As my group, group 26, approaches our COS (close of service) conference I wanted to take a brief look back at some of the things that have happened since our last group gathering.
Since our last Peace Corps conference I have:
Lost my best friend in Peace Corps due to his medical separation from service
Traveled to two countries (passed through Bulgaria, visited Turkey)
Stood on two continents: Europe (duh, it’s where I live) and Asia
Taught my 3rd semester of English class
Visited one of the most beautiful places in all of Romania, Apuseni National Park
Been inside an ice cave
Ate Thanksgiving dinner with a bunch of awesome volunteers at the American Ambassador’s house
Navigated the Bucuresti Metro several times with out getting lost
Later, got lost looking for the hostel (twice) in Bucuresti
Visited four volunteers at their groovy sites
Went to my first opera in Cluj
Survived the annual 4-H Halloween Party
Built two snowmen
Missed my bus and had to go several hundred kilometers out of my way and take an extra day to get home
Sprained both my ankles out of my own stupidity
Went to a Christmas Ball and danced traditional dances with strangers
Had my site visit with the boss lady
Started planning Kyle and I’s wedding
Eaten at least a metric ton of pork and pork products
Read at least four books
Visited two UNESCO world heritage sites (Horezu Monastery and The Hagia Sophia, Istanbul)
Hitchhiked from Sovata to Sibiu
Went to Bucuresti for an art opening
Served on the jury for a traditional foods contest
Served on the jury for the Christmas ball
Been to the disco three times (see, I’m not a nun!)
Spent way too many hours on a bus
Took my first overnight and international train ride
Went sledding in the middle of the night
Danced till 5am
Watched the sun rise
Traveled for 26 hours straight
Drank homemade wine
Snacked on my favorite pastry, placinta cu branza
Made sugar cookies
Went roller skating in Bucuresti
Learned a new recipe from my gazda mommy
Explored a cave
ran a successful summer camp
Sang karaoke in Sibiu
participated in another Outward Bound camp
Been granted an extension of service
And I’ve realized how precious time is. The COS conference in March will mark the beginning of the end. Many of my classmates are quickly approaching the 90 day mark. I’m approaching my 8 month mark. Time is precious and time is fleeting. As exciting as seeing my fiancée and family again will be, it will be bittersweet because I will be leaving the single most life changing experience behind me. Here’s to my last amazing 8 months. May they be as awesome, as fantastic, as powerful, as educational, as life-altering, as enjoyable, as stressful, as busy, and as chaotic as the first 21. Romania, with deepest sincerity and all my heart, I love you.
