Update

Thank you so much to all of you that both prayed for and gave financially towards my last trip to Kazakhstan.  All the one-time funds needed to help cover my costs were raised.  The side of my blog gives un update on how things are coming along related to monthly contributions.

I have had a crazy few weeks since returning from Kaz.  Two weeks ago I was able to go to Taylor University and participate in my 10th year reunion.  A friend that I played soccer with at Taylor came up for the weekend.  It is hard to believe that I graduated 10 years ago.  I really enjoyed the weekend filled with catching up with friends and spending some time on Taylor's campus.

Last weekend I was able to go down to Oklahoma and spend time with my extended family.  We celebrated grandpa's 80th birthday and my grandparents 60th wedding anniversary, which is coming up in January.   Mom, Dad, and Comfort all went as well, so we had a mini-family reunion within a bigger family get-together.  It was a great time of celebrating the love that my grandparents have for each other and the way they have passed that love down to their children and grandchildren.

This weekend I spent 2 days at a YMCA camp with about 100 youth from Muncie.  We had a lot of fun while learning so much.  Although I expected the late nights and busy days to cause me to be tired, they ended up doing just the opposite for me.  The time away filled me with a sense of peace and rest that I had been lacking these last few months.  I am convinced that these youth will end up leading the world in amazing ways.  How fun to see them continue to grow!

I have a busy week of schoolwork this week, so that should keep me busy.  I should be getting out another update in a few weeks related to my plans for next year.  Thanks again for the blessing you are to me.

Back in the US

I am back in the States now and trying to get settled back into life here.  My stomach has been a little upset, but other than that I have adjusted well so far.  My last week and a half in Kaz were pretty hectic, but a lot of fun as well.  The trip continues to confirm to me that one day I will be returning to live in Kazakhstan.  The main question now is "When will that be?"

I had the chance to visit all of the orphanages that I worked in.  It was fun to see the children and staff.  I especially enjoyed a trip to Savva where I got to see my boss, Barb, meet her sponsored child for the first time.  It was also a lot of fun to spend a couple hours playing and talking with the children that live at the House of Hope in Vanofka.  The current Interlink staff are doing a great job working with the kids at the orphanages.  It was fun to see them continue building relationships.

One of the things I enjoyed most during my last week was having the opportunity to see Kazakhstan through the eyes of three people that had never been before.  It is always fun to observe the things that I now take for granted, through new eyes (horse meat, cows walking down the middle of the road, sewers being cleaned out in the middle of the sidewalk, the pleasure of a good cup of coffee, the bazaar, the wonderful hospitality, etc).

I am looking forward to the day that I will be able to return "home" to Kazakhstan to live.  Until then, I plan to continue enjoying every minute that I am given here in Muncie.

Fun Times With Friends

Here are some pictures of some of the fun things I have been doing during my time here.  I am loving being back!

Dinner with my Kazakh family and the American team!

Time with Marina and Yura and their family!

The joy of being a human jungle gym!

Visiting My Kids

Yesterday I had the opportunity to visit some of "my kids" at the youth house.  The youth department here was hosting a birthday party for children with August and September birthdays and I was invited to go along.  I was able to see some of the kids from Savva and from Ulan.  It was fun to hear what they are doing.  Some are working, others are going to tech school, and others are studying at the local University.  It was fun to see the surprise in their eyes when they first saw me.  

Today is the first day of Ait (the holiday following Ramadan). Yesterday was food preparation day, so my family was working hard to prepare food.  When some unexpected guests came by, I was asked to finish frying the bread.  I was a bit concerned that I was trusted with such an important task.  I was a bit nervous about messing it up, but I think it all turned out okay.  It would have been kind of sad to have guests over today and serve them burnt or raw bread.  Beth, Vicki, and Barb are coming over to my host home tonight to celebrate together.  It should be a fun evening!  We might just have to get out "Just Dance", the wii game I gave my family.  That would be pretty entertaining.  

Update

Yesterday I had the joy of surprising someone that I used to work closely with.  She is a mother living in Taraz that has taken in four orphans as if they were her own.  Over the years we have helped her financially and spent time with her children.  I was in the office asking Beth a question when one of the youth department staff in our office mentioned that they were going to Rakhym.  Barb and I had finished our meetings early, so Beth suggested I go along (when she saw my eyes light up at the mention of Rakhym).  I hadn't been expecting to see any of "my kids" until today, so this was a special treat.  

When we arrived at their house Shirinkul Apke (the mom) saw me from the window and came running out of the house without even taking the time to rinse the soap off her hands.  The youth department staff were taking the boys to buy suits and suggested that I could stay and visit with Mom while they were gone.  I had a great visit!  I got to catch up on their lives and catch her up on my life and all her friends in the States.  Today I get to go to one of the orphanages in the morning and to a birthday party at the youth house in the afternoon!  I can't wait!