Footprints - Treading Lightly?

Hello all! I'm bringing you some substance in this one. A lot of this may be clear, but if there's anything that wasn't, feel free to comment or comment anyways! :)

So, I was looking on the recruiting website for English teachers to come to Georgia. On their website, they have information for prospective applicants for their program. I found some statements interesting and others I would like to know more about, were vague, or were just plain wrong. I have done some heavy recruiting in my day, and it seems like they could do a better job. I emailed them saying that I could help them to improve their website, at no cost, of course, to make their website information about Georgia more clear and attract the people who would be most likely to have a successful time in Georgia. I received no response.

Disclaimer: I love Georgian people and culture, and I mean absolutely no insult in questioning the following statements. Also, in no means am I directing this towards any English teacher in Georgia. I am a supporter of and believer in (the potential for) this program, as long as the organizers continue to listen to feedback and criticism to make changes to positively affect the experiences, future and present, of its participants.

On food....

" Often dishes are made with nuts but they also use locally grown spices like coriander and saffron and garlic and peppers but a meal is never complete without some form of bread and often various cheeses."*

"Often called Georgia Pizza, Khachapuri is so good.  Kababi's are divine and Mtsvadi melts in your mouth." 

On medical care...

"Medical facilities in Georgia are very similar to most public medical centers in any developed country in the world."

On host family selection...

"They are selected from a great number of applicants." 

On cost of living...

"It should be noted that an average public school teacher will make less than $300USD per month and that many of these teachers are able to live well, support themselves and their families." 

On Georgia's background...

"September 2009 was the first time foreign teachers began teaching in public schools." 

"Mountains, seaside, countryside and rolling hills and grapevines are among some of the options you have in terms of locations in Georgia to teach."**

On the culture (this is all there was)...

"The country of Georgia is located at the crossroads of Asia and Europe and Georgian culture has evolved over thousands of years.  Georgians are renown for their love of music, dance, theatre and cinema." 

On education...

"Classes are small, students are respectful and the schools are generally modern and well equipped." 

ANNND

(some) Marketing slogans:

"Summer in Georgia. Get a tan. Make a difference. Why not?" 

"Discover Jazz with the Black Sea Jazz Festival in Georgia!"  

*I am interested in which dishes use coriander and saffron?
**and... and? AND I teach on grapevines all the time. (this was just a catty one I thought I'd mention)

As those of you who have read my blog before, I have overall had a good experience in Georgia in the time I've been here. Given the above information (and seriously): Am I in this country? I realize I am in a minority area, but I have lived and taught in other parts of Georgia.

Georgia as a country deserves more than to be treated like an "almost new" apartment/house for sale with "charming wildlife," "intimate kitchens," and "cozy bedrooms" in the "paradise escape just steps away from the city."

Should this recruiting company change its slogan from "Placing Teachers First" to "Giving Grossly Inaccurate Information?" I am thinking of three possible scenarios as to why this happened: someone is not doing their fact-checking; this recruiting company is stretching the truth/completely fabricating things; and/or these people have just completely over-generalized an entire country. I believe there are people (like myself and my colleagues) who want to teach in a developing country. I know the goal of recruiting is to get people to sign, but if someone wants a developing country experience, and they don't do their research, they would most likely move on to the next teaching opportunity. Also, I feel that this information could mislead those coming through this company. There are wonderful English teachers who adapt, do their research, and are realistic, but I think you can still market to people and be successful by giving a realistic perspective right from square one.

Photo #14

Photo #14 - Lemon Square - An impulse lemon buy led to this  late-night
creation! By far, the best lemon squares I have ever had. Recipe coming
soon in the new cookbook. 

English Party! Photos #11, #12, and #13

We had a party on the last day of my English class at the Youth Center in my town. After I taught my students how to use an iPod, we had people DJ'ing hits, like Justin Bieber's "Baby."

Photo #11 - Cheese! Last Day Party - These are half of my students
from the class I taught at the Youth Center.

Photo #12 - Pot Luck in Georgia - Each student brought something
for the party! Everything was so delicious.

Photo #13 - English Forever - One of the kids' moms made this cake. :) 

The Boom Like I Do

DJ hit the music!

Ok peoples. I'm gonna talk about my clothes and how they are failing me in Georgia.

Currently wearing: ripped-knee jeans, underwear separating from the elastic, and an undershirt that has a hole in the collar

I probably wasn't going to take most of my clothes back with me to America, but I had hoped they would have lasted me until the end of the road... So far, I've mostly just thrown away socks with holes in them. Hand-washing your clothes takes its toll. The dilemma is: should I sew them back together again or no? In the mean time, they'll sit in the corner of my room.

Where did the last month go?

1.       Angry birds

2.       Anime

I’m pretty sure that’s what happened. I had an awesome Banjo player staying at my apartment for a couple weeks, which was fun. He opened my eyes to angry birds, and I’m basically like a pro now. For those who haven’t played it, get into it. I can now put “Angry Birds” physicist on my resume, because things that happen in that game are not explainable in real life.

Speaking of real life, I refuse to admit that my day-to-day is real life. I am essentially living in a game of angry birds. I throw birds at pigs who don’t want to learn before they can sabotage the spoils of my labour. That’s right. I’m spelling words with extra “u”’s now. I actually typed favourite and colour the other day by complete accident. I’m composing this in MS Word right now, and I love that it recognizes those words as spelling mistakes.

So where does the boom come from? Well, friends, it’s gonna be a bumpy ride through the beginning of April, and I’ll tell you why. I finished my minority/community integration project at the youth center teaching English to about 20 kids for three months this past week. I was contacted by FLEX/ACIE to help with a FLEX alumni training in late March. I agreed and have been learning about what exactly I’ll be doing. I will be working with 2 other PCVs from Azerbaijan and Armenia teaching project design principles and each of us will work closely with 15 alumni for 13.2 hours over 4 days of instruction. The goal is for the alumni to develop and implement a project after the training. So I have to submit a request for materials and adapted lesson plans in the next 2 weeks, do some more research, practice my stuff, make flip charts and power points.

Then, I’m helping with the Peace Corps Close of Service Conference. This seems at this point to be a smaller commitment, but still exciting! 5 months or so more to go! I’ll try not to be too obnoxious about how happy I’ll be. I just see myself feeling accomplished at having made it through 2 years of ups and downs in this program.

I am also continuing my conversation group/book club at the Fair Elections center in my town. It started off with 3 people and has ballooned (and capped by me) at 12. We are reading Roald Dahl’s “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” and I really enjoy discussing it with the group! It meets at 6 in the evening, and we have Azeris, Georgians, Russians, and Abkhazians in our group. They each have their own spark, and I always leave feeling refreshed.

I am also still making progress in gathering the Peace Corps cookbook. It’s gonna be good ya’ll! I’m sorry to those waiting that it’s taking so long. Hopefully I can get it out before March’s craziness hits and April’s new volunteers come.

I am helping with site selection for minority schools in Kvemo Kartli for future volunteers. I am going out to some villages next Tuesday to check out prospects for the G11s. I also am kicking off a new project next Wednesday where I’ll be teaching IT and resume writing skills to 2008 IDPs (Internally Displaced Person/People) in a village on the border to Armenia. I had the meeting there today, and I have hopes. They say there are 60 people from 10-25 years old who are interested. I’ll hopefully take 20-30 of those on over a couple hours twice a week. Ready for the kicker? I’m gonna teach these kiddos in Georgian. It’ll be the real test at how well I’ve learned the language. Here’s to hoping for some good English speakers in my classes to help. ;)

What else? I am organizing the Baghdati Language competition. I need to get that ball rolling soon, so those helping in that boat reading this, I’ll be sending an email out soon. The Baghdati/Kutaisi/Imereti kids are so amazing. I love working with them. According to the resource center director in my town, there is no such thing as a bad student/child, only bad teachers. Food for thought. I do agree that teachers are pivotal in motivation/success in school, but parents, administration, and institutions also are critical. Cheesily enough for non-atheists, we are all children of some god(s), so that statement argues that no one is bad. The blame has to go on someone. I love working with motivated students.

I have another English language group (more grammar and test-taking focused) in the mix, and while they are motivated, I’m trying not to encourage them too much until I knock out some of these other events. It’s looking like my PC experience is going to go out with a bang! Loves it.

The Missing Piece

Currently listening to: A charming “La Cucaracha” car horn playing on the street

Okay, so I would like to give a few words out to the folks who might be reading what it might be like to be a Peace Corps Volunteer or the G10’s that are hanging on, getting ready to begin their second year. I have discussed these ideas with some other volunteers, and it seems to be a shared feeling.

Over the course of my service, I have taken a decline in health, deserted my close friends and loved ones from back home, and had days where I wonder why I’m doing this to myself. It’s been freezing cold, swelteringly hot, and filled with problems and poor conditions.

Hopefully, you’ve kept reading for this: it’s all been worth it. I wasn’t able to say this really until the past couple of weeks. I have been able to help a girl by coaching her through an application process that might land her a fellowship for graduate study in the United States. We’ve met often, and I can say that our relationship is a friendship that I haven’t had to force. Most times, I feel like I’m struggling to make things happen, make progress, and motivate the people around me. While I definitely feel that it was not an “all-for-naught” situation, it’s been tough. I have tried so hard to make true friends in my community. Either they are too busy or just caught up in their own stuff to be able to invest into a friendship with someone new. This was the missing piece. Most volunteers in the past have said this feeling usually happens around 1 year into service. So what if it took me an extra 6 months?

Then, this past weekend, I was having a meeting with a new organization leader in my community. We’re talking, and I was using her center as an office. I would work, and we would talk, and this went back and forth between working and talking. Then, the organization leader’s friend comes in and joins into our conversation. We had such an amazing conversation about gender. Her friend has some very traditional views about marriage, but it was just a great conversation to have. Then, the org leader mentioned that I could use her space for anything. She mentioned, “I would love to start a small English discussion group for practice.” I said, “Awesome! I have some other people I could invite, if that’s okay?” She said, “Sure. When can we meet?” I answer, “Hmm…” She responds, “How about the 2nd? Does 6:00 pm work okay?”

I was flabbergasted! It just fell into place. So now I have a new conversation group. It will be informal discussions. She said she could distribute any articles, poems, etc I want to discuss before our meetings to read in advance. I have such a good feeling about this. I am just so pleased to find people who are already motivated and just wanting to learn.

I also received news this past Monday that I was not selected to continue on with the State Department, after an extensive review of my personnel file. I was kind of bummed, but I know when one door closes…

I now have a comfortable friendship with one of my counterparts at school. We go to the school “cafeteria” and I eat khachapuri (cheese bread) and drink soda, while my counterpart usually just drinks coffee. It’s nice to have some hang-out time. She’s very busy and has a family, so we rarely will hang out outside of school.

I got my new schedule for this upcoming semester. Best possible last semester: I only teach at school Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays!! That’s right suckas! I have 2 extra days off. I have long days on the days I do work, but it still makes it worth it. Those extra days will give me time I need to devote to other projects and community organizations.

I’m gearing my noggin up for a huge job application spree to take place in mid-spring, to prevent a possible spring-cleaning of my bank account when I get back to America… cheesy…

So, I have been journaling with my students I teach at the youth center, and I want to share with you some of their entries (from 2 different female students):

1.       Topic: If you could be anyone else, who would you be and why?

If I could be anyone else, I would be a boy. I will say about my town and about my choice, because in my town for girls, life is not good. If I would be a boy, I would be popular, very beautiful, free, and without complexes. I would stay with my friends watching TV, going around the world, and when I would want, go and do what I want. Also, I would help who needs help. I would be a champion and a leader in sports, in life, and of course in my own world with my own rules. My decision would be always to try. I think it’s all I need: to live as a boy.

2.       Topic: What is the most important thing you will ever do?

I want to be a lawyer, and I will work for Georgia. I want to be beautiful, kind, and generous.

From the bottom of my heart, I care about these kids, and I only want the best for them. We have 10 lessons left in their program. I have noticed a huge transformation in their writing ability, self-esteem with speaking English, and critical thinking skills. They have so much potential.

The Peace Corps’ motto: “The toughest job you’ll ever love” is starting to fill out. In the beginning, it was no doubt the toughest job, but that I’ll “ever love” is becoming more real as the days go by.

Photo #10- Pleasantries at Mtatsminda Park - I didn't get a chance to ride
the ferris wheel, but I want to in the future. The TV tower in the background

 is Georgia's Tour D'Eiffel. Location: Tbilisi, Georgia

"The music is all around us, all you have to do is listen."

Dear Readers,

My sincerest apologies go out to all of you waiting for something fantastic to appear. I can't guarantee this'll be fantastic, but it'll do my little piggies.

The ups and downs continue, each week leaves me with the feeling like I've just gotten off of another of life's roller coasters. As with other volunteers, I take a breath out of the exit and go back through the turnstiles. Whether you are on vacation or not, every day is different. Being aware of this here, I wonder what and how I'll feel going back to the US or onto my next venture.

The cold came suddenly to my community, and before you knew it, you could see your breath in my room. The hot water stops working, and I only have ice water to wash my clothes and dishes. The days will tick by and it'll be warm before I know it.

I have been watching tons of movies, thinking about what's to come, what new shenanigans my students will pull, what lives I'll touch in the next 6 months, what my life was like before Peace Corps, and what happiness lies tomorrow and beyond. I have a good feeling and that's what I'm putting my laris on.

Recently, through film and real-life situations, I'm noticing so many people that are just trying to find their path. Some are just pacing and waiting and others have completely wandered away. To that, I stress the importance of being in touch with your emotions and reflecting. Granted, sometimes I reflect a little too much, but self-awareness can go a long way. Sometimes emotions just confuse everything. To that, I say, "Shake it off, and stare raw reality in the face." What do you see? Tap into your true desires, and go for it. If you decide somewhere along the way it's not for you: don't get down. Just re-roll, and at least you know that one thing is not for you.

I looked back on my New Year's resolutions from 2010.

1. I can say I've done some awesome lessons and projects for my students. (check)
2. I don't think my mental health could be any more clear. (meditating- check)
3. I didn't complain nearly as much as 2009 and before. haha (not complaining- check)
4. I was more proactive about nutrition, haven't really gained that much weight though. (half-check)
5. I was a more active reader. I really enjoyed the reading I did in 2010. (active reading- check)
6. Well... I didn't really get as much sleep as I should have. (full nights of sleep- ehhh)
7. I disappointed people on not meeting my word on 2 or 3 occasions, but overall I think it was a productive year. (meeting my word- 3/4 check)

On my path to a dangerously close approach to perfection, I feel pretty good about 2011. I can't say that I even wish to make any resolutions at this point. I have a plan, and I'll keep you posted.

Here's to another year of good food, friends, life, and success! A (belated) happy new year to everyone!

Photo #9- Sunset in Marneuli-- the Azerbaijan Mountains--
Appreciating the view I can only see once or twice every 2 months.

Ignite Your Light- Baby, You're a Firework

So I got back from Armenia. I went there for a weekend vacation! My friend, BPRSII, invited me to go. My mission was to get candy for our lovely Safety and Security Officer, but I couldn't find it anywhere! My opinion of Yerevan was that it was awesome! Of course, there were the Soviet-style buildings, but our hostel was awesome. It was filled with Americans, one Canadian, one Slovenian (who liked to take pictures), and one other guy (Hungarian?). The Americans were pretty much all different walks of the Georgian Ministry of Education's Teach and Learn in Georgia (TLG) Program.

note: the Geo. Ministry of Education's goal is to put a native speaker in every school in Georgia, starting off with 1000 volunteers and then going from there. It's sustainability for funding is questionable, but the aim of the program is decent, and the Americans I've met have been pretty cool folks!

One TLG'er in particular, I'll call Crime, has been such a blast to hang out with. We are working on a facebook friend's page together, but facebook doesn't seem to update these pages too regularly... Her and BPRSII have really broken me out of my shell. It's not that I'm a different person, but just that it's really good to find people that are amazing to hang out with. I haven't forgotten about Punishment, who had a scheisty Thanksgiving, for which I am sorry and will make it up to her. Also, I appreciate everyone else who has been sending packages and letters, providing support, visiting my site and/or just reading the ol' blog.

Through some facebook stalking, I discovered christwire.org, a hilarious satire site on radical Christianity (at first I didn't know it was satire: thank you, Johnny-in-5-Years; AND I must say that Katy Perry's new(ish) video "Firework" is pretty awesome. Well done!

I taught my students the lyrics to Wham!'s "Last Christmas" along with the meanings to try and show Georgians that it is NOT a happy song! I went through this discussion many times last year and failed. I wasn't going to be had again this year. Well.... despite knowing the lyrics, the history, and even seeing the music video, my students are CONVINCED it is, in fact, a happy song....

I made Broccoli Casserole for Thanksgiving. Not gonna lie, before I made my first casserole I thought they were a kind of trashy, but after crumbling the last potato chip on top of that glorious glob of thanksgiving goodness, I'm a believer. It was delicious!

In other news, my kitchen runs on natural gas. It had been out for 3 days until this afternoon! I just made a huge bowl of pasta to celebrate.

Last night, to celebrate my day (kind of) off today, I watched "How to Train Your Dragon." It was a lovely Dreamworks film I'd recommend. Tonight I think I'll tackle "Ninja Assassin." In just a few minutes I'll be heading to some festivities for "World AIDS Day." Get out there! Get tested! Use a condom!