I was visiting with a volunteer (one of the new volunteers) who lives in a nearby village. We were talking about the fact that I only have 9.5 more months of service before my group of volunteers can begin COSing (COS=Close of Service). I related that to a pregnancy. To which, Lindsay (a wonderfully bright and hilarious girl) says "It's like giving birth to America!"
I just had to share this with everyone because for me it is hands down one of the best quotes I have heard in the 2 years I have been here.
So thank you Lindsay!! And for all of you at home, I will be giving birth to America in about nine and half months and I can't wait to see her!!
As for other news:
The first month of school flew by and I can't believe its already October! This is shaping up to be a great month already. My students have finally settled back into the school routine and classes are going much better (most of my students are actually doing their homework!!) I have started my supplementary lessons with the 9th and 12th grades to prepare them for their exit exams at the end of the school year and my teaching partners and I have gotten into our groove.
As second year volunteers, we have to get a medical and dental check up to make sure everything is still how it should be. I got through my medical check (pregnancy free) and will have my dental appointment later this month.
Next weekend in Chisinau is the Annual International Wine Festival and I am greatly looking forward to the weekend. Saturday morning the PSN group (Peer Support Network) that I am part of is holding the 2nd Annual Fun Run fundraiser! We seem to have a lot of interest in it from the Peace Corps community and maybe even some locals who are friends and colleagues of Peace Corps volunteers and staff! Then it'll be time to enjoy the festivities and try a variety of delicious wines!
On October 14 my village will have its Hram (h-ram). This is the village anniversary and was incredibly fun last year. I am looking forward to the carnival, concert and celebrating in the center of town with my new site mates (pictures to come soon!).
Things will quiet down in October for about a week, then I slide into the Halloween festivities at my school and with Peace Corps volunteers. My main partner and I are working out the details for activities at our school and my students are already asking to practice the Halloween "poem" that they have to recite in order to get candy. Have I mentioned lately how much I love my 6th grade class???
The temperatures are already dropping here (it was still warmish this time last year). I have pulled out the sweat shirts, sweaters and extra blankets. I even contemplated the necessity of leggings under my jeans but decided to not wimp out so early into the colder season. I have read a few articles saying this winter will be one of the coldest on record in over a century for Europe. Fingers crossed it is similar to last year and not colder. However, I am happy that I live closer to school. Maybe this California girl will be able to survive the long, cold winter.
