Fortunately, after a month feeling pretty lonesome, I realized that I needed to make a change. I needed to become involved in the community! I put some effort into finding an organization I could work with. When I found one that fit my interests, they very kindly offered me a desk in their office and the comfort of interaction with consistent, friendly faces.
I also began taking language lessons! Not only has learning Shqip (the Albanian language) given me a productive way to spend some time, but it has also introduced me to new people with whom I study. Finally, learning the local language has opened doors for me socially, too! Many people speak English, especially in Prishtina, because it's the capital city. However, when I speak Shqip, I am showing a new level of respect and admiration for the place and people. I'm not very good at it yet and can only hold conversation at a very basic level, but the time is worth it when I see how excited my peers get when they find out I'm putting effort into learning.
Knowing the local language has also proven helpful at certain times when speaking English isn't much use. When navigating the bus schedule and taxis, for example, or ordering at some restaurants, my limited knowledge has turned out to be incredibly handy.
While there are certainly many differences between life back home and life in Kosovo, perhaps the biggest is the pace at which we live our lives. I haven't seen a single to-go cup since arriving in Kosovo. Why? People here value their personal time in a way that we sometimes forget to in the U.S. In fact, it seems to me that everything here is done more slowly than back home.
