#mypeacecorps

[beesndbears]

today in my girls youth club we were talking about the power of words-- how they can hurt or help others, and how the words we use when we talk to ourselves are incredibly important. we discussed words and phrases that make us feel weak and those that make us feel powerful, and one of my cuties quoted Legally Blonde :’) 

“You must always have faith in others, but most importantly, you must always have faith in yourself.”

ugh. they light up my days <3

[beesndbears]

My I AM THAT GIRL club came over today to bake with me and plan our next few meetings... They ended up talking about ways to solve some problems in our city, like helping unemployed people get better access to job listings, and planning out our next two months of meetings! We’ll be discussing gender equality, music, opportunities for self development, and more! They are the reasons that I am a Peace Corps Volunteer and I am so so proud of them and all of the light that they put into the world! And one of them told me that my Ukrainian sounds very good :’) Even if it’s not true it made me feel like my studying is paying off! 

[beesndbears]

I really wish I had the mental energy to journal about today because it was so long and there were so many golden moments and so much learning but I’m just so freaking drained. this really is the “toughest job I’ll ever love.” like how can I want to cry from happiness and then later in the day want to bust out in tears over frustration. it’s an adventure though, right?

[beesndbears]

holy shit @ the amount of things that always seem to happen to PC training. and I mean that in the absolute best way possible. AAHHHH! : ) it’s so weird to be around Americans again, and much less ones that I love so much. 

[beesndbears]

Reason #574 that I love Ukraine: I was lost in the street today so I called my friend to ask for help. She instructed me to give the phone to a stranger so they could help me find my way. I asked a nice older woman who then proceeded to take me by the hand and lead me to the intersection that I needed (this was all in Ukrainian). I’ve never felt so comfortable being so vulnerable with strangers, or with people being so ready and able to help me. I feel like if that happened in America, the person who I tried to hand the phone to would be “too busy,” and they surely wouldn’t use their own time to lead me to where I needed to be.

Reason #575: You can put on Taylor Swift in a group full of girls and they'll all still squeal and dance and sing along to the words

[beesndbears]

one of my students told me today that it is a gift from the heavens that we met :’) 

[beesndbears]

some days are better than others. I identify those days by the ever-present feeling of a lowkey sadness that I can’t hold onto these feelings and memories forever. but these are the days that I want to remember.

Anthropology club was wonderful. I watched my colleagues listen to me and actively engage in a meaningful conversation about gender roles and societal pressures.

I was walking down the street with my counterpart, who I hadn’t seen in a while, and I was trying to meet up with another friend. I was on the phone with the friend and told her where I was, and that I’d see her in a minute. My counterpart pointed out the fact that I knew where I was in the city, and how I’m always getting busier with meetings with friends and work. I didn’t notice that until she said it, but it’s those little things that mark progress.

I read and ordered food in Ukrainian successfully, without the waiter looking at me in confusion because of my obvious American accent. 

My host mom is just tickled pink that I finally smile and laugh along at the dinner table when she jokes, because I finally understand what they’re saying, and get their sense of humor. 

Our salad that we eat every single night (fresh tomatoes, dill, onions, cucumbers, and brinza) never ceases to be delicious.

Some girls came up to me in our youth club today and excitedly introduced themselves and asked about the girls’ club that I’m starting up soon. They had heard about me, and heard about the club that I want to start.

I watched a Quentin Tarantino movie in Ukrainian with my friends today. Guess what-- there are the same awkward giggles in the room when there’s a topless scene in a movie here, just like with friends at home, too. 

My little host brother asked me about my day and I asked about his. He feels like an actual little brother. I can hear his voice getting deeper and see him growing taller every day, and I realize I’m watching him grow up. It’s so strange, but I’m so lucky to be a part of this family.

My director gave me a project to work on, without hesitation. He has confidence in me.

In general, I just finally feel settled in here. I have meaningful work, I have friends, I have family. How do I always get so lucky in all aspects? I know sometimes I feel frustrated or disappointed in myself or confused, or like I’m not making a difference. But really, life is really amazing right now. I just have so many reasons to be grateful. 

[beesndbears]

my second anthropology club happened today and it was WONDERFUL. we talked about what it means to be “beautiful.” How this perception is influenced by the media, industries who are out to make money, and gender roles. We talked about how these perceptions affect your actions towards others and with yourself. It was a very active conversation and people were actually engaged and I think it’s the most feeling-filled discussion I’ve lead thus far and one of the first times where I’ve felt like wow, I’m actually doing something that’s really opening people’s minds! and it’s important! so fulfilling. so happy. : )