Fast Forward 5 months...

I've been reminded by a few people that I am woefully behind in my updates. Those of you who know me personally know that I am now in the midst of a new adventure called graduate school. I am currently in the Masters in Teaching program at Seattle University, and loving it. Despite having to work and study very hard and trying to balance work and school and a personal life, things are going great. I started in September and will graduate summer 2008 with a teachers certificate and my Masters. I want to teach 5th grade somewhere in the greater Seattle area.

I am thrilled to think that starting in September of 2008 I'll have my own classroom. It is exciting and terrifying at the same time, but the Seattle U program is so great, I expect I'll be prepared when that time comes. I plan to do my student teaching in Edmonds with an experienced teacher.

It is hard to believe that almost a year ago I was in Macedonia getting ready to go on my trip to Tanzania. Although I had no idea what trouble lay ahead for me, and the challenges that I had to overcome, I am very grateful for how everything worked out.

Thanks to everyone for their support!

P.S. Since school keeps me so busy, I've been unable to get caught up with my posts about Tanzania, Macedonia, Romania and my sister's wedding. Well, they all went really well and were all amazing adventures. I hope to be able to include some more posts (with pictures) during my Christmas break. Stay tuned!

In Transylvania

My visit to Macedonia was like a whirlwind, but it was also very satisfying to see my friends (Macedonians and PCVs) again as well as my former students and host family. I went now so that I could be at my school on the last day, which is a day of music and dancing and celebration. I had a lot of fun. My time in Macedonia was full of smiles and laughs and tears. But I'm very glad that I did it, I have no doubt that it was the right decision.

Ten days flew by in a wink and then I took the bus/train to Bucharest, Romania and met up with my friend Matt. We were in the Romanian capital for 2 days, I was able to see a little bit of the city, which reminds me of a combination of Skopje, Budapest, Buenas Aires, and Brussels. Sometimes I would have to stop and remember where I was! I also took a tour of the Parliament Building, which is apparently the second largest building in the world, after the Pentagon.

Next we stopped in Sinaia, where there is a beautiful fairytale-like castle. Now we are in Brasov, in Transylvania. It is a beautiful country and a very interesting region. And yes, we plan to visit Count Draculas castle!

Last Big Trip (for now)

...Fast Forward a few months!

I've gotten very busy this spring with a new part-time job (selling Partylite Candles), taking little trips here and there (ie; Maui with my family, to visit my brother who now lives there) and catching up with old friends while making new ones!

After many months of paperwork and airline bureaucracy, I got my plane tickets from Seattle to Macedonia (originally in January) switched to June. I'm returning to Macedonia for a visit to see friends again and get some closure. Since I'm over there I've made arrangements to meet up with my friend Matt who is traveling around the world right now, and tour a bit Romania together (see his blog at http://velotrek.blogspot.com).

I leave Monday, June 4th and come back on the 27th. This will be my last big trip for awhile because...

I got accepted to Seattle University Masters in Teaching program and I start September 4th. I'm very excited about this opportunity, I'll finally make it official and get my Teachers Certificate. Just imagine, Fall of 2008 I should (hopefully) have my own classroom! I plan to teach general ed and I'd like to teach 5th grade.

Not only that but I just learned that I am a recipient of one of several $3,000 MIT alumni scholorship, for outstanding applicants who have financial need. I am thrilled and honored to be one of the chosen. Seattle U isn't cheap, but it does have an outstanding reputation and I know that I will get an excellent quality education in my pursuit to be an excellent educator!

(I still plan to post about Tanzania and my sisters wedding, just be patient with me!)

Medically Separated

Well, the verdict is in. Unfortunately I'm being medically separated from the Peace Corps. I just don't have all my medical issues resolved within the PC policy of 45 days.

I've been on medical hold for about 6 weeks, waiting to see if I could return to country or not. I got my answer about a week ago. It wasn't the answer I wanted to hear, but the good news is that at least I'm not in limbo anymore. Being sick wasn't fun, but at least it taught me what the more important things in life are (for me): family and health.

I just want to let you all know that I'll miss those of you in Macedonia and I've enjoyed my experience there and learned so much professionally as well as personally. I'm disappointed that I won't be able to finish my PC service, but it appears that it wasn't meant to be. My health has restricted me returning to country, but the good news is that I'm almost back to "normal" now, mainly I just need to regain all of my strength, although I'm doing a lot better now.

So, for now I'm focusing on my health and moving on. I've applied to graduate school this September at Seattle University (interviews are this month, fingers crossed). I'm also planning a short visit to Macedonia to say goodbye, probably in June before school gets out. At least I'll be able to get some closure then.

A thank you to the overwhelming number of people who have been so encouraging, supportive, and have kept me in their thoughts and prayers. I feel very blessed.

All the Best,
Jesse AKA Jill

P.S. Yes, I still plan to keep posting on this blog. Stay tuned for more info about my African Adventure and Wedding Photos!

Sick in Seattle

This wild and crazy adventure we call life never ends...

I have much to say about my fantastic travel experience in Dubai and Tanzania, which I will at a later time, however, this update is more pressing...

I got some kind of bug in Tanzania and got extremely ill on the plane back to Seattle (Jan 9th). I was taken by ambulance from the plane directly to a hospital once we landed and was in the hospital for four days, high fever, low blood pressure, and stuff coming out of both ends. They really are not sure what I got but blame gastro-enteritis. I was released from the hospital just in time for my sister's wedding (Jan 14th) and I was in a wheelchair for the ceremony. I returned to the ER a week later with a stabbing headache. In the ER they were not sure what was wrong with me and gave me some treatment that did little to stop the pain. They blamed a migraine, but that is not what it was. A few days later I went to a neurologist who diagnosed me with Trigeminal Neuralgia, which is a cranial nerve disorder. It is believed to have been caused by my illness. I am now taking medicine that has stopped the headaches entirely, which has been a blessing. I also had a CT scan and MRI which shows that my brain is normal (hey, proof that I am normal everybody! Ha ha!)

I was supposed to return to Macedonia on Jan 17th, but of course that didn't happen. I am at home, in Seattle now, recuperating and impatiently waiting word from the Peace Corps Medical Office. Unfortunately there is a chance that I will not be able to return to Macedonia. My deadline date for clearance is Feb 24th. The good news is that I'm slowly regaining my strength and energy (I lost almost 20 lbs). So I'm getting back on my feet so to speak and praying that I'll be able to return to Macedonia, at least to finish up the school year. I'll keep you all informed as things progress.

At least it's nice to spend a little more time with my family and my cat.

A thank you to the overwhelming number of people who have been so encouraging, supportive, and have kept me in their thoughts and prayers.