Saturday, October 31, 2009
Who Knew?
Of all places, there's free Wi-Fi at the train station. So while we've got a few hours to wait, Kaz-21 Volunteers (that's right - as of today, we're sworn-in VOLUNTEERS!) are scattered about, typing away. The minutes are passing quickly... those of us headed to the Karaganda Oblast are boarding our train around 5:00pm, one hour from now. No time for a detailed update now, but one is sure to come. I hope it'll be worth the wait, with stories of our last week of PST - complete with a talent show, my last trip to the bazaar, swearing in, and more! (Gosh, and there's sure to be a detailed account of my first train ride and arrival to site!! Maybe the glories of village life will be overshadowed...) Regardless... I've gotta say I am so darn thankful for all the support and encouragement! I have LOVED hearing from people through mail, e-mail, text, and phone calls! Keep it coming! I send heaps of love!!
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Last Village Days
I miss having a free hour of Internet at one of the schools in my village. So instead, I must pay for it elsewhere. And I’ve screwed up the great pattern of Wednesday postings I had going. Dang it! Anyway, I’m done teaching and I’ve had a wonderful week, most of which was in Almaty!
Teaching Finale
First, my last days of teaching… Friday marked my last day as a teacher at my PST site. Again, I had no counterpart. I found my students as the bell rang and walked through the halls with them to find a room where we could have class. With the topic of vacations, the assigned homework was drawing a picture of and then talking about their dream vacation. And what do you know? Some of them did their homework! Rock on! (Two girls then gave me their drawings as a parting gift. : ) I’m pretty proud of the fact that each student stood in front of the class and at least said something in English about travelling before the period was over. And at the end, we squeezed in a few class pictures amidst them inviting me to a “Fall Ball”. Their sadness at my leaving elicits a couple responses. On one hand, I wish I could continue teaching them. On the other, I’m all the more excited to get to site and really get to know various students.
Anyway, a note about the “Fall Ball” I did indeed attend. 110% high school. High school is high school, whether it’s US or KZ. You’ve got cliques paralleling a typical US high school, with kids displaying personalities all too similar. The format, though, was unique. The “ball” was a mix of talent show, fashion show, cook-off, and dance. Eighth to eleventh grade students from each section competed, with a panel of judges scrutinizing them along the way. Once everyone had shown their talent (mostly dancing, with many acts surprisingly risqué for this culture), done their runway walk, performed a nice waltz, and tried to bribe judges with tasty treats, one class was declared supreme. Only then did the dance begin. With it being like any other high school, that’s a good time for the teacher-types to find the nearest exit. And so I did.
Counterpart Conference
The CP conference was held at the same sanitarium we stayed at upon arriving in KZ: Kok Tobe. I enjoyed reflecting on the vast differences in my perceptions during this stay compared to those of exactly two months ago. After only eight weeks in the country, I already have such a deep appreciation for different luxuries. For example, my highlight from day one: the tub in my room had a curtain!! I hadn’t seen one of those since Washington, D.C.!
On Tuesday, we arrived early afternoon and attended sessions for the remainder of the day. Wednesday and Thursday were filled with sessions, as was Friday morning. (Counterparts arrived on Monday for additional training before we got to join them.)
May I say, I’m pumped about my counterpart. My initial impression: she’s a driven woman with a strong personality that’s balanced by a good sense of humor. She’s been teaching for 11 years, so she has the voice of wisdom and experience. I really enjoyed going through various training sessions with her, getting more and more insights on who she is. Also, I’m excited about the school where I’ll be teaching. Sounds like there are 2 tracks of English students, and I’ll be working with the advanced track, I think. Those students start learning English in 1st grade, and by grade 5, they have 5 hours of English every week. Fantastic! Also, this school uses at least some McMillan books. Some of the English textbooks used here make you shudder. They’re awful. So I feel pretty darn lucky to use better books. And the school was renovated this year… has interactive boards (which I ought to learn how to use)… and computers connected to the Internet. Let’s keep our fingers crossed that I can eventually get high speed internet in the house where I’ll be living.
Randomness
With the luxury of a stream of either scalding hot or freezing cold, but RUNNING, water flowing over my head, I dared to jog every morning at Kok Tobe. It’s painfully apparent just how out of shape I am… I hope I can figure out some type of exercise to do at site.
Short story for you: One evening at Kok Tobe, I sat on a lobby couch, crocheting a scarf and talking with friends. A young Russian man enters the lobby, stands and stares at us (and especially me) for a while. He then says “show me” in Russian. The guy wants to learn how to crochet. Right… Anyway, this guy who reeked of cigarette smoke sits inches from me, intently watching me stitch away. I decide to humor him and show him how to make a simple chain. He caught on, made a few stitches, and then left. Whew, I think. Could’ve been much worse. And then he returns in precisely the amount of time he needed to go outside and rip a rose off a bush. How romantic. My deflecting begins, but wasn’t too successful until after he also gave me a little Russian brochure for kids about taking walks through parks. Note to self: Next time pass on teaching crocheting to creepy Russian men who wander into the lobby of a building in which they aren’t staying.
I’ve bought a winter coat. Let’s hope it stands up to the Shakhtinsk winters. Shopping for clothing here is nothing short of an adventure. I went with a couple girls to Baraholka, which is an enormous bazaar in Almaty. Rumor has it this bazaar is cheaper, so with the few tenge we’ve got, that’s the place to be. But the place is huge and chaotic. We went on a peaceful weekday afternoon, and still there were many shoppers, men pushing huge crates through the aisles (making you fear for your life), and shouting all around. There are buildings or tents crowded with booths of clothes, boots, lingerie, and anything else that’s made its way into the country in mass quantities. As for trying on clothes… they give you the courtesy of holding a sheet in front of you if you’re buying an article of clothing that would require removing anything beforehand. I’m a bit apprehensive about buying a dress… I may stick with the coat for now.
A peek into days ahead: Trainees of my village get to head into the CD’s house for a BBQ today! I’m pumped, and I’ve heard from other trainees that it’s an amazing time. Then begins our last week here! We’ll have our swearing-in ceremony one week from today. Crazy! Finally I won’t have to write “trainee” and can call us what we are – “volunteers”! The same day, October 31, I board a train headed north. I’ll leave Almaty Saturday afternoon and get off late Sunday morning in Karaganda. Exciting times await!
Teaching Finale
First, my last days of teaching… Friday marked my last day as a teacher at my PST site. Again, I had no counterpart. I found my students as the bell rang and walked through the halls with them to find a room where we could have class. With the topic of vacations, the assigned homework was drawing a picture of and then talking about their dream vacation. And what do you know? Some of them did their homework! Rock on! (Two girls then gave me their drawings as a parting gift. : ) I’m pretty proud of the fact that each student stood in front of the class and at least said something in English about travelling before the period was over. And at the end, we squeezed in a few class pictures amidst them inviting me to a “Fall Ball”. Their sadness at my leaving elicits a couple responses. On one hand, I wish I could continue teaching them. On the other, I’m all the more excited to get to site and really get to know various students.
Anyway, a note about the “Fall Ball” I did indeed attend. 110% high school. High school is high school, whether it’s US or KZ. You’ve got cliques paralleling a typical US high school, with kids displaying personalities all too similar. The format, though, was unique. The “ball” was a mix of talent show, fashion show, cook-off, and dance. Eighth to eleventh grade students from each section competed, with a panel of judges scrutinizing them along the way. Once everyone had shown their talent (mostly dancing, with many acts surprisingly risqué for this culture), done their runway walk, performed a nice waltz, and tried to bribe judges with tasty treats, one class was declared supreme. Only then did the dance begin. With it being like any other high school, that’s a good time for the teacher-types to find the nearest exit. And so I did.
Counterpart Conference
The CP conference was held at the same sanitarium we stayed at upon arriving in KZ: Kok Tobe. I enjoyed reflecting on the vast differences in my perceptions during this stay compared to those of exactly two months ago. After only eight weeks in the country, I already have such a deep appreciation for different luxuries. For example, my highlight from day one: the tub in my room had a curtain!! I hadn’t seen one of those since Washington, D.C.!
On Tuesday, we arrived early afternoon and attended sessions for the remainder of the day. Wednesday and Thursday were filled with sessions, as was Friday morning. (Counterparts arrived on Monday for additional training before we got to join them.)
May I say, I’m pumped about my counterpart. My initial impression: she’s a driven woman with a strong personality that’s balanced by a good sense of humor. She’s been teaching for 11 years, so she has the voice of wisdom and experience. I really enjoyed going through various training sessions with her, getting more and more insights on who she is. Also, I’m excited about the school where I’ll be teaching. Sounds like there are 2 tracks of English students, and I’ll be working with the advanced track, I think. Those students start learning English in 1st grade, and by grade 5, they have 5 hours of English every week. Fantastic! Also, this school uses at least some McMillan books. Some of the English textbooks used here make you shudder. They’re awful. So I feel pretty darn lucky to use better books. And the school was renovated this year… has interactive boards (which I ought to learn how to use)… and computers connected to the Internet. Let’s keep our fingers crossed that I can eventually get high speed internet in the house where I’ll be living.
Randomness
With the luxury of a stream of either scalding hot or freezing cold, but RUNNING, water flowing over my head, I dared to jog every morning at Kok Tobe. It’s painfully apparent just how out of shape I am… I hope I can figure out some type of exercise to do at site.
Short story for you: One evening at Kok Tobe, I sat on a lobby couch, crocheting a scarf and talking with friends. A young Russian man enters the lobby, stands and stares at us (and especially me) for a while. He then says “show me” in Russian. The guy wants to learn how to crochet. Right… Anyway, this guy who reeked of cigarette smoke sits inches from me, intently watching me stitch away. I decide to humor him and show him how to make a simple chain. He caught on, made a few stitches, and then left. Whew, I think. Could’ve been much worse. And then he returns in precisely the amount of time he needed to go outside and rip a rose off a bush. How romantic. My deflecting begins, but wasn’t too successful until after he also gave me a little Russian brochure for kids about taking walks through parks. Note to self: Next time pass on teaching crocheting to creepy Russian men who wander into the lobby of a building in which they aren’t staying.
I’ve bought a winter coat. Let’s hope it stands up to the Shakhtinsk winters. Shopping for clothing here is nothing short of an adventure. I went with a couple girls to Baraholka, which is an enormous bazaar in Almaty. Rumor has it this bazaar is cheaper, so with the few tenge we’ve got, that’s the place to be. But the place is huge and chaotic. We went on a peaceful weekday afternoon, and still there were many shoppers, men pushing huge crates through the aisles (making you fear for your life), and shouting all around. There are buildings or tents crowded with booths of clothes, boots, lingerie, and anything else that’s made its way into the country in mass quantities. As for trying on clothes… they give you the courtesy of holding a sheet in front of you if you’re buying an article of clothing that would require removing anything beforehand. I’m a bit apprehensive about buying a dress… I may stick with the coat for now.
A peek into days ahead: Trainees of my village get to head into the CD’s house for a BBQ today! I’m pumped, and I’ve heard from other trainees that it’s an amazing time. Then begins our last week here! We’ll have our swearing-in ceremony one week from today. Crazy! Finally I won’t have to write “trainee” and can call us what we are – “volunteers”! The same day, October 31, I board a train headed north. I’ll leave Almaty Saturday afternoon and get off late Sunday morning in Karaganda. Exciting times await!
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
I will survive... I think
With the wonders of flash drives, I’m writing this while sitting in my dining room… a little typing, a little conversation, a little help to my host sister. She’s writing out lyrics to “I’m a little tea pot.” This week, there’s been some good trading going on. She teaches me Russian, I teach her English. She seems to catch on much more quickly than I. I’ll blame it on my old brain. : ) (Side note: don't think I have the internet at home. I type, type, type, then use my flash drive to give you all a wonderfully long post for your reading pleasure!)
Site Announcement!
The long awaited announcement came on Friday! They dragged out the ceremony as long as they dared, but finally, we know where we’ll be living for the next two years! …Two years without packing up and moving?? I haven’t done that since before college. So, once I weather the 19+ hour train ride (and then bus? I’m not sure) to SHAKHTINSK(!!), I can settle in.
On Friday, the Regional Managers took turns announcing volunteers who will be in their respective oblasts. Afterward, we gathered in different rooms with our Regional Manager. We found ourselves on a map, looked through some information on our specific sites, and chatted a bit.
I don’t know much about the place… it’s considered a “town” with 56,714 people. Founded in 1961. Coal mining is huge. Situated on the Tentek River. Extreme continental climate. Entertainment: “cafes, gyms, local friends”. Communication: “phone/cell phone access, post office, Internet”. Infrastructure: “water, electricity are available for the most time”. Yep, grammatically less-than-perfect. But the idea that I’ll have running water and maybe even the opportunity to bathe more than once a week is fabulous. I’m also really hoping for the chance to get Internet hooked up at my home. But I digress. There is not currently a PCV at this site, but they have had PCVs. A grand total of two, to be exact. I’m not sure what to make of that, so I intend to roll with the punches. I’ll be at “Secondary School # 1”. Job description: “Team teaching and individual teaching at 5-11 grades 2 times a week. English Club for students and teachers, organization of theater, Countries study, Ecology”. And apparently you can see pictures of Shakhtinsk on http://aboutkazakhstan.com/shakhtinsk-kazakhstan-city.sthml Let me know if you learn fascinating tidbits regarding my future home.
I’m excited about getting to my site, settling in, and getting to work. I’m amazed at how quickly my focus has changed away from the village where I currently live. Get me to my site, dang it! But alas, I must teach through the end of the week and complete a community project, among other things.
The Last of PST Teaching
Speaking of which, I’m in the middle of five straight days with one lesson each day. So far, so good. Yet, Tuesday’s lesson was, well… in a Kazakhstani school. And the fact that we’re still in the first quarter doesn’t help matters; that’s apparently the time scheduling gets ironed out. Until then, chaos is all too typical. So, Tuesday. I’d been told I would teach during fifth period in Room 6. The bell rings to end fourth period. I make my way to Room 6, which I half expect to be empty. (It’s the size of a closet, not a classroom.) I’m right; it’s empty. I check nearby rooms for my counterpart. She’s nowhere to be found. I do, however, find my Regional Manager and PCVTA, who have come to observe my lesson. Wonderful, we can all be lost together. The bell rings to begin fifth period. I descend from the second floor to the main level and spot one of my students among several roaming the halls. “Where’s our class?” I ask. He gives a clueless look and points to another student of mine, who is equally as clueless. Then, down the hall, I see the frantic waving of my counterpart. Alrighty, let’s get this lesson going. With precious minutes lost, I recalculate my lesson plan, taking out activities as need be. (You’ve gotta love unnecessary preparation.) I dive head first into my lesson, caring more about the time I’ve lost than the fact that my counterpart is now MIA, along with three of my eleven students. I guess the students are at some cultural function; I give no thought to the absence of the teacher. Then I reach a point in my lesson where her role is critical: explaining gerunds. Heck, I’d be lucky to adequately explain gerunds to myself, let alone native Kazakh speakers. But I’m proud to say, we fought through and prevailed! I use “prevail” a bit loosely – they were able to form sentences through very guided activities. Who knows if they understand the grammar. So what’s my plan? Hit ‘em with infinitives tomorrow.
In Other News…
I’ve finally eaten pizza in Kazakhstan! Two friends and I got together and made two masterpieces. Here, there is a bread (лепёшка) that’s perfect for the crust. I ate and ate and ate some more. Man was it tasty. I must say, though, I have been enjoying Kazakh food. Самса is becoming a favorite – fried bread with your choice of filling, which for me is cheese. You can’t go wrong with cheese. My host family cooks great food, too. Bishbarmak has been tasty, as have other dishes. There was a carrot dish I really enjoyed – and apparently it’s just shredded carrots mixed with a mayo/garlic sauce. I’ll have to see if I can replicate said dish in the future.
Next week, Tuesday through Saturday, is Counterpart Conference. So, I’ll meet my counterpart and attend trainings. We’ll all be at the resort-type place where we stayed right after arriving in the country. The following week, we’re back in our villages, and we’ll be doing teacher trainings, I believe. I’ll do what I can to keep you posted. Let’s hope these aren’t my final days of feeling somewhat connected through my weekly hour on the world wide web…
Site Announcement!
The long awaited announcement came on Friday! They dragged out the ceremony as long as they dared, but finally, we know where we’ll be living for the next two years! …Two years without packing up and moving?? I haven’t done that since before college. So, once I weather the 19+ hour train ride (and then bus? I’m not sure) to SHAKHTINSK(!!), I can settle in.
On Friday, the Regional Managers took turns announcing volunteers who will be in their respective oblasts. Afterward, we gathered in different rooms with our Regional Manager. We found ourselves on a map, looked through some information on our specific sites, and chatted a bit.
I don’t know much about the place… it’s considered a “town” with 56,714 people. Founded in 1961. Coal mining is huge. Situated on the Tentek River. Extreme continental climate. Entertainment: “cafes, gyms, local friends”. Communication: “phone/cell phone access, post office, Internet”. Infrastructure: “water, electricity are available for the most time”. Yep, grammatically less-than-perfect. But the idea that I’ll have running water and maybe even the opportunity to bathe more than once a week is fabulous. I’m also really hoping for the chance to get Internet hooked up at my home. But I digress. There is not currently a PCV at this site, but they have had PCVs. A grand total of two, to be exact. I’m not sure what to make of that, so I intend to roll with the punches. I’ll be at “Secondary School # 1”. Job description: “Team teaching and individual teaching at 5-11 grades 2 times a week. English Club for students and teachers, organization of theater, Countries study, Ecology”. And apparently you can see pictures of Shakhtinsk on http://aboutkazakhstan.com/shakhtinsk-kazakhstan-city.sthml Let me know if you learn fascinating tidbits regarding my future home.
I’m excited about getting to my site, settling in, and getting to work. I’m amazed at how quickly my focus has changed away from the village where I currently live. Get me to my site, dang it! But alas, I must teach through the end of the week and complete a community project, among other things.
The Last of PST Teaching
Speaking of which, I’m in the middle of five straight days with one lesson each day. So far, so good. Yet, Tuesday’s lesson was, well… in a Kazakhstani school. And the fact that we’re still in the first quarter doesn’t help matters; that’s apparently the time scheduling gets ironed out. Until then, chaos is all too typical. So, Tuesday. I’d been told I would teach during fifth period in Room 6. The bell rings to end fourth period. I make my way to Room 6, which I half expect to be empty. (It’s the size of a closet, not a classroom.) I’m right; it’s empty. I check nearby rooms for my counterpart. She’s nowhere to be found. I do, however, find my Regional Manager and PCVTA, who have come to observe my lesson. Wonderful, we can all be lost together. The bell rings to begin fifth period. I descend from the second floor to the main level and spot one of my students among several roaming the halls. “Where’s our class?” I ask. He gives a clueless look and points to another student of mine, who is equally as clueless. Then, down the hall, I see the frantic waving of my counterpart. Alrighty, let’s get this lesson going. With precious minutes lost, I recalculate my lesson plan, taking out activities as need be. (You’ve gotta love unnecessary preparation.) I dive head first into my lesson, caring more about the time I’ve lost than the fact that my counterpart is now MIA, along with three of my eleven students. I guess the students are at some cultural function; I give no thought to the absence of the teacher. Then I reach a point in my lesson where her role is critical: explaining gerunds. Heck, I’d be lucky to adequately explain gerunds to myself, let alone native Kazakh speakers. But I’m proud to say, we fought through and prevailed! I use “prevail” a bit loosely – they were able to form sentences through very guided activities. Who knows if they understand the grammar. So what’s my plan? Hit ‘em with infinitives tomorrow.
In Other News…
I’ve finally eaten pizza in Kazakhstan! Two friends and I got together and made two masterpieces. Here, there is a bread (лепёшка) that’s perfect for the crust. I ate and ate and ate some more. Man was it tasty. I must say, though, I have been enjoying Kazakh food. Самса is becoming a favorite – fried bread with your choice of filling, which for me is cheese. You can’t go wrong with cheese. My host family cooks great food, too. Bishbarmak has been tasty, as have other dishes. There was a carrot dish I really enjoyed – and apparently it’s just shredded carrots mixed with a mayo/garlic sauce. I’ll have to see if I can replicate said dish in the future.
Next week, Tuesday through Saturday, is Counterpart Conference. So, I’ll meet my counterpart and attend trainings. We’ll all be at the resort-type place where we stayed right after arriving in the country. The following week, we’re back in our villages, and we’ll be doing teacher trainings, I believe. I’ll do what I can to keep you posted. Let’s hope these aren’t my final days of feeling somewhat connected through my weekly hour on the world wide web…
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Another Week of PST (Particularly Strenuous Training)
Host Family
Last Friday, my host father returned. I’m sure the extra amount of food was no coincidence. He’s quite the guy, and (surprise surprise) had questions about my marital status. Am I married? Won’t I get married? Won’t I be too old to be married? How about marrying his brother? Really a pleasant man, though, and I enjoyed observing the interactions between him and his wife. From the glimpse I’ve gotten, they seem to have a good relationship, especially considering his usual absence. He was gone by Monday. From my host sister, I understand he will be on a business trip until December.
I’m sure enjoying time with my little sister. She and I walk to the nearby store almost every night. The purchases range from bread and milk to vodka and cigarettes. Yep, you read correctly. Ah- and, of course, she buys a little treat or toy for herself with the amount left over. That’s what you get for sending an 11-year old to the store.
This past weekend we were joined by a cousin in addition to my host father. The cousin is a policeman in another city. I must say, I much prefer interactions with police when they don’t concern offences committed against me. Sitting around with my host cousin and siblings, going through my Russian/English dictionary was great. Them being so overzealous to speak with me that they walk in on me in my bedroom without even a knock… not so great. (Their take on privacy is a far cry from the cultural norms ingrained in me. And while I could go on about it, I’ll save that for another time.)
Trudging Along
While home life is much improved from my previous situation, the past week has still been fraught with internal struggles. I’ve really been wrestling with different questions in my mind, trying to determine my suitability for “the toughest job you’ll ever love”. I struggle with being here as I recognize more and more just how important people are to me. I desperately miss friends and family in the states, and I tear up when I think of how much I’ll miss, being gone for over two years. Why sacrifice time I could be with loved ones, so I can be in Kazakhstan? Will I even accomplish anything worthwhile as an English teacher? How useful is it to teach students English? And the most important, and possibly the most difficult question to answer: is this God’s will?
I often daydream about life in the states. I have such a deep appreciation for luxuries I didn’t even consider as such – like toilet paper and Kleenex, clean stores of clothing, quality assurance, or water from the tap. In amongst those trivialities, though, are the deeper quandaries, which are understandably more bothersome. But I’m doing my best to consider them with a level head. I romanticize what life would be like. People I love are spread all over – I couldn’t be near them even if I were in the US. Kazakhstan has placed a priority on learning English, and I ought to trust them in that. So to a handful of students, the knowledge I impart could make a big difference in their lives. As for God’s will… I’m reminded of advice passed on by former Rawhide coworkers. Seek God, not His will. And I see my time here as an incredible opportunity to seek passionately after God. Without the comforts of my American life, I find myself seeking after Him with newfound fervor. (Not to mention the discomforts of the life I’ve had here so far.) So I’m still here. Often struggling, but still here.
The Russian has also been difficult. Oh, it comes so slowly to me. Different people have utilized some interesting methods in hopes of lighting a fire under our bums. Some have done so more literally than others. A game we played indoors on Tuesday: how many questions can you ask and answer before this blazing match I’m holding burns out? (I can’t say that’s been my favorite game so far.) Then there’s home. My host mother told me I speak poorly and I should study more. (Instead, I’m writing this. I sure hope you appreciate it. : ) With all the obligations of PST, studying Russian gets pushed to the back burner all too often. I’m banking on lots of time and a great tutor at my site. Which reminds me…
Lowdown on Remaining PST
This Friday (October 9) is Site Announcement! That could come none too soon. I’m excited to find out where I’ll be and to read any information available about the place I’ll hopefully learn to call “home”. I’ll be sure to pass on information as quickly as possible.
Also upcoming in PST: Unit Plans. That’s code for a week full of teaching. I’ll teach 9th grade every day next week. For a brand-spanking new teacher, this is huge. I’m not too confident about going from two lesson plans a week up to five. Yikes. We’ll see if I survive to write another blog post.
After the unit plan week, we go to Counterpart Conference. There, I’ll meet my counterpart and attend various trainings. We will also be giving presentations to our counterparts about projects we’ve worked on in our respective villages. I’m sure there will be more to come on that later.
Police Update
For those of you who are interested, I’ll finish with a short update. On Monday, I travelled to another city to speak with the man investigating my case. I understand I was formally recognized as the victim in this crime. I answered some questions, filled out some forms, listened to lots of Russian I didn’t understand, and came back to my village. Sounds like the investigation can last up to two months. Then the case will go before the court. My continued prayer is for justice. Still no leads on recovering the computer, as far as I’m aware. I’m afraid I’ll be replacing it, thereby losing a fair bit of music and pictures. But hey – it could be lots worse.
Please pray for me as I keep working through my time here. Day by day, I need another shot of God’s strength and protection. And on a little different note, may I say… getting mail is absolutely wonderful. To do my part, this week I finally got to the post office to send mail. I plan on writing many more letters – there’s just something about snail mail that beats other methods of correspondence. I look forward to receiving letters from you! I send much love and many thanks for your support and encouragement!
Last Friday, my host father returned. I’m sure the extra amount of food was no coincidence. He’s quite the guy, and (surprise surprise) had questions about my marital status. Am I married? Won’t I get married? Won’t I be too old to be married? How about marrying his brother? Really a pleasant man, though, and I enjoyed observing the interactions between him and his wife. From the glimpse I’ve gotten, they seem to have a good relationship, especially considering his usual absence. He was gone by Monday. From my host sister, I understand he will be on a business trip until December.
I’m sure enjoying time with my little sister. She and I walk to the nearby store almost every night. The purchases range from bread and milk to vodka and cigarettes. Yep, you read correctly. Ah- and, of course, she buys a little treat or toy for herself with the amount left over. That’s what you get for sending an 11-year old to the store.
This past weekend we were joined by a cousin in addition to my host father. The cousin is a policeman in another city. I must say, I much prefer interactions with police when they don’t concern offences committed against me. Sitting around with my host cousin and siblings, going through my Russian/English dictionary was great. Them being so overzealous to speak with me that they walk in on me in my bedroom without even a knock… not so great. (Their take on privacy is a far cry from the cultural norms ingrained in me. And while I could go on about it, I’ll save that for another time.)
Trudging Along
While home life is much improved from my previous situation, the past week has still been fraught with internal struggles. I’ve really been wrestling with different questions in my mind, trying to determine my suitability for “the toughest job you’ll ever love”. I struggle with being here as I recognize more and more just how important people are to me. I desperately miss friends and family in the states, and I tear up when I think of how much I’ll miss, being gone for over two years. Why sacrifice time I could be with loved ones, so I can be in Kazakhstan? Will I even accomplish anything worthwhile as an English teacher? How useful is it to teach students English? And the most important, and possibly the most difficult question to answer: is this God’s will?
I often daydream about life in the states. I have such a deep appreciation for luxuries I didn’t even consider as such – like toilet paper and Kleenex, clean stores of clothing, quality assurance, or water from the tap. In amongst those trivialities, though, are the deeper quandaries, which are understandably more bothersome. But I’m doing my best to consider them with a level head. I romanticize what life would be like. People I love are spread all over – I couldn’t be near them even if I were in the US. Kazakhstan has placed a priority on learning English, and I ought to trust them in that. So to a handful of students, the knowledge I impart could make a big difference in their lives. As for God’s will… I’m reminded of advice passed on by former Rawhide coworkers. Seek God, not His will. And I see my time here as an incredible opportunity to seek passionately after God. Without the comforts of my American life, I find myself seeking after Him with newfound fervor. (Not to mention the discomforts of the life I’ve had here so far.) So I’m still here. Often struggling, but still here.
The Russian has also been difficult. Oh, it comes so slowly to me. Different people have utilized some interesting methods in hopes of lighting a fire under our bums. Some have done so more literally than others. A game we played indoors on Tuesday: how many questions can you ask and answer before this blazing match I’m holding burns out? (I can’t say that’s been my favorite game so far.) Then there’s home. My host mother told me I speak poorly and I should study more. (Instead, I’m writing this. I sure hope you appreciate it. : ) With all the obligations of PST, studying Russian gets pushed to the back burner all too often. I’m banking on lots of time and a great tutor at my site. Which reminds me…
Lowdown on Remaining PST
This Friday (October 9) is Site Announcement! That could come none too soon. I’m excited to find out where I’ll be and to read any information available about the place I’ll hopefully learn to call “home”. I’ll be sure to pass on information as quickly as possible.
Also upcoming in PST: Unit Plans. That’s code for a week full of teaching. I’ll teach 9th grade every day next week. For a brand-spanking new teacher, this is huge. I’m not too confident about going from two lesson plans a week up to five. Yikes. We’ll see if I survive to write another blog post.
After the unit plan week, we go to Counterpart Conference. There, I’ll meet my counterpart and attend various trainings. We will also be giving presentations to our counterparts about projects we’ve worked on in our respective villages. I’m sure there will be more to come on that later.
Police Update
For those of you who are interested, I’ll finish with a short update. On Monday, I travelled to another city to speak with the man investigating my case. I understand I was formally recognized as the victim in this crime. I answered some questions, filled out some forms, listened to lots of Russian I didn’t understand, and came back to my village. Sounds like the investigation can last up to two months. Then the case will go before the court. My continued prayer is for justice. Still no leads on recovering the computer, as far as I’m aware. I’m afraid I’ll be replacing it, thereby losing a fair bit of music and pictures. But hey – it could be lots worse.
Please pray for me as I keep working through my time here. Day by day, I need another shot of God’s strength and protection. And on a little different note, may I say… getting mail is absolutely wonderful. To do my part, this week I finally got to the post office to send mail. I plan on writing many more letters – there’s just something about snail mail that beats other methods of correspondence. I look forward to receiving letters from you! I send much love and many thanks for your support and encouragement!
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