It will be four weeks Sunday since I left to join the Peace Corps and it feels like my whole world has changed yet I am already feeling at home in my new home here in Armenia. Sure it willl take awhile before I will be comfortable being able to communicate well in Armenian. I don't trust my mind to remember things as I used to which also includes a new alphabet and a lot of new words. Now not only do I have to remember the words but I am back to where I was in elementary school where we have to figuare out the changes to words when you are talking about Present tense I, You, He/she, We, You (plural) they, or Posesive Pronouns like my, your, his/her, our, your(plural) and their. I am still struggling to remember the words and say them let alone how to change them when you are talking about different people. We have a good teacher who does make it fun by having us try to introduce our families and create conversations but hopefully things will start sinking in and sticking enough for me to at least pass the basic language requirements in order to continue to move on in the process of seeking to be able to serve the people of Armenia through the Peace Corps. The real excitement is just beginning as we have been introduced to what it is like to work with a Non-Governmental Organization NGO here in Armenia by plenty of experience present Peace Corps Volunteers. Last Friday we started our first Practicum Assignment in which groups of 4 of us were able to visit a new Non-Governmental Organization that is promoting advocating for the needs of people with Disabilities in Ararat, Armenia.
https://www.facebook.com/togetherngo
Next week the excitement begins as we will learn what assignments we will be given in Armenia. I have been sharing a lot of my Pictures of Armenia through my Facebook page at
https://www.facebook.com/donkrutsinger This Saturday after Language Class we are taking a tour of the Garni Temple.
And the Gegjard Monastary.
My life has been very busy with my language studies and my time with my Host Family.
Sezuna, Sofea, Serine, and Leana
As well and their Grand Parents
Stepan
and his Wife Sofea.
They have given me a beautiful room in their home and made me feel a part of their family. They have shared with me a great example of Armenian Hospitality and have helped to make me feel at home here in Armenia.
