I just returned from my fabulous 16 day vacation to the Ukraine.  I feel rested and rejuvenated.  A future blog on my trip is in the works:)

Of course, returning to my Peace Corps life after spending 12 days on a river cruise boat with every meal prepared for me, my bed made and unmade for me, running water, and indoor toilets, has been a bit of a shock.  I am back to water 4 hours a day, walking outside to my toilet, walking everywhere to get where I want to go, cooking my own meals, etc.

However, as I ventured out into my community yesterday and today, I realized that I was missed.  My fruit and vegetable stand guy and my market guy asked me where I had been.  My market guy even joked with me asking where his present was.  When someone else in the store remarked that he shouldn’t be so bold as to ask me, he responded that we were friends. 

It’s pleasant and reassuring to know that at least a few Azerbaijanis with whom I’ve had contact notice my presence or absence, as the case may be.

My Azerbaijani friends all welcomed me back and were eager to hear about my travels. 

And it also feels like no time had passed at all.  As I walked home today, I ran into the same neighborhood kids I often run into.  I was greeted with Hello or Hi Jessica, same as always.   They have become accustom to my comings and goings through their play area. 

I guess I have a place here, a special carved out little place.  The only way I got this special carved out place though, was to be here.  BE just BE for a long while.  There really is something to that 2 year commitment and  to that magic second year.

Now is the time to DO, though.  I am on my final stretch and I need  (want) to do and see and accomplish all the things I set out to do.  But I hope I don’t ever forget that whatever success I come across some if it is because I just WAS for a while. 

I encourage each of you to just go and BE.

Hugs,

Jessica