Thank you so much for the posts and encouragement. It is very much appreciated. I have much to post about but am extremely busy, so my apologies. I found out my placement for the next two years yesterday. I am going to be working in Vlore, a large Mediterranean city on the sea. I will be working in the Bashkia (municipality) helping with tourism and cultural preservation. I will be sure to write more about it this week. I will not have an opportunity to use the internet until the week after next.
I'm sure I will have lots to report on my next postings.
Again, thank you for all the comments, I love and miss you all.
Michael
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11 comments:
A city on the sea... that sounds like a wonderful turn of luck! Are you happy with your placement?
As always, lots of love...
sister/Ashley
These pictures, to me anyway, are so reflective of the type of person you are Michael! Isn't the Adreatic sea a beautiful place? It seems you are gaining a wealth of background and cultural knowledge from you "coffee clatches" (farmer talk for meeting/talking over cups of coffee)with native Albanians.
I do so love to read about your insights, not just about yourself, but in perspective to those around you!
I love you Michael
Kathy
Sounds wonderful--like you're doing very very well. I'm glad to know that you'll be on the sea, I know how much you love that.
I'll write more soon--Ash and I got into Ft. Wayne safely last night, and I'll tell you all about the move. I hope that you're doing great, know that we're thinking about you and love you tons.
Rob
It's always humbling to be drawn from the "Captain Badass" mentality that's is impressed upon me for the extra commitments and risks I took by joining the military. It's amazing even through text on a screen to understand (if only partially) what the whole experience is to you--not just concrete and sea, but through the eyes and ears of the reasons you decided to join the Peace Corps in the first place. Usually it's the fathers and mothers who talk about their pride in a child; in this case, it's hard to describe the pride I feel when I tell people you're in Albania with the Peace Corps. The benevolence and dedication you wear in action is done no justice by devices like ribbon racks and hammered medals.
I really respect your commitment, and I wish I'd had the ambition to act in kind when I felt a calling, of any nature. I'm glad to know you're doing well, and that the experience has brought you so much.
As always, with brotherly love,
Aaron
I have so enjoyed your postings. You are so wonderfully introspective and honest, and are so articulate. I'm so glad things are going well for you and you're growing from the experience. Have I told you lately just how proud I am of you?
Dad continues to struggle along. We just had a neuro-psych eval: he's 14 percentile logic/reasoning & 1 percentile memory. It's a handful to provide basic care and he struggles at times with his and my identity. It's so sad to watch the daily deterioration.
Dewey continues busy.
We both watch for your posts and enjoy the vicarious adventure. Know that we think of you daily and love you always.
Mom
I miss you brother! And congrats on the site...it sounds heavenly. I can't wait to see it in September. It will be a welcome change from the mountains, and it will be great to see you.
Love!
Chelsea
Hey Mike,
I've sent basically everyone at MRY this link- most of them were excited to see it. Good to see your doing well in Albania teaching those kids how to play American basketball. I've missed you out in Cali, it isn't the same without you. I had my going-away lunch today- an akward speech and an MRY book later, I'm leaving next week. I'll be in the Midwest for much of the summer, attending family weddings, graduations, and best of all, hanging out with Katie- she's going to Baltimore in July. As for me, I going to the University of Michigan! Talk to you later, gluck!
Mike,
Just had my last lunch at MRY- I got Louise's Pizza and our latest book- I gave an akward goodbye and speech. I'm headed back to the Midwest with Katie in two weeks. Wish you were here in Cali to hang before then. I'm going to the University of Michigan! Good luck teaching those Albanians how to do business and play basketball!
Later,
Ben
I guess I posted two comments for you, both basically the same- thats what California will do to you.. I wonder where I parked my car
Michael, You are making everyone who reads your blogs proud they know you and also giving everyone else a taste of Albania. Thanks so much.
That's wonderful you are enjoying your assignment. Spending so much time learning a new language must be exhausting in and of itself. Listening to their stories and being interested in their lives helps them so much to know that someone cares.
Your stories are so amazing, full of feeling and descriptive. I feel like I'm right there with you. Enjoy every moment, write often, and know that you are in our hearts and prayers.
It's interesting you also have a site mate brother named Rob.
We are anxiously awaiting the next posting...
Love, Aunt Wendy
Sounds like you are having an awesome experience :) B-e-a-utiful pictures! So, are you happy with your placement? You will have to tell details. Not much new with me. So freakin busy with work (as well as you). Ohh, and I did come to a decision on grad school. I was going to go to Michigan with Ben Foster, but in the end decided to be close to Brad and go to University of Illinois. It would just be too hard to be away from him for 2 years (I know you have experienced it first hand). I really admire your decision to go to Peace Corps and be away from family and friends for so long. Well, hope to hear more! Miss ya, muah!
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