Christmas at 'home'

Had a GREAT time with my new American friends at Christmas. People from both years (AZ6 and AZ7) were there – 20-25 of us in all. It was fun because I could really be myself. And I got to be domestic, which I have been craving. Stephanie and I made pancakes while Brandon watched and commented on our lack of artistry. Stephanie is only a couple of hours north of me, in Balakan, last stop before the Georgian border. I’m really glad she’s nearby. Amanda brought the dance tunes and we had a blast. I slept on the floor at Danielle’s house (my sitemate) but it was worth it. It kinda felt like college.


This week I will observe a few more classes then I have a month off (though the students will be busy with exams) before the spring term starts in early February. Shira might stay with me for a couple of days during the first week of January and I might venture out and visit a couple of friends too. Now that we have sworn in and become volunteers we can travel around the country as much as we want. We must be conscious of the amount of time we are away from our jobs but that’s for us to decide (a surprisingly liberal policy for a rule-bound organization like PC). I wish I could go home for Kim’s birthday! But I can’t leave the country until March 10. Sigh.

Sheki!

Swearing-in was successful and I am in Sheki. But I am exhausted. It is difficult to adjust to a new culture. I will write more when I can. And hopefully post pictures!

Getting excited

Next week, if all goes well, I will swear in and become a Peace Corps volunteer. The next day I will be shipped off to Sheki. I'm glad I have something to look forward to during this holiday season. It's hard to be away from home!

Here's a photo of myself and my Sheki counterpart. Fellow Sheki-mate Irene and her counterpart are also in the photo.