A few weeks ago, Group 80 had our Early Service Conference and High-Intensity Language Training at some beach fales on Upolu. While the in-service technical training and language lessons were useful, I think most of really just enjoyed each other’s company for a week. Now that we’ve all been here a while, we all know each other and are more-or-less adjusted to life in Samoa, it was nice to catch up and hang out in a much more relaxed environment than Pre-Service Training.

(The boys and my south side buddy Erica, spent their free time playing American Football.)

(We had a sand art contest, my group made an ava bowl.)

(Here's me presenting about something.)

Side note: I’d heard people lament about how grueling and miserable Peace Corps Pre-Service Training is, but at the time (and even for a while afterwards) I didn’t think it was all that bad – but now, when I look back, all I can think is how glad I am that I’m not in training anymore. I think this is because during PST, everything is new and so much energy is exerted just getting used to life in a new country, whereas now I feel pretty comfortable in Samoa and with my life here.