Kelly I.

1. What got you interested in the Peace Corps?

I was interested in joining the Peace Corps for years, but it took me a little bit more time to build up the courage to apply. I loved the idea of getting out into the world, living and working with a culture completely different from my own, and hopefully making a difference by putting a bit of good into the world.

2. What projects are you working on?

Right now, I have a few projects that I have been working on. My local women’s group is getting a shipment of tea out to Japan. And we are in the process trying to build a local coffee shop for the community, which would be a place where even more products would be sold and would help tap into the local coffee tourism.

On the side, I have a weekly English club, where I spend time with the kids of my community teaching English, and on the other days I teach art and coloring.

I also have been slowly implementing a mural painting project that has started at home, but I hope to bring it into the community.

3. What strategies have you used to integrate into your community?

I have used several strategies to integrate into my community:

• Going into the kitchen and asking if I can help, whenever I can. If they don’t want help I at least sit and talk with everyone.
• Tuur Halimar (sitting and talking)
• Going to church. Church is a huge part of my community, and it’s important to my family so I make it a point to go.
• Trying to learn the local language, even just a little bit, even just making it known that I am attempting to learn.
• And finally going to as many of the local cultural events that I can, interacting with as many people as I can.

4. What is a highlight of your time in service so far?

This is hard to answer because there have been so many highlights! I love my family and my community and having the opportunity to interact with everyone every day and learning just how connected everyone is has been so much fun. It’s also taught me just how much I love kids, and the true importance of community.

It has also been amazing getting the chance to explore this beautiful country, when I can, and to see just how vast a small country can be, from climbing Mount Ramelau to visiting Atauro Island. I will forever hold these small adventures deep in my heart.

5. What have you enjoyed most about the community where you are serving?

The kids. I love coming home every day to the chorus of “Biin Kelly fila mai!!!” and then they all run up and give me a hug. It makes me feel loved. I love taking the opportunity to color, play, and teach them new things.

6. What are some of the most important things you’ve learned from your community?

I’ve always known and believed in the importance of family, friends, and the community, but somehow living in Timor-Leste has taken that belief to the next level. Everything is based on the importance of relationships here, from time to work to cultural activities, and I think that is a beautiful thing!

7. How do you spend time when you are not working on a project?

I spend time reading, drawing/painting, journaling, and talking to my family.

8. What are you looking forward to in your remaining time as a Volunteer?

Finishing up my projects, traveling and seeing more of Timor-Leste, learning more about the culture, and seeing different cultural events.

9. Once you finish service, what will you do differently when you return to the U.S.?

Prioritize family, friends, and relationships more. I will make it a priority to budget more wisely, and I will also probably still say “Bondia!” to everyone I meet.

Want to learn more about serving in Timor-Leste? Connect with a recruiter today.