Well, staging is complete and we are collectively about 5 hours away from entering Armenia—the moment we have all been waiting for. The last few days have been a whirlwind of activity and a lack of sleep, but overall a great experience. A13 (our class) consists of 45 awesome individuals, with a diverse array of backgrounds, interests and skills. We have 23 males, 22 females, 6 married couples and a number of older volunteers who have already lent great wisdom and insight to our discussions and adventures. We also have a couple who is on their second tour of duty within the past 5 years, and a woman who is second generation peace corps—her daughter did it first.
Staging took place in Washington DC and consisted mainly of conceptual discussions about hopes, aspirations, fears and defining success (or a least beginning to). We talked at length about policy and procedure and had none of our questions about our actual experience answered. This was frustrating at times, but the CORE students could probably relate and perhaps this is poetic justice…
So far, I doing remarkably well with the uncertainty and just enjoying my time, soaking in my surroundings. We spent today in Vienna on our layover (we had 14 hours between flights). These was quite a bit of confusion surrounding our hotel rooms, but eventually things were sorted out and many of us were able to shower, sleep a little, eat a few great meals and see some sights before heading back to the airport to enjoy the free wireless.
We had even more adventures trying to navigate the city, especially since none of us spoke German, but all in all had success. WE met a nice man on the train who helped us with directions and train riding instructions, and found some nice restaurants to enjoy Viennese coffee, Weiner schnitzel, apple strudel, and gelato. What more could ask for? The whirlwind European tour also included a lot of walking to see the sites, an old cathedral and a trip back to the hotel via the wrong train. Well, at least we got to see the Ferris wheel while we waited at the next stop for the right train.
The sleep deprivation is beginning to take its toll and tonight’s red eye (two nights in a row now) won’t help much. We left Washington DC yesterday at 5pm and arrived in Vienna at 8am—I think I slept about 1 hour total on the way over. Then did our sightseeing and caught about 3+ hours of much needed sleep in the hotel. Now we are waiting for a 10pm flight, which arrive in Yerevan at 4:45am. Then on a bus to a welcome ceremony and then to our staging sight and then to start training. No rest for the weary!
So far I am really enjoying myself and can’t wait to see what’s to come!! Hope to hear from you all soon.
Jillisa
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Greeting Jillisa!
By now you are probably hung over with jet lag. But just wanted you to know like a headache, we just hang on and on!
I hope as you experience Armenia you have a chance to dip into the ancient and very rich Christian church in Armenia. Also, when you get a chance and know more, I would really appreciate some of your thoughts on the ways Muslims and Christians relate to one another in Armenia.
My guts tell me, that they certainly get along much better than they do in the Middle East. And perhaps, because they have grown almost equally in the same region, perhaps they also have to come some sort of mutual respect.
Looking forward to carrying on conversations with you in this manner. God Bless.
Pastor John
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