Hi Everyone,
I know it's been a while since my last posting, but I've been very busy with my initial work here in Tryavna. The sad part about it is that I'm currently only working in one of the two organizations that I'm assigned to. Since it's still summer and most people, including children, are on holiday I've been working in a social rehabilitation center, where there is seldom time for vacation. Everyday I, along with a therapist, go to the homes of disabled people to provide free rehabilitation. The work is very fun and interesting but also very tiring, because I am constantly going from one place to another. The people are always very nice and show their hospitality by offering cookies, cake, coffee, tea, or some form of refreshment, which I'm learning to accept even though I don't want.
I didn't make a post announcing that I have been allowed to walk without a brace and crutches, but I gave those things up about 2 weeks ago. I've been allowed to walk, but I still cannot run, ride a bike, or do anything too intense. Last Wednesday I visited a physical therapist in Sofia who gave me several different exercises do in order to strengthen my quads and hip flexors, which by the way are weaker than I thought. According to Peace Corps doctors in Washington, D.C. surgery has not been ruled out! In two weeks I will travel back to Sofia for another check-up and hopefully x-rays will show that the patella is healing normally. If not, I've been told that surgery might be required to fix the patella which means an early visit back to the States.
Below I have posted some pictures of Tryavna and the area near my home. At the moment the weather has been beautiful, with temperatures in the high 70s most days. I can tell the weather is starting to change, because I took a hike the other day and the leaves on the trees are starting to show changes. Everyone I've met tells me of the enormous snowfall during the winter, so I'm trying to mentally prepare what's to come!
Peace, Love, and Understanding...
This is a picture taken behind the town hall in the city center.
A fountain in the town square which is across from the park in the city center.
Straight ahead is the town hall and to the right is the Chitaliste, or cultural center.
This is a lake that is about 100 meters from my home, and that I often visit to relax.
