Hello Family and Friends!
Yes, it has been about two months since my last blog/update on my life as a Peace Corps volunteer. The reason for the delay: I am just back from a three-week emergency leave trip to the US. Sadness and joy in one trip. In mid-January my Mom took a nasty fall, which put her in the hospital. My brothers called and asked that I come home, which I did. I was extremely fortunate to be with my Mom for three days before she died on 25 January. She is now happily with my father, the love of her life (they were married 65 years) and now, both are watching over all of us.
Isaure “Zo” de La Chapelle Lord
April 5, 1919 – January 25, 2012
It is good to be back at work; Mom was extremely proud of what I am doing. And yes, I am happy to be back at work to finish my service. OK.. so maybe the weather is a bit horrible; so horrible that Ukraine’s weather has made international news! It was –29C when I arrived back in Luhansk.
Winter…. fresh snow.
Ice on our streets… and as you see, no one is out walking! It is that cold!
It may be cold….BUT… I do have my animal skin – not sure what kind of animal- coat. The coat was a huge hit in California… “what sort of animal is that really Aunt Caroline?” NOTE: the coat, known as the “Wookie” is so big and so heavy, it fills one overhead bin on a plane.
Family having fun wearing the Wookie
Family having fun wearing the Wookie
Today is Valentine’s day! My organization asked me to do a “paint your own heart magnet” and yes, I obliged. What a great day and what fun!
As I write today, it is a balmy –1C, which means it is too hot for the wookie! Is spring around the corner? And of note, I have less than 100 days of service before I return back home! Time flies when you are having fun! A few more blogs to come, I promise.
Happy Valentine’s Day to all of you.
Fondly,
Caroline
