Well...as you know. I have not been up to much lately (work wise) and that had me pretty down. I started to question why I was here, was I really accomplishing anything? Would I even make a difference over the next 20 months? Today though, my family talked to a married couple that they hosted as Peace Corps volunteers over 3 years ago, and it was incredible. The wife still understood Armenian, and my family was so happy to see them and to speak to them. Watching them talk and be so happy to see one another, I realized that I was forgetting two of the Peace Corps goals as I worked through my doubts. One, introducing American culture to Armenian people, and two, introducing Armenian culture to Americans. Yes, maybe I am lagging a bit in the 3rd goal (passing on skills)..but my closeness with my family, neighbors, and club children here made me realize that I am still working, every day. Working on adapting myself to the customs here, and slowly making strange American customs and beliefs maybe not so strange. The kids no longer thing of me as the new, strange American (well..maybe when I do things like stand on chairs, or walk around without slippers) and my family has experienced a very American Thanksgiving along with many new meals (asian, tex mex, etc), heard about many traditions, and have become accustomed the the different ways of an American woman.
As for the passing on of Armenian Culture to Americans..I know my friends and family have heard many stories about parties, dances, and the customs of Armenia. Hopefully more will be passed on during my visit home in 10 days..and more during my next 20 months here.
oh..and while I am here...10 DAYS!
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