Wednesday, June 11, 2008

Welcome Group 80

06/06/08

Exactly one year after our Group 78 of Village Based Development (VBD) volunteers arrived in Samoa, Group 80 became the next wave of Peace Corps VBD hopefuls. It is a Peace Corps custom for the existing volunteers to welcome and entertain the new group with what is called a Fia Fia, Samoan party. What once seemed like a bedlam of oiled male volunteer bodies adorned with leafs, the graceful movements of the female volunteer dances, and strange sounds to us, must be just as confusing to the newcomers.

To look into what seems like the very young and naïve eyes of Group 80, one can’t help but think of the road our Group 78 has traveled and to know the unjustified confidence of those just starting the journey is momentary. But until then, let’s dance, drink beer, and enjoy togetherness. Tomorrow comes soon enough.

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