I now am officially considered a PCV or Peace Corps Volunteer! PST (Pre-Service Training) was challenging in so many ways and I am excited to begin my new journey in the town of Kavadarci teaching English. Training lasted for almost 11 weeks. The days were long full of long to-do list; from intense language classes to weekly training in cross-cultural, medical, security and teaching English training and practicing Macedonian with my host family.I learned so much but by the end, my brain was on overload. Looking back on my time in training, I remember the days full of laughter, uncertainty, charades trying to communicate with my host family and blossoming friendships.
If you ask many volunteers what one of the most difficult challenges of Peace Corps was, they will probably mention PST. It is such an accomplishment that all of the MAK19 (19th group to be in Macedonia) made it this far!
Final day of Macedonian language class with our wonderful teacher
Bilyana and Elena, the Veles language teachers and of course Susie
One of the hardest moments on PST, happened actually after the ceremony. Saying goodbye to my host family was very emotional. They became my family and were my first real encounter with Macedonia. They not only welcomed me into their home but they taught me about the culture, how to cook typical dishes and many moments of laughter. I also enjoyed making and eating American dishes and desserts with my host mother. My host parents had extreme patience when I tried to form the simplest of sentences and they were satisfied with simply sitting in each other's company, knowing our communication was limited. Although I am only a short bus ride away (45 minutes), knowing I am no longer with them on a daily basis was a hard realization to grasp. I will forever cherish the irreplaceable memories they gave me.
Evelina (head of PST), myself, Kathleen Corey (head of PC Macedonia) and Paul Wohlers (the US ambassador)
On November 28, I stood proudly with the 43 other volunteers as we became the 19th group to serve in Macedonia. Previously the ceremonies were held in other towns throughout Macedonia but this year, the president of Macedonia was attending so the event was held at City Hall in Skopje. The president of Macedonia, Gjorge Ivanov, spoke of the friendship united through Peace Corps between America and Macedonia. It was also a special day because the President received an award for his involvement and support with Peace Corps by Peace Corps director Carrie Hessler-Radelet. In addition to this award, The Order of Merit of the Republic of Macedonia was awarded to Peace Corps by the President of Macedonia. It was rewarded to Peace Corps for "exceptional merit in the long-lasting voluntary work and for outstanding dedication and commitment in the Macedonian-U.S. relations and friendship."Also attending this special day was the US ambassador of Macedonia, Paul Wohlers.
MAK 19
The Veles language crew
After practicing for weeks, we proudly sang the Macedonian National Anthem. We also sang the American National Anthem. During the "Swearing In Ceremony", we had to raise our right hand and take an oath that all US Diplomats must take. It felt like a huge responsibility but made me so proud! There were even a live instruments being played at the ceremony. A small reception followed and our host families were invited to join in this special day.
Finally achieved my lifelong dream of becoming a Peace Corps Volunteer
Not really sure how I got in the middle of this award being presented
I am thankful for the love, support, words of encouragement, prayers, messages, cards, letters and packages that helped with my transition to Macedonia and becoming an official volunteer. I would not be here without the support of family and friends. As Boniface Wimmer said "Forward, always forward, everywhere forward."Now, in my new town, is a time for growth, learning, facing new challenges and the start of living my dream and serving those around me while growing into the person I am meant to be.
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