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Dear SDPCA members and friends:
A friend of mine recently learned that I was an RPCV. He said “Wow…Peace Corps. So what did you learn?” What a question. Most people, upon learning you are an RPCV ask “What did you do?” or “What was it like?” Easy enough to answer. But, “What did you learn?” It certainly made me think.
At this time of year, as the holidays quickly approach, we are reminded that this is a season of giving, a season of caring and of thankfulness. I am grateful for my experiences in the Peace Corps and appreciative of my knowledge of the indomitable human spirit. I think that is my biggest takeaway from my time in Peru. As a PCV, I saw all ends of the spectrum of life, and am awed by those who have nothing, but refuse to let that define them.
And now, I ask you - during your time in the Peace Corps, what did you learn?
In peace,
Heather Ginsky, Peru (2010-11)
SDPCA President
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 Annual Holiday Party and Potluck!
Saturday, December 10 at 11am
First Church of the Brethren
3650 Westgate Place, San Diego, CA 92105
Join us for the biggest SDPCA event of the year and the best potluck in town!
Bring: a dish to share
Wear: something from your country of service
Enjoy: networking with other Returned Peace Corps Volunteers in San Diego
Shop: for unique gifts for family, friends, and yourself at the Silent Auction (credit cards accepted)
Buy: one or more beautiful 2017 Peace Corps Calendars (they make great gifts)
Donate: toiletries and diapers for Haitians in crisis in San Diego and Tijuana
Renew: your SDPCA membership
RSVP: by clicking here.
Learn more at SDPCA.org/Holiday-Party
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Save the date for these January events:
January 10 - Volunteer at the San Diego Food Bank
January 22 - Hike
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 Recipe of the Month:
Puddim de Queijo (Cheese Flan) from Cape Verde
Submitted by Colleen Garrett
- 1/2 kg cotija or Queso fresco cheese. Can be goat or cow cheese (in Cape Verde, it's usually goat)
- 1 kg sugar (the cheap stuff)
- 2 cups of water
- 12 egg yolks
- 4 egg whites
Grate the cheese. Boil sugar in water to the consistency of a thick syrup turn the heat down very low. Add the cheese and mix well. Remove from heat and combine with beaten egg yolks and egg whites.
Burn sugar in the bottom of a pan. Pour in the mixture and bake in a water bath until set.
Allow to chill completely, if possible refrigerate. Remove from pan to serve, if you like sprinkle with raw granulated sugar.
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 Rachel's House Meal Prep and Serve, Saturday, October 29
Eleven RPCVs gathered at the home of Karen Lindquist on Saturday, October 29 to cook a delicious Guatemalan meal and then serve the women in residence that evening at Rachel’s Women's Shelter in downtown San Diego.
Lynne Graham designed the menu and coordinated the kitchen and outdoor grill activities. The dinner, which received rave reviews from Rachel’s residents, included: rice with sautéed vegetables, black beans with garlic, onion and bay leaf, Pepian (pumpkin seed) veggie stew and homemade tortillas. Pumpkin pie and lemonade rounded out the meal.
THANK YOU to RPCVs Brian, Cherie, Genny, Karen, Leah, Lee, Lynne, Sara and family members Paul, Susan and Jim (just back two days ago from three years of service in Senegal).
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 SDPCA Camping Trip, November 5 and 6
A group of over 30 RPCVs, friends, and family met at Agua Caliente County Park for a night of fun, conversation, and soaking in the warm hot springs waters. All generations were represented and even seven children were in attendance who very much enjoyed the glow sticks and s'mores that came out after dark.
Campers rolled in during the afternoon and then gathered for happy hour around 4pm. At 5, several attended the yoga class offered on the pool deck, then everyone feasted in true Peace Corps potluck style on chili with fixin's, curried veggies, mac and cheese, corn bread, rice, brussel sprouts, salad and many more delicious dishes. Two surprise guests ate, too.The campground hosts turned out to be RPCVs and member Lynne made sure they joined in the fun. After a restful warm night's sleep, all were up early for coffee and another delicious breakfast potluck. Almost everyone was off for a hike after eating then headed back into the pools for one last swim. It was a successful camping adventure and many new friends were made.
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Door of Faith Orphanage Trip, Baja California, Saturday, November 19
A rag-tag group of RPCV’s embarked on a mission to work together to create an amazing experience for the children of the Door of Faith Orphanage in La Mision, Baja California. With a dozen volunteers, we prepared a meal that included BBQ’d chicken, a variety of fruit, a rainbow of salad goodness, and bread to appease their rumbling tummies. We played and colored with the children after the meal, which they loved. It was an unforgettable experience for both the children and ourselves. Mission complete!
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