Maggie's Journey to Armenia

First of all, I’d like to apologize because procrastination has gotten the best of me this winter. I can’t believe how long it’s been since I have updated everyone on my journey here. Time really has been flying! I am coming on 8 months in country.  It is hard to believe that I only have a year and a half to go.   Before, I couldn’t do the whole count down thing. I couldn’t imagine being away from all my familiarities for 27 months, 25 months, or even 20 months. Now, 18 months? Totally manageable.

I haven’t been as productive as I would like to be but I feel settled and comfortable in Sevan and ready to begin the work. I am growing more and more comfortable staying at my site; the excitement of meeting up with other Americans has somewhat died down. And as Peace Corps Armenia has changed somewhat in the past few months (Youth Development will be replacing the CHE and EE sectors), I too have changed my role as a volunteer. I will be teaching English as a main assignment. I look forward to the new challenge and feel I can really do some good work in that role.

As for the rest of life? I have finally recovered from Nor Tari. It was fun, exhausting, and filling! To counteract the calories brought on by Nor Tari, I have started focusing on my fitness a little more, with the help of my site mate. We are taking free boxing lessons at the Culture House (perhaps I shouldn’t say free; I have compromised my “hay aghchik-ness” and my back is aching).

I also found an apartment to move in to after our PDM conference in a couple weeks. I look forward to the freedom of grocery shopping, bare feet, and showers on a more regular basis. However, I will miss living with the best family in Sevan (pictured below).