May 21
March was the month for Carnival. This year I joined the AIDS band along with Peter, Mary, Maryann, Penny, Elaine, and Chris. Michelle and Lisa were in the main part of the float band dressed as condoms. After the Sunday float parade Lisa decided it the condom would be too hot to wear marching in the street. I accepted Michelle’s offer to wear it with nervousness and humility, but I really wanted to do it. I waved it, bounced it, and touched people with it. Somehow a few students found out. It was hot but I only had to wear it for a few hours.
April was COS and vacation time. EC-56 and 5 other PCVs flew into Grenada for our final conference as volunteers. We received forms and certificates of appreciation. There was a talent show with “beat” poetry, singing, and a skit in which a very long-time pregnant Mary Rodgers had her babies on display.
Catherine and I spent time in Venezuela and Barbados after COS. I squeezed in a quick visit to St. Lucia to see Andy & Jenny one last time. I paid by losing sleep.
This month has been filled with trips to Roseau mainly for medical reasons. I had an ultrasound, a dental check-up, a visit with Dr. Ricketts, and four trips to try to get a sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy and my 3 still samples. As of today I still need to get my third sample to the lab. I finally got one after Ingrid left for Roseau. I decided to ask my bus driver to take it to the Peace Corps office. He wasn’t going to town today. I also forgot my lab form. I asked Matilda Davis, who happened to be on the bus, to do it. After talking to Gabriella I discovered Ryan wasn’t there and Isabella’s daughter couldn’t walk to the hospital (I suppose because it’s too far). I should have offered to pay for bus fare. But it didn’t matter. Matilda was on the bus stop at 2:30. She told me she dropped it. She didn’t know what was in it.
At least I got one medical hurdle out of the way. I got my shot for the TB test. Dr. Ricketts will check it on Saturday.