Here I am entering my second year in Azerbaijan (although not quite yet my second year of service) and I'm feeling great. My anxiety level has decreased, my defenses have lowered (a tad) and I'm excited about the projects my second year has in store.
During my first year, one of my primary goals was to build relationships in my community. I did this by spending a great deal of time at both my organization and in my students' homes. I said "yes" every time I was invited (unless I had other commitments). Much of those relationships have been with the young women who attend various courses and clubs at my organization. I've had the privilege of forming relationships with both the girls and their families. For this reason, I've been able to form a women's group. It's open to the girls who I know well enough to talk about topics which may be a little uncomfortable, but are also important (women's health, for example). Knowing the girls' families has made another part of our club easier as well; many of the girls haven't been to regions which are a mere hour from our city or, more still, to locations in our own city. Together, and with their families' permission, we've begun to explore some of those places.
Our first trip was to a local hotel. The hotel is a little over two years old and located on the riverside. It sits behind a large fence and has security at the entrance. I'm not sure who they're trying to keep out exactly, but I'm thankful for the relationships I have formed there which allow me access to it. The hotel is almost a complete departure from the rest of the city. It has an expresso machine, a lobby with plush couches, wireless internet and a view overlooking the river. It's a nice place to relax or perhaps take in a cup of coffee (or three). Occasionally if we (my fellow volunteers in the city and I) feel indulgent we'll split a lunch or dinner meal. The staff is spectacular.
I took the girls to the hotel, with their parents' permission (because spending time at a hotel could have a certain connotation associated with it) and we had a grand time. We sat in the lobby, drinking tea and feasting on pakhlava. We discussed topics which I will not disclose on my public blog, because there is also a "confidentiality clause" for those who attend club. It probably goes without saying, but this helps everyone feel secure in what we're discussing and assists in keeping the conversation honest, without the fear of it being repeated.
I love facilitating this club. I don't advise, I don't judge, I just ask a lot of questions. Why do you feel that way? Why is it so? What do you think? I heard in Azerbaijan ______, is that true? What differences are there between? How do you feel about? Does that mean? And other facilitator questions which help continue the conversation. Although, majority of the time, the girls don't need much assistance. Typically, the conversation flows freely. I love getting to know these women; their thoughts and insights, learning their opinions and values. I also like to, at times, challenge what is being said (and I also enjoy them challenging each other, which they do).
A few of my favorite moments from our visit: laughing as I looked back at all of them crammed in the back of a taxi, jumping in the air for photos on the restaurant balcony, collective laughter and linking arms while we walked and, of course, our conversation.
At the end of October we will take a day trip to Ganja, a neighboring city an hour's busride away. There will be about 11 of us and all of the women have their families' permission (already!).
I'm excited for this club, it's my favorite part of the day and as much as the girls may be getting out of it, I know I'm getting a lot out of it myself. After I took the girls to the hotel, a place none of them had been before, a few of them said "I will remember this day forever." And I can't help but think, "so will I."
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