Half-way through Training and Service

Pictures: This week I am reminiscing a little. The first picture is of Thanksgiving 2008 in the village of Saray with 3 Trainee clusters represented. We gathered for Thanksgiving pot luck dinner and also to surprise Linda on her birthday. The sign says “Your 60 years life – celebrate/congratulations.”
The third picture was taken at a cultural event during our training. We visited the ancient site of Gobustan, and here are most of the older group eating lunch together. The 3 on the far right have all Early Terminated, ET, due to family and adjustment issues.
The fourth picture is of Denney looking into a “Mud Volcano”. These are unique to the area and are a result of gas erupting through the mud. They are not hot, but can be a little dangerous in that this year one of the AZ7’s sunk down to his belly in mud when the crust broke.
Finally is one of my favorite pictures of Linda at Sheki.

Linda and I have passed the half-way point in our service and training. On December 10 we will mark the half-way point in our service as Volunteers, and will have less than one year remaining. The countdown of our return will begin. So, the subject of this blog is homesickness.

I read the blogs of other Volunteers and Trainees in Azerbaijan when I have time. Homesickness is common to all of us. Everyone has ways of handling the being separated from family and American culture. Serving in the Peace Corps is far different now than even 5 years ago, much less 10, 20, 30, or 50. Through cell phones, television and the internet we keep up with news and are in contact with family and friends on a regular basis. It is this contact that helps the most. Even short emails are always appreciated.
This week we were fortunate to have two phone calls. First, the members of Hopewell Baptist Church had a “Call Linda and Denney Fellowship.” There was a potluck supper and then they called 8:15 p.m. CST which was 6:15 a.m. for us. We were expecting the call and had both been up since 5:00 in anticipation. We had speakerphones on both ends of the call which made it very nice. It was a joy to hear familiar voices. Something like that picks up the spirits.
On Friday night (CST) Andrew called us and we spoke for about 30 minutes. He had had a stressful day, but being able to speak with him helped to make us feel we are still a viable part of his life. He said he would call again on Thanksgiving.
In addition to the telephone calls, we also receive cards and letters. Three weeks or so is the average delivery time. These are nice because they can be read over and over. I also use the cards for Conversation Clubs to discuss the pictures and such.
Many of you have been so instrumental in sending us packages. I know I will leave someone out so I will not list everyone, but some of the highlights have been: spices from many people (I think my sister buys a whole shelf and sends it), For all of you who have sent special foods like peanut butter, French or Italian roast coffee, crackers, cheeses, oatmeal, hot chocolate mixes, Kool-Aid, Crystal Lite, soups and soup mixes, candy, and everything else – too much to mention. These items make life so much more bearable. All the Volunteers comment how these items help overcome the homesickness for American culture.
We are very fortunate to have a reliable mail system. Many Volunteers over the world are not as fortunate. We have timely and safe delivery. We have only lost a couple of items. One electronic package did not arrive at all. Another package was missing a roll of tape after having come open during transit. We also lost one package of Crystal Lite – told you it was valuable.
We offer special thanks to all of you who helped in emergencies with items like makeup, hairspray, and French Press coffee maker.
Last year Billie and Daryl Limpus sent us a CD of the 1985 Christmas program at FBC Archie. There were our sons, and friends’ children singing and performing. It was so emotional and touching.
So, basically, every contact from the U.S.A. is deeply appreciated and helps manage the homesickness.

We miss family and friends most at the holidays, birthdays, and special occasions. The American culture is different. When we are reading books and the characters go to their favorite Pizza place, restaurant, play, or concert, then it hits. When Linda is preparing meals, we realize how much we miss prepared foods. Diet drinks are not found easily, an occasional Coke or Pepsi Light can be purchased. The sugar free drinks from the U.S. are something we did not realize how much we would miss them.

Some volunteers have made trips back to the United States and others have had family visit them here. I believe for us a trip to the United States would not help because I doubt I could get back on the plane to return to Azerbaijan. Chris Gilmore is hoping to come visit us next year, and we are still hoping one or both of our sons could come.

In December and early January we will be getting our physicals and dental examinations, and then late January or early February will be our Mid-service Conference. Then the countdown to our return will begin, and next summer in earnest.

All total out of the 61 we began with there is now 55. There have been 3 younger and 3 older volunteers who Early Terminated. To Early Terminate is respected as the best choice for those individuals at that time. We respect and appreciate anyone who has made the Peace Corps a choice and every minute of service is important. Thank you again for helping make this possible for us through your contacts, support, friendship, love, prayers, and thoughts!