Hello (Hopefully I will be able to write that in Georgian soon!)

There is so much going on I've started to keep an agenda to keep up. 
I've started language class for Georgian. I don't have any doubt that I will attain the level of proficiency they require (low level functional); but it is going to take something to get there. The letters look like numbers. I've been paired with five of my team mates that all have way more facility around the language. Of course, they are all 20something and most have at least one other language under their belt. But I will do my best. You will hear more about this as time goes on.

Another fun adventure was the beginning of the shots that we need. We all have to have Rabies shot (or shots). Not clear on the number, only that my name is on the board and I go see the doctor. In addition to the Rabies shot today, I started the Hepatitis series. Up to the moment, no issues with the shot and hope it stays that way.  We received a medical kit that was so extensive (just don't know where I am going to pack it)--the dreaded luggage again....Also, had a long session on water and diarrhea. What a trip that was. We will receive a water filter system (again, where to pack it) that looks like a 20+cup coffee machine. A representation from the CDC as well as medical personnel from PC spoke about all the wonderful human indoor plumbing issues we can (or hopefully not) look forward to. It was so informative and laugh full...so here is a joke: "Why does toilet paper roll down hill...";
"To get to the end."  Lots of bathroom humor here.HA

To get onto a more professional topic. Because the Ambassador, Richard Norland, didn't make it to greet us at the airport, the Ambassador and some of his staff came to our training center and spoke to us for about an hour or so. They spoke on Georgia and the Big Picture. Of course, everyone is watching what is happening with Russia. That is a concern, but at the moment all feel that things are stable. What I didn't know was that Georgia currently is occupied (20%) by Russia. There are two regions that are currently impacted, as well as a 10K buffer around the occupied land impacted. All of that is an on-going conversation with more to come. Hopefully none of the antics of Russia will impact my service. I'm told that the occupied land is not to far from where I will be during my 11-weeks training; but not to worry - we will have enough time to make changes...Oh Brother.

A few other topics they spoke on was Georgia and NATO (becoming a member or not) and whether Georgia will be part of the European Union. All on-going conversations. I didn't know that Georgia is/or was the cradle of wine making; however, since I don't like wine its not important me. Georgia is being thought of as the link between Central Asia and Europe, as a possible "new" Silk Road. They left us with a disturbing thought...that Georgia is due for a earthquake...of joy!  Forget about "The Russians are Coming" and prepare for an earthquake. :-). Oh my, I must be very twisted, but all this is so much fun.

The PC has an award - its called "The Delta Award" as this award is given to people who so break the rules that they are given a one way ticket home...not so funny if you are the recipient. 

I could write more, but need to study the language before I fall asleep or the electricity goes off - which is lots of fun when you are in the shower). Keep good thoughts that my host family will have indoor plumbing and heat. And to think, I used to be worried about my nextflix being late. (Saturday we go to our host families).

Goodnight to all, 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.