Today’s English Class Lesson: THE LION KING! Circle of Life clip, Read Aloud, Hakuna Matata Sing Along, Lion Mane Making (paper plates and toilet paper), TRIBAL FACE PAINTING and a finale african dance to I Just Can’t Wait to Be King!! I’m still a kid at heart. :)

Disney Class Series: Lion King Lesson! Circle of Life Animal Naming and Hakuna Matata Sing Alongs. Everyone got to become their own type of Animal. Grades 1-5 Zhvan Satellite School, Braka Miladinovci

Cinco De Mayo Party: Creative Club at Braka Miladinovci! Games included: LIMBO ROCK, Pin the Tail on the Donkey and of course my very own home made pinata (cardboard box, wrapping paper and toilet paper!) 

7th Grade Hike to the Cross at the Top of the Mountain

National Spelling Bee in Skopje. Braka Miladinovci Zvan Spellers! (and Teachers)

First Day of Spring. National Tree Day. Picnic Party with fellow Colleagues in nearby village, Sloshditsa. Fresh Rabbit for Lunch.

January 2012 Pauza The editors wanted a first month perspective from the smallest village! (I guess that’s me…) The article will run beside a perspective of a volunteer living in a big city. By Julie Tumasz, TEFL PCV, Zhvan, Macedonia I’m a Zhvanka. Zhvan, Macedonia, located between Kicevo and Bitola, has a population of two hundred and fifty (plus one American). The village has two prodanitsi and a post office. No cafes, restaurants, supermarkets, bars, bus stations, Veros, Tinexs, boutiques or Bazaars. For me, it’s the most beautiful place in Macedonia. There is not much going on here, but it’s the little things that make my life fulfilled day after day. When I arrived in Zhvan, I was an alien. I smiled and waved at every single person walking on the path. Most called greetings, some started conversations and others starred. Within a month, everyone is stopping to talk. Everyone knows my name. It’s easy when you’re the only new neighbor in 30 years. I’ve never been good at names and sometimes I forget who I’ve met and who I haven’t! It’s lucky the Macedonian greeting is to shake hands every time you meet! During placement, I was surprised and slightly disappointed that I was not going to live with a host family. Now, I can’t imagine it any other way. I live the best of both worlds. I enjoy the privilege of solitude every volunteer understands AND I’ve been adopted into numerous host families. My next-door neighbor has taken the role of the over-caring aunt. My counterpart’s grandparents have told me to call them Baba and Dedo. My Macedonian teacher’s family has become my own. (While I’ve referred to her as my Majka, we joke that her husband is actually my older brother.) My village family tree may be confusing but it’s full of love. Living alone, I’m able to cross age and gender borders where I might have been restricted with a host family. As an American, I consider myself part of my own stereotype. I hang out with every group without limitations. I sled with the kids, I go to Downtown Demir Hisar with my generation, I discuss recipes with the Doma Kinkas, I play pool with the men of the prodanitsa and I drink Rakia with the dedos. My protective aunt tries to shame me from going to the prodanista because I’m a young woman. But I know, I am unique in Zhvan and through that, I’m able to experience every perspective, woman, man, young, old. To get the most out of the next two years, I want to understand every Zhvance! Understanding the national traditions of Macedonia and the local traditions of Zhvan is like unraveling a mystery for me. What is a Zhvan tradition and what is Macedonian? For example, during Zhvan’s Voditici, a traditional Macedonian cross was thrown plus a 100-year-old traditional village song was sung. Five dancing girls repeated a verse 66 times for every young man to find their love in the coming year. Only after the event did I realize that was a unique Zhvan tradition. I’ve found that a large cultural event is the fastest way that these strangers can become my friends through just a single experience. There, I’m the student and my neighbors revel in the opportunity to become my teacher. I know I must have been taught to dance Oro at least 30 times! Nagosti is the Zhvan’s Nightlife and Entertainment. When I visit my friends and neighbors, I feel totally fulfilled, socially and professionally. Since integration is part of our job, simply sitting and chatting is work time! I’ve experienced many kinds of Nagosties. I’ve seen the formalities of the Slava Celebrations, the kid’s birthday parties, the Macedonian handball games, the imen-dens, and of course, the never ending Christmas holidays. One Nagosti even led to a three-day sleepover at the house of my adopted family. I’ve also experienced the excitement of having my own Nagostis, including hosting my own Slava for American Christmas. Others may think that the absence of formal nightlife is negative. But through the lack of bars and restaurants, I’ve been forced to experience a new type of social community that for me is alive and happening! My goal is to Nagosti all 250 Zhvance within two years. My advice to all volunteers living in a small village: Get out there and live your unique life. Girls, don’t be afraid to play poker in the prodanitsa. Guys, go cook Rochek with your nearby Baba.  Try to experience something new everyday!

“Love the life you live. Live the life you love.” - Bob Marley

Click HERE: My Frosty the Snowman Student Music Video: Браќа Миладиновци 6th Graders Perform their First English Music Video. In English Class, I taught them the song indoors and they knew every word! Once we were outside in the beautiful winter wonderland, they were slightly distracted. But hey, we’re still learning right? Frost the Snowman from Zhvan, Macedonia

Happy Birthday Jesus!: It doesn’t matter whether you were born on December 25th or January 7th. You are still the one and only lord. Today, January 8th, is the last day of the 3 day Macedonian Christmas.

The Twelve days of Christmas of Peace Corps! (Julie Tumasz Style) On the first day of Peace Corps, I was officially sworn in as an American Peace Corp Volunteer! (Thanksgiving Day) On the second day of Peace Corps, Started living alone in Zhvan, Macedonia (with my Landlord’s Dog and Cat) On the third day of Peace Corps, Began Teaching English to 1st-8th Grades with two amazing Macedonian counterparts On the fourth day of Peace Corps, Made close neighbors, friends and adopted Macedonian aunts, uncles, sisters and grandparents.  On the fifth day of Peace Corps, Gave a full length presentation to the school’s faculty in the Macedonian Language On the sixth day of Peace Corps, Chopped down my own Christmas Tree and had a student decorating party in my new home  On the seventh day of Peace Corps, Organized an Afterschool Gingerbread Architecture Event On the eighth day of Peace Corps, Held a Dinner Party ‘Slava’ Celebration for American Christmas with Macedonian neighbors On the ninth day of Peace Corps, Traveled Across Country to celebrate American Christmas with PC Volunteers On the tenth day of Peace Corps, Led two English Dramas and Jingle Bells in the Regional Christmas Pageant On the eleventh day of Peace Corps, Celebrated New Years with a mix of friends from Zhvan and the Peace Corps by dancing traditional Oro in the city square of Bitola On the twelfth day of Peace Corps, I returned to my training community, Lozovo, to celebrate Macedonian Christmas with my Host Family. And a Partridge in a Pear Tree….in Macedonia. Okay so, I’ve actually officially been a Peace Corps Volunteer for 45 days, not 12 but who’s counting?

Macedonian Orthadox Christmas: January 5th: ‘Kolede’ Caroling Children for Sweets Village Bonfire January 6th: ‘Badnik’ Christmas Eve Traditonal Oak Log Decoarate with Oak Branches and Straw Christmas Eve Dinner (without Meat) January 7th: ‘Bochik’ Christmas Day Early Church Service Christmas Dinner with Guests (with Meat) 

“What is the Meaning of Life? Whatever you Want it to Be.” - James Frey

New Years Resolutions 2012.  Read More. Be well-rounded. Have a Soundtrack to Life: Listen to New Music Write about Life. Remember Paint. Sketch. Create. Become Fluent in Macedonian. Reuse and Recycle Better Long-Distance Relationships

1.     Navija Za Vas (Tose Proeski) 2.     Makedonska Himna (National Anthem)     3.     Makedonsko Devojce (Traditional) 4.     Oj Jano, Jano (Traditional) 5.     Zajdi, Zajdi(Traditional) 6.     Jovano, Jovanke(Traditional) 7.     Majika Na Majika (Tose Proeski) 8.     Pajduskata (Traditional Oro) 9.     Da Da Sali(Traditional Oro) 10. Eleno Mome (Traditional Oro) 11. Cupurlika (Traditional Oro) 12. Nikoj Kako Tebe Ne Baknuva (No One Kisses Like You) (Tose Proeski) 13. Igri Bez Granici (Game Without Borders) (Tose Proeski) 14. Cresha (Cherry Tree) (Tose Proeski) 15. Volim Osmijeh Tvoj (I Love Your Smile) (Tose Proeski) 16. The Hardest Thing  (Tose Proeski) 17. Guilty  (Tose Proeski) 18. My Little One  (Tose Proeski) 19. Marija Meci Kiflina

CLICK to explore Ideas for my Life: Design, Teaching, Crafts

We Hiked the Mountain. We Searched for the Tree. We Found the Perfect Tree. We Chopped the Tree. We Dragged, Carried and Lugged the Tree up the Mountain. We Threw the Tree on a Jeep. We Drove the Jeep Home. We Trimmed the Tree. We Pushed the Tree inside my front door. We Put it in a Pot. We decorated, beautified and made our tree a Masterpiece. Thanks to Dobre, Slagyana, Christina, Vlatko and the 7th Graders of Zhvan for making my Christmas Tree Dream REALITY :) The Finished Product. 

An Average Lozovo Language Class: (September-November 2011) Amy: I won’t need that, not learning it. J Andres: That is podobro. ‘better!’ Anna: I love my Macedonian family! Everyday Zhvan Quotes: (December 2011-Present) ‘Directorka’ Principal Menka: You can do…whatever you want to do. Vlatko: Volunteer! Wanna fight? J Marija: Kai Ci!? Zuzu! I missed you! All of Zhvan: You will learn.

Thank you, 2011. You were quite a year. Volunteered in Buenos Aires, Celebrated Mardi Gras in New Orleans, Got my College Diploma, Hiked the Blue Ridge Parkway, Tasted Wine in Tuscany, Cliff Jumped in Cinque Terre, Scuba Dived in Nice, France, Ate Tapas in Barcelona, JOINED THE PEACE CORPS, lived with a Macedonian Host Family, Hiked Mount Solunka Glava, Became a Zhvan School Teacher. Hello, 2012! Happy New Year to loved ones around the world! Sreken Noova Godina!

Official Peace Corps Swearing in for Group 16. The best pcvs ever. On Top is the amazing Macedonian performers for our Celebration. On bottom is the the best training group, LOZOVOooooo.

Old: My Christmas Traditions in American December 24: Polish Family Dinner Rotating Host Locations Christmas Eve Early Potluck Style Dinner Shrimp Appetizer Fight Pierogies, Sauwerkrawt, Fish Polyanna Gift Giving Slatka Polka, Polka, Polka Must Be Santa! Polish Carols New: My American Peace Corps Christmas in Macedonia December 23-December 26 Macedonska Kamenitsa with 11 other Peace Corps Volunteers Chopped Christmas Tree down from the Mountains Decoarated Tree with Kitchen Foil Gingerbread House Making with Crackers White Elephant Gift Exchange (Gifts of something random you found in your new house when you moved in) Taco Christmas Eve Dinner SANG MUST BE SANTA AT MIDNIGHT Christmas Morning woke up in my sleeping bag Santa Visited: Used Socks with Tea, Oranges, Peppers, Onions, a Snickers, a Sparkler!

Julie Tumasz’s Peace Corps Promise: ONE NEW THING EVERYDAY Zhvan, Macedonia I promise to EXPERIENCE something NEW EVERYDAY for 730 days during my service in the Peace Corps in Macedonia.  Seven Hundred and Thirty New Firsts. 730 New Experiences THE FIRST 30 NEW EXPERIENCES!!! Day 1. November 25, 2011 Moved into my First Solo House Dinner with my Landlord Day 2. November 26, 2011 Unpacked for 2 years in the Peace Corps Picked Mountain Tea with my landlords Day 3. November 27, 2011 Went on my first Nghostie in Zhvan and had my first Nghostie at my House! Experimented with a Pizza: Ketkup, Peppers, Ayvar, Pinjur, Cheese Day 4. November 28, 2011 First Day at a Teacher at Zhvan Central School Signed my first House Lease. 3 ‘Nghosties’ Guests came to visit! Day 5. November 29, 2011 1st Time Teaching in Zhvan Central (Head Shoulders Knees and Toes, Hokey Pokey and The Body!) Attended my 1st Zhvan Birthday Party! (1st time dancing Oro in Zhvan) Day 6. November 30, 2011 1st Day Teaching 1-5 Grade Taught at 1st Satellite School, Sloshditza: Jeopardy Game! 1st Class at Dolensi School: only two students, Crafted birthday cards Day 7. December 1, 2011 1st Class in Zhvan Satellite School Impromtu Meeting with Directorka: About a previous Volunteer leaving early Day 8. December 2, 2011 1st Day in Viravo Satellite School: Created an English Playdough Market! Hiked from Viravo to Zhvan: 2 ½ hours 1st time in Demir Hesir’s Nightlife: Connect and Aganda Day 9. Saturday, December 3, 2011 Free Ride to Bitola with my Zhvance guyfriends Understanding ‘Poshe Corps’: Dessert Tasting with 4 other PC Volunteers in Bitola Watched my 1st Professional Macedonian Comedy at the National Theater Day 10. Sunday, December 4, 2011 Invited to ‘the Zhvan Hangout’ with the over 20 generation Listen to the elders jovial traditional band in the billlard hall Day 11. December 5, 2011 Attended my 1st Macedonian Poetry Reading Played in a Billards Competition Day 12. December 6, 2011 Taught my First Solo Class: 6th Grade Class Schedule: Hokey Pokey, Put on a Happy Face, Simon Says, Club Idea Brainstorm, Macerena. Interuppted by the bell, how rude! Rainbows in Zhvan!! Day 13. December 7, 2011 Made a Recyclable Puppet Stage out of Plastic Bags ‘Nghosti’ visited Bitola’s Volunteer, Karli Day 14.December 8, 2011 Blessing of the Bread Ceremony at St. Demintre in Bitola Vera, Vlatko’s Mother, includes my name in the head priest’s family prayer! St. George Slava Dinner A Nghostie Progressive for me: Bilyana’s during Preparations: Grandparents and Brother’s Family Slagyana’s: Brother showed me every family photo album. Discovered Hot ‘Raakia Home-Made Whiskey Zovan’s: Formal Dining Room Bilyana’s Beautiful Spread: Drank Wine with Zhvan’s Priest Betti’s Slava: Sat with Demir Hesir Teacher, compares me with last Peace Corps Volunteer, even mistakenly calls me Tara once. Day 15. December 9, 2011 St. Georgina Slava Day Bilyana’s Slava: Macedonian Carolers! (complete with saxophone, accordion, drum and guitar) Betti’s Slava: Fish and Oro attempts Day 16. December 10, 2011 My Cat, Laura, sleeps with me! Day 17. December 11, 2011 Chopped down my own Christmas Tree in the Mountains! Impromptu Classy Girls’ Get Together at my house: Milena, Slagyana, Vesna, Andrijana, Sonia Day 18. December 12, 2011 1st Drama Club! Rychek with the best Janitor Ever, Lupcho! Day 19. December 13, 2011 First Visit to Sopotnitsa Satellitte Elementary School: Get Lost looking for School Hike from Sopotnitsa to Zhvan Peace Corps Security Officer Visit Goce’s early arrival interrupts my Rychek/Nghostie at Slatka’s Day 20. December 14, 2011 Christmas Tree Decorating at my House! 1st House Party with the Zhvan Kids (and Counterpart, Vlatko) Event Schedule: Trim 8 foot Tree, Somehow get Tree into House, Put Lights on Tree, Take Lights off and Fix them, Decorate Tree with Landlord’s donated Ornaments, Make Ornaments from household objects, TREE FALLS DOWN, put more dirt and rocks in pot, Make Paper Chains, Blow up Balloons for Ornaments, See how big you can Blow up the Balloon before it explodes,  Fight with Balloons, Figure out where to put all the balloons, hang the balloons from the outdoor balcony, Clean Up Team, Photo Shoot Day 21. December 15, 2011 Gave a Formal Presentation in Macedonian! (The Peace Corps and My Personal History) Was a Guest Speaker in 8th Grade Geography. Topic: American Colonists/Native Americans Supported and Filmed Zhvan Students’ Dance and Choir Performance in Demir Hesir 1st Lesson teaching two grades at one time. (2nd and 3rd Grade) Day 22. December 16, 2011 Conducted intense English Jeopardy with 27 7th graders by myself! Almost Died. Caused an Electrical Explosion with Broken Christmas Lights. 1st New Hair Do in Macedonia. Done by Marija, fellow English Teacher. Day 23. December 17, 2011 1st Time drinking my house’s Home-Made Wine (with my Landlord’s Family) Spontaneously met 5 Peace Corps Volunteers in Bitola, unplanned Day 24. December 18, 2011 St. Nickolas Slava 2nd time ‘Nghostie’ guest at Zhvan Family Saint Party Day 25. December 19, 2011 Drank ‘Raakia’ Homemade Whiskey with the School Secretary Made a Mess in the middle of the Teacher’s Lounge, (with Biscuits, Crème and Candies, experimental Gingerbread) Day 26. December 20, 2011 1st Afterschool Event I Organized Gingerbread House Making Christmas Party! Day 27. December 21, 2011 School Janitor reads my future from Turkish Coffee Take a Nap with my Zhvanka Baba ‘Grandma’ Day 28. December 22, 2011 1st House Dinner Party ‘Slava’ Time: 3PM Hostess ‘DomaKerka’: Julie Tumasz Attendees: Menka, Slatka, Betti, Dobre, Christina Rychek Served: Deviled Eggs, Ranch Salad, Pesto Pasta Gifts Given: Macedonian Chocolate, Home-Made Wine, Forgotten Gloves First Snow in Macedonia. 6in in Zhvan Day 29. December 23, 2011 Traveled across country for Christmas. Day 30. December 24, 2011 First Christmas Eve in another Country! 

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did. So throw off your bowlines. Sail away from safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore, Dream, Discover” - Mark Twain I hung this quote in my language training classroom in Lozovo. For 3 months, it inspired me to keep learning. Today, my dad sent me the quote, saying it reminded him of me. :) It’s the little things that keep you going. 

First Day of Teaching, ever. Tuesday November 29, 2011 First Tuesday in Zhvan, Macedonia. The rooster tries to wake me at 5AM. The sun tries to wake me at 6AM. My alarm tries to wake me at 645AM. I get out of bed at 715AM. Why should I walk around my freezing house in the morning? Why not run around slightly rushed? I’m out the door at 740AM, speed walk to the village store. I’ve been told the clerk speaks English but I’m skeptical. Although a local teacher told me people wait for the bus inside the store, the clerk seems confused at my presence. I smile. He smiles. We converse in short Macedonian, mornings are bad for my language. I smile. He smiles. Finally, I buy a banana and escape the awkwardness. Just in time, the van pulls up and I jump in. My counterpart, Marija, gives me a huge hug as I walk into the teacher’s language. Kai Ci, Juuuulie!? I tell her some weekend Zhvan adventures and she assures me I can come to the big city, Bitola for some excitement soon. Most of the young teachers are from Bitola and commute to the village everyday. It’s a perfect situation for me, because I already have some amazing friends to stay with in the city, if I want a night on the town. During my first English lesson, the 7th grade, I was only slightly useful. I wrote on the chalkboard for the first time as a teacher. It’s harder then it looks. I was slightly messy. I changed the names of the practice sentences to make the lesson more exciting. I wrote the name Damien, one of the class clowns, to force him to pay attention, at least for a minute. Christina, one of the students from Zhvan, had her birthday today, so I used her name to single out the ‘rodendenka’. For Macedonian Birthdays, the Birthday boy or girl (or adult) brings chocolates or candies for everyone. When you receive the candy, you kiss the honoree on both cheeks and say Sreken Rodenden! (Happy Birthday!) But oddly, Macedonians do not sing the Happy Birthday song in Macedonian, everyone only sings it in English! As I walk into the 6th grade classroom, 12 voices scream JULIE! Hello! I scream back with just as much enthusiasm, maybe more. Marija asks if I want to teach the class. (yes, after we’ve just walked in) Sure, why not? We’re learning the parts of the body today. When I ask if they want to sing today, they’re excited and proud to show me they already know an English song. They line up at the front of the classroom without instruction and start to sing ‘Head Shoulders Knees and Toes’. I try to just stand there and watch their show but I can’t help but jump in. After one chorus, I say FASTER! and we are off, going at a speed where no one can even hear their own voice. SLOWER! and then suddenly, we are not just turtle slow but quiet as mice. It doesn’t seem like teaching, it seems like a dance party.  Suddenly, I’m thinking two words: HOKEY POKEY. The kids and I make a circle and we’re off, shaking hands, feet, knees and elbows. But there’s a problem, I’m the only one singing. So, I direct everyone back to their seats and write the lyrics on the board. We read them together, and then we’re back to our crazy shakin’ circle. We’re yelling, singing, shakin’ and dancing. What a way to start my first ever class! My counterpart, Marija, watches from the side, with a huge smile on her face. After the song, I’m totally out of breath and I look to the professional. She corrals the 6th graders back to the seats and they begin to copy all the body parts into their notebooks. I draw an odd bobble-head woman on the board and call the students up to fill in the labels of her body. After we’re done, I ask them for the women’s name, and what do you know, her name was Julie! After Julie’s erased, I draw a monster from an unknown planet, with 3 heads, 5 arms, 1 leg and 15 eyes. The kids take turns telling me what he looks like in English. Right before the bell rings, I ask what the monster’s name is. He had three names, Josh, Chocree and Ba. Who knew? My last class of the day, the 8th graders, has only 4 girls. Marija tells me that they are ahead of the yearly schedule and I can do whatever I want. Although the Peace Corps encourages volunteers to help with preplanned lessons plans, I feel as though this spur of the moment, spontaneous tag team teaching is working for us. Marija introduces an English competition to the girls, and I write introduction questions on the blackboard. I ask the 4 girls to stand up and casually make a circle. Who are you, really? I ask. For the next 40 minutes, the 6 of us spoke solely in English, something I doubt those four 12 year olds had ever done before. I missed speaking English. I was getting a short relief in Macedonian, and teaching at the same time. Unknowingly, they were understanding what I was doing everyday. When you want to make a new friend in another language, you have to force yourself to speak, listen and understand. In the end, you realize you know more then you thought you did. 

[Flash 10 is required to watch video.]Lake Matka, Macedonia. At the lakefront restaurant, we we’re serenaded by Traditional Macedonian Music. A perfect end to the weekend. 

Julie Tumasz Benita Zdravevska Zhvan, Demir Hesir 7200 Macedonia Eastern Europe

‘Jas soom SAM sega.’ I’m LIVING ALONE for the first time in my life. Now What?  Try something new. You are your own best friend. Learn from yourself. Discover new things about yourself everyday. Just in case you ever find yourself alone, looking for something to do, why don’t you…. ·       Plant a garden ·       Learn to ride a horse ·       Write a book ·       Write poetry ·       Sketch portraits and nature ·       Paint canvases ·       Do Puzzles ·       Relax with Yoga ·       Yoga at sunrise ·       Energize with Kickboxing ·       Learn to cook ·       Learn to homemade bread ·       Meditate ·       Make collages ·       Read books ·       Make a tree house ·       Climb trees ·       Rollerblade ·       Bike trails ·       Start collections ·       Make my own jewelry ·       Take long walks ·       Relax in a bathtub ·       Pick up trash ·       Pray to god ·       List goals ·       Dream Journal ·       Plan my future ·       Time Capsule ·       Plant trees ·       Camp alone ·       Make wind chimes ·       Recycle ·       Burn candles ·       Make Potpourri ·       Give myself a Pedi&Mani ·       Make a Mud Pie ·       Write snail mail ·       Send Postcards ·       Have a Skype Dinner with an American friend ·       Do a new thing everyday of PC. ·       Stain glass Windows ·       Paint Rocks. ·       Rock garden ·       Hug Dogs ·       Pet a Cat ·       Sculpt a Sculpture ·       Create Mosaics ·       Chalk Masterpieces ·       Climb Mountains ·       Jog trails ·       Dance Naked ·       Pick Mountain Tea ·       Pick Herbs ·       Learn to Bake ·       Sunbathe ·       All night Scrapbook ·       Make a Photo Book ·       Make Movies ·       Make a Documentary ·       Have a Photo Shoot ·       Perfect Photography Skills ·       Sing ·       Play Recorder ·       Learn to play the Harmonica ·       Lay in the grass ·       Hike and Picnic ·       Make a Cookbook ·       Write and Draw a Children’s Book ·       Sample traditional food and wine ·       Make Lists ·       Take a Day to myself ·       Paint Eggs ·       Skydive ·       Bungee Jump ·       Paraglide ·       People Watch ·       Understand Nature ·       Trail blaze: make a trail ·       Make Artsy signs ·       Make everything reusable ·       Spray Paint Art ·       Laugh Aloud!  ·       Make a HUGE List of all Favorites ·       Make a Playlists for every mood ·       Add to the Internet: ex. Wikipedia ·       Learn to Sew ·       Knit a Blanket, Hat, Scarf ·       Design my dream house ·       Write everyday. ·       Creative write. Brainstorm. ·       Ponder simple beauty ·       Watercolor ·       Stargaze ·       Carve Wood ·       Couch Surf travel ·       Stumble ·       Organize Thoughts ·       Learn to French braid ·       Experiment with my hair ·       Jump in Puddles ·       Dance&Walk in the Rain ·       Make Gifts ·       Make Handmade Cards ·       Write vignettes of past memories

THERE IS NO PEACE IN LOZOVO. The movie our PCV training group showed at the official swearing in of volunteers. November 24, 2011

An American Thanksgiving in Macedonia          Today I became a Peace Corps Volunteer. That’s not something you can say everyday. This will probably be the most memorable, surreal, eventful Thanksgiving of my life. The morning consisted of introducing my host mother to the art of making American style deviled eggs. After licking our fingers clean, we dressed up in our business best. I stumbled out of the house wearing my host mother’s high heels, carrying Traditional Macedonian Banista and American Deviled Eggs. The large charter bus looked out of place on Lozovo’s tiny main street.  Besides the first day, this was the only time all the host families and volunteers had come together. After a quick meet and greet on the street, we tramped onto the bus. Volunteers sat together sharing our last bus ride from Lozovo to Kumanovo. We reminisced about past bus dance parties and dreamt about our futures. We took bets; Who was going to extend their service? Who was going to leave early? Who was going to get married? The bus arrived the Palace Restaurant before we knew it.             Volunteers and host families were segregated upstairs and downstairs.  Since Lozovo was the first to arrive, we took over the upstairs in our normal way, MADE IT A PARTY. After photo shoots, dances and hugs, we gazed down from the top balcony, watching the preparations below. Numerous Peace Corps Staff wandered around the American decorations, waiting for the other training groups to arrive. This people are the people that will be behind us for the next two years. The staff is our support network, our family. They have planned the last 3 months of our lives. They have prepared us for the next two years to the best of their abilities. Now, it’s up to us. The Peace Corps Staff is only one part of my new family. The Mak16 group is the family that will experience the adventure with me. Although we were separated into four training communities, Lozovo, Probostip, Kratovo and Romanantce, I know that every MAk16 volunteer will be there when I need them. We’ve been thrown into a mess of rules, regulations and responsibilities, but through it, we developed knowing, understanding and love. We will be feeling the ups and downs of service together. Lozovo watches Kratovo enter and within a minute, hugs are all around. Probostip arrives with funny tales of a broken down bus ride. Romantce runs in late, just in time for our official group picture. I know their will be good and bad times in the next two years, but we have each other through it all. After arriving in Lozovo, I try to lead the way to my host families’ garage. Soon I realize, no one needs leading because everyone, volunteer or host family, knows exactly where I live. Smoke from the garage tells us that Tato is waiting for us. He pulls back the heavy curtain and invites all into his home for the last time. It’s cramped and crowded in the small space, but no one seems to care. The host families are admiring the first ever mural of their own village. They point excitedly at where their house is located. The volunteers stand back, basking in the feeling of their first service project completed. Together, everyone smiles at our depiction of the local cafe bar, Trend, the abandoned Mosque and the other seemingly insignificant details that make up the landscape of Lozovo. It’s the details that make all the difference.

Volunteer join the Peace Corps to change the world. We came here to change a part of Macedonia. Try to understand this: You can not change Macedonia. You can not change the people of Macedonia. All you can do is provide opportunities for people to change themselves. If you host an English conversation hour and only one person shows up, don’t get angry. Know that you provided that one person with an opportunity that he would not have had if you were not here. Peace Corps will change you.  You can not change your village, but you can change yourself. Figure out what you want to change about yourself. Don’t change without direction. You’re the driver of your life. Make decisions and use the next two years wisely. 

A Trailer for our Spoof on the popular Macedonian Soap Operas. Lozovo Training Group PCV.

Wine and PastadiMaya Festival in Veles. Dan and I took on two cities in one day. Vino and Oro in Veles, Hiking Ruins in Stip. Amazing Saturday!

Outtakes from our Spoof of Macedonian Soap Operas. Lozovo, Macedonia. Crazy times in PC Training. Lozovo Love. 

Lake Matka with my UVA Roommate, Marguerite and my PCV Host Brother, Yovan. How Worlds Collide.

Yesterday: Counterpart Conference in Kumanovo. My counterpart, Vltako and I starting narrowing down some exciting goals. Practicing my first draft at creating a ACTION PLAN; Extracurricular brainstorming becomes Reality. Drama (and Film) Club Continuing Drama Club from Last Year Introducing Film Technology into Club Activities Work on Christmas Show Ideas: December 31, 2011 English Song, Show Film, Traditional Drama Presentation New Film Project Ideas: TV Commercial, Short Film, Mock News Cast, TV Episode, Small Group Films, Documentaries, Full Length Movie Design (Art and Photography) Club Handmade projects for English Resource Room Handmade Dictionaries, Games, Flashcards, Posters Paint Murals in School Make Costumes and Masks for Drama/Film Club Photography Projects: Family portrait, Community, Natural World, Modern, Traditional Architectural Design Projects: Introduce Volunteerism Make Models for New Display Cases Design small projects for Zhvan Community Spring: Introduce Eco-Club 

Which clubs will the kids of Zhvan want????? Who knows now? Till then, I’ll keep brainstorming.  Volunteer Club:  Mural Painting Project, Community Service Conversation/English Club: Board Games/Movies/Crafts Dance Club: Line Dancing, Oro, Modern, Lyrical, Swing Environment Club: Nature, Ecosystem, Hiking, Cleaning, Recycling Projects Bike/Rollerblading Club and Competitive Race in Spring Photography Club: Natural World, Family Portraits Architecture Club : Models Displayed Art Club: Crafts, Sketching Nature, Murals, Abstract Art, Origami, Kites, Jewelry Making, Window Staining Drama and Filming Club: TV Episodes, Christmas Pagent, Short Film, Mock News Cast Model UN Club Only Boys Youth Group, Only Girls Youth Group Big Brother, Big Sister Club

Home Sweet Home in Zhvan, Macedonia. Thank you, Peace Corps!

To Future Julie (November 2013) You are now a 24-year-old Peace Corps volunteer in Zhvan, Macedonia. How have you changed? What or who has changed you the most? I hope you have kept your free spirit and are still doing a new thing everyday. Peace Corps tells us the move back to America is one of the hardest adjustments. Although I’ve usually done well with transitions, : know this time will be hard. Are you going to travel around the world before going home? I always imagined myself traveling Europe and beyond after my 27 month service but I have a feeling it might be a hard choice. After 27 months of wandering, do you have the stamina to travel more? The Peace Corps gives you a lot of independence, but they are also always there to catch you when you fall. It will be a quite a change when you are finally “free”. Freedom is a strange word. Peace Corps gives you rules in exchange for safety and family. In reality, it is a amazing bargain, a win-win situation. So, yes, go break all the PC rules and enjoy riding a tractor and a motorcycle but remember the people you’ve met here. As everyone has said again and again, this is a lifelong experience. From the beginning, you’ve tried to make friends with everyone in this immense PC family, keep those people close. If you’re traveling, take them with you. Never be exclusive, invite the world to your party. Settling Down is a scary phrase, but remember every  new stage of your life is an adventure. From Julie Tumasz (November 2011)

OU Braka Miladinovci. Zhvan, Macedonia. My Peace Corps Site Placement. November 2011-November 2013.

Marija and I talk only in English for the first hour of our friendship. Our excitement is contagious. We can’t stop talking. On the Bitola city bus, there is not a silent moment. ‘I told all the teachers and students that “Julie is coming today!” she announces. She is truly astounded that I walked around Bitola alone for 4 hours. “I would have cried if I was alone like that!” I’m happy to let her do most of the talking, excited to hear real information about the village I will live in for the next two years. When we arrive at Marija’s family house in the suburbs of Bitola, we continue our nonstop banter. When Marija’s mother enter the room, I smile and greet her in Macedonia, thank her for letting me stay and ask her what she’s been doing. When I look back at Marija, she’s gaping at me. ‘You speak Macedonian?! I thought you just got to the country yesterday!’

“I’m under the clock tower, wearing a purple coat, Can you see me?” My eyes frantically search the grassy square for the woman who will be my future friend, teacher, student, translator and sister. Peace Corps’ official title for her is Counterpart. I finally spot her speed-walking toward me. She’s already seen me, no surprise, with my blonde hair in a crowd of dark brunettes. We were strangers, and then, in an instant, we’re one. She engulfs me in a hug and the traditional Macedonian kissing cheek greeting. When we walk down the street a second later, we’re holding hands. Bitola’s clock tower rings from across the square, a second has changes everything. How strange and amazing, the circumstances of our friendship. Peace Corps officially brought us together, but we are the ones that define the next two years in a moment.