During the application process and especially immediately before Staging, the specifics of what I would actually do in the Peace Corps were few and far between. But, that didn’t really matter because it was the spirit of the Peace Corps’ mission that was appealing. However, right before Staging, when the reality of leaving the States for 27 months became bigger than life itself, feelings along the lines of “what am I getting into?” came crashing through my daily consciousness.
As soon as Staging began, specifics came more frequently, although not all specifics have been forthcoming even now. However, this is becoming less of a concern because the experiences so far have demonstrated that this process has been refined and continues to be refined by the Peace Corps. Orientation week helped fill in some gaps and now, at just about the one-half milestone of the way through the training process, I am experiencing a comfortable feeling that even without the specifics, I am confident that the Peace Corps has this under control and things will work out. This week is being devoted to structured practicum experiences. We have been assigned in groups of two trainees each to meet with municipality offices and NGO (Non-Governmental Organizations) to explore their mission, goals, organizational structure, staffing, projects, financial standing (funding) and sustainability. During this week, since each day is devoted to the practicum assignments, our language classes have been suspended and we receive individual tutoring each day. This has been wonderful for me, because I have had difficulty keeping up with the others during group instruction. Individual tutoring seems to help me move more rapidly and I feel that I am now progressing as well as the other trainees. My anxieties about becoming prepared to move to a work site on my own are diminishing.
We have even been given opportunities to hear from and question Volunteers currently serving in Macedonia. They have been disarmingly honest about the frustrations and physical discomforts that lie ahead. They have also been reassuring about the amount of support available to all volunteers and the eventual clarity of work roles that develops.
This coming Saturday (10/22) the volunteers currently serving in Macedonia have arranged for a Field Day in the capital of Skopje. All of the trainees from all training sites have been invited. The day is going to include activities for everyone to get to know each other better before we become scattered across this country. There will also be a yard sale of sorts during which the PSTs (Trainees) can buy items that the PCVs (Volunteers) are hoping to sell before their COS (Close of Service). It has already been reported that there will be various kitchen utensils, household supplies and other items purchased by volunteers during their stay here and which they do not want/need to take home with them. I already have the right of first refusal on a sleeping bag. I think it will be a necessity, at least if/when visiting other volunteers on weekends and travels throughout this country in the winter. This week the Peace Corps has provided the Trainees with room heaters for the remainder of our training. I fear that this portends the coming winter to be brutal. Since it has already dipped to less than 12 degrees Celsius (I think that would be less than 50 degrees Fahrenheit) in my room recently, I accepted one for my own use.
Peace Corps provided a room heater for use in Host family home. I hope I do not have to take this with me when I travel by bus with my 2 duffel bags, a back pack and my computer case to my assigned site.
Almost ready to use. I just have to decide when to disconnect everything else so I can plug in the heater (only one outlet in the room).
Language is progressing and we will have a Language Proficiency ‘practice’ exam next Thursday. The PC has an examiner come to interview us individually and then we will know how we are truly progressing toward the proficiency exam which we must pass at least at the low – intermediate level if we are to be sworn in as volunteers on Thanksgiving Day by the US Ambassador to Macedonia. Following that, we will be feted at a true American Thanksgiving feast, complete with Turkeys flown in from America – - – YUM! (Please, no jokes about how can a turkey fly across the Atlantic Ocean). Then, the next day will be the start of some true tests of our ability to live and function productively in this country for we will leave the protection of our host families and move to our assigned sites. Some of us will be the only PCV in a village and some of us will have other PCVs assigned to the same town/city, but not really close by each other. We will get settled into our new living arrangements and then begin work on the following Monday.
I contiune, whenever I have Internet connectivity, to add photos to my Picasa Web Albums. They can be viewed at the following links:
September 2011 Photos:
October 2011 Photos:
This will likely be the last posting until then; perhaps even a little longer if Internet connectivity is difficult. So, I am prepared to celebrate the 40th anniversary of my 28th birthday next Sunday in a foreign land with only a few recently formed friendships to share the occasion. It is unlikely that I will be able to do more than have a short phone conversation with those I love and miss back in America. The conversations will be shorter than desired because of cost and a Skype video group session will not be likely because I will not have an Internet connection. On the other hand, I will be in a wonderful country, living in an amazing culture and looking forward to some challenging and rewarding experiences. What more could anyone desire?
