My Life with Peace Corps - Azerbaijan

I am glad; serving Peace Corps finally becomes a reality. My purpose of life becomes more apparent on the date I accepted Peace Corps' invitation. For the next two years, I will have a new life and a new adventure. I am happy, really happy. I have the life I am longing for, I have my family to support my decision, I have friends to cheer me off and finally, "J", the love of my life, I have him to give me the comfort that I need the most…....I am really excited about what lies ahead.

Time to say goodbye to all my friends!

October 5, 2009 – Moving in to the Bahramov Family

Today I move in to my host family. The family consists of three lovely daughters and a grandmother. My first impression of the Bahramov’s family is: very friendly. They keep staring at me and they talk endlessly about me. They welcome me to their home and bring all their friends and relatives to see me. They also introduce me to their many neighbors. The little boys and girls range from six years old to twelve years old from the nearby neighborhood all come to see this little “Chin” from the America.

I have my own little room with simple furniture: a small desk, two chairs, and a bed. The family seems to be living well; they even have a washing machine. The father is a farmer and the mother is working in a private organization as an electricial engineer. The eldest daughter is studying in the University and wants to become a translator. She speaks English very well, which helps me a lot. The other sister is studying to be a doctor. The youngest sister also attends the university. The living condition is better than I have expected. I can even take a hot shower everyday! However, the minor discomfort such as lack of privacy, cleanness, and convenience are unavoidable. I do miss my apartment, my little cozy place in New York City.

I have to admit, living with a host family probably is the most difficult part of the whole Peace Corps experience, especially for an independent person like me. My host family is very eager to know me, but it is this eagerness that sometimes I feel like I cannot breathe. They watch me constantly, even when I am in my room studying. They come and go into my room as they please. Closing my bedroom door does not guarantee privacy. The only time I can be left alone is when I turn off my light and go to bed. This lack of privacy sometimes makes me depressed, but I constantly remind myself that I come to this country for a purpose; a noble purpose. I cannot and will not be discouraged by this little discomfort. If I can do this, I can go back home and do anything.

ctober 8, 2009 – The Language Training

I am glad that I have done all my language homework before coming to Azerbaijan. The language training turns out to be very intensive. Our instructor speaks very little English which can be good and bad. She is extremely patient with us. The oldest person in our group has the most difficult time to learn the language. She struggles and I sense her pain. My progress is good since I already studies most of the lessons in New York, but to speak fluently will take more effort. Everyday I come home; I just lock myself inside my room and study.

I miss New York, I miss my friends, I miss hiking and I miss “J”. We had a wonderful time in Philadelphia, which made it very difficult to say goodbye to him. For all these years, my heart always has a special place for him. I donot know what our future holds, but I am certain more than ever that we will spend the rest of our lifes together, whether as a friend or more.