Last night, after having a fairly busy day, Thom and I were sitting and watching the Olympics (men's short figure skating program on Peacock with vpn), when the apartment started moving. It was significant enough that we both were a little concerned, especially being in a 6th floor apartment. My first instinct was that it was an earthquake, and I hopped on my phone to other volunteers to see if they felt it. The first response was from Parker. In the meantime, my phone sent me an alert that it was a 4.5 - 4.9 quake about 15 miles away. In fact, Parker was one of the closest volunteers to the epicenter as it occurred in a location in North Macedonia in the Sharr Mountains between Prizren and Tetova. Parker is located in a village near Prizren. If you see it on a map, Prizren, Tetova, and Kaçanik form a triangle around it.
Soon, other volunteers jumped on, and it appears that volunteers throughout the country felt the quake. Then we got a message from Peace Corps Safety and Security confirming that it was an earthquake and that some of us (Kaçanik included) should send a message confirming that we were alright. It appears there is no damage or injuries as the earthquake was in the Sharr Mountains, not far from Brezovice Ski Area. This is a link to the statistics on the quake. Once again, I am always impressed with how quickly our safety guy checks in with us, and supports us with appropriate information for the situation.
Along with the earthquake, it has been busy here. Two weekends ago, Thom and Danny arranged a party in Ferizaj for my birthday. There is another volunteer who has a birthday in late January. I thought the party was for Cody. Last year, we had a party for Cody, and he thoroughly enjoyed it. It seemed logical that the party was for him. We did celebrate both birthdays in Ferizaj, and it was really fun. We met at the Mural cafe first around 11 am, and then, after coffee or whatever, we headed to the Mexican restaurant. Everyone enjoyed their Kosovar Mexican dishes. Mae, the volunteer in Ferizaj, had just moved into an apartment after living with a host family. We went to her place for cake, wine, beer, pizza, and snacks. Some of us played Farkle, which reminded me of the New Year's Eve celebrations in Middleton at our friends, JoAnn and Steve's house. Farkle is a fun little dice game that doesn't matter if you've had a few drinks.
Party hats for me and Cody
As with most Peace Corps gatherings, people start to drift away based on bus schedules. Our last bus from Ferizaj to Kaçanik is at 8 pm. We caught the bus with Danny, and then we headed home. Volunteer gatherings are always fun and relaxing. It was great to talk with some of our response volunteers as well.
Last Saturday, we had a gathering in the volunteer lounge at Peace Corps Kosovo HQ. The gathering is part of our volunteer lead group that works with our medical team. They are there to support volunteers, and part of the support is gatherings. Right now, our in-country group is small enough. We have about 40 volunteers in Kosovo. The next group that is arriving on March 2nd is supposed to be 45 strong. My guess is, due to last-minute clearances for medical or legal, the group will be closer to 40. We are also supposed to be getting 10 more response volunteers. These are the short term volunteers who are here for 6 months to a year. The group arriving will outnumber our current volunteers. Whole group events will be more challenging, unless they are outdoors in good weather or smaller groups meet in hub locations.
My BINGO Card
Saturday's event was fun, as we designed BINGO cards. Each square represented things we want to do in 2026. Most of mine were things I want to do when I return to the US, but I still have a few left for Kosovo. Last night, I completed one. I made my own cavatelli pasta, and it was good. After the BINGO cards, we headed to Smash Burger (not my choice) for lunch and to have a book discussion for the book group.
We also hiked with the hiking group to Arnin Peak from Prevallë on Sunday. We have hiked this before, but it is always a favorite as the trailhead and beginning of the trail are very well-maintained. There is fresh snow on the upper parts of the trail. It actually snowed for a bit while we were hiking. With the snow, it's quite a workout to make it to the peak, but it is also very beautiful..
Gert -- graduated in IT from our school last year and is attending university in Gjilan
He is an amazing folk dancer
On the ridge hiking to the peak
At the trail head start of the hike
Beautiful snow-covered tree
On the way to the peak
Another pic from the beginning of the hike
The clouds break up at the end of the hike and the sun peaks through
The Albanian flag and the sun peaking through the clouds
The friendly three leg dog follows us up again
Snow-covered trees and clouds in the background
Gert climbs a tree
Last but by no means least, Peace Corps staff paid a visit to the English Language Lab at my school on Monday. Although we still have a little bit more to do, it was good timing for the visit, as they will be busy once new volunteers arrive. We are still awaiting three more desks that have been donated, and I have a few more things to purchase. I have been under budget on many of the items. With the leftover funds, I will be purchasing some books in English for students to read. I have recently had two students ask for books in English. There are several stores in Prishtina with a good selection of English books. For those from home who contributed to the grant, I cannot thank you enough. I am enjoying teaching with technology again. The students like it, and it is easier to teach to students' needs. Click this link for a list of purchases made and the planned purchases still in progress.
Outside the school in front of the fallen war heroes that the school is named after
Temporary sign on the door for the lab, I believe a permanent sign has been ordered
City Staff, Agimi (school assistant director), Atdhe (school director), Alliya (PC Director of Programming and tTraining), me, Gazmend (former co-teacher), Thom, Besim (English Teacher), Arjeta (PC Grants and TEFl), Hyzri (PC TEFL Project Manager)
Talking about using the lab and its impact
Thank you from the school director
School staff (Gazmend is now with the municipality)
Students participating in a modal verb quiz
Last night, I met Thom and Sami at the lab. Thom picked up the whiteboard and markers in Prishtina, and Sami drove Thom and the whiteboard to my school after he was done with work. The whiteboard will go on a stand that we have in the lab. The whiteboard is a good backup in case the power is out. It allows us to teach no matter what is happening with the technology.
Along with the start of Ramadan, last week was Kosovo Independence. It was on Tuesday, but Monday classes were short and there was a program at our school (most schools) celebrating the holiday. It is different when Independence Day falls in the winter and while school is in session. We had Tuesday off, but it Monday was not much of a school day as classes were 30 minutes.
Dancers performing at the school
Erijona -- a student in one of my class does a recitation
Two tenth graders sing a traditional song
Performers before the show
It has been a good couple of weeks and it feels so good to have most of the lab in place. The last two months will fly by.
