Peace Corps Fiji
“The Toughest Job You’ll Ever Love"
Peace Corps Mission
“To promote world peace and friendship through community-based development and intercultural understanding”
As a first gen college graduate, I never would have dreamed in a million years that the beautiful Pacific Island of Fiji would be my home away from home at the age of 22. This huge leap of faith influenced my life for the better and took a new miraculous turn. Here are a few snap shot highlights from my service. 27 months instantly became 27 blessings and then some.
Water Sanitation Project: Viani Village, Cakaudrove Province, Vanua Levu
“Team work makes the dream work”
The Viani Village Water Committee & I successfully implemented a Small Project Assistant Grant worth $16, 193 Fiji Dollars for the construction of 2 new dams and the installation of new piping systems for a total of 400 beneficiaries. Nacurucuru spring reservoir served as our new water source to support this project. In 2017 the Ministry of Health in Fiji diagnosed our village with a typhoid epidemic and it was at that moment that I knew something needed to be done. After a year of active planning and 2 months of gritty labor (day in and day out) we finally made it happen. Getting my hands dirty and assisting at the grassroots level with our village team let me know that I was one with the community I lived in and served. Thank you to the Water Authority of Fiji for your candor and commitment to ensuring we have 24/7 access to clean water for both our village and primary school quarters. Water is essential and a basic need that should never be taken for granted! Hello sustainability, goodbye typhoid!
Category is: Island Life!
After a 12 hour ferry boat and 1 hour car ride, I finally arrived at the village that would become more than just home for the next 2 years. Viani koro (village) is located on the eastern coast of Vanua Levu: second largest island of Fiji which is known for its natural untouched beauty. 350 community members and 52 houses reside on the beautiful coast of Natewa Bay. November 8th, 2016 was the day I became Adi Ana (Queen Ana: my honorable village name) and I carried that identity with dignity and pride. By representing the US with grace and leading with empathy I showed up authentically as my afro-centric self to connect with my community at the grassroots level. I became a unique example proving that the US is diverse and more than just blonde hair and blue eyes. This was the first time that I truly felt comfortable being in the skin that I’m in. Being surrounded by melanated kin and indigenous natives made me feel at ease finally being the majority and not the minority.
“Mai Qito UNO!”
My small wooden house ultimately became my safe haven and game night sanctuary for community UNO and Connect 4. The viani village youth were my pride and joy; it felt so wholesome to share a piece of home with them to create a fun yet competitive opportunity for a unique cultural exchange. With no electricity and no distractions with television or social media we discovered our own source of fun. This is the most present I have ever been, savoring each moment and living like a humble local.
F is for Fiji & Family
“Having a place to go is a home. Having someone to love is a family. Having both is a blessing”.
Mere Lagi: The little sister I never had. A young girl full of sweet joy. My best friend and someone who always brightened my day through the highs and lows of service. Spending quality time with her became one of my favorite things and melted my homesickness away. Our connection is inseparable. She is the epitome of what “it takes a village” means; through strength, support and intergenerational communal living she was always surrounded by love.
Building Legacies While Preserving Native Traditions
Ratu Jope Tuitoga (Village Chief): My John Grisham Guru, book club buddy and historical community leader who showed me what empathy and intellectual stimulation really is. He ignited my love for reading and because of his unconditional influence, I read over 100+ books during service. Being welcomed with open arms by Ratu let me know that I was in hospitable hands. Little did I know he would become my world, my safe space and my beloved Fiji Father. Here you will see Ratu wearing a traditional masi cloth made out of tree bark. It is designed intricately using natural dyes and stencils. It signifies Fijian culture and is used for special ceremonies to serve as a symbol of wealth and status.
Puffer fish shenanigans: when life gives you lemons, go try a puffer fish instead!
I lived on a predominant pescetarian and vegetarian diet. Residing on the coast of Natewa bay, we had access to endless seafood! Meat like chicken and beef were delicate protein and only eaten during certain occasions (ex: weddings, birthdays, funerals, etc). Shout out to the bold village women and men who go out fishing daily to catch these exotic finds. Freshly caught from the pacific ocean; trying puffer fish was never on my radar. However, my favorite Fijian foods became fried parrot fish and octopus cooked in coconut milk with onion, garlic and papaya. These local dishes opened up my taste buds and expanded my palette to appreciate different global cuisines. The moral of the story is that life is fun when you push your limits and live a little on the wild and creative side!
Shake ya bum bum - Island Edition!
I had the joy and honor to teach my girls a choreographed dance titled: “Shake ya bum bum”. This passion started after being involved in the Caribbean Students Association Dance Team at Penn State my senior year of undergrad. We performed this dance at our annual prize giving ceremony hosted at Viani Primary School. After hours of rehearsal, laughs, and breaking them out of their shy shells we put on a dynamic show for the community. This memory represents a nice fusion mix of the Caribbean and Pacific: two island regions that will forever have my heart.
“Inside everyone the infinite traveler longs to be set free”
In summary, this pic resembles the freedom I experienced being an island girl. Embracing the nature around me, living with simplicity, and blending in like a local gave a different outlook on life that granted me internal and external peace. This moment ignited my adventurous spirit from within and inspired me to take risks in the most fulfilling way possible.
Fun fact: bilibili’s (mbee-lee-mbee-lees) are made from bamboo and traditionally used for fishing and traveling across waters: village to village.
Interested in serving or have questions? Connect with me and I’m happy to guide you through the process. We need more resilient and open-minded leaders to strategically lead and build an inclusive world for all!
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Email: hanangoesglobal@gmail.com
Website: hanangoesglobal.com