hey!! i'm not sure how good im going to be at updating this, or how much internet access i'm going to have, but i want to share with you all, so i will try my best.
here is what i know so far:
for the first 8 weeks I will be living with a host family doing pre service training in various subjects like cultural life, language, and community health. during this time i will be attending meetings, school and safety adventures 6 days a week. im not sure if we are allowed internet access (you'll know if i write!)
after i complete training, i become sworn in as an official volunteer. i will be assigned my specific job AND move to my permanent location! this could be in the large capital city or in a rural village, it all depends on what assignments they have open and my skills... i may or may not get to choose (as of right now i want to be in a rural village). i was accepted as a 'community health promoter' and will let you know more about my job, my goals and all that good stuff when i complete training.
if you'd like to write me ( i would absolutely love a letter and promise to write back), here is my temporary address:
Monica Drazba, PCV
Peace Corps/Fiji
Privat
Suva, Fiji Islands
South Pacific
here's a little something that the peace corps wants me to share with you
To family and friends of a peace corps volunteer:
"The mail service in Fiji is not as efficient as the U.S. Postal Service; thus, it is important to be patient. It can take 4 to 6 weeks for mail coming from Fiji to arrive in the United States via the Fiji postal system.
We suggest that in the first few letters sent, the Volunteer family member give an estimate of how long it takes to receive the letters and then try to establish a predictable pattern of how often the volunteer will write. (Also keep in mind that written correspondence sometimes wanes as the volunteer’s service progresses.) Also, try numbering your letters so that the Volunteer knows if one has been missed. Postcards should be sent in envelopes--otherwise they may be found on the wall of the local post office!
We suggest that in the first few letters sent, the Volunteer family member give an estimate of how long it takes to receive the letters and then try to establish a predictable pattern of how often the volunteer will write. (Also keep in mind that written correspondence sometimes wanes as the volunteer’s service progresses.) Also, try numbering your letters so that the Volunteer knows if one has been missed. Postcards should be sent in envelopes--otherwise they may be found on the wall of the local post office!
Unfortunately, sending packages can be a frustrating experience for all involved due to the high incidence of theft and heavy customs taxes. You may want to try to send inexpensive items through the mail, but there is no guarantee that these items will arrive. We do not recommend, however, that costly items be sent through the mail. It is recommended that packages be sent in padded envelopes if possible, as boxes tend to be taxed and opened more frequently."
i have skype too! monica.drazba
can't wait to update in fiji
much love to all
