Volunteer Speech!

Hi this is Danno here and I'm a proud husband, as always. Let me tell you why; Phoebe was elected, by her peers, to give a five minute address on behalf of the new volunteers during our swear in ceremony on Wednesday. she wrote it and gave it entirely en Espanol. We're including a copy of it below in Spanish and English for your reading pleasure. In addition, now that we have sworn in, we are both officially Peace Corps Volunteers!

We stayed in the capital for an additional day to receive training on the recent Cholera outbreak in Haiti. All D.R. volunteers were rounded up for two sessions of the cholera awareness training, how to prevent it, what to do in case of contracting cholera. We were provided information to pass along to our communities. Apparently it's not a matter of IF cholera will come to the D.R., it's a matter of when. Don't be alarmed, we will be safe and have the best medical care either of us have ever received in our lives...we are in very good hands

We're headed back to our new home, Batey Monte Cristi for two days then off to Creole training on Monday. As always in love and peace.

Enjoy!

English Version:

Volunteer Representative speech
Phoebe Sunflower
Graduation 517-2010
10-26-2010

Good afternoon, I want to thank everyone for being here! My name is Phoebe Sunflower. I am honored to be here before you all, as a representative of an exceptional group of new volunteers from the Peace Corps.

About 2 months ago in Washington DC the capital of the United States, for "staging," they gave us a list that had the names of each of the fifty-eight candidates who are present here. That same day, we were all full of different emotions, I remember when we were looking at a group of people who did not know at the time. Fortunately, over time we have been able to share wonderful experiences in this beautiful country, which has enabled us to become a large extended family.

I would like to take a moment to look at all the companions around us. We have to recognize that we are a united family, which we will provide the necessary support, because together we are strong, knowledgable, and able to achieve our goals.

At the same time, it is important to recognize that our solidarity is due to the great support we received during our training. Therefore, we are all very grateful for each of the members of the Peace Corps, and the governments of the United States and the Dominican Republic for their cooperation and support.

I also give a huge thanks to Entrena. Thank you for your exemplary organization, preparation, and support. Thank you for being our guides during this great adventure. Thanks for your patience, professionalism and love. We have learned strategies that will enable us to more easily integrate into our communities, we have improved our Spanish language proficiency, and we were able to navigate through the public transportation in Santo Domingo. Thank Goodness! Besides all this, thanks to Entrena for the blessing of a great family. Undoubtedly, we are full of gratitude to these families.

Thanks families for welcoming us into their homes with open arms, for providing delicious food, teaching us about your culture, your traditions and your community. Thank you for your patience. And, especially, for your rich delicious coffee. Finally, you have helped us tremendously, and I would like to thank you with all my heart. We will always remember the sharing.

And Volunteers! Look around your peers and please recognize this group of professionals with talent and ability. Please remember that during the next two years, there may be moments filled with inspiration and hard times. Through these times, share our achievements and adversities, we are here to support each other. If it's worth doing, it's worth celebrating. Take time to listen to each other, and remember that listening is a primitive act of love. Our support is the foundation of this group. Our love and patience will take you through our service and our energy will be reflected in this country, the United States and worldwide. Finally, congratulations to all my colleagues. In peace…safe journey!

And Spanish Version:

Discurso de Voluntaria Phoebe (Girasol) Sunflower
La graduación de 517-2010
10-26-2010

Buenas tardes, les quiero agradecer a todos por estar aquí presentes! Me llamo Phoebe Girasol. Me siento honrada de estar aquí delante de todos ustedes, como representante de un grupo excepcional de voluntarios nuevos del Cuerpo de Paz.

Hace aproximadamente 2 meses en Washington DC la Capital de Los Estados Unidos, durante “staging,” nos dieron una lista que tenia los nombres de cada uno de los cincuenta y ocho aspirantes que están aquí presentes. Ese mismo dia, todos estábamos lleno de diferentes emociones, recuerdo cuando estábamos mirando a un grupo de personas que en el momento no conocíamos. Afortunadamente, con el transcurso del tiempo hemos logrado compartir bellas experiencias en este hermoso país, que nos ha permitido convertirnos en una gran familia extendida.

Me gustaría que tomáramos un momento para mirar a todos los compañeros que nos rodean. Nos toca reconocer que somos una familia unida, la cual nos brindará el apoyo necesario, debido a que juntos somos fuertes, de gran conocimiento, y capaces de lograr nuestras metas.

A la vez, es de suma importancia reconocer que nuestra solidaridad se debe al gran apoyo que hemos recibido durante nuestro entrenamiento. Por consiguiente, estamos todos muy agradecidos de cada uno de los integrantes del Cuerpo de Paz, y a los gobiernos de Los Estados Unidos, y la Republica Dominicana por su colaboración y apoyo.

También quiero dar unas enormes gracias a Entrena. Gracias, a su organización ejemplar, su preparación, y su apoyo. Gracias, por ser nuestros guías durante esta gran aventura. Gracias, por su paciencia, profesionalidad y amor. Hemos aprendido estrategias que nos permitirán integrarnos con mas facilidad a nuestras comunidades, hemos mejorado nuestro dominio de la lengua española, y hemos podido navegar a través del transporte publico en Santo Domingo. Gracias A Dios! Además de todo esto, gracias a Entrena por la bendición de unas familias excelentes. Indudablemente, estamos llenos de gratitud hacia todas estas familias.

Gracias familias, por recibirnos en sus hogares con brazos abiertos, por brindarnos su deliciosa comida, por permitirnos conocer mejor su cultura, sus tradiciones, y su comunidad. Muchísimas gracias por su paciencia. Y, en especial, por su rico café. En fin, nos han ayudado enormemente, y se los agradecemos con toda el alma. Siempre vamos a recordar su confianza.

¡Y Voluntarios! Miren alrededor a sus compañeros y por favor reconozcan a este grupo de profesionales con talento y capacidad. Por favor, recordemos que durante los próximos dos años, podrá haber momentos llenos de inspiración y tiempos difíciles. A través de estos tiempos, compartiremos nuestros logros y adversidades, estamos aquí para apoyar a los demás. Si vale la pena hacerlo, vale la pena celebrarlo. Tomar el tiempo para escucharnos los unos a los otros, y recordar que escuchar es un acto primitivo del amor. Nuestro apoyo es el fundamento de este grupo. Nuestro amor y paciencia nos llevará a través de nuestro servicio y nuestra energía se reflejará en este país, los estados unidos, y el mundo entero. Por ultimo, felicidades a todos mis compañeros. En paz…que les vaya bien.