letter3

Dear Family and Friends,

Okay, I am going to try this again. I have written and sent the SAME 4th of
July e-mail 3 times and I have had a million problems that have prevented me
from sending it! Mainly, this concerns internet connection, which is
HORRIBLE most of the time in internet cafes in Bulgaria. I am definitely
learning flexibility and patience! So, let me tell you about my wonderful
4th of July!!!

On Wednesday evening, the small beautiful courtyard of the local history
museum was crowded with Peace Corps Bulgaria staff, volunteers, and
trainees, as well as all of our host families, the news crew ready to
document the event, and practically half of the small town of Panagyurishte,
all eager to receive a small taste of America. People brought their
neighbors, their extended family members, and their mother's brother's
sister's uncle's cousin to celebrate the American holiday. There was such
an intermingling of cultures as we listened and danced to both American and
Bulgarian music, feasted on chicken sandwiches, french fries, and
watermelon, and grasped hands united to dance traditional Bulgarian folk
dances in the center of the square. We were entertained by powerful
renditions of American and Bulgarian music performed by the local orchestra,
and even the rain didn't faze us as we jovially celebrated American
independence underneath a cloudy Bulgarian sky. My host mother said that it
was "American Rain"!

As the night continued, it was very obvious when many of the Americans and
some Bulgarians got very drunk. I simply watched in amusement and abided my
time with my wonderful host sister Iva. We danced, sang, explored the
courtyard, played little clap games that little girls love (yes, they even
have those in Bulgaria!), and we had a wonderful time acting very silly. We
really understand one another very well, even just through gestures, facial
expressions, and acting silly and Iva and I already have a wonderful
connection. She often says, "Kako" when talking to me and calling me and I
found out last week in language that "Kako" is an affectionate term which
means, "Big Sister." I didn't feel well on Monday (Bulgarian food!) and I
went straight to bed, waking up to find a little flower, a peice of gum, and
a little slip of paper that said, "Iva" that had been slipped underneath my
door. I always did get along better with children or older adults rather
than people my own age! Especially when people my own age are getting
drunk! So we had a delightful time at the party!

As the night drew to a close and it grew dark, Bulgarians and Americans
alike gathered together to watch an amazing fireworks display light up the
dark Bulgarian sky. As we watched the bursts of color, pride overcame us as
we burst into, "The Star Spangled Banner", pondering our freedom, our
determination, and our mission in the United States Peace Corps. We sang
with gusto as the Bulgarian and American flags waved in the distance,
celebrating our independence in a country who struggled for their own
independence for hundreds of years.

As I walked home with my host family that night, along the dark cobblestone
streets, Iva grasping my hand, I walked with a bounce in my step. My
determination guided me as I thanked God for the mission he has placed
before me . . . the mission to SERVE the Bulgarian people with all of my
heart, my strength, and my soul. I miss the country and the people that I
left behind, but I know that what has been designed for me to do here is far
greater. I found out later from a family friend that I was seen on the
evening news dancing with Iva. What a sight that must have been! God
forbid! I am truly happy with the mission God has set before me and I
wouldn't want it any other way!

I love and miss you all!
Chantel