We're here. After months and months of anticipation and mystery, we have arrived at our training site (Baryshivka), are learning Russian (slowly), and are starting our technical training. Not that the mystery is over completely...but there is still much to learn and we are yet to be placed in our permanent work site.
We'll start at the beggining...
Staging went well. Our group is large (110 volunteers) but people's enthusiasm is very high. Everyone seems to have great intentions and abilities, though all varied.
We can't have asked for smoother travel. Although long and tedious, our 27 hour voyage to Kiev went well. We arrived a bit stinky and tired to Desna, a former soviet resort, where we had orientation. Here we found out our training groups and communities.
On Tuesday we arrived in Baryshivka with 3 other tainees. We were placed with a host family who has hosted 3 other volunteers. The host family consists of 3 women. Mama, Babushka, and sestra. We have our own room: complete with bed, couch, dresser, desk, television, and cd player. Hot water is available!! though very expensive (gas prices are high), so our bath/shower is very short. Our babushka is a fantastic cook.... that being said, she cooks a lot. Like... thanksgiving meal a lot. It is a wonderful thing to feel welcomed into a home. With time they will learn (we will be able to tell them) that we have small apetites and bread and cheese is a big enough breakfast. This morning we were served a large noodle bowl with chicken and caramelized onions. Not to mention the bread and cookies that are always on the table.
Did we mention we're learning Russian? We are. Its a very different language from English or Spanish, but we're starting with the basics. Our Peace Corps teacher is well prepared for the daily 4 hour lessons. Ukraine's official language is Ukrainian, but a large percentage of the population speaks Russian (especially in the South and East of the nation... probably where we will be placed after training).
Please keep us informed about whats going on with all of you. We look forward to news from home.
CONGRATULATIONS TO ANDRES AND ALYSSA ON NEW BABY BOY LUCAS FAJARDO!!
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Oh man, you get to call people babushka. I'm so jealous.
ReplyDeleteHappy to hear you made it safely and everything is going well! Good luck with the Russian!
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed hearing from you. Still trying to find Baryshivka on the map. Love Mom and Dad.
ReplyDeleteHey, We all went to your movie tonight ... the meatball movie. It was entertaining but not great! Not like the Ice Age.
ReplyDeleteDo you have indoor toilet? How is the home heated? What does the country look like in your yard? How far are you from the Internet Cafe? How much does it cost to use their computer? Where is Baryshivka? We miss you both!!!!!! Cold fall day in Indy; rain expected; leaves are turning; love mom/dad.
ReplyDeleteGood to talk with you this morning. Love Mom & Dad
ReplyDeleteTime here is 11:14 AM - October 3, 2009 - Saturday. The posting time that is printing on this blog is 3 hours earlier. Don't know how to correct it.
ReplyDeleteMiss you guys, but glad to hear it's going well!! It's cold here...and raining...yay fall. Applying to schools for me, we'll see how that goes hehe. Describe more about what's around you and how the experience is, we want to pretend like we're there with you!
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