Page 6 - Pauza Magazine
P. 6
arts & cultural experiences
Fudbal
By Natty Hussey, MAK 14
“ Looking at my Peace Corps
Running down the gym, Djonka passes the ball, set-
ting me up for a triangular give and go. I land on my service as a game, it’s not
left foot and bring my right leg through just like I was whether you win or lose but
taught in middle school. The ball goes flying at 100
kilometers per hour and ‘ZING’ – it rockets just out how you play that matters. ”
of bounds. “Sranje!”
Even though the 100 kilometers per hour pass was These guys aren’t ones to brag about victories, suc-
a bust, in addition to other innumerable mistakes, cesses or projects reaching realization. Rather, they
nobody got upset. After nominating myself as LVP simply enjoy running around a couple times a week
(least valuable player), I was invited to play again being the fudbal stars they once dreamed of being
the following Wednesday. as kids. It took a long time to become friends with
I spent my time in Peace Corps being bumped from this gang, and it took a lot more than just one fud-
one counterpart to another and then another and bal victory. It started off as curiosity. For them it was
even another. I finally ended up without one. After having an American in the group and for me it was
three years of Peace Corps Service it has become the chance to see what friendship could mean here
very clear that the term “service” cannot and should in Macedonia and making myself get to know 10
not be defined solely by the number of participants guys whose names I couldn’t keep straight at first.
achieving Community Development Goals 2.1 or In the end I don’t have 10 starred WAD/GID (gender
2.2. For me, service success has been defined by development) activities on my Volunteer Re-
the quality of friends I’ve made. There’s Pepi, Dra- port Form that are going to inflate my re-
gan, The Dr., Zoki, Djonka, Shveo and many others sume into exceptional international rela-
with whom I have celebrated birthdays and holidays, tions status, worthy of USAID, UNDP
including the birth of The Dr.’s nephew. Not to men- and Foreign Service recognition.
tion the many Friday or Saturday nights when we There are, however, 10 very good
would all go out and enjoy the little luxury money we friends to show for at the end of my
had. In hindsight I missed a few Saturday morning service. Looking at my Peace Corps
community events due to the choice of the previous service as a game, it’s not whether
night’s activities, but I did spend that time in merri- you win or lose but how you play that
ment with friends from the community. matters.
6 – Pauza Magazine
6 – Pauza Magazine
