Earlier this month my group, AZ6, had our COS (Close of Service) conference. It's odd to have something like that so far before the date we'll actually leave. Especially when in reality, it probably was the last time I'll see some of the people in my group. It's just a matter of having a group of 50+ people that live anywhere from 1/2 hour to 7+ hours away. Yet I'll still be here until December.
Overall, it was one of the better PC conferences I've attended - not even counting the great hotel/waterpark it was at... We had various sessions on sharing our PC experience once we return home, job searching, the paperwork and supplies we need to return before our actual departure date, insurance information, and on and on. One of my favorite sessions was the one where there was a bag of questions that people could potentially ask us when we return home, and everyone had to answer a question - everything from "Azerbaijan, where is that?" to "What kind of foods did you eat?" and "Is that a Muslim country?" I'm sure that some of the things that will come up in questions have just become so commonplace to us that it seems strange to be asked about it.
I was talking with another Volunteer last week and she remarked how small the group seemed. Our group hasn't lost very many Volunteers (yes, we're here for a specified amount of time, but people can decide to leave at any time, and sometimes PCVs are unable to stay for medical reasons) but I still don't think that's it. When we first arrived in the country we were a group of 61, faced with 60 people that we didn't know. But now we know everyone - granted, some better than others, but it's a lot different feeling to walk into a room filled with people who are sharing this experience than strangers. And while I know I'll see some after our return to America, the whole group is kind of unrealistic. So it's a bittersweet time trying to make the most of the time I have left with my friends, both Azeri and American, and wrapping things up well in my community.
The whole AZ6 group at COS (less those that left early or are extending for a year) and then me with some friends at lunch.
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