The time to be in Ukraine is now
Neurologists say that when we move to a new place, or start another job, or make any significant life change, we add about five years to our lives. It stimulates the brain in a way that strengthens and rejuvenates pathways.
If they're right, I'm going to live forever.
For the past two weeks, my fellow Peace Corps Response volunteers and I have been undergoing intense training in Kyiv as we prepare for the next year in Ukraine. Typically, Peace Corps volunteers undergo 10 weeks of training in language, culture, policies, procedures and best practices before entering their posts. But we're Response, and the bar is higher.
One typical day consists of field trips to learn how to ride the Metro, presentations from medical and security officers, briefings on how to handle cultural misunderstandings, and workshops on grant writing. And while being whisked from one place to another, from one group exercise on diversity to a PowerPoint on community building, we're cramming as much Russian and Ukrainian as our brains can absorb.
We learned how to read Cyrillic on the first day. Soon after, we were conjugating. Before we knew it, we found ourselves having basic conversations. This morning, I ordered a large Americano "to go." And for lunch, I managed to order a chicken shawarma--and have it grilled. Don't get me wrong: I'm still a complete disaster. I know how to ask how much something costs, but I don't understand the answer. Numbers still elude me. That coffee I ordered? I said "malenkyy" (small) instead of "velykyy" (large). And I've apparently been saying "good afternoon" every morning.
It's hard work. I'm tired, nervous, and more than a little scared. But I'm also more convinced than ever that I've made the right decision, and that this next year will be the most formative of my life, and hopefully the most impactful.
Here, we have a chance to help a country trying to find its voice after decades of communism, corruption, and distrust. Since becoming independent from the Soviet Union in 1991, two governments have been overthrown, and its struggle for a national identity still rages on. As one Peace Corps official told us, "you have a front row to history. The time to be in Ukraine is now."
This is the largest Peace Corps mission in the world. With 300 American volunteers teaching English, helping communities develop and non profits flourish, only our mission in Senegal comes close, with 200 volunteers.
Tomorrow, I'll take an oath swearing to uphold the U.S. Constitution, and I'll be officially welcomed into this family of dedicated Americans who want to serve their country and make a difference. Two hours later, I'll head to my post, and start the hard work of finding and building my community. Hopefully, I'll make friends not only for myself, but for our country.
