Merry Christmas!

We are Peace Corps Volunteers. Swearing In was on Thursday at the Teacher's House in Kyiv, a beautiful old building near the Opera House. The US Ambassador was not able to speak at the ceremony, but he came and addressed us beforehand. His speech was extremely interesting; he talked a lot about the current political situation in Ukraine and what the future may bring. It was quite the most interesting speech on the subject that I've heard....although I guess it's the only speech. It's not like I'm watching CNN or reading the NY Times. You all may very well know more about what's happening here than I do.

The Swearing In ceremony itself was quite impressive. Several of the Peace Corps training staff (those who have been whipping us into shape over the past 3 months) spoke first, and then Sheila Gwaltney, who is the Deputy Chief of the United States of America Mission to Ukraine (what a long title that is!) administered the oath. All we Trainees stood up at once, raised our right hands, and repeated after her:

Volunteer Oath

I             , do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the constitution of the United States of America against al enemies, foreign and domestic, and that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same, that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion, and that I will well and faithfully discharge my duties in the Peace Corps of the United States of America, serving Ukraine to the best of my abilities and demonstrating the respect and consideration due its people. So help me God.

A couple of impressive Ukrainian officials spoke, welcoming us to Ukraine, and Karl Beck, who is the Country Director for Peace Corps Ukraine, gave a closing speech. And then we were volunteers. There was a nice reception, and our host families had come to see us "graduate" and say the final goodbyes.

I don't feel any different now. Training has been long (oh so long), and I'm incredibly glad it's over. Even I was getting cranky and mean towards the end of it all. Now comes nerves and the stress of becoming acquainted with a new family, a new town, and a new school...but without all the support that Peace Corps gave us the first time around. Now I'm on my own, more or less. But I should do OK.

And I got my LPI results, although I'm not completely happy with them, surprisingly enough. Why am I not happy? You'll laugh. I'm not happy because I think my score is higher than I deserve. I scored an Intermediate High.

So today is Christmas. Yesterday (when I typed most of this) we had our official celebration with the whole Peace Corps crowd. Interesting fact that might give you a Christmas laugh:

For the past couple of weeks, my cluster has been taking Russian folk dancing lessons. Why, you ask? For the Christmas Talent Show. Our Russian teacher loves talent shows, and so was determined that we'd have a fabulous act. We had costumes any everything, borrowed from the Cultural Center in Berezan.

Best comment I've heard so far on our performance: "When Russians do this, it's beautiful."

We got lots of laughs and applause, though. Out of 8 performances, we were definitely in the top two. One of these days I'm going to manage to get some digital pictures from a friend and I'll send them along.

So today is my last day in Kyiv before heading to Chernomorskoe (spelling is probably off still). Hopefully I'll have lots to tell you all next week. I should also have a new mailing address. (So if you're planning to mail me a letter, wait for a bit.)

Hope everyone is having a wonderful holiday season!