COS Conference, Trips and Tips

Back entrance to the Mosque

     Before my COS Conference, I along with a local counterpart, took a Cultural day trip to Tetova, Macedonia. Tetova seems to be fairly similar to places in Kosovo on sight, but here, according to my counterpart who attended school there, there is a lower literacy rate and many Kosovars attend university in the town. There are some sights to see in the city which include the Pasha Xhamia, the River which runs through the city, the Hamam as well as rows and rows of gold jewelers which line major boulevards. You also see more of a diverse group of people and notice the complexities of Macedonian/Albanian societies as Tetova is a majority Albanian city. We also went to a local Pizzeria which, in my opinion, was one of the best pizzas I have had in the Balkans, called Pizzeria Molino. Handmade, fresh ingredients and big portions, a pizza and soft drink will run you about 3 Euros. 

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Peace Corps Kosovo

     During your experience as a Peace Corps Volunteer you are given different trainings, and attend a few conference throughout your service. The culmination of these group convenings sis the COS or Close Of Service Conference. This is your last conference, as a cohort, where you receive information on procedures, processes, and what to expect for the remainder of your service as well as generalizations for your next steps post PC. 

 

Final group Roleplay 

     For those wondering what the process of COS consists of for us in Kosovo is as follows:

• Apply for COS Dates: In Mid-April we provided our names and our top 3 dates for COS to our DPT

• Our site was allowed 3 specific dates due to the fact of scheduling iwth medical - each country's process is different.
• there were 3 dates and a maximum of 11 people per day if the slots were over the number allowed a lottery occurred and those who didn't make those first slots were pushed to the next etc.
• After the announcement of COS dates forms were asked to be filled which were due no later than the COS Conference.

Slideshow of our two years in Kosova

We convened in Pristina, Kosovo for a 3 day conference which closed with a BBQ Luncheon at the US Ambassador's Residence.  Throughout the conference we talked about how to stay focused and finish out our service, how to start disconnecting from our lives here and say good-byes, as well as inform PCVs on resources and options post-service. One evening we had a PCV only "game night" where we played a crossword search matching clues with last names on random positive facts per volunteer; we did a bingo game on dates and places in Kosovo and finally an anonymous positive statement about another volunteer. The COS Conference offered more than just information. It was a (more than likely) final time for all of us to get together, as a whole, and socialize, support and enjoy what we have, what we've been through as well as prepare for what we will go through. One constant theme throughout the conference was that we are forever connected. No one will understand, support and realize what we've been through but us. The power of the bond between Peace Corps volunteers is unmatchable and often times misunderstood. Yet this bond will take us through life phases, through struggles and joyous moments - its a lifetime commitment. 

Stuck in the Hotel's Elevator after session 

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    Once we finished our conference a small group of us got together to have a little outing doing something new and create one last experience together. We went and visited a local Kosovar Brewery (which is also very popular amongst volunteers) that was created and is run by an American. Sabaja Brewery is located right outside Pristina in Gracanice, Kosovo and though small in size offers great quality products. Having recently celebrated their 4 year anniversary we were delighted to have the opportunity to further celebrate with Alex, the brewery's founder. Through their company Alex and his wife are also making an impact on Kosovar society and bringing a little more of America to Kosovar society. Our tour lasted about 30 minutes and included a description of processes, sampling of various product as well as fun facts.

Alex and myself at the Brewery

Beers produced at Sabaja

The tour was free as well as the welcome tasting of either their IPA (Indian Pale Ale) or their Smoked Porter [ my personal favorite], all beers thereafter are 1 Euro each (this includes bottles to take and drafts)! Though most people filtered out within an hour or two after the tour a couple of us decided to stay a little longer and got to know "The Boss" better. Alex was interesting, funny, kind and a really dope guy, he's also from NY but I SWEAR I'm not biased. I highly recommend if you are in Kosovo for a visit you pop by his brewery (you need to make a call first as he is also working as a teacher) and enjoy an American's taste on Kosovo; and if you aren't able to visit the brewery find a place to enjoy his product. Below you will find some brewery links on social media.

Website: http://www.birrasabaja.com/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/SabajaCraftBrewery/

Less than 80 days left to go, these two years move fast.
Shihemi se Shpejti (See you soon)!

Where've you Been?

    I've been MIA, it has been a really busy second year thus far. It's the last month of the year and many new things have been progressing on this side of the Atlantic. I have a little over 8 months left in-country - AMAZING! So, being that I live in a majority Muslim country, the "holiday season" takes on a different feeling and meaning here. You have similar "figures" as in america, yet it is slightly different. For example, New Years is the big celebration here and families gather together, do their celebratory shooting at the stroke of midnight and bring in the new year eating, talking and celebrating their time together. We all know Father Christmas, well here it's Father Winter. The Christmas Tree is the New Years Tree, and we have Holiday Markets not Christmas Markets (You get my drift here, no?).
     But on to more exciting news. I had the opportunity to attend a TV Show taping here in Kosovo. It was a really cool experience, and I went with the Youth Center in the big town near my village because a friend of mine, who volunteers there, invited me to go with them. I was under the impression we were going to a theater show, but I Was surprised when I arrived and she said we were going to be on Television; so now I am forever recognized on the street, in stores and among even Albanian Diaspora as "the girl that was on Oxygen" - because I need more recognition in this country hahaha! In October, in collaboration with GAD (Gender, Advocacy Diversity) Committee and Kosovo Youth Council of the US Embassy, I participated in a female empowerment program called Start the Spark!, Start the Spark! is an initiative to help empower, enlighten and bring together young Kosovar women across age, ethnic and religious lines, to recognize their similarities and create a spark in terms of how they can work together to advance mutual interests for the benefit of themselves and their country. It was a 3 day program and an awesome opportunity to meet beautiful, intelligent young women who have bright dreams and futures. Additionally, I started volunteering with this AWESOME orphanage in the capital. It is an international non-profit that provides various services for not only the orphans they have in care, but also for those who are at risk of becoming orphans, as well as provide events for the community. It is amazing all of the programs and the impact this organization has had in a short time. I'm so grateful and excited to be working with them and volunteering with their babies because who DOESN'T love getting and giving love to young children :) . Plus, I have also been working on a grant for my school and now it is submitted, and now WE WAIT to see if it will be approved and we can get the new bookcases we need for the library. *positive energy please* Lastly, I've worked with the Access Program which is a State Department sponsored program to help students progress in English and understanding of American values, ideals and history. PHEW that is a lot hahaha! But more is to come, there are still things a brewing but school and all these activities have me busy, speaking of which I have more grading to do. So you know the deal, Here are some pictures from the show and other happenings that have happened. Until next time readers :)

Peace and Love
 - Ashley

On the set of the Oxygen show

Set of Oxygen

Waiting for the Kombi and some students at my school wanted to take a picture :)

Some of the young ladies at Start the Spark!

Halloween with ACCESS students 

Some fellow English Colleagues and I waiting for our students during the English Competition  

Marigona and I with the show's host Besim. 

Marigona, Arlinda and I

Arlinda and I at the Oxygen Show

Some of the kids and staff at the orphanage playing around.

A Year in Kosovo!

On June 7, 2015 I arrived on Kosovar soil, and it has been a crazy, growing, exciting, interesting year. When I arrived in Kosovo, I would have never guessed that I would experience and participate in such a variety of things. Being here has definitely stretched me as a person, and provided me with new realizations, viewpoints, friends and perspectives. Add to the fact that our new group has finally arrived, I feel it important to list some growing points/accomplishments which have occurred thus far in my service.

Growing Points

1. Expect the Unexpected
• During my Training and my first year of service there were many events and happenings that were, and still are, out of my control. As someone who loves to be in control, I can be honest about it :) , adjusting to this Peace Corps lifestyle ha(s)d its hard moments however, there is beauty and strength that arises from not always being in control of things. I am not submitting the idea that its an easy transition, or an enjoyable one; rather I am saying it is one that shows your true character and causes you to pause and think about you, your reactions and your actions.
2. Learning a new Culture
• Being immersed in a new culture where you live with families is something beautiful and stressful. If you are a highly independent person this can cause you to feel stressed and annoyed sometimes however, those moments get outweighed by family gatherings, correctly done cultural moments, feeling included and many other things. Don't be dismayed if even a year and some change in you still commit cultural faux-pas because everything is a learning experience, Right? I say that to say, no matter how long or how much you think you know, unless born into these societies there will always be something to learn, and something new to experience. Just go along for the ride and ask for lots of forgiveness
3.  Becoming comfortable with standing out
• This point is something which I am still dealing with. As a minority in this country, I receive a lot of attention, especially unwanted attention. When I first started my service, everyday was a battle ground of emotions - majority negative- when it came to how people received and perceived me in this country. I am and have learned that the only thing I can control is my response and how I do or do not allow these people to effect my personal peace and sanity. Not everyone means it in a malicious manner, I have encountered those who have meant it that way, but most intent boils down to curiosity or ignorance. Curiosity can stem from my complexion, my hair, (as I have been told) my beauty, my gender, nationality and a variety of other factors. Other times it has been from the idea of what is portrayed on television is taken as fact/truth and I must react accordingly. It is hard to be perceived and defined and received by such a skewed outlook but that is part of the reason I decided to join the Peace Corps (though I didn't realize just how hard the role of "change agent" would be).
4. Lack of Understanding
• This extends beyond just HCN (host country national) to PCV (Peace Corps Volunteer). This includes staff, volunteers, friends and family stateside and so many people in-between. Lack of understanding goes for expressions, responses, culture, food, people, actions etc. The nuances which define each person individually and in the larger social/cultural context. You have to be willing to put biases, prejudices, rejections to the side to continuously strive for understanding and tolerance.
5. Being Open
• Personally, I still deal with this growth point because I, for some time during my service, had developed a shell towards the people in my host country because of the reception I received, I no longer wanted to be hurt or feel uncomfortable, so I developed a demeanor and standard reactions/practices to counter what I was experiencing. I am currently working on reworking those actions and being more open because I do not want the actions of the few to define the many. It is a lot harder than it sounds, and demands an active mental, physical and emotional consciousness to counteract my pre-programmed response. Doing this "revamp" (which can in part be attributed to the ICD&I conference I attended -  here is the link for that post) helped me to realize that I needed to make that change and be open to my community again.

Accomplishments

1. Learning a new language
•  I think I have said this before, but let me say it again - ALBANIAN IS HARD/DIFFICULT/ANNOYING/ is a Culturally Entrenched Language. I still feel like I am fighting an uphill battle, with moments of clarity and great talking and other times I forget the basics. IT happens! To everyone, but I can navigate within a foreign language and country. Ashley, you're a #boss
2. PenPals
• When asked what was the highlight of school for me, besides finishing the school year (1 week and 3 days left!) I would say successfully facilitating a pen-pal exchange with my seventh graders and Girl Scouts in America. The joy letters and Girl Scout cookies bring is amazing, and the fact that I was able to be the common thread between two cultures, people and traditions is an amazing accomplishment. Lets be honest though, Girl Scout cookies = LIFE! so its not hard to see how that was a happy moment.
3. Exposure
• The hardest part of my service, but also the most rewarding. When you can change someones outlook on a group of people by just existing (GASP! I know it happens though) is such a beautiful thing and feeling, though also makes you aware of just how much work is left to create equity and equality in our world.
4. Diversity training
• Having the honor to attend the diversity training helped me not only in my outlook of my service, but I know assisted staff and other volunteers in learning how to deal with a variety of differences and issues in country.
5. PSN Member
• PSN is a volunteer support network run by volunteers to help assist each other through the ins and outs of our Peace Corps service. 
6. Finding happy Moments 
• A long overdue laugh, a hug, attending a powerful event, being invited somewhere. All of these things, though seemingly minuscule, can really have the most positive of effects on a volunteers outlook and mood. So making and being actively involved in these happy moments make life as a PCV that much more enjoyable.
7. Surviving
• I survived winter, summer, spring and fall in Kosovo! Through ups, downs and round-a-bouts WE (family, friends, supports, volunteers and staff) have made it a year together. So cheers to approximately 12 months down and 14 more months of the continuous growing experience that is my Peace Corps Service. Also thank you to everyone supporting me from home, those known and unknown and for reading my blog! Hope you get just a taste and are enjoying all the winding road with me.

Gezuar!

 - Ashley <3 

"It's not about what I can get, it's about what I can give." - Marie Forleo

Excurzion

On Saturday I went with my ninth graders (and some of my seventh graders) on a Class trip to various cities/sites in Kosovo to celebrate the end of their middle school career. I was so excited to attend this trip with "my kids" (I use quotations because people here have taken that to mean I birthed them instead of my love for the kids I teach - oops for the literal translation hahaha) and get this last adventure with them. I didn't realize until we were returning home just how much these young hearts have impacted me, and how much I really love my students. Despite it all, they definitely made my first year of Peace Corps service an true experience, but I couldn't have asked for a better class to go on this trip with! I hope they've been impacted by me just an ounce of how much they have made an impact on me.

Now that I've been a complete sap, for this excursion we went to Istog, Drini i Bardhe, Rugova, a restaurant in Gjakove, and Prizren. The trip overall was amazing fun, I got to learn new things about my students and see more of the beautiful country I call my home. So below find some pictures (and videos!) from our adventure and enjoy!

Some of my ninth graders and I

 My seventh grader and I

 My Host sister and I in Rugove

One of my coworkers and I

View from the Kalaja in Prizren, looking toward the city 

(those are my students standing on the wall)

 Viewing the Burimi in Istog

Nature's Beauty in Rugova

 Dancing outside Drini i Bardhe

Some of my Ninth grade girls and I

 My school's Director (Principal) enjoying the festivities in Prizren

Students and teachers dancing

 Teacher adn student dancing together in Prizren

Two of my ninth grade boys and I

 Another teacher, student and I

7th graders and I squinting in Prizren!

My students caught me sleeping (it happens)

 My boys.

More of my ninth graders  

Drini i Bardhe, Kosovo

 Posing in Rugova

 One of the views while driving in Rugova

 Waterfall in Rugova

 Selfie stick photo gone wrong in Prizren, with most of my ninth grade girls!

 

My students persuaded this couple to finish their break so we could get some dancing in, Albanian style - Prizren.