Hi all! Or should I say y’all? I am back in Tennessee for a tender Christmas with family and friends. There’s a lot going on here including Christmas parties and sweet reunions and gift wrapping and trips to the local Walgreens. Also Target has a lot of great stuff these days, but don’t worry I’m getting enough Christmas money from my grandmother to cover at least one more trip.
Because there’s so much going on, I wanted to end the year with a list. Lists are kinda my signature thing. This is one of things hoped for, things yet to be done, and things that I am celebrating as I ring in the new year. Merry Christmas! I hope it is one of warmth and cheer and maybe even a little eggnog!
Highlight reel of things accomplished in my first quarter:
Not work:
-successfully killed several mosquitos and flies with my bare hands
-got over the hump of being afraid to speak Creole
-surviving Dengue fever
-became a last minute wedding photographer for a great friend
-feel comfortable enough in Creole to be able to do things by myself
-feel comfortable taking motos and getting around by myself
-learned how to use the gas oven and stove
-learned how to pump water when electricity has been out for too long
-got WiFi installed at home (trust me this was actually a long process)
-learned how to get take-out/street food
-figured a way to work out here
-made good friends! Started a hiking/adventure club!
Work:
-became Kathy’s personal assistant: started managing her schedule and time
-helped Kathy start the process of writing a book!
-started managing Kathy’s social media
-started teaching ProLead (Much employee training program that will eventually have a business incubator) how to create a business plan
-managed Enactus team as they researched new markets for 2nd Story Goods
-read Traction and started planning strategic planning sessions
Things I want to accomplish in the next quarter:
Work:
-make strategic planning sessions happen!
-discuss redirecting in-country marketing dollars
-plan for the opening day of Much’s Marketplace Gonaives
-decorate my desk! Send me ideas!
-help put the 2019 production calendar into action
-keep Kathy writing and keep discovering what my role should look like
-keep developing relationships
-keep learning! Every day. For the rest of life!
Not work:
-how to do everything at the house/get everything we need
-go to the market by myself and feel comfortable with negotiating prices
-eat more healthily
-work out more often/ go on a run early in the morning sometimes
-take tap taps by myself
-triple my creole knowledge
-develop method for getting on my roof so I can star gaze at the amazing Haitian sky
-get to know neighbors/people I see often. Start talking to people on my walk between home and work
Andddddd some never before seen photos!
Merry🎄Christmas to you and your family, Olivia! So glad you’re home for the holidays. Have a great time!
Hugs,
Nana