I want to go back!

I was asked to give a little talk at church today, to let everyone know about the amazing time I had in Dominica. I thought I might as well put it up here for all to view - as a sort of reflective summary of the whole experience. 

"As you may already now I just recently came back from a 7 month trip to the tiny Caribbean island of Dominica, also known as God’s garden - you would understand the nickname if you witness the incredible views, gorgeous rainforests and the natural beauty. It is truly stunning. 

On a day to day basis I worked in a local primary school, teaching Kindergarten. I was given lots of responsibility and was able to teach lessons on my own and organise projects. The children were adorable, but very disciplined, and from a young age the classes had an academic focus rather than learning through play: very different from the reception classes in the UK. My biggest achievement at the school was setting up a musical theatre class and single handedly putting on a production of the musical Annie. There was a lot of work involved but the kids loved it and the parents were grateful for the opportunity for their children to try something new. The girls performed absolutely brilliantly and all the parents were so impressed with what we had been able to do. 

Outside of school, I helped with the charity I was based at, called Lifeline Ministries. This involved visiting different projects such as the homeless shelter, the HIV support home, and the prison. I helped Jahaida, who has spina bifida, with her homework and I delivered meals to homeless people, for the church soup kitchen. Of course there was also opportunities to enjoy the island, we went to lots of rivers and waterfalls and basking in the Caribbean sun!

Sunday’s were taken up almost entirely by going to church with services running for around 4 hours - with an hour preach! I attended New Day Fellowship & Deliverance Ministry Church which I guess you could say was a pentecostal community church. I immediately became part of the family and it became a massive part of my life, I regularly went to prayer night and youth events and even sang with the worship band. I made some incredible friendships and met some inspirational, enthusiastic Christians. 

The whole country is entirely God focused, which was a slightly shocking change - coming from a somewhat secularised society. For example one of the most popular radio stations was a Christian channel and worship songs were big hits. On a more personal level for the first time ever I experienced living with a Christian family - we would sometimes have bible studies together and they were a constant encouragement and have most definitely strengthened my faith. The trip was a massive step along my spiritual journey and an opportunity to meet with God in a different but brilliant way.

I have to say that the best thing about the whole experience was the people I met and the friendships I made. They may live 4000 miles away but I feel like they are my family and the memories I made will stay with me for life. I will be back for a holiday as soon as possible - and I would recommend Dominica to anyone fancying a interesting trip to the Caribbean! For now, I am heading off up to Durham to experience the other extreme in temperature and to study for my degree in Education & Theology. My trip was the perfect stepping stone to this next chapter, thank you to all those who helped me get there and for your prayers and support."

Here is the link to an online album of a small selection of photos from the whole 7 months: https://picasaweb.google.com/105595072843847991957/Dominica?authkey=Gv1sRgCJHr94C4wfOeUg

Writing this really made me realise how truly incredible the whole experience was, and how much I miss all the friends I made! Starting to save for a holiday back!

The Sun Will Come Out Tomorrow (8)

On returning to school for the final term, my friend and coworker Mrs Rabess suggested putting on a Musical, namely ‘Annie’, something Pioneer had not done before. Of course, being the theatre loving type I was more than enthusiastic, and took on the project whole heartedly. Even with experience directing and performing at school and the local AmDram theatre, I don’t think I was quite prepared for the amount of work required.

I set to work straight away auditioning 60 keen students. Next was the role of casting director, where I whittled down the talent to just 30 of the best that Pioneer had to offer. Unknowingly, but predictably, the children chosen were all drama queens - hence the fun that was to be had over the next month! With 30 girls wanting to take the lead and have their chance to shine, the task was tiring. Rehearsals started straight away, meanwhile I edited and reedited an already edited version of the script and found the sheet music for the various songs. I then set about directing, choreographing, teaching the songs, arranging backing tracks, deciding on staging, painting a set, making and organising costumes. I was also my own secretary and was constantly disturbing parents with phone calls and texts to ensure rehearsals were attended and everybody knew what was going on. On top of all that I had the difficult task of keeping 30 drama queens quiet - “Girls quiet please”, “Stop talking”, “Silence in 3..2..1” became my catchphrases! 

Rather quickly, performance day arrived. To tell you the truth, I was worried. It was a lot to ask for all those children to sit for a whole hour and keep quiet, and then also remember to go on stage at the right time with the right props and remember the right lines and songs and dances and positions. From 8am-2pm I was on my feet making sure everything was organised and easy for my last minute stagehands to follow, and running a final tech/dress rehearsal on the stage that had been built the night before. 2.30pm and the excited girls started to arrive, costumes were put on and nerves started to rise. We warmed up, we prayed and we tried to keep calm. 

And then it was time to start, and from the outset the girls did superbly. They really did a fantastic job and I couldn’t be more proud. All the stress was definitely worth it. Parents were truly shocked at what we had achieved and everybody’s expectations were exceeded. They were so impressed by the professionality and want to take it to the main theatre in town and make it into a big, professional show. Not only that but they were so pleased that the children had the opportunity to showcase the talents that they have. The theatrical and vocal training, and experience on a stage was a first for most (if not all) of the cast, and I believe it will be a stepping stone for greater things; there are certainly some children there who could be big stars in the future. Wherever they end up, I hope they remember the first time they trod the boards in 'Annie' and the theatre electives with Miss Ellie. 

 At times it was a challenge but it was an incredible experience and I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to run such a project. The experience was invaluable and unforgettable and I think that goes for me, the girls and the school.

Dominica does the Diamond Jubilee

As much as I love DA, being here has certainly made me more patriotic. I've realised how much I love England, and especially London. My Cath Kidson London mug from Lucy Rowlanes, and my Union Jack fan from Sophie Giles take pride of place on my countertop, displayed with pride. 

With my new found patriotism, it was sad to be away from home during the Jubilee celebrations. Despite Dad's anti-royalist grumpiness, I would have been sure to get involved with all the frivolities. I would have been in the kitchen making Jubilee cupcakes, Union Jack pavlovas and cucumber sandwiches, and a BBQ on the street would have gone down a treat too. And I didn't get to fully appreciate the Queen's cuteness with the minimal clips from Youtube, I craved the wonderful BBC coverage of the whole event. 

But still, living with the Honorary British Counsul I was able to take an active role in arranging some sort of celebration to coincide with the Jubilee. With Liz's love for the Commonwealth, we decided to get Dominica involved and organised a ceremony to take place in the Gardens, at the Pavillion which we repainted for the occassion. And set up a beacon to be lit in Morne Bruce in view from the Gardens, to join with the other 4000 being lit around the Commonwealth. With inspiration from the fantastic Gareth Malone I started a choir at Pioneer Prep and auditioned over 60 enthusiastic children. Those I chose worked really hard on the rather tricky Commonwealth Anthem and were so excited by the prospect of performing. 

With rather rushed, last minute line learning with the added difficulty of long words like 'servitude',  'conscience' and 'inhuman', and the disappearance of our accompanying Cadet Band, I have to admit I was nervous. And my nerves were nothing compared to the girls, standing infront of the President, the acting PM and various other important minister types, they were shaking like leaves. But, they were brilliant. I was, and still am, so proud. They did Pioneer, Dominica and the Commonwealth proud, and sang like angels. 

I dressed up as best I could in Union Jack colours and gave the girls Union Jack's to wave - just to make me feel more at home! I sang the British National Anthem and felt very British, and yes, I loved it. 

The girls enjoyed themselves too. And their appearances on the TV and the newspaper has made them feel like celebrities. I hope it gave them a feel of the global community and their involvement in the worldwide celebrations, and also that it'll make a lasting memory of their British teacher! 

Proud, patriotic choir director, over and out. 

Elliesha George, and her Dominican Family

More delays in blogging.. apologies to all my avid readers but I've just been too busy basking in the Caribbean sun. I had managed to work up a pretty good tan and combined with my Dominican accent I liked to think I could pass as a local! I even had myself a Dominican name - Elliesha (thanks to Curt) George (thanks to a misunderstanding at the pharmacy). Unfortunately due to insufficient use of aftersun, I suffered from something similar to Michael Jackson's vitiligo and today just to reaffirm the fact I am very much still white, a little 3 year old asked me "Why are you so white?".

Far too much has happened to recall everything here - you'll have to wait for my return to cold, miserable England and endure endless tales of "This one time in Dominica..".

A few weeks ago my grandparents came to visit and they asked me if I had a highlight so far.. and I couldn't really answer. There isn't one specific moment that could be called a highlight, the best thing about it all is the fact that I have met some absolutely incredible people and shared some really special experiences with them. However, whilst my grandparents were here I did experience something that could very well be a highlight moment.. a family boat trip on Harry's 'Emmanuel II' with my Dominican & English family and hundreds of dolphins and flying fish! I was insanely excited at spotting the dolphins and it is truly an experience I will never forget. But, it was the fact I was sharing it with my family that made it so incredible.

So I thought I could use this blog to introduce you to my Dominican family.

First up we have Tina, or Sister Tina (though she's not a nun!). My temporary mother, always there with the hydrogen peroxide to nurse my various ailments. I seem to have had a spout of clumsiness and fell repeatedly on concrete steps, leaving me with some beautiful scars to take back home as souveniers.

Then there's Brother Harry, a professional fisherman who spends most of his time playing dominoes at the fisheries; a prayer warrior, and a secret comedian.

My sisters Renatta and Miriam, together we make a lovely chocolate spread sandwich (one slice of brown bread, one slice white!). From sillyness and laughter, to serious discussions about girly issues like boys.. these girls are exactly how I would imagine a sister to be. To summarise, I steal their clothes and shoes, so we must be sisters!

The lickle brother Ben, my temporary Dexter. Useful for fighting with and being cuddly. He's basically giving me a taste of my own medicine, and troubling me like I trouble Dexter.

 

And the big brother Curt, an inspirational Christian whose testimonies and encouragement led to my first ever proper prayer, which in turn led to an answer and an understanding that God does listen, you just have to knock at the door!








And then there's the extended family, with various people in and out of the house every day. And also the church family. And basically so many lovely people, who I cherish spending time with... boy I'm going to miss these people too much - best we make the most of the 2 months I have left, I'm sure many more incredible memories will be made.

When I get a break from organising a production of 'Annie' and rehearsing a choir to sing in front of the President.. and the various other jobs I have to do.. I will firstly do my washing and ironing, and then get onto blogging again.

Time flies when you're having fun :)

Well keeping up to date on my blog is failing miserably, but I guess it shows just how busy I am and that I must be having fun because time is truly flying by - I barely have time to wash my clothes! 

I haven’t blogged in a whole month - so as you can guess plenty things have happened. Most noticeably, I’ve caught onto the Dominican accent and their specific phrases (awa, plenty, you check, tebes, oui, nah man, fings, lickle, vexed, to name a few). After a week in Aiya Napa last summer I came home talking like a northerner, so 7 weeks here was clearly going to have an effect.

So what has actually happened? 

On 1st February I went to a meeting with the President’s Secretary and various Ministers and important people, to perform the Commonwealth Anthem. It now turns out I’ll be singing it again, to be broadcast on Dominican Radio, as part of the celebrations for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. 

I spent a lot of the following week in true volunteer style - painting, cleaning and furnishing a derelict house, which has now been officially opened as a Wellness Centre for the Cancer Society. It’ll be a place for patients and their families to stay during treatment at the nearby hospital.

The weekend before last was Carnival - which is not particularly well regarded by the church and Christians in general across Dominica tend to stay away. I managed to have a glimpse though, as I was part of Pioneer Carnival at school - the day was lovely and the kids were so excitable. It really created a community atmosphere and showcased some very talented pupils and teachers - from calypso singer-songwriters, to stilt dancers and pageant princesses. 

During Carnival I went on camp with around 50 youth from the church, and actually probably had more fun and fulfillment than Carnival could have provided. I met some truly inspiring people and can add them all to my extended international family. It made me realise that coming to Dominica must be part of God's plan for me. Out of all the places in the world, I chose this tiny island and travelled thousands of miles from home to a place I knew nothing about and live with people I’d never met before, and I have found myself surrounded by some incredible people. Sorry that was cheesy, but I’m a little cheese deprived - you can only really get fake orange red leicester here. 

This weekend Tina treated Jane to a trip to Les Saintes, for her birthday. Me, Miriam & Ben got to come along too and we got to be real tourists for the day. Les Saintes is a cluster of tiny tiny islands, which are part of Guadeloupe and so, French, and it is seriously beautiful and sure to make those of you suffering cold and miserable England, insanely jealous. There were a few mishaps to dampen the greatness of the trip though... 

Number 1: The 3 hour boat trip in mad winds resulted in the boat rocking all over the place so much so that the chairs and benches slid everywhere. The obvious and horrific consequence of these irrational motions is sea sickness, and boy did I get it bad. 

Number 2: The inevitable consequence of basking in the glorious sun, is sunburn. Although my back and shoulders were sore that evening - they do seem to simply be a beautiful brown colour now. But, my scalp is another matter, this is my debut burnt scalp. I have so much sympathy for all those gingers who suffer such pain on regular occasions! 

I’ve completed settled in now and feel very much a part of the extended Alexander family, despite missing everyone at home - I don’t really have time to be lonely or homesick. I am constantly smiling, and people have already caught on that I laugh too much!

"The Nature Isle of the Caribbean.."

So Dominica's cheesy national slogan really is true... the nature is it's selling point and it truly is stunning. I don't want to rub it in, but seriously look at it... beautiful or what?

The above was taken as we clambered back over the rocks after taking a dip at the bottom of the most incredible waterfall. Yes, I 'clambered' over these rocks and I'm sure I was elegant and agile! Thanks goes to Curt and Renatta for my personal tour and for acting as my spring board to get from rock to rock!  

After a strenuous rock climb, a peek at some fish and a refreshing spray from a rushing waterfall, we headed for another natural beauty and a much loved site, going by the name of Screws' Spa. This is a selection of natural hot baths or sulphur springs, run by a lovely Rasta named Screws. Honestly one of the most relaxing experiences of my life - sitting in hot natural spring water, listening to reggae, sheltered by rainforest trees and covered by a sparkling night sky. Corny?.. perhaps, but you have to admit it sounds beautiful! 

I've been eaten alive!

It is insane how many mosquito bites I have on my legs. At least 30. It's hard to count.

Aside from the traumas of tropical insects, things continue to go well...

Sunday was a celebratory feast at church, which meant my first experience of the Sunday service was incredibly lively and enthusiastic, and was followed by more Dominican food. I had no idea what I was eating but some of it tasted good!

I have started work at Pioneer Prep, and have been placed in Kindergarden. The kids are adorable, of course - and intrigued by England. Today I was reading them a book, in which it started to snow - Bryce exclaimed that he loved snow (having never actually seen it in real life), they were all shocked that it snowed in England and laughed at that fact that England is currently freezing!! They're also teaching me more about interesting Dominican food- at snack time Zayne was drinking from a coconut and Kyron taught me all about sugar cane.

Kids in general, not just at Pioneer, are extremely disciplined and very polite. The majority of preschools, held in people's houses, are incredibly strict - children wear smart uniforms and have regular routines. Ben, the son of the family I am staying with, goes to a Catholic school, where the headmaster has a belt in his office for naughty children!

I'm starting to realise the true meaning of 'developing' - Dominica is not necessarily poverty stricken or 3rd world but it is most certainly still a developing country and a long way behind the UK in terms of buildings, education, health & safety, political correctness and morality... For example: men, famously the policemen, are incredibly polygamous, and no-one seems to care; the roads are in terrible condition and the drivers are mental; limbs are often amputated because it's the quicker, cheaper option; children are provided with next to nothing in terms of school equipment (books etc) and there are no free, state funded schools.

Apologies for the lack of photos - my camera is incredibly temperamental and is currently having a bad spell. I will attempt to revive him and if not a new one shall be purchased - somehow!