Another year gone, as my service comes to an end…or does it?

Recently it has been a struggle for me to sit down and write anything for my blog. It has been so long since I have last written that I’m not sure there is anyone who reads it anymore. Nevertheless, I’ve mustered up the time to scratch done some of my recent happenings. I can’t even remember what it was I last wrote about, as its been months since my last entry, I’ll do my best to fill in the gaps. Even though it has nearly been two months since my last post.

May has already come and gone. The weather is finally taking a turn for the best, with most of the dust storms, late snow, and the last of the below zero temperatures gone. The signs of summer are slowly starting to show itself, the days are longer, there are more colorful vegetables at the market, the contents in my outhouse are “melting”, the number of muddled travelers is increasing with every passing day and I have the pleasure of waking up every morning to “MILK! PLEASE BUY MILK” as the milk lady walks through the street (because, really, who wants to walk the three blocks to the market for milk, when a lady will bring it right to your door). I’m happy, to say the least, that the dreadful cold of winter is finished mostly because my wood supply has dwindled and recently non-existent. Making it hard to stay warm, that is, if it was still cold. However, you can never be sure as to when the winter will truly be over, as we did receive snow just last week.

Besides the recent change in weather and atmosphere things have been more or less the same. What do you really expect anyways? I think, after two years, I have things pretty much down. Aspects of life that I used to find exciting, are now, considered “normal” and things I experience on a regular basis. Last minute work hassles such as schedule changes or unannounced events no longer disturb me and are something to be expected. The "hello monster", rock throwing, and the occasional "hoish" from the many curious drunks phases me less and less with every passing day.

I came to Mongolia two years ago, thinking that my time would last what seemed to be an eternity, well it didn’t, it flew by and now my time is almost over…well at least its over at the health department which I am currently working. I’m not sure I’m ready to let go of the life I have in Mongolia and to loose both the good and bad experiences I encounter on a daily basis. I don’t want to say goodbye to the friendships I’ve made and the aspects of life that I experience over here. For the past few months I’ve been thinking of extending my volunteer service for an additional year and after talking with some of the people at Peace Corps, I’ve made the decision to stay in Mongolia…But don’t worry I’ll be back in September 2011.

Lately, I’ve been finishing up my most recent work and projects at the Health Department, and sadly there really isn’t much to “finish up”, as many of my counterparts are on summer vacation in the countryside. I do however continue to teach nutrition education lessons to various populations of Murun, the one, and only aspect of the last two years that has been consistent. However, I will be candid, and say that it has been somewhat of a battle for me to focus on work. Primarily because I find relaxing by the river much more engaging, weather it is drinking a beer or two with travelers passing through, or reading, the river is by far my favorite facet of summer life in Murun…but really can you blame me?

Although, it may be slow now, I do look forward to the end of the summer when I move sites and start work in a new environment. Peace Corps is more flexible with volunteers who stay a third year, therefore allowing me to choose the town in which I will live and work. At this point it is between two villages, both of which are only a few hours from where I currently live. I have been to each of the villages and have had the opportunity to meet with the doctors and nurses who work at each of the clinics. Doing so allowed me to discuss with them as to what they expect from me, as a volunteer, both clinics had similar requests, primarily focusing on community outreach programs for the rural communities that surround each of the villages. Which is something I am very much looking forward to, and of course, learning English was also a request, something that I don’t really look forward to doing.

I’ll have a better idea as to where I’ll me moving, I’m hoping, by the middle to late July, and as soon as I know I’ll be sure to share. I look forward to next year because it will give me the opportunity to live among a smaller community, as I currently live in a place with a population roughly around 25,000-30,000 (depending on who you ask), where as the places I will be moving only have a population of 1,500-2,000. So, to say the least, it will be somewhat of a change.

Well, I think I have rambled enough, as I’m not even sure anyone will read this. Now that I have more free time on my hand I’ll try and do a better job of keeping up with my posting. I’ll also put up some of my most recent photos….just be patient.