Before I say anything, I want to send kudos to the developers of
http://www.peacecorpsjournals.com. The streaming blog posts, videos, and photos are a brilliant idea. The new site layout makes it seem that the world is at our fingertips--I may be hooked!
Life is full of adventure here in Macedonia, and I've got just nine months to go of my 27-month term of service! How did two-thirds go by so quickly? I was shocked today to discover that some deadlines are approaching in terms of securing things for my life post-Peace Corps. I'm thinking I will stay in the region after my Close of Service (before pursuing a Master's in International Affairs in USA in September 2010), ideally in Bosnia and Herzegovina or the Middle East! I probably have a good chance at landing a fulfilling internship with AIESEC or even with one of the US embassies in the Balkans.
For now, I still have big plans in 2009!!!
March: Writing a grant to beautify our office, Attending the Balkans Entrepreneurship Initiative Conference in Niš, Serbia
April: Rural Tourism Project of a breathtaking nearby village, where I will spend a weekend at a bed-and-breakfast and take part in the clean-up, Attending a Peace Corps Language In-Service Training in Ohrid, Macedonia (improving my Macedonian, learning some Albanian and Turkish), AIESEC Career Days Fair and AIESEC Elections
May: Macedonian International Leadership Development Seminar
June: Going to Greece to take the GRE's, taking over the role of AIESEC's National Support Team
July: Two weeks in Mongolia for Ugie's wedding and the Nadaam Festivities, if financially possible.
August: Peace Corps Close of Service Seminar--planning the final months:-O
September: Turning 24!!!
October: AIESEC picks up as classes begin at the Faculty of Economics
November: Macedonian Open Seminar for Education and Motivation
December 2009: Peace Corps Close of Service
...taking a round trip flight to New Jersey and New York City for the holidays! Then in early 2010, off I go again, until Grad School Fall '10 semester...
It's going to fly by so fast, but for now I am ecstatic just living in the moment...
Posted above are some photos of my city's center during a carnival for Prochka/Day of Forgiveness on March 1, 2009.
