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Sunday, December 14, 2008

A Trainee No Longer

We made it! Through training that is. On Friday the 12th, the U.S. Ambassador to Macedonia, Phillip Reeker, swore us into the Peace Corps. The Prime Minister of Macedonia was out of the country, so the Minister of Education and Science, Pero Stojanovski, attended in his place to formalize the acceptance of the new Volunteers.

Many of the host family members attended the one hour ceremony, even though it was a workday for them. There was a reception afterwards, during which time we got to say goodbye to our trainers who did such a great job getting us ready to be out on our own. Most of the language trainers will head home to their respective communities throughout Macedonia, working in various positions until the Mac14 trainees arrive next September. Then they will again be employed by the Peace Corps.

After the reception, many of the volunteers, went into Komanavo for the last time as a large group, and celebrated together on their achievements and on the adventure that lies (lays?) ahead. Everyone headed home in the early evening to spend their last evening with their host families and to pack for their morning departure to places where they may be the only American in the town or village and where they will be spending their next two years.

2 comments:

Unknown said...

Congrats Uncle Mike.

We will miss you on XMAS.

I always look forward to reading your blog, it seems like a wonderful experience.
Keep up the good work...very proud of you.

-Matt

Mike Erhartic RPCV said...

Thanks Matt! There is plenty of interest over here among the younger MAcedonians in rock music. Do you want me to set up a tour for your group? They would love your music.