It has been a very long while since I’ve posted an update, and for that I apologize.
I’ve been in a few photos other people have taken, and have also take a few myself, but I will upload those later. For now, updates!
Okay, so as many of you know, I am going to be living in Librazhd for two years. I am excited to work with my counterparts, as well as my site mate. I’ve taught most of this week, and have been truly blessed to have been given the opportunity to swear in as a volunteer. While we are still technically in training, it’s to be able to call myself a Peace Corps Volunteer, as opposed to a trainee.
The classes have been fun. Most of my time will probably be spent at the 9vjecare – the nine year school (basically grades 1-9). Classes are 45 minutes each, and the students stay in same room while the teachers rotate. Most of the students are very eager and enthusiastic, and large portions of every class want to participate. While there are some students who are shy or uninterested, that is part of school; if anything, most of the students seem more eager here than in any other place I’ve seen.
I do have my own place now, and I have indeed set up internet here. As we speak, I am sitting in my room righting this out. My landlords are going to be like a second family to me, I can see it already; they are warm, friendly, welcoming, and they have a sense of humor. They watch out for me, and are always concerned I am not eating enough. I miss my host family, but I feel this new family will become like another host family to me. The nice thing about living in Librazhd is I will be able to see my host family, and maybe even have the pleasure of inviting THEM over for dinner sometime.
I live near a lovely stream now, and at night, it is the sound of the river that puts me to sleep. It reminds me of the rain on the banana leaves outside my room window back home. It was such a comforting, natural sound. The river is very much like that.
I like it so much, in fact, that last night I wrote a 3-stanza-long poem about it.
So, in closing this little update to you all, I give you my poem about the river.
Sing to me river, sing me to sleep,
Sing all you want, while rain gently weeps.
Peacefully, river, cast all your spells,
Anger and anguish you always can quell.
Strong are your currents, working your magic,
Easing the pain of all that is tragic.
(My, how deep. Anyway, signing out for now, much love to all)
-Jefferson