Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Conflict between Azerbaijan's Neighbors

If you've listened to international news or seen an online news forum recently, it is hard to miss mention of the escalating conflict between Russia and Georgia, two of Azerbaijan's neighbors (see map below - particularly section in yellow). While I won't begin to describe the reasons or potential ramifications of the "conflict," I will address a question pertaining to my future that has been raised numerous times since the bombing began late last week. In other words, yes, I am taking a history-making international episode and making it "all about me" ;) . . . in all seriousness, I appreciate your concerns and will continue to keep you posted on my preparations for Peace Corps.

This afternoon Peace Corps posted a news release on their website, stating that volunteers in Georgia have been temporarily pulled and are awaiting further instruction in Armenia. In other words, as soon as the U.S. Department of State began pulling embassy personnel from the country, Peace Corps volunteers were whisked to safety. Peace Corps has a very specific action plan for emergency situations and takes great care to ensure the safety of its volunteers. I trust Peace Corps staff to make a well-informed decision about my security, and we'll just have to wait to see what happens in the next month or so. To be clear, Peace Corps has not talked about pulling volunteers from Georgia permanently or from its neighbors, Armenia and Azerbaijan.

Again, I appreciate your concern for my safety and as always, welcome prayers. I find the recent events to be unsettling but not nearly to a point where I would consider abandoning this dream. The way I see it: I am going to continue to plan like everything is on-schedule and if this is not where I should be, God will close the door.


2 comments:

Becky said...

Good attitude honey! The Lord be with you.
Aunt Becky

edith said...

yes, complicated indeed. i think you'll be alright :)