The Invitation Letter

I finally got my invitation letter on March 14th. It read something like this " Congratulations! It is with great pleasure that we invite you to begin training in Republic of Azerbaijan for Peace Corps Service." When I first read the letter I had complete raised eyebrows. Went to a google map and looked it up. I frowned at the fact that it was located next to Iran and Georgia and no where near EUROPE'S EUROPE (as in Italy or France or London). Then I researched Azerbaijan-looking for any possible reason why I shouldn't really accept the invitation. Was it unbearably hot? What's crime like? How are other Peace Corps volunteers rating their experience in AZ? I found nothing that struck as unnerving! I even looked for a 'Turkish Toilet'-better known as an outhouse-and didn't find that either. What I did learn was that it's a moderately safe country, not the most ethnically diverse and their capital city BAKU boasts some of the best nightlife (but who wouldn't say their own city as the best). I tailored my search focusing on Minority Peace Corps volunteer experiences. What was it like to be black-because I couldn't identify with being asian or have a disability or being gay. I ran across this video

Now her name is Loki Tobin and she's a CURRENT (as in 2011) volunteer. She's from Alaska and is working in Youth Development. I'm a couple years older, but I instantly identified with her. I'm still doing research but as right now-the feeling I have is nerve wrackingly exciting!

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