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!