The Next Chapter

I’ve decided to start a blog as a way to keep my family and friends up to date on what I am doing for the next 13 months.  You will have to bear with me as I learn the blogging world.  I’ve never kept a journal or diary so who knows how these posts will turn out.

For those who do not know I will be volunteering with WorldTeach and be moving to American Samoa in July.  WorldTeach is a non-profit and non-governmental organization that partners with developing countries to provide volunteer teachers.  If you would like to know more about WorldTeach their website is www.worldteach.org

I do not have many details about what I will be doing while in American Samoa.  Some of what I do know is…

• I will be in Samoa from Mid-July 2012 until June 2013
• I will either live with a host family or in an apartment with other volunteers
• I will be assigned a class or classes in K-12
• The most likely subjects that I will teach will be English, math, science, or business
• American Samoans speak English in varying degrees, but there is a local language (Samoan) I must learn
• I must take and pass the Praxis 1 test by June 15.
• Ankle length skirts and short sleeve shirts are the dress code.  No bathing suits on the beach, not even one-pieces
• Internet access is not always reliable

I’m guessing one of your first questions when you started reading this was “Where in the world is American Samoa?”  It’s in the South Pacific about half way between Hawaii and New Zealand.  That’s approximately 7,000 miles away from Virginia.  The country is made of up five volcanic islands and is about the size of Rhode Island.  Samoa is an American territory and housed a Navy based until the 1950’s.

Another question you are probably asking yourself is, “Didn’t Kristina just graduate with a degree in social work?”  Yes, I did.  You are not losing your mind.  I was even accepted into VCU’s Advanced Standing masters program, but after many weeks (maybe even months) of prayers and tears I came to the conclusion that I needed to see if social work is really what I want to do for the next 40 years or if there is another career that I would be better at. 

Until I leave most postings will be about interesting facts I learn while reading about the country, possible break downs and moments of fear, and prayer needs. If you have any questions please feel free to ask.