KZ in AZ

So, I got my assignment and I am not aloud to say where I am going or who I am working for on this blog. However I do want to say I am SUPER SIKED!! Basically I am working for an Azeri non-profit, here they are called Non-Government Organizations (NGO’s) and unlike America they are the best paying jobs and people are not necessarily there for the mission. I find this extremely confusing and not sure how it will affect me doing projects at this point. I have met my counterpart and he is awesome but speaks no English. Despite that we totally get each other and were able to commutate. Some of the projects I will be involved in include going to my towns’ orphanage and playing sports with the kids, working on woman’s rights issues, human rights, teaching classes such as computer 101 to the community and other projects to be seen. My job is pretty much the most amazing job I could have asked for. One of the duties on my job description is literally “enlighten the community” (AWSOME)! I say this is both a doable and measurable expectation… LOL! So in general I am just too excited!!!

My first batch of pictures was received in the US soooo hopefully some will be posted soon so you can see more of what my world looks like. I have settled a lot more and thanks to Vicki and Saneesh I have plenty of fun shows and movies to watch when I need an American fix. (SANEESH – I want season 2 of 30ROCK !!! ) I have been very busy I call where I’m at right now “PC boot camp” and I have been told it is the hardest part of my service. Basically we are crammed with language study, community development information, economic development information, cultural integration information, culture shock, and are also supposed to develop a new social and support network. I have met some great people already and my cluster (the PCT’s in my local area) is great! I have along with my friend Mere have adopted a stray dog that guards our school. Everyone thinks we are absolutely nuts and has even brought us alternative dogs to love but we refuse. She is a Mutt’s mutt and is dirty and scared but she is sooooooo sweet!! I will try to post her picture on this blog. Anyways that’s about it for the moment. In the beginning of September I will be moving to my new site that I will be at for 2 years. I visit my site, host family and workplace next week for a few days so I’ll have a better idea soon of where I’ll be.

I know I’m not the best at the moment with replying to blog messages and emails… it’s boot camp that makes it hard. Once I get settled at my site I should have more frequent internet access and will be able to better reply to everyone. Do know that I miss you and hearing from everyone is really comforting. I hope everyone is doing well!! Till next time, ciao.