One of the things I’m asked the most from friends back home is this:
What’s been the biggest culture shock in moving from the United States to Ukraine?
A few days ago, I got to take my first trip to Kyiv, Ukraine!
I think most people know this, but Peace Corps Volunteers don’t serve in capital cities, or even big cities for the most part. Our offices are in usually in the capitals, but volunteers serve in smaller, often remote towns and villages so as to meet the need of the country’s general population.
I’d never been to Kyiv before, but it was always on my list! All of the volunteers flew into Kyiv together, but Peace Corps quickly whisked us away to Irpin on a bus for a week-long welcome conference before sending us to our first host families in the Zhytomyr area.
However, as adamant as Peace Corps seemed to be at keeping us away from Kyiv, all the volunteers had to make a day trip in order to get their immigration documents figured out.
Oh, PS? It’s spelled KYIV, not KIEV. Kyiv is the Ukrainian-to-English spelling, and Kiev is the Russian-to-English spelling. Because the word Kyiv in Ukrainian («Київ») uses letters unique to the Ukrainian alphabet, like «Ї,» it translates differently. I realize a lot of people are stuck on the “it sounds the same in English” thought, but considering everything Ukraine has been through in gaining its independence from Russia, I think we should let Ukraine decide how the spelling of its capital city translates into Latin. Добре? Добре.
Привіт з України!
(Hello from Ukraine!)
I wanted to give a few quick updates about what things have been like here in Ukraine so far!
Holy shit.
I have so much to write! So many updates to make! Life has been straight chaos lately.
OK this is a LOOONGGGG list without a lot of photos or anything to really keep you engaged and entertained. Sorry!
But, in true Peace-Corps-Volunteer-with-a-blog fashion, here’s a list of everything I packed for my two-plus years of Peace Corps service in Ukraine.
Well, it happened.
My time in Chicago came to an end.
I’ve left so many people, places and things behind — my newsroom, Cheesie’s, my yoga studio, Hopleaf, Tweet, the Lake Shore Trail, Doughnut Vault, the patio at Homeslice, Myopic, the Billy Goat…
…and my apartment.
I know this is probably something that some of you all much older and much wiser people have probably figured out a long time ago, but so many awesome things happen when you let go of societal expectations and start opening yourself up to new experiences that are considered taboo.
Like… friendships.
Hi, so, lemme go ahead and preface this real quick.
I am NOT good at accepting help or gifts. I’m also not super great at being the center of attention.
Ironic, yeah? Cause this blog is all about me.
Hoooowever. I’ve had lots of you reach out to ask “omg this is so cool HOW CAN I SUPPORT YOU?!” after I mentioned I’m quitting my full-time job, ditching my 401(k), bailing on my student loans and uprooting my life to move overseas and serve as a Peace Corps Volunteer for two years.
Enter… my Amazon wish list!
So, it has inadvertently* become Peace Corps Month over here on Randi with an i.
*Just kidding, I’ve been scheming and planning these posts since JANUARY.
Late last month, I announced that I’m quitting my full time job to move overseas and volunteer for two-plus years starting this August.
Then I talked a little bit more about what I’ll be doing in the Peace Corps — where I’ll be serving, what my job responsibilities will be, more about my family’s connection to my country of service, etc.
Today’s post is really personal. It’s a huge rambling diatribe filled with missives, laments and really deep reflections. I’m kinda putting a lot out there, guys. A lot of fears, insecurities, mistakes, thoughts and regrets. Go easy on me.
You guys. I am TIRED.
Don’t get me wrong! I’m good tired. I’ve been so busy lately trying to make the most of my last few weeks left here in Chicago.
But still? I. am. TIRED.
Anyway. This past weekend was Chicago’s couch crash weekend, and it was a toooonnnn of fun!
