The moment we had all been waiting for, twelve months of anticipation and training, and it was over in 3 hours. We had all finally made it to swearing in and are now official Peace Corps Volunteers. We said our goodbyes to our host families, we somehow managed to pack everything up into our overstuffed suitcases once again and even managed looking respectable for the ceremony. It was very exciting to finally make it, and I was a little taken aback. I found that it affected me more than I thought it would and I was very proud to finally be standing there taking my oath to protect and serve the United States Constitution and to also be singing the Star Spangled Banner and later the Nicaraguan Hymn. I realized how important of a moment it really was and it was great again to be honored with the presence of the Education Minister of Nicaragua to swear us all in.
As a group we have been very lucky and have met several key figures throughout training. When we arrived in Nicaragua we were greeted by the country director. During our first couple days in IPADE we met the new World Director, Aarron Williams, and just last week we met the US Ambassador and his cultural director. It really is awe inspiring to be in the presence of such powerful and smart people and it helps motivate me to keep striving for my own goals and to work that much harder throughout my service.
For the swearing in ceremony all the guys decided to coordinate our outfits by buying guayaberas. I probably butchered the spelling, but they are formal shirts that men use here instead of suits and ties. They are short sleeve button down shirts that have embroidery and four pockets on the front. We all chose different colors and I decided to rock the light yellow. It helped us look like we had adjusted that much more to the culture here and all the families got a kick of seeing the gringo boys in traditional wear. Besides our outfits, the ceremony was in a beautiful hotel and we were met by two members of each of our families. Sol and my mom came and it was so sweet to see them. We first had a ceremony honoring all of the families and giving them diplomas for all of their commitment. Jamie, from my town gave a great speech on all of our behalves about the importance they all played and how they will dearly be missed. We then stepped out and got ready for ceremony number two which was the official swearing in. Again we all had an opportunity to stand up and give a short speech about where we were from in the states and where we would be living. It was then followed by a speech from the Minister of Education, and then the US Cultural Director, and US Country Director. Each person made a very inspirational speech and then it was time for our elected speaker, Angus, to talk. His speech helped remind us all why we are here and what we have signed up to do. I know it helped hit home for me what I am about to embark on and also reminded me that I am really doing this and have willingly chosen to give up two years of my life.
Either way I am ready for the next chapter of my life to begin and this Friday I had off to my site. I am looking forward for the next two days at the All Volunteer Conference and being able to meet all the other volunteers in the country. I have a lot to learn and what better way to start it off. Also, it is THANKSGIVING! My favorite holiday of the year and again I am far from home. The ceremony made me think about that and how much my family and friends really do mean to me. It is hard to be so far away, but I like to think that I am doing something noble and what better way to show my thanks than to be giving back to the world at large.
Yay, i'm so siked you are "offically" in!
ReplyDelete