Hello Faithful Readers (I was told to say that) :-)

Arrived in Tbilisi this morning. The flights were flawless, but really long. We had a 7plus hour layover in Germany, so that just added to the length of travel time. It did give the team a change to get to know each other better, so that is a good thing.

So much has happened. I feels like weeks since orientation instead of days. For me,  Living at this level is a far cry from surviving day-to-day. It will definitely slow down time, as it already has. Want to say one more thing about luggage...
it all arrived and I wish I had created a flow chart so that I could now find in what bag I packed something. Believe me, the next deployment with PC will NOT include the amount of stuff I brought....I am also going to be learning two languages (Georgian and Peace Corps). Its funny that PC has its own language, and it does. Learning the short hand code for all the different facets of this program will also be a challenge. However, Georgian will be the challenge. Someone said if the Russian language and the Arabic language had a baby it would be Georgian....

Our training location is great. Way more than I expected. For the next five days, at least, I will have my own room and bathroom. Wow! Bazaleti is the training location for my geography friends. We are on a mountain and near a lake. It is just
beautiful and crisp...and as a bonus we have AC and heat and a remote to control it. Unbelievable, but not for long. On Saturday we will travel to meet our host families and I can guarantee that it won't be this plush.

One more share...arriving at the airport at 3am is a trip in itself. There were hundreds of people at the gate. Many PC people, but lots of local folks. TV cameras and flash camera going off....Also, the PC people - we could hear them making noise  as we arrived at customs. Customs people said - just follow the noise.  All the PC folks forms this line (on both sides) for us to walk through with our luggage cart. I felt like being on a cat walk....clapping, screaming, holding signs. Many were crying, including me....just loving this. I have a new phone that they gave me (that I don't know how to use) - but that is OK, as It will have good company with my watch and camera....so much stuff.

Hope everyone is well. I hope to post a picture, if I can figure out how to do it, so you can see where I am....and we have internet

Thanks for reading, Catherine Lawrence, G14

Note:  The contents of this blog are mine personally and do not reflect any position of the U.S. Government or the Peace Corps.

Finally, I am here in Arlington, Virginia. Staging has officially started. There are (56) volunteers from all over the country. I am in the company of (4) older volunteers...all women. The 20-something guys out number the gals,but everyone has been great. 

A good decision...I hired a car to bring me to the staging hotel. That was worth every penny. The bad decision....I have to much luggage. It was a mistake and I am worried about handling it all. I should be worried about some of the issues they discussed at staging; for example, large dogs that have been trained to hunt bears, snakes and spiders. I could go on, but I think I am still in denial (on some level) that I am really leaving the country for 27 months. I feel like a rubber band - but mostly, I did sleep well last 
evening (thanks goodness for Advil).

I am told that the US Ambassador will be meeting us at the airport on Tuesday, 4/29 at 3:05am (Georgia Time). Its a big deal when the Peace Corps comes into the country. TV coverage and print media will be available.

Here is a quote (hope it does not offend) but "Every fart is a gamble" - which speaks to human plumbing issues. We all kinda laughed, but oh brother. Also, the medical evacuation point for George is Thailand (sp?) - in case you are so sick they cannot handle your issues in Georgia. Also interesting fact is that of the TOP (10) countries that people gain weight in, Georgia is (3rd). So much for my weight loss plan.  

Every volunteer received a debit card for $120.00 which will cover meals and other items while traveling. That was unexpected and welcomed. We also, during out 9 hours lay over in Germany, cannot leave the airport....we were all hopeful to arrange a tour. 

Alright, I don't know if I will be able to blog until we reach the hotel in Tbilisi on Wednesday (whatever date that is). All is well. Catherine, G14 - April 27, 2014.

PS - My black diplomatic passport is very cool!

Hello - I've started a log to keep track of people I've met through the Peace Corps - so I know where they are currently in the world, where they are going to be in the world or where they have recently returned from. Yes, I am loving this. 

I'm told that nothing I can do or read will adequately prepare me for what I am about to experience. It sort of reminds me of what people said to me just before I became a parent. These words have given me some comfort, as I've been trying to solve or anticipate problems that are unknown. The Peace Corps will challenge me as an individual on levels that I could not prepare for. I'm told that I should eat Oreos, drink Starbucks and enjoy indoor plumbing. :-)

I will arrive at staging a little early, so maybe I will make my way over to the Washington Mall and spend some time at the Lincoln Memorial as I begin this amazing roller coaster ride. I feel so fortunate and blessed to have this opportunity...more to come.

Catherine Lawrence, G14
April 24, 2014

Hello Everyone - I've listed below the flight information for travel to the Republic of Georgia.
I report to Washington, DC on April 26th (really Arlington, VA) and staging begins early on April 27th. It will be a long day (one of many I'm sure), as we fly out the evening of the 27th.

The Peace Corps is having a "send off" event tonight, April 19th. I am so looking forward to being around returning PCV, potential PCV and soon to be PCV (me!) at this event tonight. After the disappointment of Azerbaijan, I await the beginning of this adventure. I think I am ready (once again); however, I am still trying to figure out what I can take and what to leave. It won't all fit....Its been an interesting couple of weeks as a "retiree".

Catherine Lawrence, G14
April 19, 2014

INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT ITINERARY:

27 APR 14 - SUNDAY
AIR LUFTHANSA FLT:415 ECONOMY MEALS
LV WASHINGTON DULLES 1020P EQP: AIRBUS A330-300
08HR 20MIN
28 APR 14 - MONDAY
AR MUNICH 1240P NON-STOP
ARRIVE: TERMINAL 2
AIR LUFTHANSA FLT:2556 ECONOMY MEALS
LV MUNICH 920P EQP: AIRBUS A319
DEPART: TERMINAL 2 03HR 45MIN
29 APR 14 - TUESDAY
AR TBILISI 305A NON-STOP

Hello  - Wanted to share some updated information about my upcoming deployment to The Republic of Georgia, my home for the next 27 months. I am part of the 14th Peace Corps Group in Georgia (G14).

The staging date has been changed to accommodate international flight schedules: Initially I said staging would  begin on April 20th; however, that has been changed to April 27th and will take place in Washington, D.C. I don't know yet how we are flying; only that will will arrive in Tbilisi (trying to figure out how to say it) at approximately 3:05am on Tuesday, April 29th (Georgia is 8 hours ahead of Eastern Daylight time). We clear customs, get our bags and are then taken to our orientation training center, where we will eat breakfast and have time to rest before PST (Pre-Service Training) begins. Wow, talk about a packed schedule (smiles).  I keep reminding myself (with humor) that I volunteered for this and I'm loving every minute!)

We will be in Tbilisi for PST  from April 29th to May 3rd, 2014. On the afternoon on May 3rd, we will head out to Khashuri, the PST Hub site where we will train for the next 11 weeks...also, we will meet our host families.

I've listed below the mailing address good only until approximately July 18th, 2014 - that date will conclude the training. I will write when I know what my assigned volunteer site will be as soon as I know.

Mail should be sent to the following address during training ONLY:

Peace Corps Georgia
Attn: Catherine Lawrence
29a Vazha Pshavela Avenue
0160, Tbilisi
Georgia

Please number any correspondence that you send as often times mail is delayed. The number helps to identify the sequence of the correspondence.

Catherine Lawrence, G14
April 12, 2014

Hello...I am still here in Philadelphia but not for long. I've just received my official invitation to serve in Georgia. I know next to nothing about this country, other than Georgia is very beautiful (I'm told) and the Black Sea that borders Georgia has many, many vacation spots (not that I'll be on vacation in any of these locations any time soon)!

Staging date is April 20th, 2014 - Easter Sunday. Not sure what city,here in the states, that staging will be held in or flight arrangements. That will come in the next couple of days. I am so happy that the PC was able to turn this around and so fast. We still don't know exactly what happened in Azerbaijan. I'm told that the volunteers in Azerbaijan will remain in country for the moment. I do know that at some point I will visit Azerbaijan, but for now - my focus is Georgia.

The extra good news is that I will be working as an Educator. I will be teaching both adults and young adults. Some examples, ESL practices; developing curriculum, and enhancing reading - to name a few of the duties that were outlined. I have so much new information to read and digest and now, as a retiree, I have the time to really dig my teeth into this adventure. I will be able to use and expand on the materials covered during my Master's Degree in Education:
Reading, Writing and Literacy, with a focus on Adults, Family and Community.

More to come...but for now - Yipeeeeee!!!

Catherine Lawrence, M.S.Ed.

Even the best plans are subject to change. I was recently notified that the government of Azerbaijan has withdrawn their invitation for my training class (AZ12) to come into the country. As a result, we will not be gathering in Philadelphia for staging or traveling to Azerbaijan on Friday, April 4th.   The Peace Corps only comes into a country by invitation of the government, so we (all 55 of us) are subject to their decision. I've heard that the PC has called a meeting for this Saturday in Baku, Azerbaijan of the volunteers. Not sure what their status will be since no new training class is coming in.

The Peace Corps does not have an explanation for this. They had no prior knowledge of why this has happened at the 11th hour. Needless to say, we (I) am  ready, willing and packed - as well as disappointed, sad and frustrated as to why? We were advised that we will be contacted by the PC Placement team regarding another assignment within the next day or so. My experience with the PC has been professional and timely, so I know this is only a temporary setback.

 I wonder if due to whatever circumstances prohibited AZ 12 from coming in would impact the two teams already there?  I've found that if change is accepted that often times what comes after is even better than what was originally planned. I will hold to that thought and wonder if my assignment will call for the use of the very expensive boots I bought. I also think that as the PC and State determine what happened that maybe (cross fingers) they can fix it, we may get the call to move out in the next couple of weeks....ah, hope springs eternal. I will continue to write and update.

Catherine Lawrence - 4-3-14

Hello Everyone -

Mailing Address During (PST)  Pre-Service Training  (First 11-weeks)

PCV Catherine Lawrence
Sumgait Post Office
Azerbaijan Prospect, House 15
Azerbaijan 5000

Once the team finishes orientation in Baku, we will move to the city of Sumgait.
Location: North of Baku on the Caspian Sea. 

The Pre-Service training will last for 11 weeks. Once completed, we will then be sworn in as "Official Peace Corps Volunteers" and then be given our permanent assignment. (more to follow as PST completes).

Arrival in Sumgait  - we will be assigned living accommodations with a host family. Each family is assigned one volunteer. (more to follow).

I can't even begin to put into words all of the emotions and feelings that are present as I begin this journey. My thanks for your support and encouragement and more to come!

Best,
Catherine Lawrence, AZ12
PCV - Peace Corps Volunteer