On the morning of Monday, July 4, a large chartered minibus pulled into our training village to transport us to Suva, the capital city. Two members from each of our six host families were invited to go with us because our training group had been selected to perform our Meke as part of the swearing-in ceremony. (See blog entry for PST week 3). In particular, we needed the women of our host families to sing the songs and play the lali (Fijian drum or percussion instrument made of wood) that went with our traditional dance. So while we had several host family members accompanying us, we were overwhelmed when dozens of others showed up to send us off.
It was quite a scene! We were half an hour late in pulling out of there as villagers, most of whom I recognized but would have to confess to not knowing all their names, wanted to shake our hands, hug us and make pleas to stay in touch and come back to visit. Many were in tears. Again, we were amazed and touched by how central our presence had become to the life of the village. Even before our real service begins, we get sense through this experience how impactful we can be just by being here. Imagine the possibilities when we actually get down to the work!
In the Fijian culture, families are vast and once you are in, you are IN. I will always be considered a member of this village and have many “relatives” there. If I live to be 100 and return on that day, I’m quite certain that I will be remembered and welcomed as warmly as I was sent-off on this day. When we all finally managed to board the bus one of fellow trainees summed up the moment best: “Wow. That is a lot of love.”
A few hours later in Suva, we were sworn in as Peace Corps Volunteers. Now I’m not one who stands on ceremony and I don’t particularly enjoy formal events but this was a thrill. I don’t usually feel different as birthdays come and go or other milestones, like graduations, occur. My adult life is full of these short chapters (jobs, residences, um… relationships ;) that often find me in state of flux. I like change. But I’ll boast that this moment felt significant. This whole experience of being so far away from everything that’s familiar and comfortable (aka “home”) has heightened my emotional state. I may have discovered pride in a new way.
The President of Fiji attended and spoke at the ceremony. Then the US Ambassador to Fiji administered the oath. We all stood, 25 strong, raised our right hands and declared:
I solemnly pledge my commitment and support to the peoples of Fiji, and in the spirit of peace, friendship, and international cooperation that I will do my best to fairly represent my country while respecting the traditions, culture, and values of Fiji, that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion, and that I will well and faithfully carry out my duties as a Peace Corps Volunteer.
With that, training ends and service begins. Another chapter closes. The next… I'll start writing that one now. Yes, I feel different. Excited. Anxious. Frightened. Unsure. Very sure. All heightened! It’s exhausting (physically, I feel fine). I need a nice long nap.
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