Operation: Find me a job

Me (second on the left) with my sitemates and Ambassador to Albania Donald Lu. I recently had the chance to coordinate his visit to our town of Librazhd.

As I mentioned in previous posts, I had put in a request to extend my service in Albania for another year through an exciting national HIV Prevention project focusing on the MSM community. Unfortunately, I was just informed that this will not be possible after a recent decision made by our new Country Director. It hit me particularly hard, as I had been working so hard over the last several months to build connections, develop project ideas and even prepare comprehensive plans together with Peace Corps staff for this project.  My placement is not in the capital, so it has really been a challenge to develop these relationships. I really wanted to move forward with these plans, but such is life. I may not like it, but I must accept it. Bummer.

This changes things a bit... as now I have to find a job and health insurance asap. My extension date would have allowed me time to stay here through the summer, but now I am most likely staying until May at the latest.

Whenever I have a large task ahead of me and I am not exactly sure how to proceed, I develop a document titled "Operation:" and fill in the task. For example, for this situation I have developed the "Operation: Find Jon a Job" plan. A step-by-step method to, well, find me a job. I have met so many amazing people here in Albania and through my service. I plan to reach out and see if anyone might have a position that might take advantage of my experience. I have over 18 years of experience working with NGOs (Admin, Fund Development, Case Management & Outreach) so hopefully that's worth something to someone. :-) I'm really not sure who's reading this right now, but if you have a lead or opportunity in your office (something related with LGBT, HIV, or other NGO Admin) your referral would be most appreciated.

Faleminderit!

Jon
jonbreen1@gmail.com
resume available

Am I staying in Albania?

As a Peace Corps volunteer, my term of service is 27 months. I arrived in Albania in March of 2014. I lived in a village for two months for training. I then moved to my town where I would live for the next 24-ish months. We are preparing for our COS (Close of Service) Conference early next month and selecting our preferred date to leave Albania. Some leaving in April, others in May. After much consideration, I have decided to put my application in for an extension of service for another year. I am planning to come back home for a month in late June (so I can attend my brother's wedding), so I hope to see and catch up with many of you while I'm there.

Doing an extension means doing an assignment with a larger scope. My hope is to work with the leading doctor on HIV/AIDS in Albania and develop a national strategy to address HIV/AIDS. That would also mean a move to Tirana (the capital). There are lots of changes on the horizon, and I feel myself feeling very excited about the prospects ahead of me.

I also feel some fear of the unknown. This is all part of being an adult - being in situations where there might not be someone there to give you that high-five all the time, someone to guide you, someone to show you the next step. That is the risk of trying to pave a new path. Certainly paving a new way in the world can come with its share of doubts and uncertainty. The demons are everywhere. Lack up support, excessive criticism, and negativity can really take away one's motivation. Working in LGBT work is also a particularly lonely business sometimes. No one can guarantee your safety, people don't always share your enthusiasm or vision and you are constantly trying to find a way to fit in without having to pretend that you are someone you are not. One time may not be so bad. One thousand days? That can be challenging...

The Joy of Giving - A Peace Corps Christmas

Seasons greetings from Albania (or Gëzuar Festat (Geh-zoo-ahr Feh-staht) as we say here).

Her smile was the best present ever.

December is holiday time in Albania. Even though many Albanians are Muslim, there is still a lot of celebration around this time. People in my town put up trees, decorate them, put up strings of lights, hang images of Santa Claus in front of their shops, and even wear Santa hats. They say that it is for the New Year's celebration, not (necessarily) to celebrate Christmas. It is a happy marriage of tradition and festivity. I must say, I appreciate the added lighting. The sun is down by 4:15 pm and it gets dark usually around 4:45 pm. The days are short, and the nights are long and cold. 

Me with the Youth of Librazhd as Santa's Helpers

My Albanian home of Librazhd is not the wealthiest place. In fact, it is home to some of the poorest villages in Albania, and Europe by extension. Many children here are used to living on so very little. Still, I never hear them complain. I never see them upset about it. Quite the opposite. I see them laughing and playing, being kids. I see them making friendships and growing taller every day. It is an amazing thing to see. My life back in the US did not lend itself much to this amazing type of interaction. With three brothers all of similar ages, I never had a young sibling in the house. Being around kids is a new experience for me and one that I will cherish.

For the holidays, the local church organized a toy drive for the kids here (many of whom are also part of the Kampi Pa Emer). After a lovely Christmas celebration, we passed out snacks and boxes made specially for various age groups donated by a global Samaritan organization. I got to play Santa (or at least one of his helpers) along with several other young community members. The kids were so excited to get their presents. Smiles everywhere - including mine. What a holiday!

Kampi kids being uber adorable with their presents. They grow up so fast!

Last year, as part of our Kampi Pa Emer summer camp, we offered many of these kids oral health screenings, basic dental care and even some dental procedures! Free of charge of course. All this is free for the kids. This year we are looking to expand the dental services offered to the kids and even extend services to their parents, if possible. What we saw last year was quite heartbreaking - Kids as young as 4 and 5 with irreversible tooth decay. Black holes in the teeth with exposed nerves. Still, I see these kids smile as though nothing was wrong. It is hard to imagine having to go through life like that. Being in so much pain, yet being so used to it, that they never say anything. I admire them for their bravery. It is amazing what a little money can do. This year we want to do more for these kids! .

Giving to others feels so good. Giving to these kids feel AMAZING. Love my JOB!

This year Kampi Pa Emer provided dental screenings for over 60 kids, and further dental treatment and dental procures for more than 25 kids' teeth! I get excited just thinking how this was all possible thanks for a group of dedicated individual donors.

For more information on Kampi Pa Emer summer camp or to help support free dental services in our town, please visit: www.campnoname.org (or check us out on facebook!) We are currently trying to raise $5,000 to help these kids and their families in community. If you can do anything to help, please contact me. You can do such much good out here, I promise.

Celebrating New Year's Eve with my Albanian Family - Eating and making cheers, laughing, watching TV and taking some epic selfies!