So its been a little while since ive done an update. I
figured it was about time. I’ve been busy these last couple weeks, and don’t
really prioritize my blog like I should. I’m trying. I have had a great time
with my host mom and things are going well. We recently hooked up our wood-burning
stove, so now the living room is nice and toasty. Some days its freezing, but
some are hot.
I officially have a cat, Maj. He waits on my porch nearly
every morning to crawl on my lap while I put my shoes on so I will pet him. It
makes it difficult to leave for school on time.
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| Maj and Me :) |
I still go to language
class every day. I took the practice
LPI and was the first in my class, which I think gave me a benefit (or
detriment depending on your view) for critique. I apparently did very well,
though I saw many parts that needed improvement. I will become more fluent in
Makedonski over time.
Everything in Probistip is lovely, but time is speeding up
quickly and my time here is getting
shorter, much like the sunlight. Before I
know it, it’s changing. I will surely miss
Probistip when I move.
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| Beautiful Probistip |
The biggest update I have is that my new home, starting at
the end of this month will be Sveti Nikole. I spent the last few days with my
new host family and in the school I will be working in, as well as my
counterpart. I could go on and on about how amazing it is there, and in time I
am sure I will.
The home-stay is great, there is a host mother, host father,
and brother who spends most of his time in Skopje. The home-stay mother
requested a young girl, and I guess that is what she got :) . The house is big and
the town is bigger than Probistip. I spent all three days at the school working
with my counterpart and observing the classes. She teaches mostly older primary
school, so I will see myself working with 6th – 8th grade
primarily. I will have a couple other counterparts possibly. I will confirm at
a later date. I had a great time in the classes and had many nervous yet
curious students. Some with better English skills approached me and asked me
any and all questions that they could, including who my favorite singer was. My
counterpart is awesome, she not only had prepared the students for my arrival a
little bit, but she kind-of pushed them to ask me some questions.
The school has had a previous volunteer several years ago,
but my counterpart has never worked with one. It will still be good. She
invited me to come to a parent-teacher night where I could meet many parents and
I also participated in their EKO day for a short period, though we stopped
early because it was beginning to rain and it was extremely cold.
One other night I was able to meet with a couple volunteers,
a fullbright scholar working in archaeology, and the Makedonka wife of one of the volunteers.
I hope that I can
return before I actually move I, as my host brother’s name day celebration is
on the 22nd. Updates will follow.
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| fooood! |
I also got a care package from my parents, Thanks mom and
dad! Everything is delicious and is a nice treat from home. I’m trying to take
my time with eating it all, but it’s hard. This is a happy reminder that I
would love to receive cards, letters, postcards from you!! Please!
