Going Down The Only Road I've Ever Loved!

Here I go again! On my own! I've tried for a year and a half to “settle down” after returning to the USA from graduate school and it's all been a colossal failure! Sure, I've had some fun here and there, but on the whole, I'm not satisfied with how things are going. I've given up on forcing myself into something I'm obviously not ready for and have taken back the reigns of my life! Now I'm ready for a ride! Yeee haaawww!

On Saturday, December 4th, I'll be departing for Bulgaria for another stint with the United States Peace Corps! Words to remember: When you find something you love, stick with it! This time around, I'll be serving for only 3.5 months in a program called Peace Corps Response, which was set up to allow former Volunteers to serve again to implement a meaningful project in a brief period of time. It's kind of a nice, new benefit that the Peace Corps offers instead of only having the one option of a 27-month commitment. I applied specifically for Bulgaria because, let's face it, I love it! However, I suppose I could have picked a different country, had my language skills and experience all aligned appropriately. Maybe next time.

The assignment for which I applied had a description that is slightly different than the job description I have most recently received. I'm not too surprised, already knowing Bulgaria, the Peace Corps, and that flexibility is a huge part of being able to succeed. In fact, I expect that I won't know exactly what I will be doing until I get to my new post and assess their needs and what is actually accomplishable. I'll be working for the regional library in Silistra, which is in the northeast of the country – near Varna, where I served previously. Near as I can tell, I'll be doing something along the lines of energy efficiency consulting and teaching how to live sustainably. Sounds perfect!

I was originally supposed to leave on November 15th, but due to delays at the Bulgarian embassy in processing my visa, my departure has been postponed a few times. It's been frustrating to organize everything involved with putting my life on hold and then changing it again and again. But in any case, the time has come, and I'm ready to go! It's gonna be a fun opportunity, a resume builder, a chance to exercise some old skills, and when it's all over, I get to return to my job at Metro!

I've got a roughly 21-hour trip, with two transfers, before I get to Bulgaria. Then, I believe that I'll be in the capital city, Sofia, for a four-day orientation followed by a long train/bus ride to my new town! Woo woo!!! I'll try to be consistent in posting news about my new adventure!