In Retrospect

My Peace Corps experience ended on April 1st, 2009, 5 months short of its original "COS" (close of service) date. From the lack of blog entries since January, it goes without saying that my life has been extremely full, and writing about all that has come to pass was just not possible at the time... more something to be done in retrospect.

So here I am, sharing with you, in retrospect...

I think I will break it up into several blog entries to share different components of my experience and what I have gained from it.. as an individual, as a community development worker, as a global citizen.

To begin with...

My daughter, Malaya Jade Landry-Lockhart was born on September 24th, 2009 @ 11:30 a.m. She weighed 7 lbs 6 oz. & was 20 1/2 inches long. Simply put, she is amazing. While her conception prevented me from completing my Peace Corps Service (as becoming pregnant effectively ends one's service), I would not change a thing about her arrival into this world. An unexpected surprise by every means, but a true Joy and Blessing. A baby is probably the LAST thing I would have ever thought to get out of my time in Dominica... but the road I find myself on is, indeed, the road I chose to walk on. As I believe it is our response to the twist & turns in life that determines their meaning and their outcome, this is mine. While the destination in one's journey is important, I have also learned oh so very well to enjoy myself along the way.

I thought it only fair & necessary to share these unfoldments with those that have watched the progression of my experience as a Peace Corps Volunteer in this 'litle' island of Dominica.. and to reveal, in part, a larger part of myself, apart of, but also seperate from me as "Peace Corps Volunteer"... haha... lots of words there. In a lot of ways it probably would have been simpler.. easier... less "complicated" to simply delete my blog.. but what is the sense in that? I figure life is for sharing and learning form one another's experiences.. so.

Anyway, here she is. My biggest blessing..



I can't even imagine life without her now. Every day I revel in her beauty.. the way she puckers her lips when she's sleeping, the way her eyes get so big and bright when she stands on her wabbly lil feet (with momma's help, of course), and the cooing and grunting noises she plays around with, a type of song to my ears. It's amazing the way life takes hold and shapes us. Every day I wake up grateful and ready to be my best. This is motherhood.

More to come on my insights and experiences as a PCV, post service, soon.