A late happy New Year to everyone. It's hard to believe that 2016 is already here. Before I left for the Peace Corps in 2014, I remember thinking how far off 2016 seemed and how different everything in my life was sure to be. Now, with around eight months left of service, I've begun to think back on my service and some of the things I've learned (so much). If you've ever been interested in the Peace Corps, you may have spoken with returned volunteers and heard them talk about the "ups and downs" of service. It's something that we talk about a lot. It's a hard thing to try to accurately describe, but I think it has to do with the essence of the work we're doing, which is simultaneously easy to love and to be frustrated by. Community development is basically our job, whether it's in the context of a school, at-risk youth, or local fisherfolk. And the fundamentals of community development work tell us to work on what the community identifies as its need. This leaves the possibilities for the direction of your service pretty wide-open. If I was to ask everyone in my batch if their service was what they expected it to be, I doubt that very many would answer yes.

 You learn very quickly that it's not about you. For the next two years of your life, it very rarely will be. You are swept up in a current that will take you where it wants to go, and it's best not to fight it. Naturally, some days you want to fight it. It's tough not being in control. The most important thing is to always remind yourself to be open to the learning process. It's quite common to be put in situations that are confusing and frustrating. Ask questions! Why are things the way they are? Do your coworkers feel the same way as you? It's super helpful to have your feelings confirmed. Showing that you care and being able to learn from someone is pretty reliable way to form a strong relationship. And I've come to find that relationships are by far the most valuable thing I've gained in the short time that I've been in the Philippines. It is very apparent to me that without the unwavering support of my coworkers I likely would not have accomplished anything.

We're planting trees today? Why not!

 I have definitely come to the point where I have difficulty thinking about leaving the people I have worked with and befriended here. I still have a while to go, but the end is in sight! Luckily, I have some pretty awesome site mates to collaborate with in the remaining months. We are all in the process of organizing a Special Olympics for grade school students here in Sorsogon. The leg work on this will take some time, but we've got the dedication to make it happen. I am also continuing life skills sessions with 4 P's grantees at Sorsogon State College after some recent changes, as I'm essentially working with an entirely new staff. But I'm still very excited for the possibilities and the college really feels like home at this point. And as always I have to shout out to my coworkers at DSWD 4 P's, who despite unbelievably busy schedules continue to come through for me.

 Much more to come! And for all of the people back home, I guess we got the snow-pocalypse we've always wanted. Too bad I wasn't around to see it. :)

Peace