Blog, May 31^st, 2014

Hello My Faithful Readers….

Here we are on the last day of May, 2014. I have completed (1) month, so only (26) to go. I still cannot get my head around that. Sometimes it feels like I am here living in Georgia and at other times I think that I will be leaving for America soon (vacation over, time to go!). I am getting into a routine so the weeks seem to be moving a little faster; however, some days feel like way more than 24-hours. It finally stopped raining, so my friend “mud” has gone into hiding; but then, “mud” has a friend and he is called “dust”.  However, I will gladly take “dust” over “mud.”  J I’ll let you know otherwise, for sure.

I must tell you, and I do say this tongue and cheek; but possibly a little serious, if left here in Georgia to order or buy food for myself, I am very clear that I will starve to death!  We did an exercise today in class and I played a customer who was ordering food. Well, it was not pretty…the poor waiter (my classmate) had no idea as to what I wanted.  We were laughing so hard, as I think I actually ordered a cow or possibly soup with hair at one point. Not a clue. I’ve learned the phrase below and use it frequently. Actually I think this may be my new name. Hello, I am “Excuse me/sorry” J

Excuse me/Sorry

ბოდიში (bodishi)

Everyone is extremely supportive and forgiving around the language. We all stumble and try to get our mouth around words that have so many consonant. I am still so far behind but still giving it my best efforts. Working with my language coach and scheduling extra sessions. I truly don’t know when we can make the time. As it stands now most days are 12+ hours long; but, let’s see what we can do as without sufficient language it may limit my placement opportunities. I am going to stop requesting in my weekly evaluations to the Peace Corps my frustration and overall dismay around the speed of language delivery. It seems that really nothing (other than private tutoring can be accommodated) and I am just going to have to find ways around how the language is delivered, as it does not work for older volunteers.

We had our interviews yesterday as to where we will be placed for our permanent two year assignments. I think we will be advised on June 19^th.  Our team is (57) strong, so I know it will be a major accomplishment to match locations with the needs and requests of all (57) of us. In keeping with my NEW way of being (that is, needy and high maintenance), I made my requests. One being, that I didn’t want to be placed in a really remote area. Another is having indoor facilities. With that said, as much as both are important I hesitate to think what opportunities I would be cutting off by limiting myself. Well, it remains to be seen how it will all pan out. We all must live with a host family for the first (3) months after permanent placement, but then after that we can (if available) find locations where we can live alone (if that is what we want). I’ve been reading about the IDP population “Internally Displaced Persons.”  It has been reported that there are approximately 300,000 people living in Georgia with IDP status. I won’t be placed in these areas; however, I have been reading and expressed interest in possibly doing a project or so in the areas. More to come on this topic.

Back to life as it is presently - My host family has the television on from the moment they get up until everyone goes to bed. The tv is in the main living area, which also includes the dining room table. I have spoken about the amount of commercials in previous blogs; however, what I’ve begun to notice is the amount of “American type” tv shows there are. For example, they have programming - X-factor; Cartoon Network; bloopers; Dancing with the Stars and morning programs like Good Morning America. Charlie Chaplin is big here, no idea why.  Although I cannot hear the TV in my room; when I am with the family I am just amazed at how transfixed everyone is to the tv. I don’t have television in my home in the State and have not had television for 15+ years; so for me, it is very intrusive. However, my host family does not feel that way. I am thinking that possibly it may be their window to the world as they have many channels and options for just about every type of entertainment and news.  I wondered if it was a good thing that American television has found its way to Osiauri? 

We had a written test yesterday on the topics of Peace Corps Health Policies and also Peace Corps Safety and Security policies. It was an hour long test that gauged how much we have been paying attention to all the meetings and training sessions we have been sitting in on since we arrived in late April, 2014. I was a little surprised although we were warned that testing would be part of the program. We also had a gender split sessions to discuss issues that one may or may not want to discuss in mixed company.  The Peace Corps also presented sessions on HIV, sexual assault and condoms. These life realities were handled in such a sensitive way.  They were very hard topics to discuss, but necessary.

On another note, I wanted to talk about the two (2) lane highway that we drive to get from Osiauri to Khashuri for meetings.  This road reminds me of traveling in India. The two lane highway ultimately becomes a three lane and often a four lane highway at times. It takes our breath away (at some point gasping) at how close another car is before we or it moves out of the way. The drivers are experience at driving in Georgia, so I don’t have any fear we will crash; however, it is a rollercoaster ride watching this unfold. Another transportation issue is the trains that run through the village. The railroad tracks are behind the house that I am living in and at times I can feel the house shake as the trains go by. Also, very interesting is the train whistle. Not all the time, but sometimes, the whistle sounds like the whistle from documentaries and movies of trains moving through Nazi occupied Europe. The first time I heard it I was taken back and then I heard it a few more times. It is a distinct sound but it does not conjure good memories and thoughts.

Tea bags are never used only once. There are special little cups provided so that once you have your tea you can place your tea bag in the cup for someone else to use, or get more hot water and use it again. I didn’t pick up on this immediately so I was using a tea bag and then throwing it away. The family didn’t say anything, but now we all share tea bags (it’s the more than one dunk rule).  I have been buying tea; and I am surprised that my coffee addiction has been replaced with tea. I had a Starbucks instant coffee last weekend (I brought it from home) and it was OK. I am surprised at how quickly my taste changed.

I miss ice as no one in the village, or at least anyone families I’ve associated with have ice.  Also, it is made with tap water, so no drinking the water. I think I ate lung and heart this week. One of the families that host a volunteer lives with is a butcher and he brings lots of meat and organs home. No one said anything until after we had eaten, so if I did eat it I didn’t think it was that bad?  I’ve also noticed that everyone and I mean everyone involved with the PC (including us trainees) is on time. I think this is the first time in my life that has happened. We are informed to be at a certain place at a certain time, and Wow, every time – all show up.  The rose bushes are coming into bloom in the garden of my host family.  There are no vacuum cleaners here (at least not in the house that I live in). Today, Saturday, is a day off so I am doing catch up; laundry, etc, and decided (since it has been a month) to sweep my room. The family laid some carpet pieces around my bed and I almost wished that they didn’t. I would rather sweep a floor area than carpet, but I will do my best with it. I’ve noticed that the dogs eat a LOT of bread. Not being a dog person I don’t know if this is usual (or not?). There is no dog food here in the village. I do see water placed out for the dog as well as milk, but all the bread? The dog cries for food. Again, I am not sure if this is usual or not? Once the dog cries then the food (bread) is taken out. I also noticed that the majority of the dogs I’ve seen in the village, I bet 90+%, all have some type of limp. I wonder if that is because of diet or possibly, as cars don’t watch out for people let alone dogs, maybe most have been hit of side-swiped at some point. They all seem to function well, but the limp is noticeable.

I received an email yesterday inviting me to submit my blog address for a Peace Corps contest. This is the 3^rd year for this type of event. I am sure it was a blanket email, but since I met all the criteria I submitted my blog address.  I know that the Peace Corps does monitor all blogs so I had to give my address almost as soon as I arrived in-country.  I will keep you posted.

I feel like I am writing a lot today. Maybe it’s the thought that I will be away from my blog for three days. I am sitting here listening to the cows moooooing. I will see if an opportunity presents itself, or I make one, to go and see the cows in their “cow house.” Today is Saturday and I have to remind myself of that. Most days I have no idea as to what day it is. Back in the States, as a retiree, every day felt like Saturday and it was a GOOD feeling. Here in Georgia I could not tell you what it feels like. 

One more point, that I know I will talk about on-goingly throughout the next (26) months, is my relationship with food.  I’ve written in previous blogs that I am not that thrilled with the food here in Georgia and as a result I eat very little and I know I have lost weight (and all without Weight Watchers J). In any event, the interesting thing is that I am not that hungry (as I was hungry all the time in the states) and don’t think about food that much. Well, during times of high frustration and “melt downs” I have wanted to resort to make myself feel better with my friend “food” – specifically, in this instance, “crumb cake.” Well, can’t do that anymore.  I am going to have to figure out ways, other than food, to deflect or deal with the emotions and feelings of frustration, sadness and the multitude of other emotions and feelings that I am sure will arise during my time here in Georgia. No more, at least for a little while, “Little Pete’s” (the restaurant in my building) and all the hundreds of great food places in Philadelphia. This is something I didn’t expect. This will require some thought, but it is not a bad thing. 

Alright, I’ll close for now. I hope to be able to get my hair cut in Bakhvi while I am on my trip out WEST (in Georgia).

All the Best, Catherine, 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.

Blog, May 27^th, 2014

Hello – I forgot to mention in my last blog one of the GREAT moments of last weekend; and that was making Khachapuri. We were told a story about this food and it goes like this:

Khachapuri (Georgian: ხაჭაპური)

A village was preparing for the visit of a king and the village was so poor they didn’t know what to feed the King. So it was decided to offer bread and cheese and to combine the two ingredients.  So, they baked bread with cheese inside and the rest is history.  I don’t think I’ve been at any table that has not served Khachapuri. I cannot imagine the calories. In any event, our language coach arranged for us to have lunch at one of the homes in the village and they were prepared to let us make our own Khachapuri. The dough was already made (in one bowl) and the cheese (already prepared in another bowl). With flour and cameras ready, we took the dough and flattened it out – using our fingers and wrist (it seemed). After that, we placed the cheese in the middle and tied the dough together sort of like a dumpling. We then twisted it around and cut off the excess dough and then flattened it out again. Make a hole in the middle to let the air out, and then into the oven or into the frying pan. Once done, butter was smothered onto the top which gave it a shiney coat. Call in the cardiologist, please  J.  I usually don’t eat it as I don’t really care the kind of cheese that is used, but I did try mine since I made it. It was delicious (just had a little bite). It was a lot of fun and a pleasant break from language training.  I hope to have pictures and will send with the blog.

I want to give some news about the upcoming weekend, as I will be traveling to Balhvi in the Guria Region (going out west in Georgia).  So, the route is to get from Osiauri to Khashuri and take the “marshutka” to Kutaisi. It’s a two hour ride once I get to Khashuri until I arrive in Kutaisi. Once in Kutaisi I should get off at the end of the line, which actually stops as a McDonalds (if you can believe it). I am told that they have wonderful bathrooms at the McDonalds J. At that point, I need to go behind the McDonalds and get another “marshutka” to Ozurgeti, which is the closest big town (really) to Balhvi. This leg should also take about two hours. I am told the first 40 minutes is a flat ride; however, after that we go into the mountains and that it is a windy road. Some people have trouble with it as they get car sick. Well, I cannot wait for that (smiles). I’ve been on windy roads, so I am hoping that I am not in the car sick category or I am not seated next to someone who is! In any event, it should be an adventure. The house that I am staying in however, has indoor plumbing – Yeah!  I’m told they have (2) bathrooms indoor, so this should be a treat. I am not going to take my computer, so I won’t be able to blog until I get back home to Osiauri, but I plan to take notes and absorb every minute of the experience. I will be with two other volunteers and another volunteer, who actually lives in the village, will be our host and our guide. We will be shadowing her during her teaching and integrating into the community as best that we can in a couple of days. I was not looking forward to this, but maybe now I am feeling differently about it. I am still trying to find out what the mountain range is called. I should be able to blog about it when I get back. Onward and Upward!

It is fun walking through the village as the children, who know us from teaching or co-teaching their classes, call out to us in English. We, the volunteers, on the other hand call back to them in Georgian.  They run up to us or ride behind us on their bikes calling out “how are you?” and “I am good.” They are very proud of their English and we are proud of the little bit of Georgian that we can speak. I am in awe of the children riding bikes as I can barely walk with the rocks and stone on the dirt road; however, I am not complaining as the “dry” rocks, stones and dirt is a welcomed changed from my friend “mud” J.

We just heard that the Ministry of Education is going to close the schools again this week for the entire country. There was no explanation given, but grades 1-6 won’t have school again. The children miss so much school time, at least it seems that way to me. That also means my teaching schedule has once again been changed. I don’t know how the PC is going to make up the teaching time; but, that remains to be seen. I am really relieved that the schools were cancelled from a selfish point of view. I am not that thrilled with classroom teaching. Maybe it is because I teach a variety of grades and really don’t have a change to dig into the materials or get to know the children. I’m told it won’t be this way when I have my permanent assignment. I will have assigned grades and it will be on a consistent basis; so, the jumping around will stop. Also, I will be working with probably one Georgian English Teacher so we can develop lesson plans. As it stands now planning is done mostly the day before or the morning of, so it just adds more stress to insure that the classes are successful. Teachers are paid by the hour, so when the schools are closed they don’t get paid. I don’t believe they have a teachers union here.

Eating in the classroom is a BIG no-no here in Georgia. You can drink and have water on your desk, but there is absolutely no eating during class time. I am thinking about how this would go over in the US. I’ve been in classrooms that have students eating a full meal in addition to taking notes. It seems that some students even cook the food (of course not true), but what they bring to eat is often not just a sandwich. I like this policy of not eating during class; however, during the breaks you can eat but people usually leave the classroom to do it.

I noticed another throw back from my early, early days in South Philadelphia. I was walking down the road recently and heard a car horn, beep, beep, beep. I didn’t think anything of it but then I heard it again.  I stopped to look around and a few minutes later the mom or grand mom with the children came running out of the house. I then noticed that the father was sitting in the car and he was blowing the horn. This reminded me of the same kinds of situation with my parents. My mother would be running around trying to get the kids ready to leave the house, as well as getting the house ready (lock the door, etc.) while dad was in the car waiting. After awhile he would also blow the horn. My mother always complained, but it never changed. When I spoke to the other volunteers about it they are concurred that yes, they had seen this also. I thought it might be an Eastern European thing, but every felt it was more a MAN thing than anything else.

Fish for breakfast this morning, oh my. Their cold, dead eyes were looking at me. Although I have had fish for breakfast, I could not eat anything that early that was looking at me. My water filter system is leaking (boo). I need to carry that into Khashuri and then carry a new one home. There is a saying here “SOMA” and although the letters don’t match the feelings do…it goes “suck it up and move on”. There is no use complaining, things are as they are and this is life now, so SOMA. I was able to get some peanuts today, what a treat. I am having this craving for “crumb cake.”  It seems that other volunteers are craving stuff like that also. They have ice cream here (really cheap) but they only have it in the summer months. My cluster has actually bought out the ice cream supply of one of the smaller stores.

Ok, faithful readers…I must tell you that doing this blog keeps me going. All is well, Catherine, 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.

Blog, May 25^th, 2014

Hello! It is Sunday here is Osiauri and it is raining (again!).  It has rained a LOT since I arrive here. I must ask someone if this is usual or not. I love the rain because as most of my friends know “I think sunny days are WAY over-rated” but here in the village rain means MUD (and MUD and I have not come to terms yet).  Hopefully, the rain will dry up before I have to walk to school tomorrow. (Exciting stuff, Huh?

I found out what my Babo does when she comes back and forth with the big pots. She milks the cows and takes the milk into the kitchen. I was excited about this, I just go down to Klein’s (the store in my building) to buy milk and Babo goes to the barn for milk from the source. My host family just looks at me, as they just take this activity as normal fare. (I must get into the cow house) - HA. Even though the family has an automatic washer, my Babo washes clothes by hand in a tub. She sits on a little footstool and washes by hand.  There is no dryer, really didn’t expect one. All the clothes are hung out to dry on the 2^nd floor. One of the volunteers made a mistake and went to wash her hands in the kitchen sink. That is a no-no here. No washing of hands or brushing of teeth allowed in the kitchen. I wonder why that is?  Also, hangers are in short supply. My host family gave me (2) hangers when I arrived and I brought a couple with me also. I am told that is a big purchase item when we move into our permanent sites. At the moment, clothes are folded and placed on shelves.

All the windows in the house have curtains; however, they are very sheer. You can see right thru them. Even in the school the windows are covered with curtains but they are also so sheer. They (the curtains) do dress up the window, but I am sure they would not provide any draft protection or to keep the sun out. 

Another interesting thing is that people begin to eat when they sit down at the table for meals. No one waits, everyone just digs is. This is so different than in the United States. Usually, (in the US) it is not polite to begin eating until everyone is served. It is uncomfortable for me, and the other volunteers, to start eating before everyone is seated. I am getting used to it, and so are the others, but when in Georgia does as the Georgian’s do. 

I went to church this morning with my host sister. The church is a fairly new building and it is very beautiful. I asked what time church begins and end and my host sister said it begins at 9am and finishes at 12noon. Yipes, and there are no seat (really to speak of). You stand the entire time. Of course, everyone operates on Georgian time so we didn’t arrive until around 9:15am and lots of people came in after us. Even the priest (I think he is called that) didn’t come into the space where we were until around 9:30am. Women must wear skirts or dresses and also something on the head is required. If you don’t have either, in the back of the church is an assortment of head coverings and large scarfs to wrap around so that it appears that you have a skirt on. The majority of the people were women. I only counted two men and they came in with their mothers (I would assume). I asked “where were all the men” and was told that they were working. Well, maybe in past years that may have been so, but lots of men are at the Birzha.  I didn’t stay for the entire service as I was going to meet up with my language coach for some private instruction. The women blessed themselves from “right to left” instead of the “left to right” that I am used to in the catholic tradition. They blessed themselves countless numbers of times. There were women in the loft or balcony chanting or singing. I could distinguish some words but not many. People were lighting candles and giving coins for a book (I think they may have paid to use them). The priest has a full, long beard. He came out and walked around the congregation with burning incense.  The women turned me around so that my back was to the priest and then when his back was to us we were allowed to turn around. The altar was behind closed doors in the middle of a dividing wall in front of us.  The doors were opened briefly so that we could see the candles burning and the altar, but then closed after a few minutes. The church is so small, I bet maybe you could fit 50 people (if that). There was a little edge around the walls that people could sit on, but not comfortably as it was a very short ledge (and close to the floor). Many of the older women took turns sitting down. I think people go in and out during the three hour service, so possibly I will go again to see what happens as the services continues for the full three hours.

I’ve been teaching for the past week with a Georgian teacher and/or fellow volunteers. We don’t have much time to prepare and we do take guidance from the Georgian Teacher, as she can advise what aspect of the curriculum to focus on.  I found it interesting that grades have very little to do with advancement.  There is a lot of pressure placed on the teachers about grading. Parents have a lot of clout or impact on the grade that their child receives.  Grades are not a motivator. I had one teacher say that many, many years after the fact a parent still won’t talk to her because of a grade that she gave her child.  Giving the student recognition, by way of stickers, or certificates or public recognition is the best motivator. Also, physical touch is also accepted in the Georgian Schools. This is unheard of in the US; however, in Georgia teachers pat children on the head or on the back; hug and kiss them or just generally all around be affectionate with them. I was observing this and thinking how different this is.

Also, not in all cases or classrooms, but it seems that the children who get the most attention or help are the students who are doing the best. In our short time in the school we have (the volunteers) been trying to involve the students who would rather just sit back; however, it always seems that the best and brightest students are the ones chosen to participate in some way in the classroom. We wondered about that and one though (and who knows if this is accurate) but not every child goes to the University from the village. Some children need to stay behind to continue living and working in the village; so, the students who have the best shot at attaining University status are the students that are given the most opportunity in class. Again, who knows if this is accurate, but since we all (my cluster of 6 volunteers) all noticed the divide on who gets the attention we thought maybe this was one possible explanation. One final thought, but I am sure I will speak of this again, is the attendance policy. The fact is, there is no attendance policy. Some teachers take role and others do not. Children come to class or not and there is no finding out why. It is all very casual.

Ok, my faithful readers. All is well. I had a shower yesterday and that is a good thing (smiles). Also a banana and also an orange! Yipee (Ah, it does not take much to keep us happy).

Best, Catherine, 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.

Blog, May 24^th, 2014

I believe this is Memorial Day weekend?  Really, I almost missed Memorial Day the same way I missed Mother’s Day. Monday will make (1) month into the adventure. Also, Sunday is the 14^th anniversary of becoming Catherine Lawrence. It was May 26^th, 2000 when I received my notice from the courts that my legal name change was approved. I do consider it a birthday or sorts, like a creative birthday as I created my name “Lawrence” using the authors T.E. and D.H. Lawrence as sources. It is also a holiday here in Georgia. I cannot find the specific information on the Holiday, but I think “Independence Day”. If I find my book I will write about it, if not I am sure if you google it information will come up.

 Lots to share! The First thing is that I will be traveling within the country on June 1^st through 4^th, 2014.  The program requires that trainees “me” shadow current volunteers to see what their days are like and we get to do it “up close and personal.” I will be traveling with one or maybe two other volunteers to the

 “Guria Region” of the country to a village called “Bakhvi”.  We will be living with the G12 volunteer and her host family during the time; however, we have to get to the location on our own. I am sure we will have help from the PC to figure out how to do it. So, this week, in addition to everything else, we need to make travel arrangements and also figure out what to take. I have not done research on the area, but it is in the west (heading toward the Black Sea). Maybe it is about 3-1/2 or 4 hours from my current location. Population is about 3,000 and it is 330KM from Tbilisi. I will be working with other English teachers in their public school. There are 153 students in the school. I won’t be teaching, only observing.

 Honestly, I am not looking forward to this. I was hoping it would be someplace closer and possibly not a village. I am not at all sure that village life is for me. I am a “city gal” and that is what I was hoping for; but, I will take the experience and look to see what is available for me to discover. Also, as much as I love to travel (and plan to travel in the region) at the moment I am overwhelmed with what is currently on my plate. I thought I would have a little more time to settle before traveling within the country. This will be my last free Sunday, as next week I will be in Bakhvi and the next Sunday I will be in (Tbilisi, I think?). It’s a cultural trip and I heard a rumor its Tbilisi. Be flexible is what the PC says, so that is what I will be. J I treasure my free Sundays as I have a chance to catch my breath, wash cloths, language homework and do my favorite thing, my blog.

We also received our questionnaire and appointment date so that permanent site placements can be made. We each meet with a site placement coordinator and talk about what, if any, preferences we would have (where) to spend the next two years. They try to match our skills with the needs of the community and the interview allows the PC to see (based on their experience) what would be the best fit for both.  I don’t think at this point I could make an informed decision. I know so little about the country and even if I knew certain areas, how would that knowledge translate into the experience of living there? I have no idea. Of course, they want to know what skills and experiences we have to offer. In addition, they want to know what types of projects and activities we would be interested in, because you don’t have just one job in the PC. Also, they want to know about what our concerns are about the Education Assignment and anything else that is of concern. There are no safe bets that we will be assigned to any location that would support our specific requests; however, the more they knew the better it is to place into situations that may be able to accommodate some, or even all of our requests.

I know I would like to work in the development sector. The PC talks about another section that works with Displaced People and that seems interesting. Creative problem solving skills are required, and I think I would qualify; but I need more information. Also, my concern would be the language – but, I figure I am just going to request everything that makes sense to me and see where the ball drops.

And speaking of language training I had my second melt down this week (and it was a beauty). After four weeks of feeling bad about not being able to keep up with the speed of the language instruction, well I just broke down. I think I scared my instructor, as I cried almost the entire class. I know I can handle the language, but not at the speed it is being presented. So much information is just overwhelming (not to mention the gazillon (new word) things we are all dealing with.  I have requested, requested, pleaded, asked, etc., etc. but nothing changed. I have held it together and tried (and I am still trying) to do my best, but as an older volunteer it is impossible to assimilate and comprehend the way the language training is organized and presented. Saying a word, once or twice, does not work for me. Also, the letters are written so little I need a magnifying glass to make distinctions. I hope what I listed below comes through. Gosh, I have never felt so high maintenance and/or needy in my life. On top of all this, the school turned off the electricity on Thursday, so we had no lights for Friday and Saturday’s class.  We did have light from the window, but it was even harder to see those little letters. I don’t have any hope that the structure will change, but I don’t know how much longer I can sit in these language classes feeling so bad. I am told that it won’t be like this after PST and that is what I am holding onto. I will have more time, I am told, so I can get a tutor and slow down the process. I felt so much better after the “crying class” (as I now refer to it). It was sort of a line in the sand; in that, I am not going to buy into the unreasonableness of the language schedule. I just could not hold my feeling in any longer. The frustration, without resolve, just bubbled out. I can do hard and hardship, I’ve done both. But, unreasonableness/unrealistic are different stories.

Let me close on a lighter note. I noticed the lack of pollution here in Osiauri. I was walking and was amazed at how clear the sky was, how fresh the air was. No hint of smog. Coming here, I was worried or concerned about this as I was told Georgia was a “smoking” country; in that, everyone smoked. Although my host father does smoke, he smokes so infrequently and when he does he smokes a lot outside. This has been a welcomed surprise for me as I didn’t expect it. Hopefully the summer months are will soon be upon us will continue with the clean air. Maybe it’s the mountains that are so close by; but in any event, I like this part of village life.

My Best to call my faithful readers, Catherine, G14

Hello, გამარჯობა (gamarjoba)

Blog May 22, 2014

Here I am at the “almost” close of my 4^th week of Pre-service training (PST).  I wanted to say that Wednesday, 5/21/14 was the best day so far, and I have no idea why. I was so annoyed with all the rain, that I didn’t do homework and went to bed really early the night before. I thought I would be up later in the evening, but I slept straight through. I felt so good that when I got up at 5am, I went to take a shower; however, there was no hot water. I didn’t know that until I was underway, so that was an awakening I didn’t expect, but when you take showers twice a week any water is good water. J

I’ve been told that PST is like “boot camp.” Ok, from what I’ve heard about “boot camp” maybe it is (in a way).  I am challenged on so many levels. We don’t do formal physical exercises, like run 10 miles like they do in the army; however, with all the walking and climbing stairs, we don’t need to go to a gym. The school that I teach in has three floors (no elevator) – HA.  It depends on what class I am teaching as to what floor I am on. It is not just the walking, but the carrying of our book bags. The Georgian text book has 396 pages. Believe me, it’s a large and HEAVY book. The book is entitled “Book 1” so heaven only knows how many more books will follow. In addition to the text book, we have our notebooks and the texts that are needed to lesson plan for the classes. I need to carry business casual shoes, as the sneakers I wear (because of the road conditions) cannot be worn in the classroom.  Of course, we finish off the bag with our toilet paper, wet wipes, maybe a snack of bread or apple and of course our water bottle. Whew…it is heavy; however, since I finally figured out how to use my book bag, it is manageable.  There is just so much to manage, as I need to have everything I need for the entire day, as it is too far to walk back home if I forgot something. And, there is not really any place to buy anything that I forgot. No going to CVS or the sidewalk vendor.

We received our water filters unit this week also. It’s a thing that looks like a 20-cup coffee maker. It is very cool device, and we don’t have to buy water any more. We can use the tap water from the house and let the unit filter our water overnight.  My room is on the 2^nd floor of the house, so I need to fill empty bottles and bring the tap water up to my room. The stairs to the second floor are on the outside of the house, so rain or shine, I carry my water up the steps to my water filter. “Chop wood and carry water” I’m told are the staples of life. Ah, I miss my sink.  We also received the First Alert smoke and CO detector and also a mosquito net. I don’t know how I am going to use it (the net), of even if I will need it here in Osiauri as the ceilings in my bedroom are at least 15’ high and I don’t know what I would attach it to.  Depending on where I am assigned as a permanent site I may need it; but, in any case it is here for me. (I hope my friends don’t make any “get the net” jokes.

In Georgian “Dedi” means “mom” and “Mama” means “dad”.   Also “grandchild” is two words and it means “kid of kid”. (just thought I’d mention that) so you can feel my pain about the language. J   At my house here in Osiauri (and possibly every other house in the village) the doors and windows are not locked. Even the gate is not locked. It reminds me some of growing up in South Philadelphia (many decades ago). The doors and windows were not locked. Even cars in my old neighbor were not locked. I remember some times when my father would come out to go to work in the morning and find someone sleeping in the car. He would just wake him up and the man would go on his way. It was a different time. When I am home, on my day off, I can hear what is going on in every other household (within ear shot). People talking, kids fighting, adults fighting, babies crying…again, I am reminded of my childhood as it was the same way. With all the doors and windows open (no air conditioning), well not much was missed in the neighborhood. A familiar food that my “Babo” made was the Polish tradition of “pig in a blanket.”  There is another name for it but I cannot spell it. Its meat (ground meat and rice) wrapped in cabbage and cooked in a tomato sauce. What a treat. Also, she made rice pudding…have not had that in many years.

I attended my first SUPRA last week that was in honor of “Day of the Village.”  If you don’t know what a SUPRA is, please goggle it.  Many preparations are made; such as, cleaning the house, the car the yard and of course the people. Food is also prepared days ahead of time. The table is set so festive. The good table cloths come out and many dishes and pitchers that are not used in daily life. Of course, we eat, eat, eat. My host father returned with about seven men who were relatives, friends or neighbors (could not distinguish who was who). They were drinking (lots of wine), eating and singing. I have no idea what they were saying. I could pick a word up here and there, but no clue. Also, the toasting is very frequently made. Each toast requires that your full glass of wine is consumed. They toast parents, victory, the village and so on. I found out that if you are “elder” people young must clink your glass toward the bottom of the your glass to show respect. Women are not supposed to drink, or not drink much. I don’t care for wine, so it was not an issue. One of the men asked me if I was “Mrs.” When I explained I was single, the room went silent. They then asked me how old I was. I was going to lie, but I told the truth. They all looked at me. I have no idea what they were thinking. But, I heard that they said “I was a good woman” and I was told that is a very high compliment.  I enjoyed myself and also (as I was warned by the PC) to have an exit strategy, as all the drinking sometimes the men get a little carried away. I made sure that I positioned myself so I can quietly exit while toasting was being done (as the evening went on). 

All the schools are closed both today and tomorrow (22^nd & 23^rd)  for Grades 1 thru 6^th. The reason being is that there have been (147) confirmed cases of Viral Meningitis in Tbilisi, Batumi and Kutaisi. The Ministry of Education closed all the schools throughout the country for the grades that I listed, as those are the students that are sick. I asked my culture coach why they waited so long to sound the alarm, as that is a big number of children being sicken with such a serious disease. She said that lots of Georgians don’t use doctors. They just use home remedies, so they were probably thinking the children had colds or such; however, when they had to take the children to the doctor or hospital that is when things began to be pieced together. The Ministry of Education is going to distribute prophylaxis to the students before they open the school. As a result, teaching was cancelled today. Flexibility in scheduling is a requirement in the Peace Corps. We ended up going to Khashuri for meetings and good news was that I was able to get bananas. Osiauri does not carry any fruit. We don’t know what will happen next week, but I am sure we will find out at some point.

It finally stopped raining. The mud was just awful walking to school this morning. More like trying to walk thru rivers.  I must just accept the mud as it is now going to be a part of my life. The more I fight it and make the mud and rain wrong (because it inconveniences me), well the harder it will be. I must develop a relationship with mud. Of course, my LL Bean mud shoes are fabulous. All is well my faithful readers. Best to all, Catherine, G14

Blog, May 18^th, 2014

Today ends the 3^rd week of Peace Corps Pre-Service Training. As I begin my 4^th week I still don’t feel that I am fully here. I guess that is to be expected; however, without any background in this type of adventure, I don’t know what is normal or expected. I still go up and down with feelings about being here/not being here. However, the feelings of doubt go away or fade and then I am so busy I don’t have time for uncertainty.  One things, It’s not dull or the same old – same old.

Next week I will be teaching an English class, or two, with a Georgian Teacher. My schedule is 4^t, 8^th and 10^th grades. School supplies are so limited here. The classrooms have stand alone white boards; however, the markers for the white boards are mostly so out of ink you can hardly see what is written on the board. Sometimes I will teach alone with a Georgian Teacher and other times I will teach with one of the volunteers and the Georgian Teacher. We are expected to develop lesson plans based on the input of the Georgian Teacher. It’s a lot of work preparing for a 45 minute session. We have help from so many sources; but, I am out of practice. My Master’s is exactly two years old today.  It does come back; but, since I was really only working with adult students previously, I’m challenged to transfer into teaching K-12 students. I think that makes, let’s see…the 15^h challenge so far J

I may have mentioned that I belong to a cluster of volunteers here in Osiauri. There are six of us, including me. All the volunteers are younger than my son, so I found myself with yet another challenge. The cluster is great; however, I was beginning to feel a little isolated with all the people I associate with on a daily basis being so young. Even our Language coach is in the same category; however, she is Georgian and for some reason seems to be older. So, I reached out to the PC and they (of course) said that this was not the first time they experienced something like this. Older volunteers only make up 7-8% of the total population. Most volunteers are in their twenties with some in-between thirty and sixty. Anyway, the PC arranged a get-together for me with some older volunteers who are in Khashuri and work in the development field rather than education. It was a great evening. The PC sent a van (mashutka (sp?) for me to bring to the café and had it wait to take me back home. We talked for hours and I have emails and phones to connect when I need to be with more “seasoned” folk!   I am impressed with the PC as not much, if anything so far, falls between the cracks.  I believe if anything did it would not be intentional. They just make things happen.

We are told to be careful about what you say here In Georgia as news travels very fast. Everybody talks to everybody, and lots of folks are related…so, if you tell something in one village, you can count on being told in village, after village, after town…etc. Case in point, someone asked me if I knew there was a “serial killer” in Osiauri! What, are you kidding?  Of course it is not true, but this is how it goes. Someone started a rumor that Osiauri has a serial killer. I heard this story in Khashuri and it was told by someone in another village. Apparently, the rumor started in the school. The rumors go like in a pinball machine. News just bounces around.  Everyone was told that the rumor was false; however, the police became involve to investigate that if there were any missing people or body parts around (oh brother). Well, when the police went into the school to say that is was false everyone took that as confirmation that it was true. What a bru-ha-ha developed.  There is no Serial Killer here, but it made me think about Netflix. I miss my Law and Order and SVU television.

Georgian runs on Georgian time. When they say school starts or something or other starts at 9:00am; well, it could be anytime between 9-10am. Everyone knows this and everyone just operates on that timetable. I go into class that should start at 9am and no one is there. Eventually the students come in and sometimes the teacher has to go out and fetch them.  There are no clocks in the school, but there is a bell; so, students know when they should get to class. However, sometimes the bell does not work to mark beginning or end of class.  The teachers do try to reinforce being on time, but it does not always work as they operate on Georgian time!

My “Babo” (grandmother) and I are having fun together even thought we cannot speak each other language. She is 83 and so active. She carries these pots filled with stuff (pot is covered). When I ask to help she just “shoos” me away and hollar’s  (in a playful voice) . She does most of the cooking and cleaning up. In the morning before I go to school she makes me breakfast – fish, cheese, bread and sometimes candy. She knows I only take coffee, so she wraps up an apple and bread for me to take with me. She drills me in the Georgian numbers and point to items on the table and room and gives me the translation. She is a hard task master (smiles).  I am getting braver with her. When she hollers that I should not help, I holler back (playfully) that I am going to help. We make faces at each other and then she kisses and hugs me and then I can help.  It brings back such memories of my grandmother. Maybe its my hearing but it seems that my grandmother hollered in the same way. My grandmother was Polish so maybe it’s the Eastern European thing. My “Babo” sometimes walks me to the end of the street to see me off. I turn and blow her kisses and tell her that “I am off to storm the castle.” Of course, she has no idea what I am talking about, but its fun. The dog also gets involved. I am not a dog person, but he also comes to see me off. At times I fear I am going to fall over him. Its like a parade, no wonder the locals look at me point and giggle.

Sunday is my day off, so I do laundry, take a shower and organize myself for the week. Also, lots of language homework and lesson planning. However, I don’t have to leave the house which is really nice. I so treasure the free time that I have. I love doing this journal and love just watching the mountain. My view faces the north, so I don’t have the sun. I miss that, as my condo window faces the east and I miss seeing the sun come up every morning. In a couple of weeks we begin talking about where I would like to be placed in July when the permanent site selections are made. I’ve been thinking about that. I can make a request to continue with another host family or request a place of my own (of course depending on availability). I have mixed feelings about both, as I like this feeling of being taken care of by the host family; and yet, I miss my solitude and having control over what I eat or plan to eat. All of this will be an on-going conversation.

The cell phone is a treasure. All calls local are free, so we can use as much air time as we like. After 30 minutes, the phone cuts you off, so then you have to call back. Texting costs something, not sure; but working on finding out. My son would so proud of me as to what I can do with this phone and it has features that I am not sure about . I am in awe of myself (smiles), of course, I’ve had lots of help finding out how to do this stuff so I cannot take all the credit.  The cows are moo..ing, so time to stop writing. I could write for hours..

Thank you, my faithful readers – Catherine – 5/18/14

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

May 17^th, 2014

Hello everyone. I received my modum this week so I will have more access to the internet and email. I did not think I would miss the electrons as much as I have. Maybe it is because everything is so new and different. Seeing an email from home makes life just a little easier.

I have a cow barn next to the house I live in. I can hear them moooo..ing, but more important is the big pile of manure almost outside my window. I feel like Jesse (Breaking Bad) when I think of the “Cow House” J. I’ve not been in yet, but trying to get the courage to go in. The family has gardens in so many places. Before meals, they go out with a basket and get green onions, tomato, cucumber, potatoes and other stuff I am sure I am forgetting. It has been raining a lot here. The mud is something else. The roads are all dirt, so the rain just makes things worse. The potholes fill with water. The rocks on the road become so slippery. A good day is when it does not rain. It takes longer to get somewhere, as I have to be so careful not to fall or trip. It is like an obstacle course. Driving is not much better. Because of the rough conditions, when you are in a car you stomach feels like a milk shake. People only travel about 5 miles an hour, if that. Everyone seems to just go about doing their thing…only us Americans seem to notice the conditions.  I finally fixed my backpack. All the years I’ve had my backpack I was never wearing it correctly. What a world of difference it makes when you use it the way it was intended. HA. Also, the backpack is something that Georgian’s don’t use. They use something called a “Messenger bag?”

We started teaching school this past week. I taught a class of 10^th graders on Thursday and a class of 1^st graders on Friday. We teach at times with another PC volunteer and also the regular classroom teacher, referred to as “Counterpart.”  The classes that we teach are of course, English. Children start English training in the 1^st grade. By middle school they can take a second language and in high school they can take a third language. All the children refer to the teacher as “teacher.” So different, as usually the teacher is referred to as Miss or Mr. Most classrooms have central heat; however, those that don’t gather around a”Pechi” or stove that will heat the classroom. If that is the case, then usually classes are much shorter than the usual 45 minutes. They would run around 30 minutes, or if it is so cold the children would be sent home. The bathroom situation at the school is so grim. The “outhouses” are in the back of the school. It is about a 2 minute walk (at least for me it is) to get down one or two flights of steps to get to the bathroom. One must never wait to the last minute and make sure you bring toilet paper and wet wipes as none of those items are available. No water is available either. Just another challenge. The children mostly write with pens as pencils seem to be far, few and in-between. The text books are written in British English. Not sure what that is about. Not much difference except for some of the terms. For example, they use trousers instead of pants. Also, they use shops instead of stores. Many, many examples like that. Cheating is also a BIG problem in the schools. Again, not sure what that is about. The teachers do talk about it in our information sessions.  I’ve noticed with the children that very few have glasses. I wonder if they all have good eyes or maybe eye care is not readily available?  None of the teenagers work here. They say that their job is to be a student. The teenagers were preparing for a graduation event and they were dancing to the song by LMFAO and “Put a ring on it” – I think Beyonce?  They pulled me up on stages (they had to twist my arm J - it was lots of fun. Lots of American songs on their version of MTV they listen to.

TV is interesting. So many commercials on TV. I clocked almost 10 solid minutes of commercials. They watch a lot of news here and talk shows, like Letterman, etc., but of course with their celebrity. The Georgian people LOVE Turkish soap operas that are dubbed in Georgian. I have never seen so much crying and drama. They beat the American versions. I have a hard time from laughing as they take the soap opera very serious. I think the plot is two women love the same man. Very original.  Most houses have a satellite dish, or two. Some houses even have internet. There are street lights throughout the village. It is so funny that at times when we return from classes in Khashuri we end up on the same road as all the cows that are also coming home for the night. Feels like “City Slickers” and the cows won’t move for the cars. There are at least a couple of dozen making their way home for the evening. I must take pictures. The PC is planning a day event on Sunday to “Borjomi.” I have no idea where that is. The plan is to hike 5 to 7 miles. The views are supposed to be tremendous; however, I am not going. I need the one day we have off to recover and get myself ready for the week and work on my Georgian.

The language lessons are so painful.  I’ve discovered that the pain is not about the language, as I am now able to transcribe Georgian (hard to believe). The pain is the speed or pace of the classes. We meet for four hours (6) days a week. We have (2) fifteen minute break, so it’s a 3-1/2 hours of instruction. When we have a “review” it is really a “review” of new information. I am so frustrated. I realize they are trying to prepare us for when we go to our permanent sites; however, the materials covered during the time for me is unreasonable. I keep showing up, as I do want to accomplish this; and some things get clearer. I have a fabulous teacher. She is so patient and supportive, but I cannot absorb or process the volume and depth at this rate. They say they will give me a tutor and pay for it; however, leaving the house at 8:30am and getting home at 7:30 or after; there is not much time for additional instruction. Also, my head may fall off and roll into the “cow house”.  I do the best I can. A fellow volunteer said that the language is not the only thing we are here for and he is right; but, its not fun sitting in class when the material is going over your head. Add to that the fact that we are in school with the children and when they break (every 45 minutes) and recess begins in the halls…screaming, running, fighting like kids do)  and knocking on our door as they like to look at us and giggle. Its hard to hear with all the distractions and trying to distinguish the symbols and letters of the language…I need a magnifying glass.  The words “bread” and “money” are so similar.  With my meditation practice I work on giving up being stressed and upset over the language and just try to enjoy the experience of it all. Its not easy for me to be “unprepared”; I just don’t recognize myself at times.

I am reading “Robinson Caruso” here. It is one of the e-books I brought. I find myself feeling like him at times. And also, I feel like Stephen King “The Stand” when I have to walk on the road  by myself to school.  It is early and most people, except the cows and chickens, are not up yet. The food is OK, I know I have lost weight. Cheese and bread is a big staple. Lots of salad from the garden (but no lettuce). Also, potatoes are a big staple. However, much of the food is fried with lots of oil and salt…My family has an apple tree in the back yard…so I try to manage with apples and fruit (when I can get it – oranges and bananas. Ok, faithful readers. Thanks for listening and please write and let me know what is happening…Best, Catherine, 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.

Blog, May 12, 2014

This is way harder than I ever imagined. I’ve only been here two weeks and I feel like it has been months. I have turned into a “needy” person and I don’t recognize myself. All the things I counted on at home are gone; however, I must look to what I have and not look at what I don’t have. During training class the Peace Corps asked us to look for what “Works” in Georgia and “Not What Does Not Work.”  They ask us to look at our work here in Georgia from an “asset based approach.”   That may be the way to go. We shall see. I am out of my comfort zone, big time. I am not in Kansas any more; however in the next couple of weeks I should get the modum I ordered – so I will have more access to the internet.

Marshutka and Birzha are fixtures here in Osiauri. The Marshutka is a van that shuttles people from one place to another for a fee. People wait to be picked up and I am really not sure if the spots are designated or you just flag them down. I have not taken one yet, but I heard they get very crowded. The Birzha is a place where men gather to talk, play backgammon, smoke or just past the time. There are many, many Birzha’s here in Osiauri.  When I walk past it is obvious that I am not of the village. The Peace Corps instructs us women not to look, speak or smile at the men as often that is considered flirting. The men sometimes call out, but we just walk by with our heads down. The male volunteers can speak, say hello or something, but not the women. One of our teachers said that “Georgians don’t smile much” and that a women smiling at a man is an invitation. Georgian culture is very indirect, so you need to read between the lines. Given all that, I don’t feel upset or afraid as I don’t think anyone would approach me unless I gave an invitation.

I may jump around a little as I think I will write a little everyday and then cut and paste into the blog when I get to an internet connection. So, there are mountains outside my window. I still don’t know what the mountains are called. What I do know if that there is still snow on the tops and the entire mountain looks like it is covered in dark, plush green carpeting. It is 100% covered, there are no bare spots. Just beautiful. Also, at times the clouds cover the tops and when it rains the cloud cover gives the mountains a majestic look. I sit outside my room, as I am on the 2^nd floor, and watch the movement of the clouds. All day long you can hear roosters crowing. People are friendly. Georgian’s are big on asking questions; and yet, I was taken back when my host sister asked me what my religion was. When I said Buddist they didn’t understand. How to explain that when I can barely ask for Chai/tea? Although I can’t say that it is my religion, I am aligned to Buddist meditative practices. I also feel that I am Christian, so they were all nods about that. I am doing OK with the instant coffee. It is not great, but OK.  I do drink more tea than coffee, but I sure miss the great coffee we have in the states. We can only drink the water that is boiled. It seems that Georgia do have water filtration systems; however, many of the pipes throughout the country that water moves through are old and not up to standards. So, until we get our PC water filter (that looks like a 20 cup coffee maker), we buy water when we can. Water is hard to come by as the people in my village just drink the tap water and no need to spend money on bottled water like we do in the states. They drink a lot of mineral water…it is ok, but I really need just plain water.

We finished our first week of training and I had a “melt down.” I am better now, but I think I was just over tired and the overwhelming thought of pooping in a hold for 27 months got to me. The bathroom situation is really grim. Of course, I have an indoor western toilet in my house, but I am not at my house a lot. Most houses have “out houses” and you can rank them all as terrible. We all carry toilet paper, wet wipes and hand sanitizer. The conversations are really funny, as once we had conversations about coffee at Starbucks, now we often times ask to borrow toilet paper, etc., if we forgot or ran out. Ah, It is a challenge. They say that 1 in 3 don’t make it through the entire 27 months and I can believe that is true. We had a second rabies shot as well as thyphoid (sp?) this week. Joy!

We must leave our phone on and charged 24/7 so that the Peace Corps can always reach us. This is also because of their evacuation plans. The PC is very comprehensive in their planning of what to do if we need to leave the country in a hurry. I must also have a “GO” bag ready so that when we get the call the PC can gather us and move us either out of the country or to a safer location within the country. I think we would move to Armenia to see if we needed to vacate Georgia completely (back to the  states) or just wait and see what happens. They give us maps of the 10k buffer zones around “South Ossetia” that we cannot go near.  There was a report of a local man who wandered into the 10K zones and was arrested by the Russians. I think we all get how serious it is and hopefully we won’t cause an international incident.  I’ve noticed how narrow the doorways are. Its hard to manage through when you have a packed book bag on your back.  Also, there is no whistling in the house because it is bad luck/poverty.

There is a bias here in Georgia against Asians. I just find that so hard to believe but I am told it is true. The thinking goes that the Asians are taking over. We do have a few Asian volunteers and I know that they were placed with families that were not harboring these ideas. I don’t know much more about this subject. Again, I am jumping around. So, the flies here in Georgia are LOUD. But then again, maybe its my hearing…but the flies are LOUD J.  The priority here is “Health and Safety.”  Three Americans head the Georgia PC team and the remained of the staff are Georgian. I am so in awe of the skills the Georgian men and women have that are part of the PC staff. Their language skills in English just knock me over. If I could only do 1/3 as well with my language skills it would be a good thing. We are on military time here. Not sure why, but its hard to manage dealing with time stated as 1500 hours. I am just not familiar with dealing with time that way. I could go on and on, but after three pages my faithful readers may be nodding off….

All the best, Catherine – 5/12/14

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

Blog, May 7^th

I have been able to get the posts out because we are in Khashuri (which is a city) and  is the PC hub for the region. Here are the names of other villages in our hub area: Vaka; Tezeri; Gomi; Khtsisi and of course, my Osiauri. There are many more villages, but I didn’t write the names down. Khashuri is the center and the villages are either east or west of Khashuri.

So, I am now the oldest volunteer in the group. The woman who was older than me fell and broke her hand. She has to be medically separated and returned to the states for surgery…she is just heartbroken. We are all sad, and especially me as now the majority of volunteers are between 20-30. Some are a little older, but no one near my age. There are Other older volunteers  in-country and the PC is going to connect me with them by phone or email….so, I can have someone to share the older volunteer experience.

The schedule here is brutal. On the first day, Monday, at 3pm (we start between 8-9am) I asked my friend Karen if it was still Monday? Honestly, each day feels way more than 24 hours. I guess this is keeping with slowing time down. We have language lessions for 3-1/2 hours each day – with a couple of 15 minute break. It is painful, really painful. We all do a lot of laughing but I am slow and falling behind. There is a conversation about getting me a tutor that the PC will pay for. I just don’t know when I would have time to work with a tutor. After lunch, which is held at one of  the volunteers house (rotating), we have classes in culture and custom; Georgian context and working with our counterparts (which will be the person we will co-teach English with when we are placed in July as official volunteers). Right now we are trainees. We are interviewed by multiple layers of staff to insure that we are doing ok. The medical folks will be back on Thursday to give us more shots. I could go on….needless to say, on some level I feel like I am back in graduate school.

The town is very interesting. At times you see really expensive cars drive by (you must be mindful of them, as they won’t be careful of you)…seriously. Tractors and other types of farm equipment ride by.   I found it very odd that people in the town would have satellite dishes, expensive cars and other expensive items and yet still have outhouses and outdoor showers. Our culture coach said that is because where they live would not support the infrastructure needed to have an indoor toilet/bathroom. Ah, that made a lot of sense. All the houses are gated as people park their car inside the compound. No one parks on the road. Everything is so old. Many buildings, including the school, are 100% concrete – they say it dates back to the Russian Occupation. Everything needs paint; however, inside the house that I live in – it is spotless.

As I walk to school I walk with dogs, chickens and cows. I’ve named the cow that stands near the field that the PC picks us up at when we go to Khashuri. His name is “Bernard” – are cows girls? This is from the gal (me) that never wanted to go anywhere unless they changed the sheets everyday….

The electricity goes off and during the day no one seems to notice or say anything. My host grandmother kisses me often. I am not talking about a peck. I am talking about hugging and at last count, I think there were 4 kisses. Hugs and kissing on the cheek is so routine.  The village looks at us Americans as we do stand out as we have our “stuff”….backpacks, computers, sunglasses, hats, fannypacks…none of which the villagers use. Everything here is used. There are no trash cans or dumpsters.  Litter is also not present…occasionally you would see a plastic bottle, but really – except for the dirt, the village is really clean J

Everybody is Georgia has a phone, including children. No matter what age the phone is in their hands. This is a problem is school, I’m told. Grade school children must give their phone to their teacher when they come into the classroom. Also, news travels so fast in the village….you need to be careful what you say because one way or the other the news will get around…

I figured out how to use the camera, so I am talking pictures.  I also, with lots of help, figured out the phone the PC gave me. I ended up blocking the head guy, his name is Tango….have no idea how I did it, but Tango was saying that when you block the head guy it is a “delta award” – that is a one way ticket home….funny.

Everyone - Please write to my hotmail account and let me know what is happening in your world. I need to hear what is happening….and I will continue to share my adventures in Georgia.

Best, Catherine, 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.

Blog post – May 6, 2014

I’ve arrived at my host family on Saturday. My family consists of:

Host Father – Koba (49)

Host Grandmother – Shushana (84)

Host Brother- Giorgi (11)

Host Sister –Maia (14)

Dog: Max (age unknown)

I could write for hours, and I have been journaling since I have no on-line connection. A few people have wifi here in the village, but not many.  I will try and write as often as I can connect.

The village is called Osiauri and it is East of Khashuri (in the central part of Georgia).  The town is very poor. The road or streets are dirt with rocks, big and small, pushed into the dirt.  Gas lines are above ground and they snake around the town up and over and around. The kids call the gas lines “air”.  It is so hard walking. I cannot look up as I know I could trip and really get hurt.  

The town is small. I don’t know how many people, but I live at one end and the school (where I study Georgian) is somewhere in the middle. It takes me about 20 minutes to walk to school. There are a couple of stores, one small and one big (and big is a relative term as if you got 5 people in the store it would be crowded. I don’t know what to talk about first….so, I am getting ready to take a shower. The family showers every 3^rd day. However, they say they have lots of water for me – but, I want to follow the house, so today is my 3^rd day. Of courses in-between you can sponge bath. I have an indoor toilet, sink and shower. The shower has a drain in the floor and the water ends up covering the entire floor when showering. The drain cannot handle all the water. If someone forgets and leaves the toilet paper on the floor, well you get the idea.  The other volunteers in the village have “out houses”, so I am very fortunate. However, when I go to their houses I use the “out house” What a joy that is; but it is doable. I have taken to wearing skirts as its easier to manage the outdoor plumbing. We carry toilet paper and wet wipes and often there is no water to wash. We are adjusting and coping with living in a very rural village. There are cows on the road (like India) – so its familiar.

The people are so friendly and welcoming. They are always pushing food at you. I have had so many great foods, but I cannot say the names. Potatoes, salad, cheese, bread, cheese and bread are just a sample of what is served. I hope the walking counters the food, as I was really counting on losing weight.

I am here with five other PC volunteers, we are called a cluster. We do lots of things together. We study as a group with our instructor and LCF (language and culture facilitator - her name is Ana). She lives here in the village with us and acts as our guide and cultural guide source, as well as language teacher.

Honestly, I am struggling. If not for Advil I would be in trouble. I should have trained better (I should have listened to my son); but I do manage to keep up.  My cluster consists of a married couple, two single women and a single guy and me. Six in all. They are between 20-30 years old. The language is also a challenge. I know I will eventually come to terms with it and reach the level that is needed; however, my group is much faster and has more background knowledge than me. I am a slow learner and they are all beyond me. I just don’t feel like I am carrying my weight in the group; but, as much frustration that I feel I don’t beat myself up about it. I’ve asked to be put in a slower group, so we shall see.

My room is lovely and I have a lock on the door (PC policy). I feel safe here.

My Host family is terrific. I have the entire 2^nd floor (they all live on the 1^st floor). What I find missing in Georgia is comfortable chairs…and yet I found one in my living room on the 2^nd floor. I don’t have much time to enjoy it as I am out the door at 8:30 am and usually I get back between 6:00pm and 7:00pm.  It’s a very ambitious schedule. My host father tends cows. I have not yet been in the cow shed, but very near I know there is manure. My host grandmother tends the house and the children, Maia and Giorgi are in school. All have treated me in such a gracious and inclusive way

I will fill in more details as time goes forward, but for now wanted to give some broad strokes.  I am really challenged and I know it is the beginning. I have a great support system and will use it to help me manage .

I miss America and all the ease that I had; but I am so glad to be retired and having this experience. More Later….

Catherine Lawrence, G14 – 5/6/14

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