Dichotomy I
May 6 - My friend and co-worker Narine is going to Georgia for a conference in leadership and project management. She will be joining other Armenians, Georgians, and Azerbaijanis (great in and of itself - bringing this region together - you would not believe the way in which Armenians generally speak of their neighbors, all out of ignorance, for there is no way they would say such things if they actually met their neighbors - and the neighbors are guilty of just the same; uninformed prejudices, a shame. It would be like if Georgia and Alabama and Florida hated each other with no convincing otherwise, but in an even smaller land space). Her first time leaving the confines of Armenia, and she is 25 years old! I am so happy and proud of her.
I edited Narine's application, as it was written in English. I edit many of her applications to development programs abroad, and this is the first one that has been approved. She is a very forward-thinking woman, tackling her life every day with the most gumption, moving in directions not so many ... rural ... Armenian women would dare take to improve their lives. She runs our local economic development projects. To see her operate in a room full of conservative village men is very impressive (especially upon the note that men in one of these villages are vehemently against the participation of women in this program - not so much of a surprise - but amazing that Narine can be so commanding in a room reeking with this attitude). So, this is a really cool opportunity for her. I can't wait to see what she returns with.
The Anti Corruption NGO is slowly unfolding, although we still don't even have computers. We're holding our opening ceremony on the 21st now, and the USA ambassador is invited. Will be good.
I purchased water colors at the store today (how ironic, water color being my next choice of skills to study, except that we have a water shortage every day!). I picked up several beginners lessons on the internet. Unfortunately the brushes are pretty shoddy, as well as the paints themselves, but this will make appreciation all the better once I improve and can upgrade. But I did spend 2 quick hours practicing.
I'm backing up all files on my computer to CDs, must reformat it as soon as I am finished. Got a real nasty virus.
Advice to entering Peace Corps volunteers all over the world: bring a great dictionary! Not a day goes by that I wish I had one with me - not bringing one was a bad mistake and not even on my mind; so, a dictionary is on my "must purchase" list as soon as I leave to England for vacation.
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