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 I was recently notified that the government of Azerbaijan has withdrawn their invitation for my training class (AZ12) to come into the country.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