen
Site: No. 8, Region 5
Sector: Education
Hometown: Coatesville, PA
University and Degree: Elon University, Public Administration, Political Science
Food craving from home: Brussel sprouts. I’m weird.

Name: Brittany Kernagis
Site: Mainstay, Region 2
Sector: Education
Hometown: Mount Holly, NJ
University and Degree: Whittier College, BA; University of Southern California, MA
Food craving from home: Mexican and salads

Name: Julia Kyriakides
Site: Fyrish, Region 6
Sector: Health
Hometown: Gary, IN
University and Degree: University of Wisconsin-Stout, Family and Consumer Science
Food craving from home: Mexican and pizza

Name: Taylor Laskowski
Site: Vreed-en-hoop, Region 3
Sector: Health
Hometown: Suamico, WI
University and Degree: Kansas State University, BS Biology; Tulane University, MPHTM, International Studies
Food craving from home: Pizza and wine

Name: Arielle Levinson
Site: Rose Hall Estate, Region 6
Sector: Education
Hometown: Marietta, GA
University and Degree: Brandeis University, Anthropology
Food craving from home:Pizza

Name: Emily Lipson
Site: Manwarin, Region 1
Sector: Education
Hometown: Chicago, IL
University and Degree: University of Minnesota, B.S. Recreation, Parks and Leisure Studies
Food craving from home: Blueberry scone

Name: Derek Methu
Site: Friends Primary School, Region 6
Sector: Education
Hometown: Placentia, CA
University and Degree: American University, M.A. Public Communication
Food craving from home: Tacos and Burritos

Name: Cristina Miller
Site: Rosignol Health Center
Sector: Health
Hometown: Albuquerque, NM
University and Degree: Univ. of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Urban Environmental Geography; Univ. of New Mexico, Nutrition, and Dietetics
Food craving from home: Whole wheat pasta, baked cod, collard greens, tomatoes, anchovies with pecorino grated on top

Name: Olayinka Opesanmi
Site: Brittania, Region 5
Sector: Health
Hometown: Waldorf, MD
University and Degree: University of Maryland Baltimore County, Biological Sciences
Food craving from home: French toast, French toast crunch cereal, ackee and saltfish, suya, fried chicken with mumbo sauce, burgers

Name: Stephanie Parente
Site: Suddie Hospital, Region 2
Sector: Health
Hometown: Orange, CT
University and Degree: University of VT, BS Social Work; Columbia University, MS Social Work
Food craving from home: PIZZA!!!

Name: Martine Phadael
Site: Mahaicony, Region 5
Sector: Health
Hometown: Coral Springs, FL
University and Degree: Bachelors in International Relations
Food craving from home: Anything fast food

Name: Carly Ratekin
Site: Dartmouth, Region 2
Sector: Health
Hometown: Evergreen, CO
University and Degree: University of Colorado, Integrative Physiology
Food craving from home: Asparagus

Name: Chelsea Roderick
Site: Laluni, Region 4
Sector: Education
Hometown: San Ramon, CA
University and Degree: Sac State
Food craving from home: Mexican food

Name: Brianna Rossi
Site: St. Lawrence, Region 3
Sector: Education
Hometown: Daytona Beach, FL
University and Degree: BYU, Elementary Education
Food craving from home: Sour Patch Kids

Name: Dorie Schwartz
Site: Cornelia Ida, Region 3
Sector: Education
Hometown: New York, NY
University and Degree: Tufts University, MA Teaching
Food craving from home: Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream

Name: Kelsi Seid
Site: Eversham, Region 6
Sector: Education
Hometown: Oakland, CA
University and Degree: University of California at Santa Cruz, Politics
Food craving from home: Grass-fed, organic, dry-aged beef. Specifically, I want a ribeye

Name: Greg Skutches
Site: Moraikobai
Sector: Education
Hometown: Bethlehem, PA
University and Degree: West Chester University, English Writing
Food Craving from home: Spicy Tuna Roll

Name: Hunter Stafford
Site: Belladrum, Region 5
Sector: Health
Hometown: Enterprise, AL
University and Degree: University of Alabama, BS Biology; Tulane University, Masters Public Health
Food craving from home: A large, juicy hamburger

Name: Karin Strom
Site: Agatash, Region 7
Sector: Education
Hometown: Spokane, WA / Japan (last 5 years)
University and Degree: Whitworth University, Speech Communication and Peace Studies
Food craving from home: Espresso

Name: Christopher Sutton
Site: Aishalton
Sector: Health
Hometown: Ann Arbor, MI
University and Degree: Eastern MI University, BS Social Work

Name: Jocelyn Valencia
Site: Zeelugt, Region 3
Sector: Health
University and Degree: South University, BSN
Food craving from home: Bacon cheeseburger, Mexican food

Name: John Weber
Site: Bartica – St. Anthony’s Primary School
Sector: Education
Hometown: Reading, PA / Austin, TX
University and Degree: Albright College, Economics, Management, Finance
Food craving from home: Sushi

Name: Melanie Zimmerman
Site: New Amsterdam, Region 6
Sector: Health
Hometown: Carrollton, TX
University and Degree: University of Arkansas, Nutrition
Food craving from home: I really miss burgers

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PEACE CORPS VOLUNTEER HIGHLIGHT AND INTERVIEW:

LIZA RUDD (GUY27)

Liza works tirelessly to improve the lives of the residents at Cheshire Home, not only improving their physical lives but also working with the community to foster a better relationship and understanding of persons with disabilities. She also improves the lives of her fellow PCVs.  “Liza is always there for me when I have a tough day or need some inspiration. She is a source of comfort, wisdom, and reassurance to her fellow volunteers,” says PCV Aly Kenney.

Liza took a break from her busy schedule running a community library, tutoring and hosting community activities to answer some questions for The Gaff:

First thoughts that come to mind when you describe life in Guyana: It’s the craziest, loudest, hottest, most colorful roller coaster ride ever.

Favorite Guyanese saying?! Me nah able

Favorite Guyanese food? Solara

What type of food do you crave the most from home? Non-dairy everything.

Why did you join Peace Corps? Lifelong dream

What do you miss most about life back home? Being out at night and all types of drinks: boba tea, smoothies, lattes, craft beers.

What odd familiar items have you found in Guyana? Twizzlers and Silk soy milk

LIZ’S FAVORITE SMOOTHIE RECIPES!

“Blender is life.”

Mango Pine Basil Smoothie
1 cup pine
1/2 cup fresh mango
1/2 cup banana (frozen if possible)
1 cup water or coconut water
Juice from 1 lime
Handful of basil
optional: a couple ice cubes
Blend and enjoy!!

Watermelon Detox Smoothie
1 cup watermelon
1/2 cup pineapple (frozen if possible)
1/2 cup cucumber
2 ice cubes
1/2 cup water
Juice from 1-2 limes
1/2 inch of ginger, chopped
Blend and say AHHHHH

Hit the spot Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Milkshake
1 cup of milk (or Peanut Crunch Milk!  )
1 cup banana (frozen if possible)
2 scoops chocolate Nesquick powder
2 scoops peanut butter
Blend and devour.

Mocha Morning Milkshake
1 cup of cold coffee
2-3 ice cubes
1/2 cup of milk
1/2 cup of frozen banana
1-2 scoops of cocoa powder
Blend, rise and shine.

Mango Coconut Ice Cream!
1 cup fresh mango
1/4 cup coconut milk
Optional: add some spoons of honey to sweeten.

Blend, freeze, and treat yo’self with any additional toppings…in about an hour.

P.S. Always feel free to send GAFF your favorite recipes! We want to try and have recipes for all to make!

Travel tips for:
Trinidad & CARNIVAL

Friendly reminder! All travel outside of Guyana should be approved by your Safety and Security Manager (SSM) before any official booking! Peace Corps needs to know where you plan to stay and the length of your trip in case of an emergency.
Disclaimer: All information provided comes from Volunteer’s experiences and has not been formally approved by the SSM. Use discretion and common sense when making your travel plans. Of course, HAVE FUN!

To get into the Trini spirit, here are some top tunes from Carnival 2017!
Get ready to literally hear the same songs on repeat (but 2018 version).