Finding the normal....and LOVING IT!!!!

My life seems to have found a happy rhythm. I still have my days of homesickness for America and heartache for my family and friends, but my life is pretty great in Ukraine. Many things that are so simple for me to complete in the US are interesting and a challenge, like buying a train ticket. The language and translation will always be a confusion for me, but it has become a part of my normal.

This past weekend was filled with friends, both Ukrainians and Peace Corps Volunteers. I always love to entertain, no matter the country, and Ukraine is no different. Every Saturday afternoon at 2P is English Club as part of the Windows On America program through the US Embassy. The English Club is facilitated by Peace Crops Volunteers and always great fun. On most Saturday’s there are 2-4 PCV’s in attendance. On this past Saturday there were six of us. It was wonderful. After English Club a large group of us sit in a local café and continue the chatter.

As the day moved into the evening, several PCV’s and local friends of mine ventured to my house. Cooking is always interesting when I can’t always read the labels, but I made some great spaghetti for everyone for dinner. There were six of us for dinner and it was wonderful.


Some spicy spaghetti, garlic bread and green salad, it was perfect.

After dinner, the party food came out and a few more friends arrived for an evening of drinking games. Everyone seemed to have a fabulous time, and I loved every minute. I find myself relaxing here like I never have at home. I will have my stressful moments, but I am finding myself pleasantly surprised at my ability to just live. I am still on the hunt for a permanent apartment, so I may not always have the space for such a large group, but it sure is fun for right now!

I loved cooking again for people and just entertaining others. I have always loved a house full of people and nothing is different due to my geographic location. And adding the cross cultural aspect to the mix is spectacular. Seriously amazing!!!

I look forward to many similar weekends in the next two years!!