I don't really have anything that I can think of new and exciting to write about so I'll answer the question I have been getting in lots of letters from you all. Quite often I am asked about leaving here; how I feel and what I am going to do afterwards (more how I'm feeling than what I'm going to do). Yes my leaving is going to be bittersweet. I miss seeing my family and friends in the states...IN PERSON. There are several new family members I have yet to meet; the first being born only a couple months after I arrived in B. Included in there is my nephew who turned 1 this past January. Yes I do miss my family and can't wait to see my mom when she arrives in Bucharest so we can travel together! BUT, that is my American family; I have a family, 2 actualy, here now too. Whenever I travel my neighbors ask about me and want me to let them know where I will be and when I will be back. There are ladies here, and men but mostly ladies, who tell me if someone they see me with isn't the best person for me to hang around. People honk and wave at me walking down the street. People give me food and help me imeasurably. I have been given a home, 2 actually-well 3 counting pst, and am loved here, and I love people here as well. All this is what families do! People ask when I'm going to come back and my answer always is "I want to but next time I have to have enough money." But the truth is I may never see some of my family here again and, I have to be honest I'm getting teary eyed just thinking about that fact. I'm soooo incredibly glad my mom will be here with my when I actually leave for (I'm really hoping isn't) the last time; I don't know that I could do it by myself! And it's not just me. These thoughts have been echoed by many volunteers getting ready to leave what has been our home for 27 months, and longer for some volunteers! This has been my (our) life (lives) for 27 months and that's not going to change when I (we) return to the States or wherever the next destination will be. So whereas I'm so looking forward to seeing my family and friends in the States, leaving here won't be easy! Today is overcast and the temperature is just about right, not too cold and not too hot. I came very close to adopting a small dog last night but then I came to and realized that "I can't have a dog! I'm leaving in a few months!" She wandered into our section of the town and (I'm going to think this way because it makes me feel better) wouldn't have gotten back to her part of town by herself, so I helped her. There was a moment there though where me keeping her seemed like the best option! But all is well and she's back where she belongs! Love and hugs from here!

I'm not sure if this has anything to do with anything but I've noticed something here that I don't think would not happen in the States. Now let me qualify that and say I live in a town here with around 4200 people, much smaller than Indianapolis my hometown in the States. So I'm generalizing here and comparing my experiences in Indianapolis to this small town (and yes, we ARE a town). I've said before how during the winter the heat source is a wood stove, so it goes without saying that when the weather gets nice, it's time for more wood to restock the supply. Since I don't use wood for heat I'm not really sure about the process of getting wood but I have seen it delivered to my neighbors in the form of long tree trunks; my heart kinda of skips a beat when I see all those trees that have been cut but hey, you gotta stay warm somehow right? Of course the big trunks have to be chopped into smaller trunks, usually there is a chainsaw or other electrical instrument used for this part, and then the smaller trunks have to be chopped into usable sized pieces of wood for the stove. This is where the ax comes in and I must say, that's some HARD work! I've never done it but watched from afar several times and it's a chore! I would chop wood if needed but to tell the truth not too sure I want to try...given I'd have to use an ax and all and one of my fellow volunteers had an unfortunate accident during pst and I don't know that his big toe will ever be the same! Anyway all this to say that sometimes this wood, cut or uncut, sits out front of the house for days waiting to be cut or waiting to be moved to a "wood for winter" storage shed. It goes untouched by others. I left my gas can out front, actually no-it was in my garage but the door was open, of my house in Indianapolis once and in the span of a couple hours it was gone. Someone stole it. My point is I think there is more of a sense of right and wrong here. Now of course this isn't always true, homework from some of the students comes to mind or should I say the lack thereof, but I think on a whole what is right and what is wrong is more prevalent here. Again let me say my experience is a small town; this may be different in Sofia for example. Now granted it might be kinda hard to steal 1/2 a tree but I'm sure it can be done. I've been getting birthday cards/wishes for about the past 2-3 weeks and my birthday isn't until next month! Thanks you guys! It's been raining quite a bit here but so far for today, no rain! I'm keeping my fingers crossed; we don't need anymore right now. Things here are starting to wind down, with me as well. I struggle between trying to get as much ready for when I leave now and keeping my mind and focus on here and my job. Right now I have to say I'm not doing a very good job of "staying here" with my focus. I can't believe I only have 2 more months. The middle of June I go to Sofia for my first medical appointments and exit interview with the Country Director. After that I can imagine everything will be a whirlwind and it will seem like no time has passed until I'm back in Sofia for my final medical clearance and wrap-up a short time before I'm scheduled to be done. That's enough for today as it's getting time for me to go have lunch and see Nargis who just arrived from Albena, the graduation trip. Love and hugs from me and thanks again so much for the birthday wishes and cards! Not quite sure how I'll celebrate this one but I'll come up with something! I'm open to ideas!

I was going to look to see if I wrote a blog about alphabet day or not but forgot and am a little into what I decided to blog about today so will go ahead with that. You all are aware of the "expectation" of marriage. When in your 20s, definitely 30s and 40s, there's just kind of this assumption that a person is either attached to a significant other or married. Now I have to say that my family is very good about this; they all want me to be happy but pretty much leave me alone about the whole dating/marriage thing. That however doesn't mean they haven't tried and dropped little hints to get me involved with someone. But I do appreciate the lack of pressure put on me by my family in this area of my life. HOWEVER...I'm "not in Kansas anymore." The question I get BY FAR the most here is if I have a boyfriend; actually first people ask if I'm married and then move on to the other question. When I say "no" they reply "why not?" When I say that I have other work to do and haven't found the right man, their reply is something along the lines of "no seriously, why not? You HAVE to get married!" When I say "have to" I mean it; it's almost like it's not a question of "if" it's a question of "when." To illustrate my point a few months ago I was in Sofia for an appointment. The PC staff was unable to go with me so they called me a taxi and I went by myself which at this point didn't bother me since I've done Sofia by myself; I've conquered that Goliath. When I was done and ready to head back to the office I again got in a taxi and struck up a conversation with the driver. He asked about why I was here and all that and I asked him if he lived in Sofia and about his family and all the rest of the small talk I feel comfortable speaking in B. He then asked me if I was married and my answer this time as well as all the other times is "no." He replied "how can you not be? You have to!" I told him about my work and stuff like that (the actual reason) and again he said "you have to! It's too hard without a husband!" If I remember right this time I said "well, I'm alive!" This conversation has happened MANY, MANY times over the last 2 years and this conversation in the taxi is one of many! The baba I met on the train after Easter coming back here asked the same thing and when I told her she asked me why and said I had to be married. One time about 1 year ago I was walking to my apartment with Nargis and we met one of my babas. Since they both know Turkish I was left out of most of the conversation and just knew they were talking about me but hadn't a clue what they were saying. Nargis told me later that she told my baba that I had a boyfriend in the military who couldnt come see me because of his job; Nargis said she was tired of people asking such personal questions of me and "she'll forget in a few days." Well, she hasn't forotten. I figured I'd go along with it for a bit and then tell her we broke up; I don't like lieing, even about something this trivial. I told her we broke up and she asked me why and I said that I didn't love him. Again...she asked me why. I tried to tell the truth and she wasn't buying it so I had no choice but to play along. My "boyfriend" has cheated on me and doesn't love me, yet stil, everytime I see my baba she asks me about him and tells me I "need to go there!" At one of our conferences when all the YD volunteers were together, our program staff asked if any of us had done anything with gender empowerment/equality with young ladies. Nobody said anything in terms of a project or work they had started on this topic, but something one of my non- 20something volunteer friends said stuck with me. She said that although nobody had "officially" done anything on this topic, unofficially the older female volunteers serve as examples to girls/women, we are a kind of walking billboard for women empowerment so to speak. Whereas the majority of the volunteers are in their 20s, we also have a couple women in their 30s and a couple in their 40s, my sitemate in Varshets who is 69, and a few married women whe are serving with their husbands who have more life experience than I do (I'm assuming). She is right! I know when I was young I always looked at my older neighbors who didn't have boyfriends. I saw how their life didn't change because they didn't have boyfriends, how they just went on with their lives like "so what?" I guess now I am that model for other young ladies. I don't mind that people ask and I will answer with honesty and I kinda think it's funny now how not being married just isn't an option here. I've joked about it with my female volunteer friends. HAPPY BIRTHDAY C! You have been wished life and good health...and one lady wished you to "listen." I said I thought you did a pretty good job of that! Love and hugs from me! And no I can't say he died; that would open up a WHOLE OTHER can of worms; just ask my mom what they do here when someone dies.

BRING THIS ONE HOME FOR ME PACERS!! LET'S TURN UP THE TEMPERATURE A

NOTCH ON THE HEAT, SHALL WE?

Tulay!

Tulay and I. See! I told you!

Tulay and her form teacher, Nargis.

Tulay and the Bulgarian teacher,

and my tutor, Tadsjenur.

Selime and I.

the proud graduates!Last Friday our 2 senior young ladies graduated. We had a ceremony at the school and they came DRESSED TO THE NINES!! I told my niece (this one's for you M) that I would post the pictures. Now as a lady who very rarely wears dresses, skirts for that matter too, TO CHURCH I stood in awe! Not really in awe but...you'll see! On Thursday they are heading on a graduation trip that is taken every year for the seniors and their "form" teacher, a little like a homeroom teacher. Now me being the age I am (40 for those who don't know) and them being the ages they are (18 and beautiful young women to boot) I gave them my "stay with Nargis (form teacher)" and "don't go anywhere with anyone you don't know" and, seperately to both of them, “watch out for (the other girl)!” Funny how those things “just kinda happen” with age. I also told them that I knew they didn’t want to hear what I had to say. Tomorrow they take their English (one of the options for the 2nd part of the graduation test) exam and are nervous; Monday was Bulgarian. Love and hugs from here and ENJOY! Sorry you all have to strain your necks to view the pictures!

Ok I have no real good excuse so I won't even try. You know, I've learned several things since joining the PC. One of them is, yes of course, that I can live in a foreign country for 27 months and not only survive but gain a couple pounds and become Intermediate High in that language (that would be higher but I've not been holding up my end of the bargain). We volunteers all came here with our own agendas but the idea was to help in any way we could. The Corps encouraged us to think about big projects-would they be right for our communities? Sometimes that answer is an emphatic "yes" and sometimes it's a "no." For example, will it (say a weight room-not meaning to pick on weight rooms I just couldn't think of anything else this second) still be taken care of years down the road or even after the volunteer leaves? Again sometimes the answer is yes. Varshets has a weight room developed by a volunteer (before our group); used regularly, even by our group when we were there, and is in good shape. But the corps also stressed the importance of focusing on what the community needs/wants and "it's not about us!" Sometimes those 2 ideas overlap; I know several volunteers who have done awesome things for their communities in terms of "big", funded projects and again I say that's great. But sometimes it's not about that or the capacity for sustaining something after the volunteer leaves isn't possible. (In both of these senerios) The focus on THE PROCESS in which something is done, going through the "action plan" with others in the community, becomes the main focus. I'm saying this wrong; sustainability is always in the forefront, just sometimes the process becomes more important than the end result. That's something that I've learned to be more conscious of: do I want this because I want it OR do I want it because it is what my community wants? Believe me sometimes things can spiral and ideas can get out of control so fast and things "just happen" it's hard to slow down and analyze the "why's." I think this is important in all aspects of life, not just for Peace Corps volunteers. It's important to know WHY we are doing something instead of just doing it. Thinking of my family as many of them are up in Northern IN today, a kind off send off for my cousin who is leaving for Argentina next month for 10 months to do dental-service work. Grandma and Grandpa would be proud S (of course so am I but it's the grandparents I'm focusing on here)! Love and hugs from me!

Nebahat, her teacher, and Abi at

the spelling bee in Razgrad.

all the students who made it to

the regional bee in Razgrad.

the judges, Brittany and Drew.

Diana from Vetovo, one of the

students I "helped." (not really)

Abi from Sevar, another student

I "helped." (not really)

Britt and Drew in action!

Diana and her teacher Ivelina

with her certificate of participation!

May 1 in the park. Look at our

spread!

Aysun, an 8th grader, on the homemade

swing.

Guhai and Alea tending to

the fire. Nice job guys!!

Levie, our Geography teacher.

I think somehow my camera missed

Elis, our Math teacher, somehow...

UNTIL NOW!!

Love and hugs from me!

I just found a comment I didn't know I had for someone I don't know. It was about my blog about traveling and navigating Sofia by myself. I was searching for a blog about May 1 and found that comment; almost a year later! If whoever wrote that comment is still reading my blogs-I'm glad I could help and I hope everything worked out for you! Well I guess I did write a blog about May 1, but will do another one. May 1 is the B Labor Day and most things are closed. Several of the teachers from the English school, some students, and I went to the park and had a picnic and relaxed. We had salad, potato salad, bread, kebabche's (like beef hotdogs), fish, bread, coffee and soft drinks, and lots of sweets! Some of the students went on a walk and I went along with them. Since I didn't know I'd be walking around much I wore flip-flops and no socks (but walking with the girls was more important than me not having socks (i.e. getting a tick)! Well one of the girls was so concerned I was without socks (I told her I didn't care but that didn't matter) that she gave me hers! I said "I'm not going to take your socks from you, you need them!" She leaned up against a tree and pulled off a pair of hers; she was wearing two because she didn't want ticks! For those of you who have foot issues or sharing more personal things issues you may not share my thoughts but I thought that was very sweet! I had fun but again left early (we set out at 10 am.and I left at 5); even though it was a non-work day I still had work to get done, more specifically my B homework! As I was walking home I HEARD SOMEONE scream my name (sorry for the caps, the computer decided this for me!) from a campsite and so went over and talked to them for awhile. They were some of the students from Hristo Botev school here and i go to their classes most fridays. that was fun; i always enjoy meeting new people! IT'S kinda funny how that compares to my life in the states. not that i don't enjoy meeting new people but i am more quiet and reserved in the states when it comes to meeting different people. that's different here. maybe it's because here i feel like i have nothing to prove and people are impressed that i speak B. maybe it's because i have just realized i'm not good at small talk here so i don't even try and just let them ask the questions. who knows??!! well the pacers wrapped up the first round and now are on to miami!! by my next blog we'll all know how the first game turned out!! go pacers, have a very happy birthday ronni (it was exactly 2 years ago I left on her birthday), and love and hugs from here!

At midnight on Saturday the 14th of April my family (still in Varshets) and I went to church. We didn't actually attend the service (it was pretty crowded) but stood out front and listened to The Father. When we first arrived we were each given a candle. Then many in attendance made a procession around the church 3 times. I'm not sure why 3 times (and neither was Dani) but she did tell me that it was outlawed during Communism, which makes sense, but now my guess would be for 1) The Father, 2) The Son, and 3) The Holy Ghost/Spirit. However I'm not sure about that. It was really pretty to see all the candles being walked around the church! Then after the Father spoke in front of the church (the answer is no, I did not understand what He was saying even though I am Intermediate High in B.) for a little and everyone else went inside for the message we headed home (it would be a very early morning for me since my bus was at 7:30 and Dani and Alexi too since they were seeing me off). Then we each chose an egg, 5 of us, and took turns knocking our neighbor's egg on top and bottom to see if it would crack. The person with the least cracks, our of 2, would be the strongest during the coming year; my host sister Vesi. Usually everyone eats their egg and some special sweet bread eaten only on Easter called "kozoonak" then but we were all full from dinner so went straight to bed. Dani cut me some and wrapped it up for my trip back home. It was good and gone by Monday afternoon! Not much new is going on here besides me preparing to end my service. Thoughts and prayers are with a friend of my sister's family as well as a very good friend of mine over here! Love and hugs from here!

Once again I'm sorry about Tuesday. Tuesday was the B Labor Day, which I'll blog about later, and I didn't get home from the park until later in the afternoon. Then had to finish up my B homework or Tadsjinyr, my tutor, would get mad at me. She probably wouldn't get mad but, believe it or not, this is homework I actually WANT to do. So... today's blog will be about the Easter festivities while in Varshets. Easter time for Christians here was on the 15th of April. The Thursday before is "Great Thursday", the Friday before is "Good Friday" (it just so happened to be Friday the 13th too!), and Easter is then Sunday the 15th. I got this out of a traditions book the Corps gave volunteers; the calander at my school says nothing about Thursday and the Saturday before is "Great Saturday." Thursday I dyed eggs with my host "mom", Dani, and sisers. This part isn't that different from when I was younger and dyed eggs. The first egg dyed is red (the English school students told me later red is for Christ's blood, which of course makes perfect sense). This first egg is special and saved all year. So special in fact that I went to move it once and Dani startled and told me to "be very careful with this one!" After it was dyed Dani took it and "crossed" everyone's foreheads (a little like annointing with oil) "for health." When we were all done we threw out the dye except for one of the red dyes; I wasn't really sure why but went with it. I found our soon when Dani told her mother-in-law to "wait a little! Lisa, come here." Sorry, at this point we were dying eggs at my baba's house on their farm. My baba took the dye outside, disappeard for a few seconds, then came back with a lamb. She dipped her fingers in the red dye and wiped them on the lamb's head (I'm assuming also for health). After all the eggs were dyed they were wiped with oil to help the colors shine. I found this really did make the colors stand out more but made the eggs harder to peel when it came time to eat them. Keep posted for more on Easter! B has skipped Spring and went directly to Summer (or so it seems) and very warm temperatures! I'm sitting at my desk with my window open to get a draft through my house; (I like a cross draft usually) it was a little cooler this morning but warms up very fast! I have gone from opening my blinds and terrace door for warmth and sunshine to keeping them closed to keep the warmth out! If only I could have had this problem this passed winter! The Pacers are looking better and hopefully can wrap this series up soon! Love and hugs from me!!

My family in the states is awesome! Not only do they support me being here 100% and send me letters of encouragement, they keep me supplied with my favorite things from the states and other goodies as well. One of the biggest reasons I'm here is to share "my" America (as well as try to end the "Marilyn Manroe" stereotype of American women). One of the first things I do when I get a package from the States (after tearing it open and being so amazed at the generosity of my family) is share things from my Am family with my B family. One time after a package I gave a granola bar, I think, to my neighbor Ivan (pretty sure he's in his 50s,- now that I'm 40 I have a much harder time with ages!) and he said "this is the first Am thing I've had." I have to say that made me feel proud, both to be able to do that for him and that it was me who did it. Along these same lines not long after I got to this town 2 years ago I was told I was the first Am ever in my town. WOW! That is HUGE and again makes me proud! I consider it an honor and a privilege. Put yourself in my shoes; what a sense of pride and tremendous responsibility that is!! One of the teachers of the village that I helped with their Bulgarian National English Spelling bee (regionals are this weekend! Good luch Diana and Abi!) told me that her students were excited to "see an American." At first I was a little put off (I've gone through 2 years of sometimes thinking I get special treatment because of my nationality) and said "I'm just a person." Then I reminded myself I was going to a small village and, most importantly, these were kids and I have a soft spot for kids. Now I can't compare this to Neil Armstrong and the first man on the moon or Christopher Columbus when he discovered Am, but I have to think they had a little swell of pride [or as the narrator in How the Grinch... put it "his heart grew 10 (or however many) sizes that day"] knowing that they were "the first"! I'm not the most patriotic person but I take representing my country VERY seriously! To be able to give a little bit of Am to people over here makes me feel good! I should also add that it's one of those "Dear God, please don't let me trip" feelings! Today is overcast but warm. As is usual for April until (for special language, math, or science (I think) schools) the end of June when the 8th-11th graders finish school it is a bit crazy and the students have "senioritis"...ALL OF THEM. But I really can't blame them...BUT! SO IF YOU'RE A STUDENT (AT 4AEG) READING THIS, JUST BECAUSE I UNDERSTAND DOES NOT MEAN YOU CAN QUIT SCHOOL AND NOT DO HOMEWORK FROM NOW UNTIL THE END OF JUNE!! Love and hugs from me!! GOOD LUCK WITH ORLANDO MY PACERS!!

The same day I wrote about in my last blog we also went to a 3D movie in E. I think it is interesting that I've been to 3 movies in B and only 1 of them has been in B'ian. Anyway I noticed something a little funny and not expected as the movie started and the B subtitles rolled across the bottom of the screen. I automatically was drawn to the B subtitles even thought I could understand what was being said better anyone in the group! I have no idea why and I've noticed I do the same thing sometimes watching tv when there are B subtitles. You know how when you know a language that someone else doesn't you can swich to that language to communicate and intentially leave someone out of the conversation? My sister does it all the time with French (I don't think a thing about it! In fact, I'd do the same thing if I were in your shoes!) Of course this only works if the other person knows the same language! My volunteer friends and I have made jokes about how now we can do that with B when in the states; the only problem is finding people that I know who speak B! I'm not proud of it but Nargis and I have actually done that with E once. One of my babas was asking questions about me in Turkish and if I had a boyfriend (the answer is "no, don't want one now" but that is another blog coming up). Nargis was telling me what she told my baba [who to this day won't believe I don't have a boyfriend even though (after awhile I had to play along; she wasn't taking "no" for an answer!) I broke up with him because I didn't love him and he cheated on me] and we were having our own little conversation in E while their conversation in B/Turkish was going on! I think after going awhile of not hearing E spoken like I speak it (at the same pace) or even seeing it written, when I hear (or see) it it's like B was to my ears when I first started learning it; strange, a "foreign" language in more ways than one! I've even noticed that sometimes it takes me awhile to think of an E word. This comes to the delight of my B tutor who I love dearly!! Anyway, I thought that was interesting and very unexpected! Love and hugs from here!

Around the end of March some students and teachers from the English school and I went into a city closeby to visit a display about the 3rd of March, Bulgaria's Liberation Day. Since there were about 30 of us we took a bus and during the trip I heard something interesting. I'm not quite sure why it was interesting; I had just never thought of it before. You know how on long trips stuck in the car sometimes people sing to pass the time? All of a sudden from my seat towards the front of the bus I heard singing coming from the back of the bus. It brought a little smile to my face [even though I didn't know what in the heck they were singing. I thought about starting the ever popular around this time "chaeg ima ball" (this is the graduation chant which means "chaeg", my school, "ima ball", will have a graduation,) but was too late] as I remembered all the times as a little kid stuck in a long car ride my family and I would sing to make the trip go faster. Listening that day I found it a little refreshing. There are diffeences in the B and American cultures but there are similarities as well; children and adults singing to pass the time in the car (or bus) is one similarity that is cross-cultural! My English class for adults here has started up again on Thursday nights at the school. The weather has been nice and Spring like, almost summer sometimes, and then yesterday and today, so far, a cold wind along with chilly temperatures arrived. OH YEAH! I saw a stork! I have to admit what I THOUGHT was a stork, and I blogged about how"the stork looks nothing like the stork that brings the babies", wasn't a stork so I'm sorry for that. It looks exactly like the stork that brings the babies. I guess after the 23rd of March, or 22nd, people take their martinitzas off anyway AND they can either be put on a fruit-bearing tree OR under a rock. Under the rock is new to me and I didn't so much see the stork myself as Dani, my host "mom", pointed it out to me. On the bus to go see Jez (before Varshets) I met some people who wanted to practice English. They noticed I still was wearing my martinitzas and tried to point storks out to me, I just never saw them! That's about it from a chilly and windy here!! Love and hugs from me!!

The process of saying goodbye started the week of the close/continuation of service conference the end of March. A couple days after I got home to my site I left for a final visit with my host family. 2 of my pst site-mates happened to be there as well. I spent as much time as I could with them as it would most likely be the last time we see each other before the 3 of us leave B; they live down in Southern B and I'm up North. Like the other 2 times I visited my pst home there were plenty of memories. For instance, I mentioned this trip how I needed to go and get my hair cut while there. Marisa, a sitemate, told me how she remembered how scared I was the 1st time I got my hair cut during pst and how I called her afterwards so I could show her my haircut. How the kafe that we always went to doesn't look the same without their trademark green "Zagorka" umbrallas outside (zagorka is a kind of beer). Or how we ran into someone from all 6 of our host families and enjoyed hearing about the changes in their lives. How we just happened to run into Hristo the taxi driver who took all 7 of us (including Ms. Toni our teacher) from Varshets to Vratsa every week during pst (he had help since his taxi couldn't fit all 7 of us). I remembered how Sean, another site-mate, always made the appointment for taxis the day before (like any good teacher Ms. Toni made US do it) because his B was the best and he always volunteered. I remember telling myself I had to do it once and was SO NERVOUS when I volunteered!!!! I must've gone over what to say a dozen times and called when Sean was with me...just in case! So when (2) Sunday mornings (ago) came and they (S and M) left in a taxi I cried. It's hard to say goodbye! On Friday morning (push that to Sunday morning-I wrote this last Tuesday, just couldn't post) I will say another goodbye; this time to my host family. My time in Varshets during Pre-Service Training was hard!! 11 weeks of intensive learning about B as well as my youth development work. Everything from the language to how (for some people) a cross draft is bad to how to dance the Byala Rosa and many things in-between! My host family (Dani, Alexi, Krisi, and Vesi) was with me for it all and I owe much to them! OH THE HOMEWORK THEY HELPED ME WITH (that's TRUE dedication! Every weeknight Dani and/or Krisi would come up to my room and ask if I needed any help...and of course I always did)! I had only been in B 4 days when I was forced to trust total strangers with my well-being. After 3 months however, I cried when leaving them; we had become family. My 1st B family, complete with grandparents, sisters, an aunt, and an uncle. [yes it's true that my host "parents" are my age but I'm playing along with the whole scenerio]. THEY set the tone for my next 2 years in B and set it awesomly! So, от долу на моято сърце венаги добре дъшли в моята къща в сащ! от мен и моято семеиство в сащ-много ви благодаря за всичко!! аз ви обичам! Love and hugs from here...and yes that did take awhile as I'm not used to the B keyboard.

My break is going to be a bit longer than I thought! Things are fine; I ended up traveling to Sofia days before my vacation; so no blogs-sorry:( Things are going well and the close/continuation of service conference last week went well! I will catch all of you after the 11th! Happy Easter and/or enjoy your Easter vacation! Love and hugs from me!

I will be taking a break from my blog for the next week. Be safe and talk to you in about a week! Love and hugs from here!

Where did I leave off Tuesday. The weather here is like it is in Indiana; you never know what you're going to get! I swear one day last week it snowed a little and today it is bright and sunny and 54*F, and it's 10 in the morning. If I remember right last year the same thing happened, it's like we moved right from winter to summer! But I'll take it after the hard winter we had! I paid my tok (electricity) this morning, 151.30 leva. Both the lady at the post office, where you pay tok, and my Director said that's a lot and I guess it is but we had a hard winter! I have yet to see a stork, the signal to take your martinitzas off and spring is here. I may have seen one but I'm not quite sure; I'll wait until I'm with someone and THEY see a stork and say "oh look Lisa! A stork!" This week has been very nice and I only need my light jacket and sometimes in the afternoon don't even need that. I have a plastic, solar powered "plant" that dances in the sun's rays and it has been dancing up a storm this week!! Again, fine by me! When I wrote the first "moving forward malko po malko" I had just gotten to my home for 2 years. Things were cluttered in the apartment and my mind as well. Now I'm preparing to end my service. Granted I don't leave until the end of July but I'm going to my COS (close of service) conference in a few days and now is the time to start winding down. As much as I really don't want to think about it it's the truth and these last couple of months will fly by whether I like it or not. I'm going back to Vershets, my pst home, in April to see my family there for what may be the last time. I hate to think that way, and neither I nor my family has said it out loud, but it's the truth and in both of our minds'. When I was finished with pst and was getting ready to move to my new home I was at the train station preparing to leave my pst site-mates. I was surprised when I started crying when their train left. My host mother, who was with me at the time, put her arm around me to comfort me. It had only been 3 months. But the way I saw it my pst was 1 life and it was ending. We (my pst mates and I) had spent so much time together; we laughed, cried, got mad, learned, and faced so many emotions together and it was ending and a new life was starting. So just as I was preparing my mind and apartment in that first "malko po malko" to start a new life I'm doing the same now. Only this time it's to leave. I didn't plan that but that's a pretty good stopping point for this blog. Have a good weekend!! Love and hugs from here and thoughts are with my family in the states.

So aparently "moving forward 'malko po malko'" is my most popular blog. I have tried to figure out why to write a #2 but haven't figured anything out. But here goes...First off "malko po malko" means "little by little" and that's a very common expression for me. There's also "stupka po stupka" which means "step by step.” Both are uttered by me on a daily basis pretty much. The language and my tutoring have suffered I’m afraid to say. I still have tutoring 2 hours a week but went without all summer until this past January I think without a "formal" lesson. Of course sitting with my neighbors at the end of the day during the summer and, well, just living here are tutoring themselves! I have to say I’m not doing a good enough job at being proactive in speaking or getting out and practicing my B. Of course I’m not a hermit all the time either but I did a much better job my first year. But I have come to the conclusion, actually I came to this conclusion awhile ago, that I work in and English school, speak E with the students, work with E teachers, and the people I meet that know E want to practice, so the fact that I'm not going to be fluent in B is something I've learned to accept. As long as my community sees me trying that's enough for me! When I go other places and people compliment my B it does bring a smile to my face and make me feel good. Another factor in this is my counterpart, Nargis, who wants to practice her E. SInce we both want to practice each other's languages we have made a deal to go week by week, 1 week E and the next week B, although sometimes I slip up; talk about our work is usually done in E. When I mentioned the "pochievka" time in the middle of the day and said things shut down...they don't. In the middle of the day, 12:30-4, is usually when people stop and take a break, but everything stays open here. When I first got here I learned about this time and not to disturb anyone during this time, basically no one goes gosti. THen I was invited gosti during that time period and got confused. So now I've learned it's pretty much an individual thing, some people sleep during this time and just relax and some people don't. I don't and Nargis doesn't, she gets bored, but my neighbors do. Sometimes I will hear one of my babas out working in the hallway of our building, go out to help her, and she will invite me for coffee at 2:30-3, right in the middle of "pochievka time." Or one time (this isn't about the pochievka time but it's a cute story about a pochievka- literally pochievka means "rest") I was coming home from somewhere and noticed baba N. in the hallway tearing cardboard for her stove. I think I blogged about this...oh well. I asked her if she wanted help and she said I could help if I wanted. I closed my door and went to help her and she told me to get some cardboard from inside her apartment. Right when I went to ask her if I had the right cardboard she said "you've been working hard, let's take a break." In all reality I had not been working hard but I went with it. We preceeded to watch a Turkish program, of which I understood nothing but I heard baba N. laugh at parts so it must have been pretty funny, and have coffee. When I went to leave after about an hour she said "but this next program is the best one! You aren't going to watch it with me?" Anyway, where else can you take a break from working hard without having worked hard? I just decided I'm going to break this up into 2 blogs, so more of the same coming on Thursday. Sandy, keep your chin up and R, glad things are going well! Love and hugs from here! I neverpictured Peyton anything but a Colt!! I guess things change!!

This is the 2nd year for the Bulgarian National English Spelling Bee. In it's first year, last year, the spelling bee was extremely successful and this year there are more schools than last year. I have been a very lax volunteer and did not help out last year and, since it's for 4th-7th grades and the school I work primarily with is 8-12th grades, wasn't planning on doing much this year. However, there is a school about 15-20 minutes away that is taking part and they are without a PC volunteer, so I was asked to lend my native tongue (and knowledge of spelling bees...the very little that I have) to their school. Then last night I was asked by one of our students' friends to come to their village and help. I am glad to help (makes me feel useful) BUT have to find a way to get there! So I'm taking a round-about way to get there tomorrow, going to a place I've only been for 5 minutes (and then didn't get out of the car I was riding in), and meeting people I've never met before. (That sounds a little familiar to me: I just reread that!) Again, I'm not quite sure what to attribute this to (age? the fact that I'm in Bulgaria? not sure) but I'm not worried. I even reassured MY MOM...that's a first I think! She asked me if someone was going to meet me at the bus stop and I said "mom, there's one school I'm sure and if I don't see it when I get off the bus I can ask anyone and they will tell me." Besides, in all honesty someone will probably meet me, (B is much better than the states in my opinion at meeting and sending guests) even if they have to have another teacher cover their class to do it; that's the B culture and very respectful. So I'm not exactly sure what I'm in for tomorrow but I will find out! The last 2 days here have been boardering on Spring-like...and then today got cold again. One of the students said he was going to make a snowman; I think it did snow for about 5 minutes today. That's about it for today. Love and hugs from here!! Enjoy the weekend!! And Aunt Jan, you generally want to stay away from fire ants! Hope you get better soon!!

When I first got to B I learned the word "posdravlenea" was the word to say when you want to congratulate someone. Since I've been in my town I think I've said that once; people here say "chestito/a" depending on who you are saying it to. Litterally "chestit" means "happy" more than congratulations, but I have learned they are basically the same. When I first got here it took me awhile to get used to all the different "chestito!"s that were directed towards me. Now I find myself saying it quite a bit! Of course you have your traditional "chestit rosjden den" or "happy birthday." Then I got my hair cut and everyone told me "chestita." That was a new one for me and took me awhile to warm to the idea of someone congratulating me on my haircut. Now of course I do it. When someone gets a good grade, passes their drivers test, gets pregnant, married, or anything happy and special happens, so do the "chestito"s! Talking about words it's interesting to think about (and something I've noticed before) how certain words are used certain places and different words, that mean the same thing, are used in other places. I go visit my friend who lives South of me about 4 hours and her town uses words I don't know, but the same word here in my town isn't known. Both words means the same thing but different parts of B use different words. I really wish I could think of an example right now but none are coming to me. The snow is melting, finally!, and the birds are chirping! That is a good sign. The high today is supposed to be about 4*C; dare I say warmup??!!! Of couse I did wake yesterday morning to a dusting of snow. Just like Indiana; the weather changes in a heartbeat! Love and hugs!!

HAPPY INTERNATIONAL WOMAN'S DAY !! Let all the women out there be celebrated!! The idea for this blog, again-thanks mom, came from my mom. Oh, before I start I have to thank and celebrate all the women in my life, past and present. My mom who has been my supporter and advocate for 40+ years. My sister who has developed over the years into more than a sister, my friend and confidant as well. My step-mother who kept fighting against my sister and I, not outwardly of course, to be part of our family, even though we didn't make it easy at all. “Dad, I’m not hungary for...” (whatever Ronni made for dinner that night which was I’m sure delicious) “are you sure? Just try a bite and then if you don’t like it you don’t have to finish but you have to eat something.” “I don’t want to.” “Fine, do you want me to make you a grilled cheese?” “I guess...” Or how about when your soon to be step-daughter “just happens (it had to be an accident, I don’t think I had the gaul to do this purposefully) to put several BAD AND VERY NOTICABLE runs in her pantyhose ON THE DAY OF THE WEDDING! I could go on and on with aunts, grandparents, teachers, and women friends who have made a difference in my life. I also have to mention my best friend over here, Jezreel, who has helped me tremendously. You have shown me a different side of friendship and I have much to learn! Ok, today’s blog is about my maternal grandmother, Helen. When my great-grandmother was pregnant with Helen she was in an accident and thrown from the buggy she was riding in. Because of that my grandma never walked without a limp and was never able to bend the pointer finger of her left(?) hand. But when you live on a farm, it doesn’t matter how fast you walk or how slow, how strong you are or how weak; the work has to get done! Story time: years after college I decided to go back to Goshen for the weekend for a visit. I stayed with my grandparents and met up with some friends one night and we stayed out a little later than bedtime for my grandparents. I called and told them I would be late. When I got in the main door to the house was locked (she must have locked it out of habit and forgot I needed to get in) so I curled up on an old sofa they had out in their entry room and tried to get some sleep. The next morning I wake up to (somewhat) familiar sound. There was my grandma walking on the treadmill! I’m not sure if it was more for exercise or physical therapy. I mentioned last year that my grandma did handpainted cards to help her finger agility. Towards the end of her life, obviously as is the case in just about all deaths, there was a decline in some of her abilities; her abiliy to eat by herself, dress herself, and walk by herself. BUT my grandma was still using a squishy ball to help with her finger agility/movement. So when she passed away my mom was given her squishy balls and passed them on to my sister and I. My sister took here into the delivery room with her when she gave birth to her kids. I brought mine here to B with me. It is a symbol of strength and that “never give up” attitude my family is famous for. Just the other day I gave my ball away. I gave it to a young person who is having a hard time here for many reasons. I told this person to take care of it for me and think of my grandma whenever he/she looks at it. Think about how she was struggling to eat, to walk, and had to depend on others to take her to the bathroom. BUT YET she did her exercises, day after day, to keep her hand and finger strength up! She didn’t give up, not even when it seemed like everything was against her. Now I don’t know if this person understood the whole story or not; sometimes even when a person understands things in English the meaning isn’t quite the same. Either way I feel good about giving it to another person and I know my grandma would too. Now...the ONE THING I thought for certain would be the same (ok I hadn’t really thought about it but I think the fact that I didn’t think about it being any different means that I was pretty sure it wouldn’t be different) when I closed out my service here in B and returned to my life in the states was that PEYTON MANNING WOULD BE THE STARTING QUARTERBACK FOR THE INDIANAPOLIS COLTS! Yesterday was truely a sad day for the Colts organization and myself. I read a comment someone posted saying that “if you don’t cry at this press conference you have no soul” and said to myself “that’s silly! it’s just a press conference with a bunch of reporters and cameras and stuff!” Ok, who reading this blog actually thought I would NOT cry?? I think it’s safe to say that tissues were moistened; yes, I cried. Love and hugs from me!

Before I start today's "favorite things" blog I need to do something. In looking at the stats for my blogs I see "moving forward 'malko po malko'" is a favorite. One of the things I wrote about in that blog was how a friend asked me to run a marathon with her this past November. Believe it or not I was going to do it...really. However the October, some time around then, 1 year before the marathon I had problems with my right knee. I don't know why, I didn't aggrevate an old injury that I know of. Either way because of that I had to alter things a bit and work on strengthening my knee when the time came instead of running. So I did NOT run the marathon in Greece but several PC volunteers did and had a great time. In fact my friend Jez, who asked me to run the one in Greece, loved it so much she's running another one in a couple weeks with another volunteer friend. Ok, on to some more favorites/reasons I love Bulgaria! There are woods just before you get to my town. You know how whan you were a little kid and you just instinctivly "know" when you're almost home? Well, I "know" my woods and can recognize when I'm almost home...if coming from that direction. I didn't set out to, it just kinda happened. It's a landmark for me and that's a cool feeling. I love that people know what I know and don't know. I've been here for going on 2 years and when people see a confused look on my face (yes it still happens) they break things down for me. They just know! Along with that I love that people finish my sentences for me! I have to say I haven't been the best with getting out and actually speaking (oopa!) so naturally things come slower then they used to. People see that, know what I'm trying to say, and finish my sentences for me. When I first got here I didn't appreciate that all that much; I was trying to learn and needed to make my way myself. Now however I don't mind as much. I love the fact that, when trying to explain the meaning of an English word to Nargis, it takes me a whole sentence for one word. My sister always said I left "disertations" on answering machines instead of messages!! I love the fact that people ask me "what are we going to do without you?" It makes me feel special and loved!! I always tell them "you will be just fine!" My thoughts and prayers are with the people effected by the tornadoes in the Midwest and South. Sandy, hang in there; "malko po malko i stupka po stupka" (little by little and step by step)! Love and hugs!

CHESTIT BABA MARTA!!! Once again it's that time of year to make and wear martinitzas! For all you new folks a martinitza is a red and white bracelet that you make, buy, or are given. You wear then on your wrist or lapel or around your neck until you see a stork; a symbol of Spring. On a side note, we had snow last night and I'm ready for the stork!! When you see a stork (which doesn't look a thing like the storks that carry the babies) you take your martinitzas off and hang it on a fruit bearing tree. I have to admit I cheated last year and saved all mine. This year the trees will get them!! Once again we had a party to make m's last night after school and it was a bunch of fun! We have some really creative students! Anyway, happy 1st of March!!! I had a teacher ask me yesterday what the English transltion of martinitzas is and I told her "there is no translation because there are no martinitzas in the statess." At least that I know of. I'm doing something a little different today. Last year Bulgaria had their first English spelling bee open to 4th -7th graders and it was a tremendous success!! The volunteer who is spearheading this emailed me and said there's a school near me participating with no volunteer and asked me if I could lend my native tongue and knowledge of spelling bees to them. I had to familiarize myself with spelling bees a little but this afternoon I'm headed to see how I can help their school. We shall see!! I have to hand it to my fellow volunteers who stepped it up and are helping with this and got the ball rolling last year!! I think I read where a 4th grader won last year...impressive! Better go get ready for my meeting! Love and hugs from here!!

I believe it's about time for another "things I love about Bulgaria" blog. This blog was inspired by the weather. This passed weekend lots of the snow melted and on Sunday it got in the 40s, or upper 30s. It's the end of Feb and everyone is looking forward to making martinitzas, a symbol of spring. The snow was melting and the weather was getting warmer, little by little. Then I wake up this morning and look outside and see...NEWLY FALLEN SNOW. I love how I can be 1/2 a world away from my home in the states and be reminded every day of Indiana (you all can read about other reminders of Indiana in other favorite things blogs). I love that one of the babas I live with is so concerned about me that the broom that I bought to be used by everybody in our building and I keep downstairs, so everyone can use it, keeps ending up by my door because "someone might steal it!" I love how, when I stop and really think about things I realize #1) people that had no idea what I was saying when I first got here understand me (this will never fail to impress me) and we can carry on a conversation about something as important as cooking (yes mom you read right) and #2) people wave at me, say hi, and honk their horns at me when I'm walking down the street. That didn't happen when I first got here in July 2010. I love when I make people laugh here; across the language barrier! Now of course it's probably because I said something VERY wrong and didn't know it or maybe they are laughing AT me and not WITH me, but what I don't know can't hurt me! Like the other day I was having tutoring and was telling about the time when I missed my plane to the states after traveling with my sister and had to spend the night at Charles De Gauhl(?) airport in Paris. It was New Years and I was watching all the celebrations around the world, alone in my bed in an airport away from any kind of family and not even in my country. Then when I finally did catch the plane the next day it landed in Chicago 10 minutes after the last flight to Indianapolis, home, took off! After that everything closed because of a huge snow storm and I was stuck in Chicago for the weekend! 3-4, give or take, hours from home and I couldn't get there; my dad couldn't even come and get me because THE ROADS WERE CLOSED!! Then there was a night I was in a shop here and made the lady behind the counter laugh hysterically. She was weighing potatoes and had to get exactly 2 kilograms. I went behind the counter and was providing commentary ("very close or “exactly 2 kgs”) and she was cracking up. Now again, possibly some people are laughing at me but I don’t really care; I just like that I can make them laugh! Of course the missing the flight wasn’t funny then but now I can laugh right along with people...well, kind of. I think this is getting a little long and so I will close for now! I just helped teach 3 high school boys how to schuffle; it was pretty aweesome!! Love and hugs from me!!

The idea for this blog came from my mom; thanks mom! By now I think most of you know that most people here heat their homes with wood stoves. I on the other hand have a radiator that I plug in and uses tok (I was going to write it in B. but then I realized it is exactly the same), electricity. I don't quite understand the whole workings of the fuse boxes here and the whole electrical workings but have been told to only have 3 things plugged in at one time or 2 things plugged in and my boiler on. I've blown fuses before (at least that's what I think I did) and watched when Bi Sali fixed things in my fuse box. My fridge stays plugged in all the time (#1-actually there was a time about 3 weeks ago where I unplugged it. I didn't really need it; it was colder in my kitchen than it was in the fridge; and I could find other things to plug in that were more important! It's back to being plugged in now) and my radiator stays plugged in most of the time when I'm at home (#2-it was/is more energy efficient to keep it on all the time. Now that it's not in the single digits and below during the day it's not as important to keep it on at all times. And yes mom I did ask!). Which means that I have to choose between working on my computer (pretty much all my work is done on the computer), cooking something on my hotplate, chilling out and watching tv, having hot water, or using the washing machine. Now it's really not that much of a dilemma now that it is warming up. Usually I use my fridge, radiator, and computer. I turn my boiler on early in the morning and leave it on for a couple hours ( I do that while I'm sleeping since tok is cheaper after 10 at night and it eliminates the boiler from the possible choices) and usually have hot water most of the day. I have to be careful, especially on the really cold days, that my water doesn't get cold before I use it (I think everybody knows cold showers are no fun, at least on colder days )! If I'm needing more hot water, or have been gone for a couple days, I leave it on for 3 or 4 hours. I have an older boiler and it doesn't heat as fast. Usually what I do is wake up at 4 and turn on my boiler, go back to bed, get up at 6 and turn off the boiler, and then lay in bed for about 30 minutes before getting my rear in gear and take a shower. That's on days I take a shower. I admit during this seriously cold spell there were days where I laid in bed debating whether or not to take a shower since I had showered 3 days ago (when your bathroom and everywhere around you is freezing-no vents in there to warm up the place- smelling good and being fresh kinda go out the window! And WHEN it's that cold you don't even want to go anywhere to be around people! And I'm lucky, Nargis' shower is below her house and to get to it she has to go outside. I'm not sure if that's very common here or not, to have the shower be outside. I know most toilets are outside and again I'm lucky but I live in an apartment and not a house. Some people have done repair work on their houses and their toilets/bathrooms are inside). The tv isn't that much of a dilemma except on the weekends ( I've gotten hooked on Gilmore Girls in English and like to watch tv while I eat meals; there are some pretty cheesy but good movies on the "tube." I have gotten away from this a bit but the weekends are when I allow myself to watch in English) or when I want/need to watch the news. Since I eat in he stol during the week (hostel cafeteria) I don't use my hotplate during the week and sparingly on the weekends (not much air flow in my kitchen and when I use the hotplate the moisture in the air creates mold. It took me awhile but I learned to open the kitchen door a little to solve that. However, when it's cold outside having the kitchen door open even a little is kinda chilly! And keep in mind I only heat my bedroom). You know, now as I'm writing this I'm finding it interesting just how much I've learned, figured out, and found ways around things that I never would have thought of in the states or just didn't concern myself with because it wasn't an issue. I was talking to Jez during our seriously cold spell and she was telling me how she learned how to work her apartment so she didn't get so cold at timesas well as for other things. The more I think about it, she's right! Even the subtle things I find myself exlaining to you all. I catch myself and I think "yeah, I guess I did have to learn that!" Ok, this blog is seriously long and I think I'm done. Love and hugs from a sunny (yea) here!!

Last night was interesting! I came back from the store and saw Baba N. tearing up cardboard (cb) for her stove. I offered to help her and and, to my surprise, she said "if you want." So I went over and started to help and she said that there was more c.b. inside her apartment and I should tear that. I went inside and grabbed the c.b. and asked her if that was the c.b. she meant. She looked at me and said "take a break for a little. We'll do that later." Of course I was thinking about the fact that I had really not done anything strenuous to need a break, but went with it. So we go in her apartment and she told me to sit down and she turned the television on and started to channel surf. I was a little confused by this time when she turned to me and said "this is a very good Turkish program. I love it! I like the Turkish programs better than the Bulgarian programs. You will stay and watch right???" Thinking to myself how I understand about 5 or 6 words in Turkish and would not understand a thing going on but how could I refuse, I said "yes." We sat in the dark room watching this Turkish serial, program, and then, during one of the few commercials, she went to get me some coffee. (It's now that I realize why I didn't fall right to sleep last night; I had coffee at about 6:20-30!) After an hour, the program we were watching was over...I think, I thanked her for the coffee and candy and told her I had work to do. Of course I also spilled the little remaining coffee in my cup on her tablecover when I went to take our cups into the kitchen. OOPS! I felt so bad! After she cleaned up my mess, I tried to help I did but it wasn't happening, I excused myself, again thanking her and apologising for spilling my coffee. She looked at me and said "but the best program is coming on!" So that was part of my night! The English school is open and the students are back; they missed their friends! My adult English classes are back on, for now at least! Speaking of which I should get some planning for tonight done. The snow is melting and slush, and ice in the mornings, is everywhere! Love and hugs from here!!

This is a blog about believing. I think I have already blogged about this before but feel I need to again. Along with believing comes optimism, the 2 go hand and hand. Nothing can ever change, become different, if people don't first BELIEVE it is possible. Take Bulgaria for example. I have been here since May 12, 2010. I have lived here, worked here, traveled here, experienced good and bad times here, and generally have been a Bulgarka since then. Ok, maybe not since then but I have been part of this culture. Bulgaria is a beautiful country and is trying to find her way after Communism...AND WILL GET THERE! I firmly believe that. Now it's true that I didn't grow up here and have only been here a short time, relatively speaking, so there are things I don't know and can't really have that valid of an opinion about. Like someone who has never been pregnant telling a pregnant lady about the experience of childbirth; that's just not right! So I realize I'm a little like that (please no one go there) and don't really KNOW, I get that. HOWEVER, since May 12, 2010 Bulgaria has been my country too. There is so much good in this country; the pochievka (taking a break) mentality, the drop everything and sit down and have tea when someone comes to visit mentality, the nature with the mountain ranges and the sunflower fields, the Danue and the Black Sea, the strong history (both good and bad- every country has that) that can be traced back to the first peoples (I think), the generational meantality; babas rule and the whole family lives together, from grandchilren to grandparents. I can go on... I just thought of something! I believe in B so much that, yes it's true-really, I got it inked on my body (1/2 B flag, 1/2 Am flag with the words In B "world peace and friendship" It looks pretty cool!)! B is a great country and will get greater! You (everyone, not just B's) have to believe that it is possible! This is where people have to believe IN THEIR HEARTS and not just say the words. I believe the first step for change is believing something can change; believing things can be different. Then of course you have to do something about that belief...that's for another day. Love and hugs from here!

the main building/museum at

the Birkenau camp.Rachel, Jez, and myself enjoying

pierogies and some adult beverages.

isn't this church pretty with the

lights and all?

this is a picture looking

down one of he side streets.

the lights were so pretty!

this was such a pretty

lit up tree. sorry I guess

I should tell you, this

is in the center or K. not

far from our hostel.

more of the lights. It was just beautiful!

the center was so beautiful

walking around at night! The girls

had to humor me while I "captured"

(or at least tried to) the atmosphere!

what a beautiful tree all

decorated! This was a good night!!

(they all were but with the lights,

wine, cupcakes, and awesome

company it was just like a

"am I really here?" moment.

the sign entering the Auschwitz

camp. I know it's not a very good

picture; that's ok, it wasn't a

very good place for most people

at that time.



thoughts are with a friend in the states! Love and hugs from a sunny here!!

My power keeps going on and off so I figure I'll start this on paper and see how long my tok, power, stays on and then transfer this to my computer (in hindsight the tok came and went all day so it's a good thing I wrote it out!). The plan for the 28th were the concentraton camps. I thought we were only going to Auschwitz but it turns out the prisoners of Auschwitz had to build another camp, Birkenau, closeby; the Nazi's were running out of room to torture, starve, and work to death Jewish people, other minority groups, and in general people they didn't like. We took an hour long train ride from K to Oswiecim (accent mark over the s) and waited for the English tour to start. I have to say I'm glad Jez and Rachel had the camps on their "place to to see" list before the trip (not that I didnt't want to go but that wasn't my motivation). The camps and that time period are parts of our history (a sobering, black stain on history, but history) that I think everyone should see, study, and learn about. "The one who does not remember history is bound to live through it again." That is a quote I got from somewhere in the camp and took a picture; said by George Santayana. I'm not going into details and not posting pictures (only 2) on my blog, but please feel free to comment me if you want more and I'll be happy to share! We wanted to try to see the salt mines (stuff underground caved into salt rock and various things made of salt- that is a VERY ROUGH description but I just closed to description I had of it and don't want to look it up again) but were too late. We walked to the train station and caught a bus back to K, we walked the Christmas markets some more, got goodies to take back to our schools and stuff for the train/plane the next day, then went back to the hostel for a recommendation for dinner. Turns out not far from our hostel there was a typical Polish place so we headed there for dinner. We had pierogies and beer, followed by cupcakes, of course; the store was right next to the hostel! It kept calling our names and we didn't want to be rude! We headed to the hostel after dinner to pack and get reaDY FOR A DAY OF TRAVELING THE NEXT DAY, THE 29TH, from K train station to the K airport to Frankfurt-Hahn to Sofia. Literally it was a day of traveling; we left early am and arrived in Sofia a little after midnight the morning of the 30th. It was a good trip and I'm glad I went! I never in my wildest dreams did I think I'd take a trip like this! I consider myself very fortunate! The last of the Christmas pictures coming on Tuesday. Love and hugs from my tok filled apartment! (not quite sure what that means but it sounded good!). Thoughts and prayers are with my family.

Ok this time I have a valid excuse for not doing yesterday's blog; actually I wrote it I just couldn't post because I had no tok, that's power in B speak. But that blog is going to have to wait until tomorrow. Several of you have inquired about how I'm holding up with the weather so I thought I'd talk about that a little. Last winter was a very unusual and warm for B. I was nervous when I heard from a B24, I'm B26- the 26th group of volunteers in B) Sept 2010 that the only time she was ever really warm was when she was in the shower under the hot water. I was sooooooo not looking forward to winter. Then it came and wasn't really that bad. Yeah there was snow and it had cold days but on the whole (and of course my apartment had something to do with me being warmer too) wasn’t bad. Then the end of January and February hit!! Wow! I was not conditioned last winter for this winter! Temperatures have been in the single digits, yes even in *F, and I'm sure have been below 0*F, although that I'm really not sure about. Schools have been closed and classes shortened because of the cold. Now...to top it all off...if you add in the lack of central heating and the fact that, I'll speak for myself, my heating sources depend on tok that sometimes comes and goes, like yesterday, it can get rough. Not to worry though (mom, dad, ron, and ronni) I have plenty of places to go where heating does not depend on tok (99.9% of homes here have wood burning stoves). If that isn’t enough to ease anyone's mind-my “employer”(I make no salary I just said that) would not let me go without heat and have been all over this winter situation! Two regions in the Southeastern part of B are getting hit hard with thunderstorms and snow and have dealt with flooding. In fact, a dam broke on Monday and left a whole village underwater. I have volunteer friends who were with me for pst down in that area and they are fine. What I don’t quite know or understand is how they can recover from something like that; I need to ask more questions and learn about the situation. Up in the Northeastern part, where I am, the roads are bad and many are closed. Pretty much all of B is expriencing very strong winds. That put together with the snow, I’m guessing there’s about 4-5 INCHES OF THE GROUND RIGHT NOW...oops...and as of 2 this afternoon had stopped snowing. So I’m doing well. I’m sitting here with 3 upper layers and 2 bottom layers on (plus a very warm robe), 2 pair of wool socks, warm boots/slippers, a hat, and the hood of my sweatshirt on with my feet propped up on a chair (helps with foot warmth) covered with a blanket. So I guess you could say it’s a challlenge and is something very different than I have to deal with in the states! I’m not very good with facebook but do go on occasionally and the other day I read something another volunteer wrote and had to laugh; he was dead right! He was talking about how he forgot to put his milk back in the fridge before he went to work an when he got home it was frozen. He said, and I think I have the quote right, “forgot to put my milk away this morning and it was frozen when I got home from work. I’ll put it in the fridge and let it thaw out!!” All this about weather being said, no tok and the wind and stuff, I wouldn’t have it any other way. This is what JFK was talking about when he talked about assuming the hardships of the local people. This is a cornerstone of the Corps and hasn’t changed in he 50+ years of the Corps. How can I really understand B people if I don’t live like them and have some of the same experiences?? If I have to endure hardships, bring them on because that’s what I signed up for! So, there’s NO feeling sorry for me or thinking what I’m going through is awful! Besides, I have it good! I was going to say that I feel sorry for the older people here; I guess I should listen to my own words! Thank you all for asking how I’m doing! I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else right now other than here doing what I’m doing. Thoughts are with my family! Love and hugs from here! The last day in Krakow coming tomorrow depending on...........

Today is a very happy day for many reasons but the number one reason in my book is...drum roll please...IT'S FREEZING!! I know that doesn't sound like good news but what I mean is it is actually freezing (32*F) and lots of the snow is melting and things don't feel as cold. Believe me, it really is a YEA! moment. Good luck Giants; I'm waiting for an upset!!

I forget exactly what this story was

but when the Nazi's were looking

for Jewish people during WW2 this

was a hideout. I do remember Thomak

saying someone hid behind the

plant/tree you see here.

I'm a sucker for "cute" pictures!

Isn't this bridge cool?

Not going to explain. Think WW2 and

Jewish people. Need more, email me

personally or comment on my

blog with your email and I'll be

glad to explain!

I had no idea!! Max Factor started

in Europe, more specifically Krakow

Poland! This was where it started;

I believe Thomak said the creator

was the first millionaire in Europe...

or something along those lines.

This is the section of Krakow where

the furniture...well, it's in my last

blog and I'll let you read about it!

Our tour went by the Schindler Museum.

You don't know who Oscar Schindler

was???LOOK HIM UP!!! I learned that

he himself actually wasn't the idea

originator of "the list", he had help!

Either was, it's always encouraging

to read about people who stand

up/find a way around injustice!

Again at the Schindler Museum.

Sorry you all have to strain your

necks!

I know The Giants are not predicted to

beat the Patriots but there have been bigger

upsets before and I would like an

upset. GO GIANTS!! Thoughts and prayers are

in Indy this weekend praying for a clean

game with no major injuries. Also that

my family and friends in Indy can get around

without too many problems!! Love and hugs

from here!! I read somewhere where someone

said they were happy because it isn't too

cold. I'm jealous. We're having the winter we

should have had last winter.

I sat down this afternoon all set to do my blog and my computer started messing with me. Everything's fine now. I forget exactly where I left off but we boarded a night train headed to Krakow, Poland at about 6, or 8-I can't quite remember, the evening of the 26th. This time it was an 11 hour train ride. We got to K in time for breakfast and then headed for the hostel to drop our stuff. We took a tour of the hostel and then headed out to change money. Poland uses the zloti and when we were there it was about 3z for every 1$. Immediatly we were drawn to the Christmas markets and toured those for awhile. We discovered a walking tour starting after lunch and decided to join that. Our guide's name was Thomak, or Thomas, and, since we were a little early for the tour, he decided to have everyone introduce themselves and tell where they were from. YOU ARE TOTALLY NOT GOING TO BELIEVE WHAT HAPPENED NEXT! If Jez and Rachel weren't with me the whole time I would have sworn they had something to do with this! I said I was from Indianapolis and he said "isn't there a basketball team or something in Indianapolis?" I gave Jez my cup of hot chocolate and went and gave him a hug. I asked him later what he knew bout the bball team in Indianapolis and he said that was about it. Since the tour itself was around 4 hours and we hadn't had an actual lunch, I decided to forgo the chit-chat in order to keep our stomachs happy. What are the odds??? The tour ended up being very nice and informative! We saw where Max Factor, the makeup brand, started and learned something, which is gone from my brain now, pretty cool about Star Trek. He took us to the Schindler Museum and we saw part of the actual wall that seperated the Jewish people from the rest of Krakow. Lots of history there; most of it appaling but history nonetheless. We saw the section, kinda like a center square, of Krakow where, after the liberation at the end of WW2, the German officers/soldiers raided the homes of Jewish people and literally threw all their furniture out of the windows to the center below. Today there are statues in the shape of chairs scattered throughout this part of Krakow. More on that later. At the end of the tour, we gave donations since it was a free tour and I threw in an extra 5z because he mentioned basketball. We went back to the Jewish section we had been to earlier and had a late lunch/early dinner. Then it was time to go actually check in to the hostel. We hit up the Christmas market more that night and discovered this cupcake place that just happened to be right next to our hostel. That was a sign right there I'll tell you what!! We each enjoyed a different kind and then of course had to try a bite of the other 2. We saw on the sign that the flavor for the next night was oreo, grasshopper, and another flavor that was a big draw, and made a pact to go back the next night. I think we headed back to the hostel after that and called it a night. Oh yeah! Jez and I went for a walk, got some adult beverages and chips, and sat on a bench and chatted for a bit. After awhile the conversation paused for a bit and she says, in Bulgarian, "I think that we should speak in Bulgarian now because I have a homework assignment from my tutor to speak Bulgarian some during this trip...and YOU DO TOO!" Her tutor is a very nice lady who I met once when I was visiting, and makes awesome banitza, and knew we were going to be together. I thought it was pretty funny. I think we called it a night after that and I am now going to as well! It's COLD here!! I think today it was -14*C which is about 6*F. Classes have been shortened all over B because of the cold temperatures. Stay warm wherever you are and love and hugs from here!!

Jez and I with the Charles Bridge

in the background.

Rachel and I with the C.B in the

background.

entering the C.B.

walking across the bridge. You

can see the Prague Castle in

the background, or at least I

think that's the P.C.

this was just looking down a street.

I think the streets in Europe

are just so cute with their narrowness

and architecture.

Rachel and I overlooking Prague. Now

there's a sentence I never thought

I would say!!

Jez and I. I told myself the hat, untied,

makes me look like an Amish girl with

her braids and bonnet.

I'm going to do it to you again. For Prague the 26th pictures tune in tomorrow. I got a late start to today, we lost power this am. and I decided to stay in bed where it was nice and warm, and have a full day. Tomorrow I'll have more time. It snowed again last night and I think is snowing now. Not very much but it's sticking. I tried to look out my terrace windows this am to see what was going on and couldn't see because they were covered with and frost! I guess that means it's cold!! Love and hugs from here!

So on the 26th we got up and had breakfast in the hostel. More of a traditional Bulgarian breakfast (maybe it's a European thing) including yogurt, scrambled eggs, cheese slices, meat slices, bread, and of course tea and coffee. Jez just reminded me that we actually talked about the fact that the only thing that breakfast was misssing from what we were used to in B were the tomatoes and cuccumbers. We got done with breakfast and headed back to the room to pack up our stuff and leave it in storage while we headed out and about Prague. We walked to the Charles Bridge, got some pictures along the way, and then saw the Prague Castle off in the distance. If I remember right we walked to a place after that that had a very beautiful overview of the city. I just love looking down on all the rooftops; it's just a cute sight to me, maybe I'm wierd. Rachel, Jez, and I did note what a difference the architecture in Prague was from what we were used to in B. Things were more colorful. After that we walked around the Jewish Quarter a little and I got some postcards. If I remember right, it's quite possible I don't, we then headed back to the hostel to gather our stuff...OH YEAH! How could I forget a trip to Starbucks to warm up a little!! Then we went to get our things, headed to the train station to take a bus to the other (bigger) train station. We bought more snacks/food for the 11 hour train ride to Krakow and had dinner in the train station. Sounds a little familiar to me, only this time I only had mashed potatoes and a hogarden since I wasn't hungry. (My sister and I took a trip over Christmas several years ago and had Christmas eve dinner in the train station in Lucerne, Switzerland.) I could spend more time in Prague and we only saw a little of the beautiful city! We boarded our overnight train that would take us to Krakow, Poland. Pictures will come on Thursday and Krakow will come next week!! It snowed most of the afternoon on Sunday here and both yesterday and today have been/are about freezing and thus melting much of the snow and ice, making it safe for me to walk!! I am a little afraid for all the babas, grandmas, that walk on the ice but to tell the truth, I should be more concerned about myself! They can pass me on the street walking on ice; they've got it down!! Love and hugs from here!! LET'S GO GIANTS!! At least there will be a Manning in the Superbowl!

Since I have been so bad about blogging I figure I owe you all one! We, 3 OF US, left from Sofia by plane the 24th of December and flew into Frankfurt Hahn, Germany. If I remember right, I can go look and see if thE times are right but really don't want to right now, we boarded a bus at Frankfurt HaHN to take us to the train station. We boarded the bus at probably about 9:30-10 and were on that bus about 2 hours. Once at the train station we found a train to Prague at 1am. I think we had a bit of a layover in the train station. We were all at different stages of tired at this point! Our train finally comes and we get on and pretty much went right to sleep. The car was darK and it was pretty obvious we weren't the only ones traveling a long distance overnight. I'm sure I slept, how much I can't be certain and I really don't think it was much; I just couldn't get comfortable. We arrived in Prague about 10 am the 25th. We had been snacking on basically junk and were ready for a substantial meal. We had done some research on stuff to do in Prague before we arrived, and Rachel had been there before, and had found this beer club/restaurant type place and wanted to do that for dinner, so decided to get a light lunch and have an early dinner. We headed off to find the hostel, leave our bags, and find some food while exploring a bit. We left our bags and headed out and smack dab into the center to be confronted with this statue of this guy on a horse holding a Czech flag with TONS of red and white candles, flowers, and canned red stuff all over the ground in front of this guy. Then it occured to us that "ohhhhh! This must be the former leader of the Velvet Revolution Rachel's mother was talking about!" His statue flowed into the Christmas market where we (finally) Got some food in our stomaches. There were litTle tables set up so that you could eat. We enjoyed traditional food, I'm assuming, and cups of hot mulled wine. aFTER OUR LUNCH WE WALKED A LITTLE MORE AROUND THE CENTER/market and THEN headed back to the hostel to check in. I have no idea why this is in all capitals...and no, my caps lock isn't on. By thE time WE GOT CHECKED INTO OUR ROOM, THAT NIGHT WE HAD A ROOM TO OURSELVES AND GOT SOME GOOD SLEEP; AT LEAST i DID, AND GOT THINGS SITUATED A LITTLE AND HEADED OUT FOR AN EARLY DINNER IT WAS ABOUT 3:30-4. THE BEER PLACE/RESTAURANT WAS VERY NICE AND THE WALLS WERE LINED WITH BEER BOTTLES FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD. THE MENU OF COURSE HAD SOME FAVORITES LISTED AND, i'M NOT SURE HOW MANY TIMES WE WERE INFORMEND THAT THE CZECH REPUB. IS KNOWN FOR THEIR BEER, WE HAD TO TRY THEM OF COURSE. I FORGOT TO MENTION THAT 2 OUT OF THE 3 OF US HAD COLDS WHEN WE STARTED THIS VACATION AND IT WAS ONLY A MATTER OF TIME!!! EVERYONE KNOWS YOU ALL HAVE TO TRY EACH OTHERS FOOD AND DRINKS, ESPECIALLY THE RENOWNED BEER!! THAT WAS A FUN NIGHT! WE EACH HAD ANOTHER BEER (I LET JEZ PICK MINE OUT SINCE EVERYONE KNOWS WHAT A CONNOSEUR OF BEER I AM...NOT) AND SHE DECIDED I SHOULD TRY A COCONUT BEER. IT WAS INTERESTING AND LED TO ALL DIFFERENT SORTS OF CONVERSATIONS SINCE IT WAS ALSO A "FAIR TRADE" BEER AND, LET'S FACE IT, WE WERE FAIRLY HAPPY BY THIS TIME. I GOT A SOUVENIOUR (HOWEVER YOU SPELL THAT) BEER MUG. WE DIDN'T DO MUCH AFTER DINNER SINCE WE WERE LACKING SLEEP; WE MAY HAVE WALKED AROUND A LITTLE MORE BUT BY THAT TIME IT WAS DARK (THANKS TO JEZ AND RACHEL WHO WERE THE NAVIGATORS PRETTY MUCH THE WHOLE TRIP-FOR MY FAMILY OUT THERE, NO JOKES ABOUT MY DIRECTION ABILITY OR LACK THEREOF) AND WE DIDN'T WANT TO BE OUT TOO MUCH AFTER DARK IN A STRANGE PLACE. WE HEADED BACK TO THE HOSTEL AND BASICALLY FELL INTO BED. I'LL SPEAK FOR MYSELF WHEN I SAY THIS WAS THE LAST GOOD NIGHT SLEEP I GOT UNTIL THE 30TH BACK IN BULGARIA. THIS WAS THE 25TH OF DECEMBER. IF I CAN'T BE WITH FAMILY OVER THE HOLIDAYS I'LL TAKE MY PEACE CORPS FAMILY!! THIS HAS TURNED OUT TO BE LONGER THAN I REALIZED SO THE FULL DAY IN PRAGUE, THE 26TH, WILL COME NEXT WEEK...OR AT LEAST I'M REALLY TRYING FOR IT TO BE NEXT WEEK. LOVE AND HUGS FROM HERE!! TO MY FAMILY, IMMEDIATE AND EXTENDED, THANK YOU FOR YOUR LOVE!!

the memorial to the deceased leader

of the Velvet Revolution. My mom told

me a little about what he did

when Czech was being attacked

by the Russians; it was pretty

interesting!

a closer and sideways look.

this is looking to the right at

the xmas market from our table.

See the little tables set up so

you could stand and enjoy the

delicious food?

this was looking to the left. I

had what I thought looked like a

brat and Jez and Rachel shared

some potato, bean, pasta

type dish.

again at the outside xmas

market with a view of the

center.

this is the astronomical clock.

every hour these people come out

from the top and wave flags and

stuff. it of course chimes too!

everything was sold at the market

or at least lots of different foods and

hot mulled wine, a favorite.

waiting for the clock!

there are revolving small statues

in these windows that revolve

every hour. The actual face of

the clock is underneath.

I thought all the umbrellas were

funny to see. It had started to

drizzle a bit while we were

waiting for the clock.

You can barely see the people

leaning over the balcony but they

are there!

Jez and I in Starbucks. Starbucks was a

highlight for Jez and Rachel. The hat

is from Prague.

The Czech Repub. is known for

their beer and of course

what would a trip to Prague

be without sampling the

specialty of the country? This

restaurant/beer club/whatever

had beer from all over the world,

including Bulgaria and the

US. It was pretty cool seeing all

the different beer bottles displayed!

I know. This has been an interesting week! I know all of you want to see pictures of Prague and Krakow and the rest of my activities over the holidays and they will be posted! But not right now. Partly because I don't want to get up and go out in my kitchen to get my purse, which has my camera, so I can get my chip and post them and partly because it's Friday and, like Fridays I want to be done with work. Of course I'm never done with work but...I'm here and you're there and you'll just have to deal with the fact that you will have to wait. Getting back to work was an adjustment as is always the case after a break. I will say that, unlike last year, our holiday travels went flawlessly. Except for my ears that have a tendency to act up on planes we had no problems and were even early for flights, trains, and buses. I have gotten several packages from family members as well as cards and letters for the holidays and I can't thank everyone enough! I got some candies and took some to work today. One of my co-workers, who speaks English, put a sour candy in her mouth and her reaction was super funny! I told her it gets not sour after a few seconds and she was ok but she still had a look of "what did I just put in my mouth-GET IT OUT!" on her face. Someone else tried one and the candy ended up in the trash. I am sitting at my desk watching my solar powered plant "dance" in the sunshine. The weather says it's 3*C which would be about 35*F but it's warmer than that, probably about 45-50*F which is very surprising, after all it is January. That and Friday the 13th. So I leave you to wait until next week for the holiday summary. Things are fine, not great but fine. Thank you everyone for everything so incredibly much with cherries and whipped cream and everything else on top!! Love and hugs!!

I just want to wish everyone Merry Christmas and/or happy holidays! I'm off for vacation and probably will not get around to blogging until after the 8th of January...which is my dad's birthday. Remember why you celebrate this season and be grateful for what you have! The Colts got a win so I'm satisfied; now if the Pacers can do the same! Seriously though thank you for reading my blog and caring about Bulgaria and me! I have been blessed with so much! I believe God is the reason I am here and all I do is for Him/Her! Cherish your time with family and friends, your health, and so much more this Christmas time!! The United States has fallen on hard times (however you care to phrase that) but we still have a lot more than others! Everyone have a safe holiday season and walk carefully on the snow so you don't slip! I love and miss you all!! Till next year!

Sorry I didn't post yesterday. Before I forget I'm not sure I'll have time to post next week. Thursday for sure! My sister's family made me a calendar with pictures and things every month and then every so often my sister wrote little questions or statements on a certain date. For instance a recent question was "how's your Bulgarian?" and I must say it is suffering. Well one day this week she told me to buy myself a little xmas gift. I took care of that about 1 month ago when I bought plane tickets to Frankfurt, Prague, and the Czech Republic! Not really a "little" xmas gift but a gift I am very much looking forward to and, frankly, need! Xmas here right now is a little like xmas in Florida; you don't even know it's xmas time really! Sure there are decorations every now and then and all the kids know "Dyado Kolada" is coming. But overly I have to say xmas is sneaking up on me!! Yes I have a small tree, thanks to my mom's family, complete with lights and some Colts ornaments (can I ask for a win for xmas?) , a couple strands of lights that are up and blinking as we speak, the Nativity scene, again-mom's family, and today I bought a Santa hat that I plan to wear a lot next week . But I have to say it really doesn't feel like xmas. That might change if there was some *@#& (I don't want to specify because that might slow down/cancel the buses and I really do not want that to happen right now.) That's pretty much all I got right now. Thoughts and prayers are with family and friends of a very close friend of mine. Love and hugs from here!!

I was walking down the street the other day when someone waved, or said hello-I can't remember, and now I take that for what it is. BUT when I stop and catch my breath I remember how that didn't happen when I first got here. That makes me happy. I just came back from buying some big poster paper and when I was coming back to the apartment my baba scolded me because she hasn't seen me and I haven't visited her in awhile. This is just a collection of stuff I'm sure you have figured out. So I'm doing handprint/footprint reindeers with the two younger classes in the Kindergarten and handprint salt-dough keepsakes for the older group for their parents for xmas. I was in a magazine, store, copying a poem the other day and printing directions to the hostels I will stay in for my xmas trip and trying to explain "there is a concentration camp in Krakow that I was to see" but then I realized "oh, I forgot the word for war" so here I am trying to explain, and Jewish escaped me too, "the time when some German people didn't like other people and put them in camps and they worked and died." That''s NOT funny, but it sure was funny hearing myself trying to get myself out of that one!! Bless her heart, I think she got the picture. I love it when people help me try to explain things!! So it's December 13th and almost xmas time! I havn't NOT been in the xmas mood but haven't overly been IN the xmas mood. Today at school Nargis was on the computer and playing DJ at the same time with xmas songs (until she threw a Ricky Martin song in there and threw me off) and I got more in the mood and singing along! Nothing like "All I Want FOr Christmas Is You" to put you in the mood! THANKS UTUBE! So, I had to go to a store anyway for my poster paper, and ended up buying some xmas lights...the "cheaper" ones. In the sttes when we try to buy something don't salespeople alway show the more expensive item? Even of 2 same items they bring out the more expensive ones? I walked in the magazine and saw this box and was curious. She showed me what it was and then took it out of my hand and put it back on the shelf and said "these ae cheaper. These are expensive." She even plugged them in for me; I figured I should buy them to add to my other lights my family sent me last year! OH, final thing for today! I am requesting your prayers for...me. I need to make a decision and believe God will show me what He wants me to do. Everything is fine, nothing to worry about (for those people like my mom who would read into that). I just am going to need help figuring out what God wants! It would be so easy if He gave BLATENT/OBVIOUS signs; alas it doesn't work that way. Love and hugs from an unusually-warm-day-for-winter Bulgaria, and me!

It just occured to me that it's about time for another "favorite things" blog. I love the fact that when I go from the Kindergarten to the English school (for my adult classes mon-wed) I pass chickens and roosters on the street out for their daily stroll. Not something I run into everyday in Indianapolis! I took notice of them yesterday while walking and had one of those moments, one of those "I don't think I've ever shared the street with chickens and roosters before!" I love the fact that, after making smores with some of the high school boys in the hostel last night, one of the boys was very excited when I told him I would give him some marshmallows to take to his village so he could show his family. I also love that he wanted to show his family. I love the fact that he wanted to pay me for making him a smore because he used something of mine. That attitude, after experiencing the "gimmie, gimmie, gimmie" attitude of many children/young adults in the states that I am used to dealing with, is very refreshing! He fought me on my "no" for awhile and then finally I got through to him when I said "I win because I'm 40 and you're 17-case closed!" He did make me promise to let him treat me to a coffee sometime which I appreciate. I love it (and hate it at the same time) when, sitting at dinner the other night with an 8th grade boy talking about doing stuff and being bored and all and me explaining that I'm here for activities and to do things with youth, he says "but what will we do when you leave?" AW! I love it that my girl students want to show me the dances they are working on when I go visit them in the hostel. I also have to say, no matter how well I know the language, I still have to have people translate for me, or repeat what I say, when I talk to people because of my accent or because I say things in a more confusing way. I'm thinking about the Kindergarden and how the teachers help me with directions and all because they understand me. It's like they use a shorthand/clarrify things for me. Believe it or not, I love that they do that for me! I love the fact that I have to ask what is popular on the radio in the states because I hear so many English songs here but have no idea if they are from years ago or are popular in the states now. I love the fact that, years from now, I'll be somewhere in the states and hear a song on the radio that I hear over here and the memory will take me back here. Memories are such powerful things...and I will have enough to fill a book! I lso love he fact that you all back in the states go to such lengths to show me that you care about me! THANKS MOM !! Next time, have Ron mail it!!Love and hugs from here!

This blog is going to be about my Great-Aunt (I think) Rosemary who passed away last Wednesday. Not quite sure about her age but whatever her age she didn't look it! The weekend before I left Indy for Bulgaria my Aunt Jan had a party/get together for the family up in the Goshen area, where my mom's from, at her house and my mom and I went. Rosemary came to the party but also wanted my mom and I to have lunch with her at her house. She made us the nicest lunch and asked me all about what I would be doing in B. She was so interested in the work of the Peace Corps and in the work I would be doing!! I'm really glad that is my last memory of her! I was telling her all about the 3 goals of the Peace Corps (1-to provide interested countries trained men and women, 2-to expand the minds of Americans about peoples served, and 3-to expand the minds of peoples served about Americans. This is a rough idea and in no way exact, but you get the idea!) and she was so interested she asked me to write them down! My family is full of strong women figures who serve as excellent role models for me and she was no exception! I have to admit that I don't know as much about her as I do my own grandma. She was the geneological, tracing the family history, person in our family. It took a good friend of mine here to make me realize that now she is watching first hand the activities of the Peace Corps and myself from Heaven! I will also say that it comforts me to know that Rosemary, Luanne and Gma Miller, are together in Heaven! Now they have a dog to take care of and who will take care of them! The sunshine here has left and the rain (and wind) have arrived! I knew it couldn't last too long!! Love and hugs from here!

Let's see here, what to write today. Today is World AIDS Day. (Just a side note here, all these international days like today and International Women's Day on March 8th I really was not aware of until I joined the corp; kind of interesting.) Once again Nargis, the teachers, and the student who went through the Life Skills Trainings (covering sexual health and all that goes with that) have put together a nice presentation/informational session for the students of the English School. The teachers decided to have it during the day instead of 2 of the "extra" classes (not really extra but I can't think of another word to describe them) at the end of the day. That's all nice and good and way to go collegues(yea!) BUT my schedule was already full at the time they wanted to have it and I didn't feel right about cancelling my other committment; I have a class in the Kindergarten. This is really what sustainability is all about (with the exception that usually the volunteer slowly backs out of the planned activities instead of being a no-show at the start of the activities!) The reason that one of the students and Nargis, my counterpart for the newbies to the blog, went with me to the trainings this past summer was so that they feel they are able to, and have the resources to, do things on days like this after PC leaves Bulgaria. I have to say from my perspective, they've got it way covered!! The teachers I work with are always so eager to help with whatever. I don't see sustainability being a problem here!! Today is another sunny day here but not as warm. My mom sent me a "20Q" game and last night I had it in my coat pocket and pulled it out after supper and the students loved it and took turns trying to stump it. I' m thinking about smores tonight for the girls floor in the hostel but not quite sure yet. Thoughts, and prayers, are with my family in the states!! Love and hugs from me!!

I like dogs but have not had one since I was in high school or around then; it's been awhile! Of course you all have read, or maybe not, about how many homeless dogs we have wondering around, depending on the kindness of people for food. Sarah, one of the homeless dogs (street dogs as they're referred to here) that I was immediately drawn to once I arrived here 2 Julys ago, was a little like my dog. She wasn't mine in that she went home with me inside my apartment or I was the person who was responsible for her, but she was "mine." She went EVERYWHERE I did!! This past weekend I almost even fell because I went to walk away after talking to someone and she was under my feet so when I went to walk I tripped over her! As you all can probably tell by now and the use of the past tense referring to her she passed away over the weekend. What I choose to focus on and write about was the fact that S. had only 2 good legs, her front ones and her back ones just kinda dangled behind when when she "walked." She was the definition of perseverance and "gumption," the never say die attitude, the "so what if I only have 2 legs" attitude. She didn't let a little thing like the lack of 2 legs slow her down AT ALL! She did not feel sorry for herself and stop living (or chasing cars)or curl up in a ball and wait to die, figuring she wasn't getting anywhere (no pun intended) so why try. She was with me just about everywhere I went, even if it was far away! One time this past summer I went to meet some students at the stadium to watch a football, soccer, match. The stadium is kind of far from my apartment but S followed me the whole way...and back! You can think it sounds a little silly when I say she was inspirational but think about it; here was a dog with only 2 good legs that still chased vehicles, I guess a donkey cart is a vehicle, got into fights with 4 legged dogs, and generally did everything a 4 legged dog would do! She had a handicap; didn't stop her. I am really going to miss seeing her come and meet me after I get home from work and stand still while I pet her!! I really will miss looking behind me and not seeing her there!! Now S is in a place where she can chase cars with the use of 4 legs and has an over supply of food all the time. I'm going to miss you S! Thoughts and prayers are with my family!! Love and hugs from here!

This is a Thanksgiving post. In my adult classes this week we are starting with a "I'm thankful for" chain of new English words. we did this is PST with B sentences to help our memory and language skills. We're also learning a little, just a tad, about the holiday Thanksgiving. So, what am I thankful for?? I have so very much to be thankful for I don't really know where to start! I have to say first and foremost I am thankful to my God who, without my God, none of this would be possible! I have my God to thank for everything I have, from the shoes I wear to the ability to teach the English alphabet. I am thankful for my family and friends in the States who support me 100%, pick me up when I need encouragement, and keep me informed with news from the states and from their lives. I am thankful for my friends and family I have here in B who welcomed me with open arms into their hearts and community. My fellow volunteers are an incredible support to me, both with ideas and, more importantly, understanding...because they're here too and, chances are, dealing with the same things. I'm thankful that I have this incredible opportunity to serve and represent my Country; maybe even helping, in my own little corner of B, the image of America and women. Since the Peace Corps is leaving B in 2013 I feel incredibly lucky and honored to have been given this chance, to have been chosen as one of the last volunteers in this beautiful country! I believe everything happens for a reason; there is a reason I was supposed to come here. Because of that I keep working, even on days that I really don't want to and it would be so easy to curl up and watch E tv or read an E book. I've said it before and I'll say it again; I'm living a life right now that most people only dream of and because of that fact realize I am not only here for me, my grandparents, and M,C, and W. I am here for everyone who would love to do what I'm doing but for one reason or another, can't. I am incredible thankful for Nargis, my B connection and, no matter what she says, an excellent E. speaker! I am thankful for my collegues here who help me with anything and everything; even so far as planning Thanksgiving themselves since I have other things to occupy my time this year! Kudos to them (bravo na tqh) for picking up the slack. On this day to give thanks there are so many things I have to be grateful for in my life!! To all those of you reading this in the states, HAPPY THANKSGIVING and remember why we celebrate!! It's not just about eating too much, taking naps, and watching football; it goes MUCH deeper; at least for me it does! Love and hugs from me!!

Thank you for your prayers! I spent about a total of 12 hrs traveling on Friday and only about 5 in Sofia. That's ok; I went to see a friend this past weekend for a pre-Thanksgiving weekend so that was enjoyable and made all the traveling worthwhile! THen on Monday night before my adult class I found out I won a Tgiving themed goodie basket for turning in some paperwork from someone at the the corps! Thanks Jason! So tonight's blog has to do with something Nargis told me about a week ago. I was trying to explain, in B, that a friend of mine had an appointment in Sofia the same day as me (turns out I misunderstood her, she didn't have one). One of the B words for an appointment/meeting/date is very close to the English word "engagement." I thought I would switch and use that word, after all I had been hearing it more than the word I had been using. Well when I told Nargis she got all excited and started asking me all these questions like "how did she find him" and "he's American right?" I thought she was excited because I was going to be with my good friend in Sofia (she's very good about that. She realizes I'm away from "family" and my PC friends/connections are very important to me!) and she thought I was telling her my good friend was getting married! Quite the misunderstanding. But Nargis told me later on that when there is a misunderstanding between people that means the misunderstood thing is going to happen. Another little superstition that, I'm not aware of, isn't practiced in the states. Tgiving is appreaching and I/we have nothing planned with the students here. I feel a little bad about that but Halloween was 2 weeks ago, I have more going on this year than I did last year, and there just wasn't time to prepare anything. We had a big celebration last year and that makes not doing much/anything this year easier for me to handle. Well, time for me to get to other things! Love and hugs from me!!

This is going to be short again because I'm leaving tonight after my adult class for a Dr's appointment. I would like to request prayers for my appointment tomorrow. It's nothing big or anything to be too concerned about...really; my mom even agrees and she's a retired nurse! That's about it; sorry so short! Love and hugs from me!

So I finally looked at the actual temperature and it is -1*C; cold both in *F and *C! I think I have covered this before but it's been awhile so will tell you all again. It's very common here to eat out of a common dish at mealtime. At first of course I took special notice of this fact because it wasn't what I was used to doing. Now I have gotten so used to it when I went gosti with my visitors from the states I just helped myself, after everyone was seated of course, to the food in front of me and didn't think twice about sharing the same dish with everyone else! The couple of times I have been invited to special meals, for weddings or funerals, everyone sits around a very small table, women at one and men at the other, called a "sofra" and a communal dish is put in the middle and if you don't get your spoon or piece of bread in there there will be none left for you! I have to say I have gotten quite used to this way and will probably have to be "scolded" when I get back to the states and reminded that's not how meals are eaten, in my family at least. It's coming up on Turkey day and I can't believe next week is Thanksgiving already!! I think we're set to do the turkeys again and will do without the baked potatoes since they didn't go over very well (people did not seem to like them and did not eat them all). YIKES! Time is fying! That's about it from here! The sun has made an appearance and is warming things up a little in my glass-enclosed terrace and the door to my terrace is open and a precious little heat is entering my den/office area which is nice...for a change! Love and hus from here!! Thoughts and prayers are with a friend in the states, and as always with all of you as well!

the 10th graders with their

jack-o-lantern

the 11th and 12th graderswith

their jack-o-lanters

one of the 8th graders with their

jack-o-lantern

one of the 9th graders with their

jack-o-lantern

we played "pin the nose on the

pumpkin"

Ibrahim was the winner of the

spaghetti eating contest.

we had 5 contestants

they were so ready and eager

to begin eating they forgot

to sit down!

another 9th grade jack-o-lantern

we had teams of 2 throw grapes over

the blackboard to each other. We counted how

many each pair caught in

their mouths.

these guys are super funny and

do a silly "skit" at every party! They

dress up and everything! Ibrahim even

has a chest!

another pair of dancers.

you can see their "child" in the

background. He's the one

with the white hat.

need I say more??

here he is in the baby carriage!