the end of the end

i am in my last week of service and can hardly believe that it's over. it's been an emotional few months from the revolution in april, ethnic clashes in the south, and the referendum. i'm sure there will be more to come before kyrgyzstan will go back to the quiet little country that i know and love.
going around karakol saying goodbye to friends was a bit surreal. i still don't fully believe that i am leaving and really don't feel like i am saying goodbye. my host mom asked me if i was ever going to come back and i said, yes of course. still skeptical, she made me shake on it and promise my return to kyrgyzstan. i think it will take me a little while but i have no doubt that i will come back and visit my family on the other side of the world.
my last week of service consists of teaching amaerican culture and tradition classes to kyrgyz students who will soon fly out to live a year in america. it's this strange full circle to be teaching the classes that were taught to me only two years ago. i still am not sure exactly what i learned or how much this experience has changed me. my service is ending while theirs is just beginning.
monday we will finish our paper work for peace corps and then drive out over the mountains to china. i'm planning to travel until christmas and look forward to this whole new travel experience that awaits.

august 23rd

August 23rd is my official leave date. I have been anticipating hearing the date for so long and now that I know it... i feel like I don't have enough time. Started planning everything I want to do before I do and it gives me this tight feeling in my chest. At the same time, I search the internet for cheap plane tickets to india, dream of the future and what I will find.

This last week was full of reflection, goodbyes, and hillariousness. Cheers to the last three months.

Twenty Eight!

Have to say... this was the best birthday yet. Spent the weekend with wonderful friends who were just happy to be exactly where they were. What is better than being around people you love who are completely content in the moment? My favorite part was all of us laying out on the beach, sun shining, playing the guitar, and thinking that it really can't get much better than this. Imagine that...
When I signed up for Peace Corps, I expected my life to change drastically and to live in a place that people really needed my help. The experiences, friends, and perfect moments that make your breathe a little deeper are these added bonuses that I never really expected. Being 28 will bring me to India, Nepal, being an aunt, and coming home again... sounds good to me.

revolution

Revolution in Kyrgyzstan. Although people have been unhappy with their government, I just assumed the majority was too apathetic to actually do anything. Perhaps they were just looking for the right time. Last Thursday, thousands of people stormed the White House in Bishkek and drove out the president. 47 people were shot and killed, 1,500 were wounded. I try to imagine Ala Too square with so many people willing to die for something they believe in. We all hope that their lives were not taken in vain. Kyrgyzstan deserves better.

As of now, Karakol is quiet. Children are playing in the streets and life continues. We are all wondering what is going to happen... if the president will back down or gather his supporters... if Peace Corps will be allowed to stay in Kyrgyzstan... what will happen in the future. I started to pack my apartment, thinking I was leaving, and burst in to tears. Didn't realize how much I wanted to be here until it was possibly over.

So, the only thing to do is wait. I have been tearing myself up wondering what is going to happen next. This whole week of limbo has been mentally taxing on all of us. Yesterday I took a moment to remember a prayer hanging up at home. "God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and courage to know the difference." This is one is out of my hands. All I can do is control how I react to the situation. I'm going to just enjoy the moments I have and appreciate that I am here today. Viva Kyrgyzstan!

not me, but i'm getting there...

My students and I hosted a local talent night. Amazing what you will find when you give kids the opportunity to shine.

the Stan Famiy

Couldn't think of a better group of people. I think it takes living far away from home to find family among a group of smelly, spastic, pesto-hungry randoms.

t.g.i.f.

thank god it's february. something about january that always turns me inside out and gets me down. the days are getting longer, warmer, and the winter has taken a turn for spring... this could all be mental but i'm ok with that. all i know is that there are 8 months left of service and each days is getting warmer. picturing myself on the beach of lake issyk-kul, feeling the sun soak through my eyelids as i plan my trip to india. did i just spend the last two years of my life in kyrgyzstan?

replacement interviews

Just met with my Peace Corps program manager, two department heads, and the dean to talk about my replacement. Hard to believe a new volunteer is starting to make their packing list to leave in a month for Kyrgyzstan. How fast and slow two years has gone....

Kyrgyzstan Teacher Conference

Recently, I found out that my teacher training team has won a $6000 grant to have the annual FORUM Teacher Training Conference in Karakol. In March 100 teachers from around Kyrgyzstan will come to our town for a two day conference focusing on English teaching methodology. This is a huge undertaking and I'm excited and intimidated on what it entails. When I came to Kyrgyzstan two years ago, never did I think that I would be co-directing a country wide conference. This is the icing on the cake of a successful two year project.

First but not the last attempt at a Russian aerobics class

When a friend asked if i wanted to go check out the local gym, I couldn't say no. I've been running and doing yoga on my own, but there is something about exercising with others that is addicting. When I walked into the studio, I really felt like I was in America. Well, except for the lady using that jiggly belt thing that was advertised to "melt off the pounds" in the 1960s. I really can't even follow an aerobics class in English, never mind Russian but it was so much fun to share something with locals that goes beyond language. Classic 80's jazzercise moves and box stepping to "Pump up the Jam." Ya tak ustala!

Do people in Kyrgyzstan celebrate Christmas?

The majority of people in Kyrgyzstan are Muslim so don't celebrate December 25th... and Russian Orthodox chruch celebrates Christmas on January 7th. In Kyrgyzstan, New Years is this kind of combo Halloween, Christmas, New Years holiday where everyone gets together with their families, eat tons of good food, give small gifts, and then celebrates with their friends after midnight. I spent the night with my host family and felt truly lucky. In the past, I've always run around on December 31st, trying to find something to make the New Years memorable... but usually just end up disappointed. This year, I stayed at home with people who love me and finally found everything I was looking for. Welcome 2010!!