From the Land of Fire: Ok, so I'm not the best at updating...

A little bit about me...

Hi my name is Raechelle, and I lived in the secular Muslim country of Azerbaijan as a Youth Development Volunteer for the Peace Corps for three years and three months. I am now the Administrator of the official Returned Peace Corps Volunteers Friends of Azerbaijan group. As such, I am working to promote Peace Corps third goal of helping promote a better understanding of Azerbaijani people to Americans.

I created this blog as a way for future Peace Corps Volunteers, my friends and family, and Americans in general to understand what life as a Peace Corps Volunteer is like. As part of the pilot program for Youth Development in Azerbaijan, my work in Azerbaijan was diverse to say the least. I took on a role as youth educator, mentor and promoter. I helped with academic advising, established informal youth service clubs, encouraged youth to be proactive in their communities, promoted volunteer-ism and making a positive contribution to their communities.

I served as an extended volunteer, meaning that I served a third year instead of the traditional two year and three month service. During that time, I got married to my community counterpart and embraced many parts of the Azerbaijani culture. It is my hope to provide you a sense of understanding of life as a Peace Corps volunteer, life in Azerbaijan, and a bit about Azerbaijani culture through my experiences. Please feel free to comment or email me if you have any questions or suggestions for topics you'd like to hear more about.

Friday, August 3, 2007

Ok, so I'm not the best at updating...

Ok, I find out where I will be spending the next two years this afternoon... in about an hour. So I am excited and a little nervous today. I also wanted to just let you all know that things are going really well here. I have done a lot since I got in country, and will try to give you a brief run down of what I have been up to:

1. Language Classes six days a week

2. Peace Corps sessions in Youth Development training

3. Peace Corps hub days were we learn all sorts of stuff, and we get shots...always with the shots.

4. I went on a hike on a very beautiful "mountain"

5. I spent a weekend in Barda, which was very hot.

6. I have been working on hosting an english club once a week with fellow volunteers in my training site.

7. I have been sweating my butt off! It's really hot here!

Ok, so that was lame, but to be fair, I do have to leave soon :)
I love you all, and will update you again soon! Next time a real one, I promise!