Different modes of transportation here!

Most mornings I walk several blocks to catch the marshuka (bus). After exiting at my stop, I walk the last several blocks to the Interlink Office. This is a pleasant walk except in the pouring rain. I imagine come winter I'll think less pleasant. In Richmond, Virginia I never took the bus or a taxi. I always had a car. As I drove around, I typically only saw cars, buses, trucks, a moped or two and maybe some motorcycles. Nothing too unusual. When I was in Lancaster, PA, I loved hearing the clip clop of horses' hooves as the carriages passed Chip's home. In Lancaster, PA it is the norm to see horse-drawn carriages on the roads. I also loved seeing mule drawn plows in the fields as we drove around.

I grew up a city girl, but my heart longed for the open spaces of a farm. Opportunity, through a string of life events, brought me to working on a dairy farm outside of Richmond when I was in my early twenties. I didn't know a single thing about farming and even less about cattle or milking a cow. Brian Smith, the farm manager, for Cabin Hill Farm was a Va Tech graduate and willingly shared his knowledge. I found I loved that life style. It was hard work with long days, but there was a natural rhythm that soothed my soul. It made sense to me and I learned through hands-on experience. Having just squeaked by in high school, barely earning my diploma, a schoolroom environment wasn't for me. After a couple of years on the dairy farm, I worked for Jack and Lizzie Falls in Bedford, Virginia. He was a livestock dealer and they had a small 170 acre farm. They were in their late 70's and had an 8th and 5th grade education, but they were two of the smartest people I have ever known. I loved getting up early and then finishing tired and filthy after a long day of working hard. I thought I was born in the wrong century. I should have been in the "old west" because the modern suburban life wasn't for me. Little did I know that the desires of my heart would be answered in a foreign land. The call on my life was beyond my imagination in a land I had never heard of.





I have been here on seven previous short-term trips. Now I'm entering my fourth week since moving and my heart still leaps with excitement each time I see the livestock that are all around here. Hopefully, soon I'll have an opportunity to jump on a horse and ride or ride in a horse, donkey or camel drawn cart.















I am so very thankful for the opportunity to be here, but even more for my family and friends without whom this wouldn't be possible. I'm thankful for Marc and Sarah who have been a great gift to me and who have made me want to be a person far better than I ever imagined possible. I'm thankful for my dear friends who have encouraged me along the way, who have cried with me, celebrated with me and held my hands when there were no words. What treasures each are - rare and precious and born over time and fire.

As I enter my fourth week, the novelty is wearing off. A peace and contentment is settling in. This is the place I have held in my heart for oh so many years. I didn't have name or location, but now that I'm here I know this is the place that's been in my heart since before I was born.

Thank you, each one, for joining me in the next chapters of my life.
Love
Vicki

Beauty to Behold Around Every Curve

Tuesday I went with Beth south to Shimkent, Kazakhstan. Beth told me the drive had some amazing sights and this is the best time of year to see them. I can honestly say, however, I was not prepared for the beauty I saw around every curve. Each sight was more spectacular than the last. I was humbled and amazed by the glory laid out before my eyes.







I don't think I need to add any words to this post. The images say it all. I'll do another post with images of people I saw on the drive. They are just as beautiful. You can see all of the images by clicking on the family album link to the right. The first two albums "Drive to Shimkent" and "Drive back to Taraz" have all the images.





























This week I've had some trouble with my asthma. I was actually feeling horrible on the drive down to Shimkent, but the beauty of the landscape filled my heart with such joy, even though I was not feeling well and was not able to breath as well as I'd have liked. Nothing could dampen the joy of seeing the beauty spread all around me. What a gift to be given. I am so thankful for the many gifts I am given on a daily basis. No matter what storms may be raging in my life there are always precious gifts given each day. Some are large like the majestic scenes I had the privilege to see. Sometimes the gifts are small- like a wave from the Kazakh people as I drove by with half my body hanging out the car window trying to capture everything I saw: blue sky, red poppies, little donkeys pulling oversize carts. So many precious gifts given each day! I don't want to miss any of them.

Among the many gifts I have been given are the dear friends and family who have joined me in this next chapter of my life. I treasure each note and each encouraging word. Thank you, dear friends and family. Thank you for being my friends. Thank you for encouraging me, laughing with me, crying with me at times, caring for me when I am sick or discouraged, and for just enjoying the beauty laid out before our eyes. I so much miss my family and friends and especially my children. It helps to hear from you all, but I'm beginning to make new friends here which also fills my heart with joy - and the children, oh the children! My heart is bursting with love for them. I'm learning their names and learning the Kazakh alphabet and beginning to get some words, too.

Love you and thank you for joining with me on this journey. I hope you enjoy the images as much as I enjoyed capturing them. They do not by any means capture the full effect, but you can get a glimps and imagine.

Vicki

Making connections!

My second week (May 18-22) was jammed pack with activities and I am still on a steep learning curve figuring out how to do the most simple of things. I did manage this week to ride the marshuka (bus) to work all by myself! I was full of nervous anticipation when I boarded the bus and wondered if I would recognize where I needed to get off. Then I imagined where I might find myself if I didn't get off at the right place - and then I wondered how I would ever get back to the office. My mind seems to go down rabbit trails of worse case scenarios. When it does, I plan out a course of action for the various "what ifs." Not always a very good use of my time and energy, but that particular morning I did wander down a few trails. Thankfully, I got off at the right stop and arrived at work safe and sound.



I visited Saramoldiva on Tuesday and Ulan on Thursday. Wednesday I went to Saramoldiva with Beth and Olya. We thought we were going only to look at the art work in a competition the local orphanages were having. The artwork represented the work of children 9-14 years of age from three orphanages. Well, it turned out, when I arrived, that I was to be one of the judges. I also learned that not only was I to be a judge, but they wanted me to tell them what the categories for judging should be. I chose three categories. Then I learned that I was to purchase prizes for each category – a prize for a 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in each category. They would pay for them, but I was to decide what the prizes should be! On Friday, I did arrive with prizes in hand and, after the judging, we had a ceremony to present the winners with their awards. There was lots of beautiful art work on display. Then I began thinking about how much fun it would be to do a mural at the orphanages with some of the kids from the orphanage helping with the painting. I'm hoping something like that will work out.



The two women I took a week ago Friday to the bazaar had asked if I could come by this week to see what they had made from the supplies they bought at the bazaar. Beth thought we could run by after we finished at Saramoldiva on Wednesday. Wednesday began with a rainy, dreary morning. When we were leaving Saramoldiva, Beth offered to give Dana and her co-worker - both work for Children Protective Services here in Taraz - a ride back to their office. They had taken public transportation that morning. They were happy for the ride and didn't mind stopping by the 10th Micr Region's Boarding School for Disabled Children. Dana's department is actually over the Boarding School, though her visiting with us as a tag along was not this day in any official capacity. Nonetheless, her presence brought a little uneasiness at first to the staff at the Boarding School. However, with explanation they soon relaxed and everyone enjoyed getting to know each other. By the end of our time together everyone was glad for new relationships being built.

We had not expected a full tour of the school or anything else. I was told to simply drop by and see what they had sewn from the materials. Well, all of us were totally surprised by the welcoming we received. First, we were given a tour of the full facility. As I was trailing behind the group - I stopped to say hello to a couple children in the hall - my heart leapt for joy as I heard several children calling my name as they ran towards me. The rest of the group heard the commotion and came back to see what was going on. Some of "my" kids from Ulan attend this school during the day. They had spotted me and came running with open arms to hug and greet me. Oh, how I loved seeing their faces. These girls were at Ulan in 2000 and 2001. I wish I had had a digital camera then. All those pictures from the early 2000’s are on 35mm and have yet to be scanned into my computer. One day I hope to do that. Anyway, below are a couple of the girls’ photos from 2006. My heart fills with joy to see them and know that I am finally here to build a real relationship with them. At the same time I experience a deep sadness for what they haven't had and the evidence of that in their lives.


Saule at the 10th Micro Region Boarding School for disabled children. Some of the children at this school are orphans from local orphanages and only come for schooling during the day. A micro region is like a project in the States, a highly-populated, low-income area.


This is Saule in 2006




Bota, me, and Nurshat. May 2009.


Nurshat 2006.


Bota 2006.

As we toured the facility, we had opportunity to talk to some of the staff. It was encouraging to see that the heart desire of the staff is to help the children. There was a room of boys doing wood burning. Several had obvious handicaps but were able to produce beautiful pictures. I would love to think or have someone suggest something they could produce that would be marketable. It is great for these children to learn sewing or woodworking, etc., but they need to be able to do more than just produce pretty pictures.


Some of the staff, Dana and her coworker from the Child Protection Agency, Beth and myself.

After looking around, we went back to the sewing classroom and found a great spread of wonderful food laid out for us. Kazakhs know how to show hospitality unlike any I have ever seen. Even though I don’t understand most of what is being said, I love to sit and listen to the language. Kazakh is a beautiful language. I can tell the difference between Kazakh and Russian most of the time now. A step in the right direction!


Having "Tea."

On Thursday I went back to Ulan to visit with children in the morning and then again in the afternoon. The group in the afternoon has several children who go to the 10th Micro region boarding school during the day. This is the group where the two children I visited in Texas lived. It was such a joy to reconnect and see the excitement in their faces and hear through the translator how happy they were that I have finally came back and am going to stay. They asked about Marc and Sarah and were happy they were doing such good things.




Me, two orphan boys and a caregiver who has been at Ulan since my first trip in 2000. She heard through the children I was there and came to this building in search of me. It is so good to make these connections.


Delivering pictures we took when we delievered gifts on Veteran’s Day. She cried and said “thank you” for taking the time to pay attention to us. I told her I'd come back and visit another day. What a gift to connect with people. May you remember to reach out to a senior citizen in your neighborhood. Ask them about their life. Then be prepared to be amazed by the story they tell.

On Friday I took another two women to the bazaar from Saramoldiva orphanage to buy supplies to make outfits. Then, on Saturday, went again with Ken and Sholpan. I am making friends in the bazaar. If you’d like to check out the pictures from the bazaar, click on LINK TO FAMILY ALBUMS, then go to the album titled “bazaar.” There are some great pictures and you might enjoy the meat section in particular! Sholpan was buying food to take with her to Almaty. She left Saturday evening by train to have surgery on her eyes. Please keep her in your thoughts that all goes well and she recovers quickly.

The journey continues and I am most thankful for all the encouraging notes I receive via email from my family and friends back home. Thank you. I wish you each could join me and see for yourself the sights and sounds. If you ever want to visit please let me know. My door is always open to you.

Love,
Vicki

My first week in Kazakhstan.

Well, this new chapter of my life has begun. So far each page is full of new experiences, sights, sounds, and only a couple struggles. It is exciting to be on this journey. Unlike in the book, The Hobbit, when they wonder "what tale have we fallen into," I may not know what is yet to be written but I know beyond a shadow of doubt this is the call on my life and I desire to fulfill this call.

When I wake, I find myself thinking “I must be dreaming.” For so long I dreamed of being here and, now that I am here, it doesn’t seem real sometimes. This past week has been full as I try to learn how to live life in a totally different culture.

My first two nights in KZ, I stayed with Beth, my team leader. I was scheduled to go to my host home on Saturday but, in traditional Kazakh-style,things didn’t work out as scheduled. Sholpan didn’t return from visiting her friends until after 9 p.m. As the day wore on, Beth and I decided it would be too late to settle into a new place, so I stayed on at Beth’s.

Jason an intern from Virginia, Ken (here 5 years), Beth, the Director of Interlink in Kazakhstan (also here 5 years) and I headed to Sholpan’s house on Sunday. Sholpan had invited a girlfriend and her son to join us for lunch. Sholpan and her friend prepared a traditional Kazakh meal of pilaf, salads and nan (bread). After our meal, we enjoyed a game of Mexican Train. This was a new game to me but very popular here. It is a dominos game and can be played without knowing the language, which was helpful for me, of course! It was fun. After playing several rounds, Sholpan left to prepare another traditional Kazakh treat of fried bread. It is very tasty fresh off the stove and served plain or with jam. I can’t imagine there is any nutritional value in this treat - nor do I want to know what grease was used to fry the dough in - but it was very tasty. Nuts, raisins, cookies, candies, dried apricot pits (which looks like an almond and similar texture but with a lemony flavor) and chia (tea) rounded out this snack. Now, mind you, we had eaten a feast only a couple hours before. I was stuffed from lunch, but did manage to eat a couple pieces of fried bread.


Sholpan, me, Jason, Sholpan's friend and son, and Ken

Sholpan is a widow with two grown children. A “bala” (boy) and a “cuz” (girl). Her home is a cute cottage with two bedrooms, an inside bathroom for bathing and washing and an out-house for. . . , a kitchen, hallway, a “mud” room (foyer) just inside the one and only door to the building, a living room and a dining/family room. Outside the house is surrounded by a high metal privacy fence. A key is used to enter the courtyard and the gate is always kept closed and locked. I have my own room. All in all it is a very comfortable arrangement. Sholpan is very patient and tells me over and over the words for the items I am using daily. Her Kazakh, I am told, is excellent and I hope to learn well from her.


Just inside the gate is the courtyard of the home.


Looking in the front door - actually, it is the only door into the home.


The curtain moved aside. This is where you leave your shoes.


This is my bedroom.


The dinning/family room.


The kitchen.


The inside bathroom. The toilet is only for looks because it does not have water running to it. Neither does the washing machine.


The outhouse just outside and around the corner from the front door.

Monday (May 11) was a holiday to celebrate veterans, so I didn’t have to go into work. I was able to spend the day unpacking, getting settled, helping Sholpan clean, and then just relaxing.

Tuesday (May 12) Sholpan and I left about 8:10 am to walk several blocks to catch the marshuka (bus) to work. I didn't ride the buses in Richmond, so I had nothing to compare this ride to. However, that first morning I felt like I got sucked into a sardine can and was spit out blocks later. I couldn’t see out a window to get any landmarks or bearings so had no real idea of where I was. I was in a black hole then I was in daylight. There is no way I could at this point make that ride on my own. I would have no idea where to get off. Oh well, one of many things still to learn. Once off the marshuka, we walked another 4 or 5 blocks. I felt like a kindergartner when Sholpan delivered me to the office, told me to have a good day and she would return in the evening for me.

Tuesday I went with Ken and Kiikzhan on their regular visit to Saramoldiva orphanage. It was so much fun to be with the children. I haven’t been to Saramoldiva much because a camp has never been hosted there. I don’t know these children like I know those at Savva and Ulan. Yet, my heart leaped with joy when I heard my name and turned to see a boy running towards me who used to be at Savva. Renat was so excited to see me and we hugged each other for a long moment. This is why I have come. These are the children who have captured my heart. Each year on my short-term trips, when I returned to the States, part of my heart remained here in Kazakhstan. On Tuesday, holding these children in my lap, playing card games with them, kicking the ball around and learning the names of the children I don’t know, I was filled me with peace and great joy! I felt at home! It was so good!


Nadia, Nastia & Sasha.


Me doing bubbles with the kids.


Timur.


Feruza & Vladick.


Vika, Feruza, Anna & Anna.

Wednesday morning, I walked 20 minutes to Beth’s apartment to use her Internet connection. I was able to talk with both Marc and Sarah over Skype and that eased my heart immensely. Oh, how I miss Marc and Sarah! Actually, I miss the calls and texts that kept us connected even when we didn’t see each other. It is very difficult here not having access to the Internet or phone. I hadn’t realized how dependent I had become on my cell phone and computer. I am feeling a little off balanced because of not having frequent access to these two modern technologies which keep me connected to Marc and Sarah. In time we will have a new way of staying connected, but I was happy to hear their voices on Wednesday over Skype.

After I finished at Beth’s, I walked another 20 minutes to the Interlink office. Along the way several people stopped to ask me if I was a tourist. None of them spoke English so it was fun trying to communicate with my limited vocabulary. I gave out the cards with my Interlink office address. Many of you in the States have these. I figured they could stop by and say “hi,” if they wanted to. Some who stopped were young college-age girls. I liked talking with them even thought the conversation was very limited.

I spent the rest of the day in the office trying to learn how things are done. I’m on a steep learning curve. Sometimes the simplest of tasks are quite difficult, but I smile and keep muddling forward. The national staff at Interlink, as well as the American staff, has been so kind and patient with me. They have each gone out of their way in the mist of all they need to do to help me in whatever challenge is before me. I hope I can be has helpful, patient, and kind has they consistently are, as I stumbled along.

Thursday morning I went with Ken and Kiikzhan to Ulan orphanage. We played with a group of 4 and 5 year-olds first. They enjoyed racing matchbox cars down a ramp, then putting together puzzles we had brought with us. Like most young children in America, they squealed with delight when they got to pick one sticker each before we left. Next we went to the other building where the older children live and played Uno, basketball, frisbee, and put puzzles together. The younger ones, of course, I didn’t know from previous visits. They have all come in the last two years; however, I did see several older ones from previous years who I do know.

As I played Uno, I was learning my colors and to count in Kazakh. This is the way I am going to learn, by being in the mist of the children practicing over and over again. I deeply desire to be able to communicate with these precious children. Thank goodness they just laugh at my feeble attempts at speaking their language. Then they repeat it again for me to try to get it right.











In the afternoon I went with Beth to take pictures as she presented some equipment to Umit, the baby orphanage for disabled children. I saw only four small babies and my arms longed to scoop them up and hold them.





Friday, Marina came and said there were two women from a local boarding school for disabled children coming to talk with me -- and for me to take them to the bazaar to buy some supplies!! This was news to me!! And how was I suppose to negotiate that alone?? Well, it was a miscommunication. With a couple of phone calls, Medina, a young university student was free to come help me. She goes to James Madison University in Virginia and I’ve worked with her on short term trips to Savva. She is back for the summer and joined us in our trip to the bazaar.

I loved going to the bazaar. So many different sights and sounds to see and experience! Staying aware and alert was a necessity - like walking around inner-city Richmond (and many other places) - but, over all, the people are warm and friendly. Many are curious and want to engage in a conversation. The women from the boarding school purchased material to make traditional Kazakh costumes for the children. I enjoyed walking through the bazaar, looking at fabric, sewing notions, trim and appliqués. I used to do a lot of sewing years ago, so most of the things I saw were familiar, only with different names.

















Friday evening we all went to Ken’s house for pizza and movie night. Another American living in Taraz, who works for the Peace Corp, also came, as well as a couple of national staff from the office and Elena, who is staying with me at my host home because Sholpan had to be out of town. Beth made great pizza dough. Then in assembly line fashion the toppings were added. Olya added green beans, which was different - and made for a lively discussion on what should go on pizzas. We watched the movie Fireproof as we ate delicious pizzas.

Talk about a great movie. I highly recommend Fireproof to anyone who hasn’t seen it. There were eight singles watching this movie, which is kind of funny for a movie about marriage. But there is a great message for handling the challenges life throws us. So it is well worth watching whether married of single. Watching the movie was a great way to unwind at the end of a great week.


Beth, Jason, Olya & Kiikzhan. Olya likes vegetables and put some green beens on two pizzas. She was looking after everyone's health. This caused a big discussion about what should go on a pizza. Jason doesn't like vegetables in general - so in the picture you have the general consenses - Jason's cheese pizza "good" - Olya's vegetable pizza with green beans "bad." I actually thought the green beans were tasty on the pizza. It was a fun evening, all in all.

Saturday morning I got to sleep in and take it slow in the morning. I walked over to Beth’s around noon for some team time with Beth, Jason and Ken. Afterwards I stayed and worked on the Internet and called a couple of friends on Skype. It was so good to touch base with them. Oh, I miss my friends and family.

Sunday morning was again relaxing. Ken picked me up at 1 o’clock with two orphans from Saramoldiva. Kiikzhan had three other kids in his car. We meet Jason at a local cafe. Interlink has monthly birthday parties with the children at Savva, Ulan and Saramoldiva. Each of these children had birthdays in May. The kids are allowed to choose anything they want from the menu. One small girl, Feruza, ordered a pizza. She had a whole small pizza to herself - not one of those personal size pizza we know in the States, but an eight slice small pizza. I couldn’t imagine her eating three pieces, but she ate six pieces of hers, plus another slice of a different pizza, and some salad. She then went on to eat ice cream and cookies!! I was amazed!!

After lunch and ice cream we went back to the office for the kids to play Jason’s Wii game. It didn’t take them long to catch on and we had a ball. I enjoyed watching their excitement. Before the kids left, we sang Happy Birthday, gave them birthday wishes and distributed gift bags. All in all everyone had a good time.


Jason, Timur, Kiikzhan, Sergei, Nuridin, Vika, Feruza & Ken.


Feruza & Me.


Me, Vika, Nuridin, Timur, Kiikzhan,Sergei, Ken & Feruza.


Nuridin eating his ice cream.


Sergei, Ken & Feruza.


Feruza.


Nuridin.


Nuridin, Timur, Sergei, Vika, & Feruza.

I can’t believe a week has gone by. Many times I have felt like a child, being off balance as I try to find a routine in the details of life. At the same time, I feel like I have come home. A juxtaposition for sure! I am loving almost every minute though, at times, I am missing you, my dear friends and family, with an ache I didn’t think possible. Though I know this is exactly where I am supposed to be and I’m doing exactly what I’m supposed to be doing, I do miss greatly those I had to leave, those I love dearly at home in the States.

Thank you - each of you - for your encouraging words and support. Thank you for helping touch these children’s lives.

Love,

Vicki