My Time at Savva

Last Monday (22 June) when I arrived at Savva orphanage, I almost couldn't get out of Beth's car. Obviously I'm not a celebrity, but each of the children wanted to give me a hug and let me know how happy they were that I had finally arrived. Sometimes the lack of language doesn't matter because there was no mistaking our happiness at finally being together - the children and me! I cannot begin to put into words the rush of joy that filled my heart as I held each one in my arms. I am so happy to finally be here in Kazakhstan for good.







Picture taken on the steps of Interlink Resources Taraz office (American team and translators)

The rest of the American delegation had been at Savva since the 17th of June doing an English camp for the kids. There were classes in the morning, sports and other activities in the afternoon and a program each evening for the children. I was coming into the mix mid-stream. This group of Americans was amazing. They were from three different states (Virginia, Indiana and Oregon)and I felt honored to be able to join the team for the last half of the camp. Most of the team members had traveled together for this camp in previous years. The three new team members jumped right in and the whole team worked together like a well-oiled machine - encouraging, helping and laughing together. This trip isn't an easy trip logistically or physically. Having your team members be there to encourage you when you are overwhelmed and/or not feeling well makes all the difference in the world. I think each American should take at least one trip out of the United States and do something for someone else. Being like a little child in a new situation is a golden opportunity to step back and see life through a different perspective.

Interlink gets local and mostly university students to be translators. It is great experience for them to practice their English skills and it makes it possible for the Americans to communicate with the children and staff. Being a translator is a difficult and tiring experience under regular circumstances. When you add together all the work and the 180 kids, it is an overwhelming, exhausting job, but this group of translators worked incredibly hard and made the experience great for the Americans. The full-time Interlink team also went above and beyond as they cared for so many details, including providing everything each American needed. Thank you Ken, Olya, Moldir, Beth and the entire office staff at Interlink.

My part of the camp was a three day Art Seminar for older students and two days of craft time with the youngest group. I love being with these children and they love all the activities that are provided for them by the American team. One morning the youngest group put their hand prints on tote bags and then used various stamps to add designs on the bag. Then we wrote each camper's name and the date on each of the bags. Can you believe we had 28 children with paint on their hands and then paint on rubber stamps, yet not getting one drop of paint on anything besides the tote bags? The children are eager to please and to listen. Then we played games and sang songs.







I divided the older students I had into two groups. The Savva staff had picked the students they thought had talent or interest in art. On Monday 10 students came. Using pastels on paper each did a still life. The second group of 10 came on Tuesday afternoon and did the same assignment. I taught some techniques but was more interested in seeing what talent was here among the students and what they understood about art in general. They did very well and were eager to learn. I encouraged them to enjoy the process and not just focus on the product. Enjoying the creative experience of playing with the colors was far more important than whether or not they created a master piece.




My "Birthday" Hat! Of course I would never be caught dead in something like this at home, but I couldn't refuse the children!

I celebrated my first birthday in Kazakhstan at Savva orphanage. It was a fabulous, fun day celebrating with friends and some of the children that had brought me half way around the world. Beth orchestrated a huge surprised for me which touched my heart and brought me great joy. Without letting me know she had asked Lois and Chip to get my family and friends to send Birthday wishes which Beth printed and gave to Sharyll to give to me Tuesday morning as she announced to the team that it was my birthday. I was so surprised and so touched by the amount of birthday wishes. Thank you all for your love and friendship. Thank you for taking the time to let me know with such kind words. My heart overflowed with gratitude and love. Thank you Beth for taking the time, effort and thought to bless me.

This youngest group put together a photo collage of themselves for me as a birthday gift. Oh, how it touched my heart. The entire day was a wonderful delightful day. I was given flowers, home made cards, hand made gifts, kisses, hugs and so much more. I am blessed beyond measure.









The second craft day with the youngest kids we did t-shirts with handprints, stamps and their names. Again it was a fun activity for the children. I told them nobody else in the world has their hand print. They are uniquely and wonderfully made.


Wednesday was the final day of the art seminar and 10 student were chosen to participate. Ken made me easels and I bought canvas and paint. Each student was able to create a painting of their choice. Many of the students had never had the opportunity to use paints before, much less paint on canvas. Some were nervous and even afraid to start for fear of messing up. I encouraged them to enjoy the experience and again not focus on what the outcome was but to enjoy the process. Again, I worked on some basic concepts, which I will expand on in future classes with these kids.



I find the Kazakh people to be a very creative, gifted people and the children show so much talent. It was such a joy to encourage the shy ones as well as the couple of students that were advanced in their skills. One young man, whom I've know for several years now, has an incredible talent. He graduated this year and in August has a chance to go to a college in Taraz to study art. These kids have the cards stacked against them. Even at an orphanage like Savva where the staff and director have a real heart for the children, it is difficult for these kids to actually make it in the world. They have very few life skills and even less self confidence. I'm hoping to be able to stay in touch with this student and hopefully he'll desire to participate in Interlink's Youth Impact program. The program gives the graduates from the local orphanage life skills and a place to help them navigate their path towards being productive citizens in their community.



The top 5 students were allowed to keep their easels and I left paints, paper, and pastels for these students in hopes that they will practice until the next seminar. Below is a picture with Stas and the "master piece" he finished in class. He is an amazing young man with lots of talent. It is my great privilege to be a small part of his life.



When I wasn't doing my art classes, I participated with the rest of the team's activities for the children. Each evening was a different activity including an American dance night and a Carnival night. The Americans enjoy this time as much as the children. During the day there is time to have quiet moments with individual children and that is what I look forward to. I love all the fun activities, but treasure the time to sit and get to know a child better, to hear their story, encourage them or just sit beside them in a comfortable silence.










A front moved through right before Carnival Night. Rain seemed to fall all around but not on Savva, which was wonderful since there wasn't a place to hold the carnival inside. As we were setting up, a beautiful rainbow spread across the sky right over Savva. A promise that they are not forgotten and neither am I.









The above picture is one I took on the way back from Savva orphanage to Taraz. Kazakhstan is at a crossroads in many ways. Many are going from cooking on an open fire to microwave technology overnight. This fact never became more evident to me than when we pulled into the office of Interlink. There sitting in the front drive was a HUMMER! In Kazakhstan! A film crew had been using our building to film some scene for a Kazakh movie. The HUMMER was a prop for a scene. A local business man actually owns this monster of a vehicle. I wanted to send a picture home to my son and tell him this was my new car in Kazakhstan. But I don't believe he would fall for that because I think he knows me too well. I would rather drive an old junker and give the rest of the money it would cost to own a Hummer to help children. It did bring into focus the huge contrast here in Kazakhstan.



Last week was bursting with so many activities, thoughts, joys, some heartaches, and life in general. I can't begin to put down in a short blog all that happened last week. But a couple things I know for sure: I have amazing friends who love and care for me and I am exactly where I'm suppose to be. I am blessed beyond measure. My life has lots of bumps and unexpected events, but I am not alone. This next chapter of my life already has many sweet memories that I will treasure. Thank you, dear friends, for joining me in the adventure.

Love,
Vicki

What have I been doing the last two weeks!

These are pictures of the Art Competition from three local orphanages.






Here I am with Donna,one of the Directors of Saramoldiva Orphanage, Beth and Olya



June 1st in Kazakhstan is Children's Day. Kazakhs celebrate Women's Day, Men's Day and Children's Day instead of Mother's and Father's Day. Beth, Moldir and I went to the celebrations at Ulan Orphanage. The children and staff put on a beautiful performance for us and other groups interested in the children. A group of young women studying fashion design in a local university designed outfits that some of the orphans modeled on stage. A group of men gave the orphanage a TV and many well-wishes were given to the children.



Many children displayed beauty and talent but my heart was sad because most of the children in Ulan orphanage were unable to attend. Only a few who were not performing were able to come because children in the orphanage share school uniforms. School is only half a day. Those who go in the morning wear a school outfit. When they return at lunch time, the uniform is given to another child who then wears it to afternoon classes. So, for any official event, there isn't a "nice outfit" for each child to wear and sadly, therefore, not all can attend.

Appearance is very important in Kazakhstan. Image matters whether it's the shoes you choose to wear or the color you choose to dye your hair. I stopped coloring my hair because I didn't think I could get boxed hair color here. Well, I can get any color I'd want, even some natural looking ones. However, I think I'll leave it "white" for a couple reasons. First, I've gotten use to it and it is easier to manage leaving it my natural color. Secondly, I'd like my actions to speak about where I find my value and worth - and it is not in hair color or shoes. I do not want to offend anyone with what I wear, but neither do I want to add to the perception that looks are what is most important. The focus on appearance is seen not only in clothes, but on buildings. Any new building is constructed with great-looking facade. However, the quality of construction underneath is not immediately seen but within a year, usually, the building looks like it has been around for generations. The focus here on the appearance of things leads to a hopelessness. The truth is that finding value in oneself is difficult with a facade. Kazakhstan, unfortunately, has a very high suicide rate. Hopelessness penetrates all areas of society, but is found especially among the children in these orphanages and it breaks my heart.



On Saturday, June 6, Beth, Ken, Jason, Kiikzhan and I took Ken and Jason's Thusday afternoon English Club to the river for a picnic. Those attending the club are either students from various universities or those who have just graduated but desire to improve their English. Our picnic was a celebration for their work through the year. English Club will resume in the fall. It was a little chilly for swimming in the river, but everyone had fun, nonetheless. We played frizbee (something they don't have here), card games and just enjoyed nature. We spread a blanket and had cucumbers, carrots, tomatoes, chicken, kibassa and cheese to go on our bread for sandwiches and sodas or water to drink.



On Sunday, June 7, Beth, Ken, Jason and I drove to a village about an hour and a half from Taraz. I loved being in the village. The people are so incredibly friendly and hospitable. I love the picture below of the grandfather of a woman who lives in the village. She is a friend of Beth's. He is in his mid-70's, which is old by Kazakhstan standards. I was honored to be in their home, if even for a short time. I look forward to going back to give them copies of pictures I took while I was with them.



Beth, Ken, and Jason's friends took us to a picnic spot in the mountains. It was absolutely beautiful. We drove up the mountain and crossed a small stream in our vehicles to a spot where we left the car and then hiked a little way farther up the mountain before setting up "camp." After a relaxing lunch, we explored the surrounding countryside.







Kazakhstan's landscape is beautiful. This spring has been unusually wet so the fields are much greener than they typically are the beginning of June. But even when there is the the harshness of a dry, hot summer, the landscape has a beauty all its own. I love being out in nature and enjoying creation.

Last week I returned to the bazaar with pictures I had taken on previous trips. I had so much fun distributing the pictures. The two young university students (who speak English) who were with me enjoyed the excitement as much as I did. Everyone seemed so please to receive their photos and each responded so positively. Of course, others also wanted their pictures taken, so now I need to go back and deliver more pictures!



At times I have gone to the bazaar without taking my camera and I have regretted it because there is always some great sight I want to capture. I wish each of you could come visit so I could show you around the wonderful town of Taraz.



Last Friday, June 12, we had a farewell party for Jason. Jason graduated last May from a university in Virginia and came for a year-long internship program with Interlink Resources. Jason is an amazing young man with such a gift for computers, programs, policy and procedures. He has been a great asset to Interlink Resources here in Kazakhstan. Jason will be going back to Virginia for a couple of weeks before heading to Indiana to help in our State-side office for several months. Jason will be greatly missed here. Everyone is very grateful and thankful that Jason will continue working with Interlink, providing knowledge in areas of need. Thank you, Jason.

We all had a great time enjoying wings prepared by Beth. They were better than any wings I've ever had in the States. We also had salads, pound cake prepared by Ken, apple cobbler and carrot cake also prepared by Beth, and other tasty foods. The evening continued with games.



On Sunday we had another dinner. This time in honor of Jason at Marina's family's home. Another great meal, games and a time to enjoy each others' company before Jason boarded the train on the first leg of his journey home. Assel from the office rode with Jason on the over night train to Almaty. Jason was scheduled to fly out of Almaty Tuesday morning but was delayed due to some paper work mix-up. Patience is a great virtue to have here in Kazakhstan. If you don't have it when you arrive, you most definitely will by the time you leave. Nothing runs according to plan and the saying "You aren't in Kansas any more, Dorothy" is a key phrases we use around here. Jason is spending a week in Almaty before heading home. Assel returned with the American delegation on Tuesday, June 17.



I moved June 11 to a new host family. Such a change is often necessary. I was sad to leave Sholpan's for many reasons, but as she has often been away and has had to leave again to go to Almaty, it is nice to be in a home where the family stays at home.


My new bedroom.

My new host family lives in a flat on the fourth floor of an apartment building. It is small but quite nice. Dana and I met several weeks ago when I visited the 10 Micro Region Boarding School for disabled children. We hit it off right away and she invited me to come live with her and her husband. They both speak Kazakh and help me each evening with my Kazakh. Dana plans on my knowing Kazakh by Christmas. I'm optimistically hopeful.



There is a dirt courtyard between the apartment buidings where I now live and dozens of children play there each afternoon. Dana and I went out one evening and I gave out match box cars and jump ropes. It seemed like a good public relations move on my part, a way to introduce myself to the local children. It was a hit and now when I come home I have dozens of children running to greet me. Their greeting me is another way to learn Kazakh! Actually, I'm learning both Russian and Kazakh from them, but that's okay. Hopefully, I'll be able to keep the languages separated. Many Kazakhs mix the two languages in one sentence, so I figure they will show me grace as I muddle through.







Well, friends and family, I know this is a long post and I've only covered a few of the highlights of the past two weeks. I've settled into my new home and have learned to negotiate traveling to and from my new home. I'm trying to settle into a routine of some sorts, but am not yet quite there.

Marc turned 21 on June 20. I can't believe my baby is 21 years old already! My heart is sad because I missed his celebration, yet I know beyond a shadow of a doubt I am where I belong and the call on my life is to be here in Kazakhstan. I truly feel I'm home. Each new word I learn brings me closer to being able to speak with the people on a heart level. I look forward to the day when I can. Until then I'm waiting patiently and enjoying the many blessings given to me each day.

Thank you, each one of you, for your kind words of encouragement. Each email and each note I receive in the mail causes my heart to leap with joy. I'm like a young child at camp when I receive mail from the States. The staff here just laughs because I get so excited.

Thank you, each one, for joining me in this next chapter of my life.

Love,
Vicki