Another overdue update!

How embarrassing to have let another month pass without an update….don’t think this stems from being overworked because that is far from the truth. The month of August in Albania is notorious for having no work. Even most of July is slow, mainly because…. “it is almost August”.
Things here are about as slow as they probably could be. I have been doing the grind through each day and somehow they do pass. I’ve spent the last two weeks away from my actual job and have felt the busiest since I’ve arrived in Albania. For the last two weeks I have led a training with 3 other PCVs. The training was a 4 day TOT (training of teachers). The teachers were college aged kids who would be camp counselors for a camp sponsored by world vision. We taught them life skills, how to teach life skills, and mainly how to be a camp counselor; a tough thing to do as I have never been one. The camp started off well, but I felt it started getting sloppy the last two days. To my surprise the kids were all full of praise at the end of the training. They had said that they had never had anything like it and were really happy they were all there. It was really gratifying to be a part of it and perhaps was the first really rewarding thing I’ve done since my arrival.
Next week I will partake in the camps with the kids I trained and the sponsored kids from around this region. I think we will mostly play games on the beach (which I’m good at) and do some swimming (also pretty good at that).
The weather has finally waned. After about a month and a half of almost constant 100 degree weather, clouds and cool air were welcomed as a blessing. Perhaps this is what makes summer so difficult.
Last weekend three PCV were in town from Macedonia. It was interesting to talk to those from another Balkan country. They all had 4 months left of service and it was pretty obvious they were ready to go home. Makes me wonder how I will be at that stage of my service. Next week will be my 5 month mark. Since I stepped of the plane from the states my perception of time has been screwed. Days, months, minutes, weeks, hours just all blend together and before I know it another month has passed. Some days the 2 year commitment is daunting, and others it seems like nothing. I’ve definitely learned that Peace Corps is a day to day struggle. Some days are amazingly rewarding while others drag seem to test every ounce of motivation and will I have.
I look forward to the fall weather and work. All in all I am doing well…not as busy as I’d like to be buy finding work where it is. I pass the time and think often of home. I look forward to the time I can spend with friends while still cherishing my time alone. I have found a delicate balance I feel and am doing well.
I wish you all the best and hope my late posts haven’t turned you off from checking my blog.
Cheers!