Preparations for Departure
Okay so already my usual disdain for blogs in general is validated by having spent 30 minutes drafting my first post and then it magically disappeared on me with no record to be found. So now I'm just mad.
That being said, it is now countdown time. I am scheduled to leave for Azerbaijan on April 3rd. I have accepted a one-year position with the ABA/CEELI program as the Gender/Human Rights Liaison in Azerbaijan. Only a couple months ago I was a very happy newlywed with a fantastic apartment in Brooklyn, loving and supportive husband and a secure and interesting job. I am still a very happy newlywed, but now I'm headed out to live in Baku for a year doing who knows what with the CEELI office there (which also has lawyers working on anti-corruption and anti-torture efforts in Azerbaijan). It's exciting and challenging and it was one of the most difficult decisions Ben and I have faced as a couple thus far. And while I am out there on the coast of the Caspian, Ben will be patiently holding down the home front; focusing on his music career and taking care of kitten and keeping things warm for me for when I come home. Is there anyone as amazing as he is? I think not.
My preparations have me trying to concentrate on my past, present and future simultaneously. In these final weeks in NYC, I am looking backwards and trying to wrap up five years' worth of work at CCI, and I am focusing on being present for every moment I have with Ben before I go, and am trying to think about the future and what I could possibly want and need to have with me for the next year in Azerbaijan and packing! It is a lot. A lot to do, a lot to think about, a lot to plan for, and a lot of people and opportunities to be thankful for.
That being said, it is now countdown time. I am scheduled to leave for Azerbaijan on April 3rd. I have accepted a one-year position with the ABA/CEELI program as the Gender/Human Rights Liaison in Azerbaijan. Only a couple months ago I was a very happy newlywed with a fantastic apartment in Brooklyn, loving and supportive husband and a secure and interesting job. I am still a very happy newlywed, but now I'm headed out to live in Baku for a year doing who knows what with the CEELI office there (which also has lawyers working on anti-corruption and anti-torture efforts in Azerbaijan). It's exciting and challenging and it was one of the most difficult decisions Ben and I have faced as a couple thus far. And while I am out there on the coast of the Caspian, Ben will be patiently holding down the home front; focusing on his music career and taking care of kitten and keeping things warm for me for when I come home. Is there anyone as amazing as he is? I think not.
My preparations have me trying to concentrate on my past, present and future simultaneously. In these final weeks in NYC, I am looking backwards and trying to wrap up five years' worth of work at CCI, and I am focusing on being present for every moment I have with Ben before I go, and am trying to think about the future and what I could possibly want and need to have with me for the next year in Azerbaijan and packing! It is a lot. A lot to do, a lot to think about, a lot to plan for, and a lot of people and opportunities to be thankful for.
posted by K. at 7:21 PM
1 Comments:
Hi Kristen
WOW! What an exciting adventure. I will look forward to reading your blog. (what the heck does blog mean?) Take care and enjoy.
Love Aunt Sheila
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