Thane. Simple Life.

Today was the day when all 50 volunteers were separated. A bittersweet moment I would say as our group grew close in just those few days. There is 7 people in my town and the rest of the volunteers are spread all around. I will live with my host family until the end of May when I swear in as an actually 'Peace Corps Volunteer' During these months I will go to school to learn 'shqip' the albanian language and eat a lot of homemade food. I will also meet up with my health group (my service) and learn the skills to be placed out into Albania after this time. (Not sure where this is yet!)

Today I was dropped off in a town called Thane to meet my host family! (Sunday) When all of us were riding in the furgon (small van, this is how they get from place to place) we all for the first time were silent. I sat there as I had a million emotions going through me praying to just make it. I think we all over analyzed the situation, but who wouldn't? Let me tell you I am humbled by my host family. I have never felt so welcomed and loved and we don't even speak the same language. As I was dropped off I had a few words of shqip in my pocket. The first encounter surpassed all my expectations of this moment. I was welcomed into a home and felt like they were my own in that moment. I have a family of 7. I have a mother, father, grandma, grandpa, two brothers and one sister. They also have a cow, donkey, chickens, a dog, and a cat! Yesterday was my first day and I was treated like a queen. They were always asking do you want something to eat? Something to drink? Like grandma Doris times 10. I tried a lot of Albanian foods and ate a lot. I have a feeling that I will be just fine. What just blows my mind is that they grow everything here at this house and they make everything by hand. I didn't know such things were possible. (Naive) My host mama is unbelievable. She does everything, I have never seen someone work so hard. (Mom don't worry I appreciate all your hard work!) She is always in the kitchen cooking something, milking the cow, washing clothes by hand, washing floors, planting food, feeding animals, and I asked her why do you work so hard? She looked at her family and said I do it for them. (Heart warming moment) They are unbelievably hard working people.



Today I had a lot of people come over and visit. It is amazing how family orientated Albanians are. They are so affectionate and always love on one another. It makes me feel very comfortable and at home. One of their cousins came over to the house today who lives in Dures and took me into the town of Elbason and we did some shopping and we went and had a coffee in the castle. She is 18 years old and speaks English very well. It was very nice to have her around yesterday and spend sometime just talking about things I would normally talk about with my friends. Coffee here is a social thing, is everything here. People go out and have coffee under every circumstance. I have had coffee everyday since I have been here and I love it.

The kids in the family are like any other kids ages ranging from 7, 13, and 14. Andrea is the youngest and has a character like no other, he likes to play ball and always makes me smile. Xhulianais is the only girl who speaks a little English as she would say but I think she speaks very well . The first day I met her she was ready to help me learn. I am excited to have her around. She is also a very big help around the house helping her mother with things. And then there is Niko the older brother who is always making sure I am ok. The two brothers don't speak English, but I am hoping by the end of my stay I can have a conversation with them. But we do know how to play and laugh. I am glad that there is no barriers when it comes to caring for people and having a good time. Albanians have so much culture and to be apart of this even for such a short time is such an amazing opportunity. I hope to take a piece of them wherever I go. These people have so much to teach us and everyday I am amazed at what they do with their circumstances. The beauty of this country is breathtaking. My first few days here have been nerve racking, but in the best possible way. Tomorrow is the first day of language class! Get Ready! And it could be one of the best days yet I asked my host Mama if I could help her milk the cow! She laughed and said of course!! Cheers!


Just some notes

So from what I have witnessed in my few days here in Thane is that life is pretty simple there is no need to complicate life with stress or worries of any sort when it comes down to it life is just about everyday interactions with family and friends. People here produce most of what is eaten in their daily homes and they farm their animals to provide for their family, such as chickens, cows for milk, cheese, yogurt, bread and so on. (This is my situation!) Families all hang out together in a common area and really don't go to their room to be alone. People drop in all the time. I have to travel by foot about 30 minutes to get internet which gives me some exercise. I have learned how to take a 3 minute shower YEs it is possible!! We shower about every two days, because that is what they do! We eat a lot of homemade food and spend a lot of time just talking and hanging out. The weather is really nice right now, but I am only allowed to wear clothes that really cover me, shorts could be seen as being slutty. So I have to watch a lot of what I do because I do not want to disrespect my family in any way. Albanians are very cultural, but they are beyond welcoming! Until next time!!!