Swear-in

Five days before swear-in, I sat down with my CD, or Country Director, for one final interview: a reflection on the last 10 weeks.

“Tell me about your commitment to serving as a PCV for the next two years”

I had prepared for the final interview by scribbling some notes next to the questions we were going to be asked, which were already in our assessment handbook. I wrote the acronym “EPIC”, which we had learned during training, and I wrote “overcoming challenges = PST”. These notes didn’t really help me when it came down to my explaining my commitment to serving for the next years, though. I scrapped what I had prepared to say and just told her straight how I was feeling, which was the most honest answer I could give her. I don't really remember exactly what I said, but it was along the lines of the fact that it was surreal that we were finally swearing in. Many of you know this already, so I'm not going to harp on it, but I've wanted to be a PCV for while now. I talked about what how it felt that I finally was going to be to a PCV, how because of that goal being part of me for so long, I can't not think about how badly I've wanted to be here. Maybe not necessarily in Indonesia, but here, as a volunteer, serving the U.S. in, what I believe, is a sustainable way.

Swear-in took place morning of December 10th. Each village flaunted their matching batik, snapped photos, and stood by the standing AC units as the PC staff finished some last minute prep. We practiced our movements on the stage one more time, then found our seats and the ceremony started. We began by singing both the Indonesian national anthem as well as the Star Spangled Banner. Then there were a few words from the Director of IAIN, the university that hosted us, our CD, Jennifer, and Consulate General Mark McGovern. One moment I want to remember is Gina and Riley, fellow ID12’s, giving their speeches in Indonesian, a language they has just started learning ten weeks ago. Their reflections of PST were shared by almost all my fellow trainees— gratitude, humility, and excitement.

From Section 3331 of Title 5 of U.S. Code, “An individual, except the President, elected or appointed to an office of honor or profit in the civil service or uniformed services, shall take the following oath…”

I, Kayla do solemnly swear or affirm that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter.

Myself and 54 fellow trainees said these words and immediately, like magic, we were PCVs. Peace Corps Volunteers. Talk about a pinch-me moment. The prior 10 weeks of literal blood, sweat and tears had paid off, and as we each entered the stage in the hot, crowded field house of IAIN Kediri, and as the call to prayer began over a distant loud speaker, we lined up, raised our right hands, and swore in as Peace Corps volunteers!

After the oath, we said the Peace Corps pledge, crossed the stage, and were handed our Peace Corps pin, which has both the Indonesian and American flags, as well as the Peace Corps logo. Following the ceremony, we sat with host families, and of course in true Indonesian fashion, took so many photos and selfies. And just when you thought you were done with the photos and selfies, more people asked for more photos and more selfies. I’ll never forget hugging our CL, Hima, so hard as we said our goodbyes. Fortunately, I now live where she’s from, so it wasn’t really goodbye at all. The real goodbyes were after swear in, as I hugged goodbye three fellow Manisrenggo trainees who were headed to site in West Java that night. From strangers in LAX to close friends, I'm so excited to see how their journey’s in Indonesia play out.

That night wasn't that different compared to others in Kediri. I went to the mall with my host sister, Tia. We took some photos in a photo booth, did some shopping, and ate at Pizza Hut. Looking back now, I'm embarrassed at how many times I ended up going to Pizza Hut, especially because the pizza is exceptionally mediocre. But, those trips to the Hut were all acts of desperation while really, really missing New York pizza, and there are only two places in the entire city that serve pizza. Folks in New York, please eat a nice cold-cheese slice for me, or enjoy some Grimaldi's. I miss it a lot.

Looking back at swear-in, I remember stating the Peace Corps pledge,

I first, Kayla promise to serve alongside the people of Indonesia.

I promise to share my culture with an open heart and open mind.

I promise to foster an understanding of the people of Indonesia, with creativity, cultural sensitivity, and respect.

I will face the challenges of service with patience, humility, and determination.

I will embrace the mission of world peace and friendship for as long as I serve and beyond.

In the proud tradition of Peace Corps’ legacy, and in the spirit of the Peace Corps family past, present, and future- I am a Peace Corps Volunteer.

I hope I remember this pledge, and the oath, and remember how badly I wanted to be here not too long ago, on the tough days and on the days when I want to quit. I'm sure there will be some, once the culture shock really sets in, and I hope that every struggle and tough day will all be worth it.

Also, tomorrow is my birthday! I'll be meeting up with a few friends in Pacitan, East Java. Although being away for the holidays has been rough, I hope all of you enjoy your time with friends and family the next several days. Selamat Natal!

Manisrenggo trainees with our families

Also, here's a video of the Indonesian national anthem, which English translation: