The following is some interesting information I found about Azerbaijan in relation to the religious practices. I copied it from a blog of another Azerbaijan PCV (Peace Corps Volunteer)

"For those who don't know, the countries in Central Asia and the Middle East that are known as the "stans" are so called because stan means "the land of". So, Afghanastan is the Land of Afghans. Azerbaijan obviously does not fit this mold, and is literally translated as "The Fire Land".

The naming is interesting because it is based on an ancient religion called Zoroastrian, founded by Zarathustra. The Greeks estimated that Zarathrusta lived 3,000 years before Plato. His religious philosophy is believed to be the basis for most modern monotheistic religions. Fire is the symbol of the religion, hence "The Land of Fire". On the Persian New Year the villagers build giant bonfires and jump over them seven times.

It is interesting that these traditions have survived both Russian rule and Islam. On grave stones that are centuries old the fire symbol can be found next to Christian, Islam and Jewish symbols."

On another note, I have completed my Visa and Peace Corps Passport paperwork as well as sending in my resume and aspiration statement to the host country (Azerbaijan). Now I await my "staging" materials and assorted paperwork which will be coming in the next couple months.
As I'm writing this, it seems kind of boring compared to posts to come.