Phase 1: Finishing Line

Hard to believe but next Monday I'll be swearing in as a PCV (Peace Corps Volunteer). The first stage of training is a mere 8 weeks (6 for me, since I was 2 weeks late)...unlike the grueling 12 weeks I endured the first time around in Ukraine. Training is Albania has been a breeze. I still feel like I have only arrived here yet Monday I am finished with Phase I. Phase II will find me in a town just 60 miles north of the capital city. Burrel will be my home for 6 weeks of independent living and training, then it's back to my host family in the village of Thane for 2 more weeks of training (Phase III). My group in Thane consists of 8 folks....three of us are teacher-trainers, one is in community development and the others are university teachers. Everyone was assigned to a big city except for me, but to my mind I have the best site for connecting with my community...not an easy thing to do when you live in a big city. I have more opportunities to do some grassroots projects in my town and perhaps the surrounding villages because of its small size. One special thing of note is I have site-mates! A second-year health volunteer is already in place, and a woman from my training group will be placed in my town as well..she is a COD volunteer (Community and Organizational Development). Barbara will be working for the Mayor...who is...wait for it...a women! (A HUGE deal in this patriarchal country). This is a huge coup for me as I will be wanting to do all sorts of community projects and having a PCV with the mayor's ear will come in handy for sure.

                                                         The Village People. (Group Thane)

 Mike. Erion (teacher), Bill, Nate, Adrian, Lindeta (teacher), Cristin, Polly, Me and Julie