That's what it's all about!

Although my life frequently feels like a rendition of the "hokey-pokey" that is not in fact what this post is "all about." This post is, instead, a shout out to the reasons why I joined Peace Corps in the first place.

I love what I'm doing here. I have amazing students who are dedicated, friendly, eager and extremely kind. They are patient and respectful of one another (and me). They invite me to their homes and allow me to be a part of their lives. I feel privileged.

Today I went to visit the family of one of my students. She lives a little further into Mingachevir, although not quite in the village region. I ate. And I ate. And I ate. And I drank. And I drank. And I drank. (Tea, of course.) When I didn't think I could eat anymore, her mother looked at me and said, "Why do you eat so little?" I've learned to use humor in these situations to prevent eating an uncomfortable amount by turning it back on the moms saying "Why do you eat so little?" We then all laughed. (I cannot stress how important a sense of humor is in PC life.)

After our enormous meal, I went outside with the girls (two of my students were there, one was the student I was visiting and the other her best friend) and her nieces. We played with a ball for a little bit, tossing it around "volleyball style," taking the time to throw it to the little ones who wanted to be included too. (Ah, I remember that feeling when I was younger.)

Afterwards, my student showed me her garden and we walked around the grounds of her home. We then took the little ones and went for a walk. On my walk I held hands with her 6 year old niece who had me laughing the entire time. She talked. And talked. And talked. (I can relate to this too.) She told me Azeri stories and poems after being inspired by some goats we saw munching on tree branches. At one point she took a break and said, "If I get tired when I talk, I drink water and then I can talk more." We walked some more and my student, worried for me, asked if I wanted her to hold her niece's hand instead. I assured her I was fine (more than fine, I was elated). We also brought her 3 year old niece who fell asleep in my arms (or just the one since the other arm and hand was busy holding the hand of my new friend).

One of the things I know I've talked about, but perhaps haven't mentioned it enough recently, is how absolutely wonderful people in Azerbaijan are. My students (and their families) tell me often how welcome I am to come to their home (and to come any time) and they mean it too.

I've decided finding kindness in a new place isn't so very difficult. I think it just takes an open mind and open heart. (Yes, I realize the full amount of "cheese" that line just gave, but I stand by it.)

Cheers to a great day filled with great people and great times.