Привет! Well here I am, halfway through training! It’s honestly been kinda a whirlwind. It’s hard to believe that we’re already halfway through and I only have 4 more weeks till I’m an official PCV!
So the language is coming along nicely….I think for this point. I really need to continue strongly pursuing my SDL time (self directed learning). I have reached the point where I can easily convey simple things like my daily plans and I’m more comfortable asking my host family questions such as ‘how was your day’ and ‘what did you do today’ etc. I also have found that it’s easier for me to pick up words when listening to people speak. I still have to work on my answers but I can understand the basics of what people are saying….so long as they’re not speaking too fast! But I honestly love learning Russian and I’m super stoked for the time to come when I can easily converse and get around. I’m so glad that I was placed in Russian language so that I can use it later in life (ok, hopefully I get assigned to a Russian speaking community!)
We had our last teaching day last week. I’m pretty excited to be done with teaching for now. I’m just not too comfortable with it; although during my self evaluation my tech teacher said that I look confident and that I have a natural presence when I’m teaching (wish I felt that way, but I’m sure that’ll come in time with more practice).
Well, we are scheduled to help out in English class on Monday, but I wouldn’t be surprised if that falls through. It’s the end of the school year so a lot of kids ditch on class. In Ukraine there isn’t a high accountability for class attendance and it’s often not mandatory -like there’s no regulation or consequences for students missing class-. So sometimes students can just decide not to come to class; or they may go to the beginning of the day and then by the time they’ve been through 4 class hours they’ve had enough and just go home or go hang out somewhere.
We started working on our summer camp and community project. We are holding a 4 day summer camp the first week in June. Both of our training clusters are hosting camp in our respective schools and then coming together for the final day and community project. Our theme is “Equality and Respect”. We are working with a club for disabled children for our community project and so we are teaching for 3 days with the culmination of summer camp bringing everyone together to hang out with the kids from Club Hope. In Ukraine there isn’t a lot (really none) of support and tolerance for disabled children and their families. Unfortunately these people are often ignored by society, may not even be accepted into a lot of school systems, not to mention there is practically zero government support. Our PST group wanted to do something to reach out to these kids and families and also to try to bring about awareness in our community. It would be awesome if our project planted some seeds of friendship and the schools and Club Hope will work together in the future.
Ok, so my thoughts now at this time: I feel like I’m still feeling things out and getting my bearings. As I said, I love learning the language and I’m becoming more comfortable in this society in general, and of course I don’t like the teaching. We had self-assessment interviews this week and one of the things they asked us was to seriously consider our commitment to PC since we have site placement interviews next week. I understand their concern with people making sure they are committed before continuing on with placement, etc…I’m sure it’s tough for these communities to ask for and receive a volunteer only for that person to leave before their service is over. But for me, I cannot make any solid decisions at this point. Training is only for 2 months so I can’t justify basing a decision off 2 months of which are not even going to be what my service is like. On the other hand, I’m def not packing my bags just yet! Sometimes I still have days where I wonder if this is the right thing for me…again, 2 years of my life is a lot to give up; but I want to give it a chance. I’m sure once I get settled into my actual home and worksite things will fall into place. Until then I’m learning a lot of patience! Lol!
So we learn our site placement when we leave Fastiv on June 15 and go to Kiev for our Conference and Swearing In. Aggghhh!….that’s so long from now! I’m ready to know where I’m going now! Haha. Honestly I have no preference on geographical location of my site…I don’t want to be in a super remote village (I want internet access). The only request I have is that I’m at least within like 1 hr distance from another PCV. It’s been hard for me to adjust to this life and deal with the loneliness and right now I have 9 other people in my town…I most def would not be able to make it completely by myself.
On that note I plan on getting a pet…preferably a dog but I would settle for a cat just in case I do get super busy and have little time for a pet; cats can take care of themselves for the most part. I’ll need something to keep me company. Also, I know I would get so super attached to a puppy bc I love them sooo much. I’ve been told that it’s possible, as other RPCVs have done this, to bring your puppy home with you after service. But I’m sure that will be a huge hassle with the paperwork, shots, travel logistics, etc. and I don’t think that I would be able to just leave a dog behind after spending two years with it.
So last weekend was Victory Day here. (April and May are chock full of holidays!) We had some tech training but after that I went to a BBQ with my adopted host fam at the Botanical Gardens and met up with my host family later at their BBQ. Later I went with Anna to the fireworks. We just went to the edge of town and there was a ceremony followed by about 10 mins of fireworks…they were decent and I’ve def never been that close to fireworks! I’m really gonna miss 4th of July!
I’ve been thinking and compiling a list of things I miss from home in no order:
* English * Friends * American food * Thurs night din
* Driving * Family * Clothes dryers * 105.7 The Point
* Concerts * Wrigs * Going to Texas * Village People Party
* Borders * Diet Coke * TV * Consistent hot water
* the News * the Gym * Dance Class * BBQs and late nights
* Cards Games - beer, brats, baseball * Cheesecake Factory
* Being able to go to a bar
Things I def don’t miss:
* 40 hr workweek *Twin beds * The profusion of fast food
* Bills *Buying gas * Doing 4 hrs of laundry bc I have so many clothes
Things I don’t like about my new life (PST):
*Having to pay for/ride the bus daily * Not cooking for myself
* Curfew * No pets
* Uncertainty
Things I like about my new life (PST) and Ukraine:
* Borsch * Birthday Parties * Learning Russian
* Challenges * Walking everywhere * Tea Time
* the weather and landscape * Fashion - I’m gonna adopt a few things
K, that’s all for now. Peace Out!
Oh, I will be putting my pics online soon. I sent out some emails with a few pics so if you didn’t receive and email I’m sorry, it’s because I don’t have your address. You can get in touch w/ either my parents or Aaron and they can hopefully forward the email or you can wait for the link to view the pics online.
Love! Лювлю
До Свиданя!
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Bugs, Water, and Beautiful Cities
Priviet!
So I now know what the real PC experience is allll about: big bugs, lack of water, etc. As of last week the water in my host home officially only works at night. I don't know why this is and most of the time the water is freezing. Last week I had to go without a real shower for like 3 days. Meantime I was able to take freezing cold sink baths and run my hair under the faucet. Only as of yesterday did my host family introduce me to the 'summer shower.' For some reason we get water out in the garage for showers but not in the home. Hmmm...don't know what's with that. Now I just have to find out when I can do laundry. I guess this will be the time I learn to handwash.
And last week a huge bug invaded my room and tried to eat my face off! (Those of you who are familiar with my bug phobia may find this story interesting...just image what I was doing!)
I was just sitting there minding my own business and doing my homework while enjoying the cool breeze flowing through my window when this massive bug tried to enter my window! I freaked out and shut the window. I stood there for a several seconds contemplating what to do. Normally I would cry for my mom or Aaron to come and kill and dispose of this bug for me. But I have not yet learned how to say "save me from this huge bug!" in Russian.
Since I had my first self-evaluation coming up I decided to grow up and take care of the bug myself. My mom would be so proud! :) So I smashed the bug in the window and tried to shoo it outside. But that didn't work bc he fell into my room! aaagghhh! What to do?! I thought about calling my host sister to help but again decided that my host family would tell the PC that their volunteer is afraid of big bugs and cannot handle them on her own. So I grabbed the nearest shoe and smashed him! Then I was looking around for some paper to use to pick up the guts when my host papa came out of his room and saw what I was doing and came to investigate. Only then did I try to describe the invador and his intentions. Papa thought it was hilarious and ran to tell mama and Anna before being a great host dad and getting rid of the bug carcas.
Anyhow...last week we also took our first trip to Kiev. (Yes, I swear this time that pictures are coming!) We visited the PC office, a couple of churches, Independence Square, and the Dnipro River. It was a great day!
We had our LCF rotation this week - aka we got a new Russian teacher for the next 3 weeks. She's great. It's hard to believe that we're halfway done with training! We also are done teaching in the schools next week which I'm super stoked about! Teaching is hard enough for me bc I have no experience...you can't even imagine how crazy it can be being a rookie teacher and having to teach in another language that you've been studying for only a month! But all things considered it's been going well. I'm excited for us to start working on our summer camp and community project next week.
We had another adopt-a-cluster (current PCV) visit our site this week. I think that that is the best program that PC has during training. It gives us a chance to speak with PcVs and get real stories about their experiences, not just the amazing flowery stories that PC tells you.
Well my computer is having low battery and I'd better go. On the agenda for tomorrow is (seriously) getting my pics posted online. I know everyone is anxious to see them!
Love!
So I now know what the real PC experience is allll about: big bugs, lack of water, etc. As of last week the water in my host home officially only works at night. I don't know why this is and most of the time the water is freezing. Last week I had to go without a real shower for like 3 days. Meantime I was able to take freezing cold sink baths and run my hair under the faucet. Only as of yesterday did my host family introduce me to the 'summer shower.' For some reason we get water out in the garage for showers but not in the home. Hmmm...don't know what's with that. Now I just have to find out when I can do laundry. I guess this will be the time I learn to handwash.
And last week a huge bug invaded my room and tried to eat my face off! (Those of you who are familiar with my bug phobia may find this story interesting...just image what I was doing!)
I was just sitting there minding my own business and doing my homework while enjoying the cool breeze flowing through my window when this massive bug tried to enter my window! I freaked out and shut the window. I stood there for a several seconds contemplating what to do. Normally I would cry for my mom or Aaron to come and kill and dispose of this bug for me. But I have not yet learned how to say "save me from this huge bug!" in Russian.
Since I had my first self-evaluation coming up I decided to grow up and take care of the bug myself. My mom would be so proud! :) So I smashed the bug in the window and tried to shoo it outside. But that didn't work bc he fell into my room! aaagghhh! What to do?! I thought about calling my host sister to help but again decided that my host family would tell the PC that their volunteer is afraid of big bugs and cannot handle them on her own. So I grabbed the nearest shoe and smashed him! Then I was looking around for some paper to use to pick up the guts when my host papa came out of his room and saw what I was doing and came to investigate. Only then did I try to describe the invador and his intentions. Papa thought it was hilarious and ran to tell mama and Anna before being a great host dad and getting rid of the bug carcas.
Anyhow...last week we also took our first trip to Kiev. (Yes, I swear this time that pictures are coming!) We visited the PC office, a couple of churches, Independence Square, and the Dnipro River. It was a great day!
We had our LCF rotation this week - aka we got a new Russian teacher for the next 3 weeks. She's great. It's hard to believe that we're halfway done with training! We also are done teaching in the schools next week which I'm super stoked about! Teaching is hard enough for me bc I have no experience...you can't even imagine how crazy it can be being a rookie teacher and having to teach in another language that you've been studying for only a month! But all things considered it's been going well. I'm excited for us to start working on our summer camp and community project next week.
We had another adopt-a-cluster (current PCV) visit our site this week. I think that that is the best program that PC has during training. It gives us a chance to speak with PcVs and get real stories about their experiences, not just the amazing flowery stories that PC tells you.
Well my computer is having low battery and I'd better go. On the agenda for tomorrow is (seriously) getting my pics posted online. I know everyone is anxious to see them!
Love!
Monday, April 27, 2009
New Traditions
Hey everyone!
Well, not a whole lot has happened since the last post. I haven't found any new bf's w/ the yellow jacket and I think I've figured out how to wear it! Haha.
Things are going pretty well. Good news is that the free internet is back! I finally came here and asked the guys at the company. Soo..for real, pictures will be coming soon! Hopefully I'll have this luck at my site!
Tomorrow I'm teaching again, this time on nutrition so hopefully all goes well. Russian is still kicking my butt but I think I'm doing better than I think. By the end of next week we have to have our proposals for the community project and summer camp. I'm pretty excited to be doing that work rather than teaching.
This past weekend we had a birthday party for my host mom. It was a good time. Also yesterday was another holiday in Ukraine. I don't know what it's called but everyone goes to the cemetary and has food and drink w/ their loved ones at their gravesites. So I went with my family and we were there for like 2 hours visiting family and friends' graves. It's also a tradition to leave candy and food at the grave site...this is all in vain because the gypsies come behind you and take the food and candy. That's a sad situation really. But anyways, it was a neat experience and I'm glad I got to go!
I've been hanging out a little more w/ people in my cluster/link group and I love it. The weekends are the only times we really have free (from lesson and homework) so it's awesome to get together and just chill. I have so much fun w/ these people and it really helps me to relax and feel like I'm having some sort of life here.
This Wednesday we're going to Kiev. Pretty stoked for that!
Well, I really don't have much else right now to update on. (Oh side note, the dance class down the hall is having using music that we use at my studio! Wow..I really miss it! What I wouldn't give to have a ballet class right now! Hopefully I can find someplace when I get to my site. I should prolly take the time by myself to dance and relax more, but I'm just not in the mental/emotional state right now. Dance is something that brings me joy, but it's difficult for me to dance when I'm stressed/unsure...etc, you get the point. Really, I should just do it becase it's good for me! )
Anyways...catch up soon. Love and miss everyone like crazy!
Love!
Well, not a whole lot has happened since the last post. I haven't found any new bf's w/ the yellow jacket and I think I've figured out how to wear it! Haha.
Things are going pretty well. Good news is that the free internet is back! I finally came here and asked the guys at the company. Soo..for real, pictures will be coming soon! Hopefully I'll have this luck at my site!
Tomorrow I'm teaching again, this time on nutrition so hopefully all goes well. Russian is still kicking my butt but I think I'm doing better than I think. By the end of next week we have to have our proposals for the community project and summer camp. I'm pretty excited to be doing that work rather than teaching.
This past weekend we had a birthday party for my host mom. It was a good time. Also yesterday was another holiday in Ukraine. I don't know what it's called but everyone goes to the cemetary and has food and drink w/ their loved ones at their gravesites. So I went with my family and we were there for like 2 hours visiting family and friends' graves. It's also a tradition to leave candy and food at the grave site...this is all in vain because the gypsies come behind you and take the food and candy. That's a sad situation really. But anyways, it was a neat experience and I'm glad I got to go!
I've been hanging out a little more w/ people in my cluster/link group and I love it. The weekends are the only times we really have free (from lesson and homework) so it's awesome to get together and just chill. I have so much fun w/ these people and it really helps me to relax and feel like I'm having some sort of life here.
This Wednesday we're going to Kiev. Pretty stoked for that!
Well, I really don't have much else right now to update on. (Oh side note, the dance class down the hall is having using music that we use at my studio! Wow..I really miss it! What I wouldn't give to have a ballet class right now! Hopefully I can find someplace when I get to my site. I should prolly take the time by myself to dance and relax more, but I'm just not in the mental/emotional state right now. Dance is something that brings me joy, but it's difficult for me to dance when I'm stressed/unsure...etc, you get the point. Really, I should just do it becase it's good for me! )
Anyways...catch up soon. Love and miss everyone like crazy!
Love!
Saturday, April 18, 2009
My family is trying to pawn me off...
Hey!
So...yeah, I know it's been a while on the blog again. Actually I am keeping a really good 'journal' on my computer. But as some of you may know I've hit a bit of an internet SNAFU. See we did have access to free internet but they cut us off. I'm now at an internet cafe but I would really like to find someplace to use my own computer and then post my other entries.
But here's what's going on so far.
Completed the first two weeks and heading into the third. A lot of times it seems like I'll be here forever (which I've heard is normal feeling) but really thinking about it time is going rather quickly. We start teaching next week which is something I'm really nervous about bc I've never taught before; let alone in Russian! We are teaching a class on Healthy Lifestyles about not smoking to 7th graders. The good news is that I don't have to teach alone so I'm glad for that.
Other than that I'm doing ok. Language is still hard but I'm working at it and I definitly know more than when I came here so that's a step. Honestly sometimes I feel like I'm just not sure about this. Like I've def felt like wanting to go home a few times...but I do feel like there's a purpose to me being here and I'll find that out eventually. (hopefully sooner than later) I'm becoming slightly more comfortable as the days go by but for some reason the mornings are always the hardest for me and it's when I feel the loneliest.
This week I also managed to get food poisoning...apparently from the tomatoes. Since tomatoes are not in season it is not unusual for someone to get sick from eating them. I felt HORRIBLE! I had such bad stomach pains and you can imagine what else. But at least now I know what food poisoning is like so that if it happens when I'm at site on my own I'll know what to do. Basically just rest and try to get some fluids. I didn't feel so bad about getting sick when I learned that my host sister also was sick...so it wasn't just me being foreign.
My host family is still great. I've been getting into helping out around the house...last weekend I helped clean and stack wood and last night I helped to plant in the garden.
Tomorrow is Easter so I'll have a busy day! We are going to church at 5am! And I'm not sure what else happens during the day; last week Anna said something about going into the woods and having a picnic w/ my family's friends.
Next weekend is Oksana's birthday so I'm sure we'll be having a party, etc. Hopefully this time I won't get hit on! On that note...I think my host family is trying to marry me off! Last week Papa had a friend over doing work or something and at dinner he asked me if I had a boyfriend, like back at home, and I told him no. Then he said (in broken English/Russian/gestured) that his friend could be my boyfriend. !!! I was like...hahaha...no. It was kinda akward but pretty funny. Then last night my host mom and sister bought me and gave me a new coat which was very nice of them. Now this coat is not something that I would normally buy in the US...I suspect they are trying to help me be more Ukrainian as well... This coat is a mid length trench coat, has multiple zippers in multiple places, has shoulder pads, and is BRIGHT yellow. So I tried it on and it is a little big but fits ok for the most part and I do really like the style. So mama and sister helped me to fix it and then told me that all the men will like me now - like in my new coat. For the record...I did not join PC Ukraine to find a boyfriend/husband! HAHA! But it's been a hilarious experience. And I am grateful for the jacket. Despite the bright color it's comfy, I have a scarf that matches so I can tone down a little, and at least I won't be hit by a car or marshrutka.
Love!
So...yeah, I know it's been a while on the blog again. Actually I am keeping a really good 'journal' on my computer. But as some of you may know I've hit a bit of an internet SNAFU. See we did have access to free internet but they cut us off. I'm now at an internet cafe but I would really like to find someplace to use my own computer and then post my other entries.
But here's what's going on so far.
Completed the first two weeks and heading into the third. A lot of times it seems like I'll be here forever (which I've heard is normal feeling) but really thinking about it time is going rather quickly. We start teaching next week which is something I'm really nervous about bc I've never taught before; let alone in Russian! We are teaching a class on Healthy Lifestyles about not smoking to 7th graders. The good news is that I don't have to teach alone so I'm glad for that.
Other than that I'm doing ok. Language is still hard but I'm working at it and I definitly know more than when I came here so that's a step. Honestly sometimes I feel like I'm just not sure about this. Like I've def felt like wanting to go home a few times...but I do feel like there's a purpose to me being here and I'll find that out eventually. (hopefully sooner than later) I'm becoming slightly more comfortable as the days go by but for some reason the mornings are always the hardest for me and it's when I feel the loneliest.
This week I also managed to get food poisoning...apparently from the tomatoes. Since tomatoes are not in season it is not unusual for someone to get sick from eating them. I felt HORRIBLE! I had such bad stomach pains and you can imagine what else. But at least now I know what food poisoning is like so that if it happens when I'm at site on my own I'll know what to do. Basically just rest and try to get some fluids. I didn't feel so bad about getting sick when I learned that my host sister also was sick...so it wasn't just me being foreign.
My host family is still great. I've been getting into helping out around the house...last weekend I helped clean and stack wood and last night I helped to plant in the garden.
Tomorrow is Easter so I'll have a busy day! We are going to church at 5am! And I'm not sure what else happens during the day; last week Anna said something about going into the woods and having a picnic w/ my family's friends.
Next weekend is Oksana's birthday so I'm sure we'll be having a party, etc. Hopefully this time I won't get hit on! On that note...I think my host family is trying to marry me off! Last week Papa had a friend over doing work or something and at dinner he asked me if I had a boyfriend, like back at home, and I told him no. Then he said (in broken English/Russian/gestured) that his friend could be my boyfriend. !!! I was like...hahaha...no. It was kinda akward but pretty funny. Then last night my host mom and sister bought me and gave me a new coat which was very nice of them. Now this coat is not something that I would normally buy in the US...I suspect they are trying to help me be more Ukrainian as well... This coat is a mid length trench coat, has multiple zippers in multiple places, has shoulder pads, and is BRIGHT yellow. So I tried it on and it is a little big but fits ok for the most part and I do really like the style. So mama and sister helped me to fix it and then told me that all the men will like me now - like in my new coat. For the record...I did not join PC Ukraine to find a boyfriend/husband! HAHA! But it's been a hilarious experience. And I am grateful for the jacket. Despite the bright color it's comfy, I have a scarf that matches so I can tone down a little, and at least I won't be hit by a car or marshrutka.
Love!
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
I found internet!
So I have finally found internet!
As you can see I have been keeping track of my adventures but now have been able to post on the blog. (This is seeming very personal and is akward for me to share so much...but it makes me feel better.) So...I have lots for you to catch up on.
As for right now, we visited our first school today and we visit another one, the one I will be working in, tomorrow. Russian language is totally kicking my butt right now. Anna says that by two months I'll be able to speak it. We shall see! :)
Da Svidanya!
Love!
As you can see I have been keeping track of my adventures but now have been able to post on the blog. (This is seeming very personal and is akward for me to share so much...but it makes me feel better.) So...I have lots for you to catch up on.
As for right now, we visited our first school today and we visit another one, the one I will be working in, tomorrow. Russian language is totally kicking my butt right now. Anna says that by two months I'll be able to speak it. We shall see! :)
Da Svidanya!
Love!
April 6, 2009
Day Eight:
I’ve only been in Ukraine for two whole days; but on this Peace Corps adventure for a week now. It all started last Monday with a flight to Philly.
My thoughts after a week with the Peace Corps: I’m not really sure. I don’t have too many thoughts; or rather I have so many that it’s hard to decipher just one or two.
I am going to like mornings here at my host family. Everyone leaves at 7:30am for work and school while I have until at least 8:30 to leave for classes. I get about an hour to start my day and at least kind of collect my thoughts before starting the day. The biggest thing right now is trying to figure out if this is really what I want to be doing. I haven’t had any horrible days and the only thing I have to want for is internet access and more contact from home. But, all things considered, that is not bad at all! I got to speak with my parents again last night; we will be able to talk only on the weekends since that’s the only time that will work for both of us. I was hoping to speak with Aaron again last night, but I guess he was busy. I did get to check internet yesterday and he said he would try to call. I know he just wouldn’t call for no reason. I hope he can call me tonight.
As if I haven’t learned a lot of it already, I’m continuing to learn patience with myself. I’m still trying to adjust and the hardest thing is for me not to wish that I were somewhere else; perhaps with another host family, only because of the internet. (I think I found my one thing that is hard for me to deal with). ON the other hand, why shouldn’t other PCV s want to be with my host family? They are a lot of fun and I’ve already experienced a Ukrainian birthday party and picnic in the woods! But honestly, this is only a temporary thing, for in 3 months we will be heading to our sites. And then that is also only permanent as we have 2 years to stay there. I didn’t want to fall into a heavy routine right out of college, but I think that by the time I return home I will be ready for a routine, ready to settle down. We’ll see how I feel by the end of service!
I really like my host family. They are all so very nice and it will be so much better once I can get more Russian learned and can communicate better. I fear that they think I do not like them or am not friendly. I wouldn’t say that my first night here was full of conversation; I was still in shock and of course not sure what to say to them. I started on my own Ukrainian lessons back home, but then was told at the retreat to learn Russian…completely different for the most part.
OH, the first lesson I learned; don’t wear flats…at least not if you are going to spend the day walking the city. Your feet will be filthy by the end of the day.
I am still trying to work on my community mapping…it takes me about 5 minutes or so to get to town by bus; I have ridden it several times already, but I still do not really know the way. If I had to find it myself I most definitely could not. Well, I had better go and get ready for the day.
Love.
Day Eight:
I’ve only been in Ukraine for two whole days; but on this Peace Corps adventure for a week now. It all started last Monday with a flight to Philly.
My thoughts after a week with the Peace Corps: I’m not really sure. I don’t have too many thoughts; or rather I have so many that it’s hard to decipher just one or two.
I am going to like mornings here at my host family. Everyone leaves at 7:30am for work and school while I have until at least 8:30 to leave for classes. I get about an hour to start my day and at least kind of collect my thoughts before starting the day. The biggest thing right now is trying to figure out if this is really what I want to be doing. I haven’t had any horrible days and the only thing I have to want for is internet access and more contact from home. But, all things considered, that is not bad at all! I got to speak with my parents again last night; we will be able to talk only on the weekends since that’s the only time that will work for both of us. I was hoping to speak with Aaron again last night, but I guess he was busy. I did get to check internet yesterday and he said he would try to call. I know he just wouldn’t call for no reason. I hope he can call me tonight.
As if I haven’t learned a lot of it already, I’m continuing to learn patience with myself. I’m still trying to adjust and the hardest thing is for me not to wish that I were somewhere else; perhaps with another host family, only because of the internet. (I think I found my one thing that is hard for me to deal with). ON the other hand, why shouldn’t other PCV s want to be with my host family? They are a lot of fun and I’ve already experienced a Ukrainian birthday party and picnic in the woods! But honestly, this is only a temporary thing, for in 3 months we will be heading to our sites. And then that is also only permanent as we have 2 years to stay there. I didn’t want to fall into a heavy routine right out of college, but I think that by the time I return home I will be ready for a routine, ready to settle down. We’ll see how I feel by the end of service!
I really like my host family. They are all so very nice and it will be so much better once I can get more Russian learned and can communicate better. I fear that they think I do not like them or am not friendly. I wouldn’t say that my first night here was full of conversation; I was still in shock and of course not sure what to say to them. I started on my own Ukrainian lessons back home, but then was told at the retreat to learn Russian…completely different for the most part.
OH, the first lesson I learned; don’t wear flats…at least not if you are going to spend the day walking the city. Your feet will be filthy by the end of the day.
I am still trying to work on my community mapping…it takes me about 5 minutes or so to get to town by bus; I have ridden it several times already, but I still do not really know the way. If I had to find it myself I most definitely could not. Well, I had better go and get ready for the day.
Love.
Day Six:
Today was a good day. I got up about 9am…at my own waking! J It’s been a while since I’ve been able to sleep in! We had breakfast which consisted of mashed potatoes, fish, pork patties from the night before, some mix of peas, egg, ham, mayo…I don’t know what it was but it’s really good, and to top it off we had tea and chocolates. I’m not a very big breakfast eater so it was hard for me to get all of it down. But it was so good!
After breakfast I help set the table for Anna’s birthday party and she helped me with my Russian. I met with my cluster group for community mapping. Katya took us around Fastiv and showed us certain main points: the market, post office, police, administration building, train station, bus stops, how to get to and from her apt and our homes, etc. We all were able to exchange our dollars for UAH and make our first purchase (beverage) in one of the stores.
We also got to meet our TCF whom we will meet with for technical training. We all were also able to get cell phones. YES!!!!!!! Communication is the one thing I’ve been dying to have! Since I don’t have internet at my home, we can get it closer to in town, I needed a way to get in contact at least w/ my parents and Aaron. (This was all successful. After many texts and email help from Bob, my fellow PCV, my parents and Aaron were able to call me and talk for about 20 mins. What a great boost!)
I plan on hanging out w/ Bob tomorrow to send a few emails, update my face book, and update my blog. We also have to work on our community mapping project. We have an assignment for Tuesday to draw a map of Fastiv complete with directions on how to get around, including how to get home.
As I said before, tonight was Anna’s birthday party. I took the bus home from Katya’s apartment…scary at first, but I think I’ll be ready to go on Monday!
We had lots of food for dinner and some wine. Everyone makes a toast to the birthday girl. I even gave a toast, but it was in English. My Russian is basically non-existent at this time since I’ve only been working on it for 3 days. (Today we got all of our language materials. That is such a relief! Now I’ll have to get crackin’ and hit the language books.)
After dinner I went with Anna’s friends down to the river to hang out. They took lots of pictures and when we got back to her house we had the birthday cake. Remember the one I made the night before? Yep, that’s the one they cut! It was delicious! It was made out of some kind of thin wafer cake, a cream filling with pecans sprinkled, and chocolate topping; layered cake.
I met Anna’s grandma, friends, boyfriend, etc. A couple of her friends spoke a little English so they were asking me about myself and America. I showed them pictures of my family and friends. (Yes Dad, they all said that you are a cowboy! …I told them yes. J )
Love!
Today was a good day. I got up about 9am…at my own waking! J It’s been a while since I’ve been able to sleep in! We had breakfast which consisted of mashed potatoes, fish, pork patties from the night before, some mix of peas, egg, ham, mayo…I don’t know what it was but it’s really good, and to top it off we had tea and chocolates. I’m not a very big breakfast eater so it was hard for me to get all of it down. But it was so good!
After breakfast I help set the table for Anna’s birthday party and she helped me with my Russian. I met with my cluster group for community mapping. Katya took us around Fastiv and showed us certain main points: the market, post office, police, administration building, train station, bus stops, how to get to and from her apt and our homes, etc. We all were able to exchange our dollars for UAH and make our first purchase (beverage) in one of the stores.
We also got to meet our TCF whom we will meet with for technical training. We all were also able to get cell phones. YES!!!!!!! Communication is the one thing I’ve been dying to have! Since I don’t have internet at my home, we can get it closer to in town, I needed a way to get in contact at least w/ my parents and Aaron. (This was all successful. After many texts and email help from Bob, my fellow PCV, my parents and Aaron were able to call me and talk for about 20 mins. What a great boost!)
I plan on hanging out w/ Bob tomorrow to send a few emails, update my face book, and update my blog. We also have to work on our community mapping project. We have an assignment for Tuesday to draw a map of Fastiv complete with directions on how to get around, including how to get home.
As I said before, tonight was Anna’s birthday party. I took the bus home from Katya’s apartment…scary at first, but I think I’ll be ready to go on Monday!
We had lots of food for dinner and some wine. Everyone makes a toast to the birthday girl. I even gave a toast, but it was in English. My Russian is basically non-existent at this time since I’ve only been working on it for 3 days. (Today we got all of our language materials. That is such a relief! Now I’ll have to get crackin’ and hit the language books.)
After dinner I went with Anna’s friends down to the river to hang out. They took lots of pictures and when we got back to her house we had the birthday cake. Remember the one I made the night before? Yep, that’s the one they cut! It was delicious! It was made out of some kind of thin wafer cake, a cream filling with pecans sprinkled, and chocolate topping; layered cake.
I met Anna’s grandma, friends, boyfriend, etc. A couple of her friends spoke a little English so they were asking me about myself and America. I showed them pictures of my family and friends. (Yes Dad, they all said that you are a cowboy! …I told them yes. J )
Love!
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