Musings

I was trying to think about how to best describe these last two weeks in a concise manner and decided that it wasn't possible to write it in the same way I usually write.  So instead this time I am just going to give you random phrases of things I thought and noticed during my first two weeks in Kazakhstan.  Hopefully it will give you a glimpse of my heart and the emotions I have been through as I have had special times with my kids and had to say goodbye. 

When I told the kids at Vanofka that I was leaving, one of the 16 year old boys had a hard time with it.  The rest of the afternoon he barely acknowledged me.  The next day (my last day with them), I got a chance to talk to him.  When I said it was hard he said to me "I cried yesterday."   I was able to tell him that I did too.  What a bittersweet memory - knowing I had touched his life that much, but also knowing that I might not get to see him again (at least for a while). 

Getting to see the lives of the youth that came over on the delegation change as a result of their time here. 

Despite the hurt of going back to the States right now, I am anticipating getting to work with the youth that came over.  I am looking forward to watching them play sports and seeing how this trip impacts their lives. 

Watching the kids read the letters that I gave them explaining my return to the States and having them come up afterwards give me a hug, tell me they would miss me, and then tell me they would write.

The pats on the back or smiles from the delegates when they knew I was having an especially tough time. 

Laughter

Having the energy to play soccer and enjoy it again. 

Standing outside in a thunderstorm trying to keep the rain flaps on the tents and getting completely soaked.  Everything inside the tents got pretty soaked as well.

Seeing the most beautiful double rainbow that I have seen since living in Kenya when I was seven.

My heart breaking as I watched the faces of children as I told them I wouldn't be back for a while.

Watching the youth interact with my kids despite the language barrier and the short time in Kaz. 

Love

The beauty of Kazakhstan.

The sense that I was home as I traveled throughout the country.  I was filled with an amazing sense of peace. 

Joy at seeing my Kazakh family for the first time. 

Sitting on the square eating hot bread (just cooked) with butter accompanied by the vice-governors of the village. 

Well, I guess that is enough.   This week I will have some time in the office to try to organize things with Kids Connection.  I will also spend time with my Kazakh family.  On Friday I will go to Savva orphanage camp and celebrate birthdays and say goodbye to my kids there.