Congressional Procession in Macedonia

A lot has happened in the past few weeks, so this is the first of a few blogs.  About two weeks ago I was called up to Skopje because a few Congressmen were here visitng, and one of them was Congressman Gerry Connolly from Virginia.   In total there were five Congressmen:  Virginia, Washington, North Carolina, California, and Minnesota.  For most of them it was their first trip to Macedonia, for the Congressman from California it was either his fourth or fifth time.  They visited five countries in five days and Macedonia was their last stop.  This "procession" as they call it is something they do about four times a year.  They come and meet with the political leaders in each country and give guidance.  It was a lot of fun getting to meet them all and telling them about Macedonia, the culture, the people, the food, and also what we are doing here as volunteers.  But I think the best part for us volunteers was raiding the American food that they brought with them!!!  Root beer, Dr. Pepper (my favorite), Oreos, Cheese-its, the list goes on and on. We, meaning the volunteers, had planned to go out to dinner afterwards, but most of us filled up on all the goodies. And of course you know we left with some of the food too..... doggie bags!!!

 Myself, along with other volunteers, and our Country Director (the gentleman in the suit and tie) talking with one of the Congressmen (Gerry Connelly) at the fancy Holiday Inn in Skopje.

 All of us, plus our Country Director, with VA Congressman Gerry Connolly and the American Ambassador (center).

Myself and a fellow Virginia volunteer, Jason, with Congressman Gerry Connolly.

As we were getting ready to leave we ran into the Congressman from Washington. He had just gotten back from buying a Macedonian soccer jersey and he put it on to take a picture with us.

It was a great time and it was an honor to be able to sit and talk to the Congressmen about Macedonia and what I am doing here.