It is almost unbelievable that it is Christmas because I am sweating buckets and seeing coconut trees swaying in the (slight, very hot, and very humid) breeze. It's hard to imagine that one year ago, I received notice that I was being considered for a youth development position in the Dominican Republic; Fiji was not even on my map yet! Christmas is about the spirit of giving, spirit of peace, and spirit of love. Today, I am going to relate that back to my service in the peace corps.
Applying to serve in the Peace Corps takes guts; it is hard to click "submit application" knowing you may be leaving your family for two years. Being here, is a choice and a frame of mind; I don't see my service here as a volunteer position because it is a job. Unfortunately, many in the creative arts therapy field don't have many options when it comes to working abroad or serving your country. You can work for your country and be an ambassador for your field! During my interview, the Peace Corps worker happened to be a musician and already knew about music therapy. She told me that applications like these often get passed over because people don't understand it. There's just something special about being able to explain music therapy in a country where this isn't a field yet.
We know humans respond to the creative arts because it's innate. Every culture that has ever existed, has had music in some way. There is a desperate need for people willing to go beyond the norm for ideas on how to promote the same materials. As much as I want to establish something here, that's a long term goal and I'm only here for two years. They need others to carry on the torch of international level advocacy. A more realistic goal would be for me to show the current counselors, in country, how to appropriately use music therapeutically. But, everyone deserves the chance at healing that works for them. Long term, that's not a fix. My goal for music therapy is simply to create an awareness that eventually will, hopefully, develop on its own into a need.
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| Using music to teach resiliency |
Peace Corps is fairly flexible in how you accomplish the goals they give you; it is all about the process. Did you know Peace Corps has volunteers in health centers, hospitals, schools, hospices, businesses, non-profits and so much more!? Here is the catch, you don't get to choose... You can pick your country now (I highly suggest the creative arts therapists pick "I'll go anywhere" in order to get more options and more visibility with placement officers) but you cannot pick your site placement. You have to trust in destiny, use your improvisational skills, and make it work.
I did not want to be in a village, at first, because I wanted to be in a city or town. Now, I'm blessed to have been placed on the main island, in a wonderful village off the highway, have electricity all the time, running water all the time, a shower, I am close enough to visit my host family, have the ocean behind me, and quick access to two big cities! I am so blessed with a principle who understands the idea of empowerment and capacity building. I am blessed to have a village who supports me, even when I'm grumpy and homesick. There is a system and it works.
If you've ever considered it or thought it was a long lost dream, just consider giving the gift of yourself. If you can't do that, then google "let girls learn" and donate there. If you can't donate, find a volunteer organization to spend a few hours volunteering each week.
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| Substituting for an English class as a music therapist working as a peace corps volunteer |
Being removed from the states has given me a new perspective. As Americans, we tend to be so individualistic, almost at times, to a fault. I know personally, I didn't spend time thinking about other people because why? I cared about myself and that was enough. Now, this isn't wrong, but just consider the other side for a moment, a side where the entire community is committed to improving itself. There is no individual because everyone reflects the community. The benefit to this side, is that it's easier to notice the struggles. I am a super sensitive person and am extremely compassionate; I want to help everyone. But, I can't. So I'll just encourage others to give back in some way instead.
Take Christmas back to its true meaning and consider giving a gift that keeps on giving...in whatever way that means to you. Happy Christmas and Happy Holidays, everyone!
