I've been at my new (permanent) site for just over a week now. It's still very surreal! A lot has gone on since I last posted; there's too much to write here, but I'll try to hit the big points.
Our Swearing-In Ceremony was a success, I think. It was a bigger celebration than usual since it is PC's 50th Anniversary. I'm very proud to become a volunteer during such a momentous time for PC! There were the normal speeches by PC staff, important Host Country Nationals, and two very talented A19s who have taken quickly to the Armenian language. There were also three musical performances by A19s-- one soloist sang "Chinar Es," a traditional Armenian song. Even though I'd heard it three or four times by the time of the actual ceremony, it gave me goosebumps. It's a very beautiful song and Joe gave a great performance. We also had two group songs -- one was another traditional Armenian song, "Nazan Im Yare." There's a great sample of this song on YouTube, I recommend looking it up! Also we sang a medley of four American songs arranged by one of our own A19s. The medley consisted of "Lean On Me," "Somewhere Over The Rainbow," "This Little Light of Mine," and "Peace Train." An odd combination, yes, but it sounded great! I'm glad I decided to be a part of the A19 family singers... it was a lot of fun, and definitely something new and different for me! The last time I sang on stage was in 4th grade chorus! The rest of the ceremony included a skit by one training village (an old Armenian folk tale which I didn't really understand) and the usual oath and distribution of certificates and pins.
Afterwards, some A18s greeted us and gave us goody bags to welcome us. It included such gems as a fly swatter, baby wipes, bottle opener, home-baked cookies, etc... all the essentials, apparently. Props to the Gyumri group for putting together a great collection of items.
That night and following day's emotions were tumultuous, to say the least. I had to say goodbye to quite a few people, one very unexpectedly. I spent some quality time with my training host family and taught them the art of s'more roasting. Definitely an appropriate end to the summer.
The next day we all packed up & shipped out to our respective sites. Saying goodbye to the training host families was rough, to say the least. Leaving the A19s was rough too. I'd gotten used to seeing them everyday or at least a couple times a week. Now we are dispersed throughout the country. And even though Armenia is tiny (roughly the size of Maryland), it can take upwards to 10 hours to reach the southernmost part of the country.
Since arriving at my site, I haven't done a whole lot. School doesn't start until September 1st, so there isn't much work to be done. I've been reading and talking on the phone (to A19s) a lot. At first, my new host family seemed reserved, but I think we're slowly getting used to each other.
One of the highlights of this week was going to the closing ceremonies of a COAF camp. The former took place last Friday, and it was quite the celebration. Kids from different villages came to perform skits, dances, and songs. I met a few kids from my village (unfortunately they don't go to my school) and they even got me to dance on stage with them.
I've also gotten to hang out with my three PCV "neighbors" a little bit. While we aren't exactly site mates, we're all within 45 minutes or so of each other. There's a big town nearby, Armavir, which has most of your modern amenities. We've gone there to eat pizza, go to the bank, and so forth. I'm not sure if I'd rather have direct sitemates (people living in the same village/town) or not. It's bittersweet either way.
I'm surprised at how much I've managed to write about this week.... most of my time has actually been spent reading and watching Armenian soap operas. I can't wait for school to start and for things to pick up a bit! But for now, I'll try to enjoy this break!
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