Still in St. Lucia

Hello Everyone!!

So I feel guilty that I have not updated my blog. I know a few of you hang off of my every word and I am sure you are going through shaky withdrawals because I have beeen neglecting you for so long! JUST JOKING! But seriously, I just wanted to let everyone know that I am still here and I am doing well. It is hard to update the blog with new experiences when I am finally comfortable enough here that I do not have many new experiences. Things are starting to become regular and therefore un-newsworthy.

Ok.. scratch that last part. I cannot believe I have not written in my blog since Sarah came to visit back in March! It has been awhile! It was great having Sarah here. She brought me treats from home and it was comforting to have the familiar with me in the flesh. We had a great time and I think she would support me when I say that she fell in love with St. Lucia. The two weeks she was here were jam packed with adventure. I am going to set up her trip as a list because we did sooo much! I might have to refer to our photos to remember everything--
Her first night we went to a club in Gros Islet
Second day we went to Klu's Chicken and a beach party in Laborie
We had a sunset picnic at the beach
Suntanning at many different beaches
The Dennery zip line through the rainforest
Gros Islet Street Fair (twice)
Anse-La-Raye Fish Fry
Sulphur Springs (during the day and at night)
Piton Falls (at night, much more exciting than during the day)
A hike across the rainforest and then an even longer hike to a waterfall afterwards
Many trips to "Pizza Hut" (Same name, but not what you are thinking)
An AMAZING dinner at Debbie's
A few more trips to Klu's (I think there 5 trips in 2 weeks. A new record)
Took a trip to a Kweyol history/museum place (including a local meal)
Went to Balenbouche Estate
Sarah assisted with the Piaye After School Program

PHEW... As you can tell we kept very busy!!

So Sarah's visit was fun and it was a little vacation for me too. Then it was back to work. The school year wraps up on July 3rd so I am trying to plan activities for this summer. I am going to be a co-leader of a Girl Guide Company (read Girl Scout Troop) at a Primary school in Choiseul. We have already had our first meeting and we are having a sleepover tonight! That has been keeping me busy the last few weeks. School has also been interesting because it there are wage disputes between the teachers and the Goverment. The teachers have been on strike for a few days this term and they have said that if they do not get paid their full wages on May 26th then they will strike again until they get paid. The strike is not only for teachers but for all civil servants so it could really slow down the country. We will have to wait until next week. This summer, besides my family visiting for 2 weeks (!!!!!!!!!!), I am planning a few different activities. I will be helping out the National Council of/for Persons with Disabilities with a summer camp for disabled children. A few days ago I started brainstorming ideas to start a Children's Reading program at the Choiseul Library. It is in very early stages (I have yet to meet with the Librarian) but I am really excited about the idea!!

Anyway, I hope it is evident through this post that I am thoroughly enjoying my time in St. Lucia. Every once in awhile I have to take a step back and pinch myself. I have been living here for 9 months!!! I love St. Lucia, especially Choiseul, and I am at a very happy place in my life. (There are always ups and downs but more positive than negative) I hope everyone is doing well at home. Congratulations to all of the new graduates and I hope everyone enjoys the warm weather I have been experiencing since last year! I love you all!!
Kelli


P.S. This post might seem like I am sickeningly happy. I will attribute that to the Nuggets winning last night's game. The series is tied 1-1 and they are coming back to Denver!!!! Get 'em!!!