Az9...Oh My Goodness.

So, last year I wrote a blog post about the arrival of Az8 [link]. Looking back, I remember being in quite a funk. Of course, the post really does not capture the extent of that funk, but eh. The point is: I was really sad my friends were leaving and I was so mixed up about it that I could barely put together a coherent thought.

Well, now it is coming closer to that Az9 time (the next, next group of incoming PCVs) and I am funkless. I am also getting ready for my own COS (Close of Service) conference and preparing to leave this country...however, as part of my extension contract, I will be in Azerbaijan until January 9th, 2012 - which means I will sharing my site with however-many Az9s for a month.

That sort of freaks me out, but hey. I am over the freaking out time.

Anyhoo, I am full of advice and I am not scared to share it. Of course, the disclaimer is as always: I am a 20-something, mixed-race girl living in one of the most ethnically diverse regions of the country.

With that, on to advising it up:

Packing List
50 Tips
The Key to Great Care Packages

I could go on, but seriously...check this blog out. There is a ton of information on here.

Information not on here:

1. Try to save off on the care packages until you are at your permanent site. The moment you touch down, Peace Corps is gonna give you a water filter, sleeping bag, books, and a med kit.

2. Bring good pens. I really cannot stress this enough.

3. Most stuff you can get in Azerbaijan, it just may not taste like the home brand. If that is gonna drive you insane, pack enough for 3 months and hope that a care package arrives as soon as you get to site.

4. You are gonna be sad, tired, frustrated, annoyed, hurt, confused, etc - all within the first day. DO NOT QUIT. If it still bites after the first six months at site, then, maybe, consider leaving early.

5. Bring at least 2 books for PST, but no more. There are a ton of books in the Peace Corps lounge that you will have access to once you swear-in.

6. You can always call me if you are having a bad day or need a translation (someone to explain in Azerbaijani why you are drinking cold water). Just email me for my digits - that sounds weird now, but trust me - it will not in awhile...

Summer Plans

So, the last few blog posts sounds like I am ready to check out...which, I think is a completely normal feeling after spending a month mini re-adjusting to the US...

But...the good news...or at least the reality of it all is that checking out is the last thing on my mind. For all those who are interested, this is what summer has entail for me:

June
Week-long camp in Yevlax, engagement party for friend (Azerbaijani-style), FLEX preparation clubs, conversation clubs

July
AzerDash, Friend's wedding, 2-day counterpart training, summer camp in Lekit, Zaqatala Summer Art Program, FLEX preparation clubs, conversation clubs, cooking club, Frisbee-Fun club,

August 
Ramadan!, Job-readiness 5-day workshop, photography clubs, FLEX preparation clubs, conversation clubs, cooking club, Frisbee-Fun club, COS conference

Of course, I have also invited every Azerbaijani PCV to my house to learn basic canning and to claim my wares for after my departure. I am thinking, it is going to be a pretty jam-packed summer.

Americastan

I have been thinking about this post for awhile...well, ever since I wrote the first post [link] that had no conclusion.

I just blew in (and blew out again) of America...after being away for almost 3 years.

I think we should take a pause because, for me, that was a pretty big deal.

It was weird. The moment I touched down on US soil, I felt overwhelmed (which was expected).

What I did not expect was to be slightly dismayed at the lack of fanfare regarding my return (every RPCV talks about this...I will address it in a later post).

I did not expect to bust into tears at the airline ticket counter when a problem with my ticket arose.

I did not expect to hesitate when my friend Regina jumped in the driver's side of her car and motioned for me to get in - in the front seat.

I did not expect to be overwhelmed by how many apple juice options are carried by Fred Meyers.

And all that was mini re-adjusting. I know, for certain, that moving back to America will be hard and frustrating and often just as difficult as adjusting to Azerbaijan.

So here I am, back in Az (with much fanfare and excitement by my local friends) and I am feeling nervous. I am feeling overly emotional and I am feeling confused. Two months ago, I was positive I was going to try and stay overseas. Today, I am 68% certain I want to return to the US and even less certain as to where...

This all sounds rather frustrating...

and it is. It was easy for me to conveniently forget many of my reasons for joining Peace Corps. It was easy to just not want things to change and to live here forever. Of course, that cannot happen. I must take that next step...I just...whew. It is such a scary step.

Okay, check out these America pictures. I will get back to you on the whole "plan" thing.