First Week of March

March 1st marked not only the beginning of Women's History Month but the 50th Anniversary of the Peace Corps and the holiday of Baba Marta!

First of all I'd like to say if you don't know what to do for women's history month you can easily educate yourself about a great woman from history. Here's a great place to start:

Women's History Month

Secondly, I'd like to say Happy Anniversary to all the PCVs, RPCVs, PC Staff, and friends and family back home who support all these people. I'm extremely thankful to President John F. Kennedy for starting an organization I am now able to be part of. For all of you who are interested the main goal of the Peace Corps is to "promote world peace and friendship". This is done by:

1. Helping the people of interested countries in meeting their need for trained men and women.
2. Helping promote a better understanding of Americans on the part of the peoples served.
3. Helping promote a better understanding of other peoples on the part of Americans.

If you're interested in the Peace Corps 50th Anniversary or just the Peace Corps in general, here are a few links:

Timeline
Presidential Proclamation
Peace Corps Milestones

I was able to celebrate last week by going to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Sofia to attend a celebratory event. The event included speeches, socializing, and drinks. Here are a few highlights:

Me with my counterpart and her husband:

Toasting JFK:

In Sofia I was also able to stay with other volunteers and have a nice time socializing with one another. Every month or so I need a weekend away to be with other Americans. Here are a few views from the train ride:

I guess the ride was sponsored by the letter V:

Some graffiti along the way:

Finally, March 1st was Baba (grandma) Marta (March/Spring) Day. After being a part of it I now greatly enjoy this holiday. It is celebrated by people exchanging martinisas (red and white bracelets) with friends and family to celebrate the oncoming of Spring. You then where these bracelets until you see a stork or a budding tree and you tie the martinitsa to a fruit bearing tree. Here's some more information about the holiday:

Baba Marta
Grandmother March

And, here are some photos from the day.

Some of my 6th grade boys:

Some of my 5th graders:

My left arm:

My right arm:

Elephants are good luck here in Bulgaria:

Some homemade little martinista hats from my counterpart:

I ended up with over 60 martinitsas at the end of the day. Pretty great day and I know know what to expect for next year. Those kids better get ready for some fabulous crafting next year!

It was a great week and each day seemed to be filled with some reason I am here in Bulgaria. I love when that happens.

Lastly, I'll leave you with Popitsa's new favorite spot on top of my wardrobe:

All my love from Bulgaria alongside Peace, love, literacy, and reckless curiosity.