Runaway Sheep

I promised some funny stories in my last post, so here you go.  A few weeks ago I was pulling up to the team house.  I looked up and saw a random sheep walking my way.  After getting out of the car, I realized our neighbor's gate was open a little bit.  Earlier in the week I had noticed some sheep in their back yard, which usually means some sort of yummy dinner is coming up.  I rang the doorbell and then was trying to figure out how to keep the sheep (let's call it "dinner") from running off.  Thankfully, another sheep (let's call it "yummy") was just inside the gate.  Yummy was calling out to dinner, which caused dinner to come back over to the gate and look at the gate in a very confused manner.  They both kept calling out to each other, but Dinner could not figure out that in order to get to Yummy, he just had to go through the opening in the gate.  He would get right up to the entrance and I would move forward slowly trying to encourage him to go through but instead he would take off running down the street.  Dinner did this 3-4 times.  Each time Yummy would call him back.  I was afraid Yummy would get away too.  Finally, my neighbor came out and ascertained that Dinner was trying to run away.  She opened up the gate and then chased Dinner towards me.  I then had to chase Dinner away from me, which caused him to join Yummy in the confines of their yard.  My neighbor was thankful for my role in helping save their yummy dinner plans.

We don't have chiropractors in Kazakhstan, so I have attempted numerous things to try re-align myself.   This time I am going to a guy who gives a massage and over time re-aligns your spine.  First off, I have to go 10 days in a row.  That seems to be the magical massage number here in Kazakhstan.  Anytime anyone goes in for a "healing" massage, they are asked to come back for 10 straight days.  Second, the other day as he was rubbing my back, I was afraid I would end up with rug burn (or whatever you get from a sheet) on my cheek from my constant motion back and forth.  Third, he uses one word periodically that sounds kind of like therapy.  I have come to realize that it actually means "you will soon be in excruciating pain, but I promise, it is good for you."  Finally, each massage ends with him smacking me on the back over and over again and then telling me I have to lie still for several minutes.  It has been helping though, so I guess I can't complain too much.  I find myself trying not to laugh as I imagine people I know experiencing the same fun.

Overall, this week has been a crazy, busy week.  Here are just a few things I have done.

• Met with a 49 year-old man who has no legs and only one arm who was requesting a wheelchair.  
• Gave a wheelchair to a 14-year-old boy, after spending some time with he and his mother and brother. 
• Introduced the children at the foster home for kids with disabilities to the iPad. 
• Gave away a used computer to a man and his two daughters.  I think it is their first computer, as they were really excited about it. 
• Met with a man who tried to encourage me to allow him to read my past and future and then heal me of any problems.  
• My English clubs came up with their first volunteering project ideas.  They did a great job being creative. 
• Two Kazakh lessons.  
• Helped my Kazakh mom with something she has to do on the computer for work. 
• Helped fix my Kazakh brother's iPod. 
• Waited 30 minutes for someone who had asked for help to show up at his own home so we could better understand his request.  We eventually had to leave.  
• Visited with one of my former English club members.  

It's been a month

I just realized how long it has been since I last blogged.  It's been a bit of a crazy, but great month.  Below are some of the highlights.

• We had a small delegation in town for 1 1/2 weeks.  They were a great encouragement and the schedule included some really interesting activities.  We laughed a lot, which I always enjoy.  
• During their time here we were able to have a round table discussion where we invited the caregivers of children with disabilities to our office.  They came into the room wearing the weight of the world on their shoulders.  As our group listened to them, that weight seemed to decrease.  We were able to give each one a quilt that was hand-made by some women in Muncie and share that they were made with love.  This not only touched them, but touched me as well.  I don't know how many quilts I have given out over the years, but these meant the most to me. 
• During the delegation time there was a car training that took place with graduated orphans.  This car training happened to be mostly females.  It was fun to see them excited about learning how to repair cars.  I had the chance to watch one day and learn a bit as well.  I could probably change my own oil now if I really wanted to.  The spark plugs in the car I drive were also changed, which was great!
• One of the delegates and I took a quick trip to Shymkent to see her sponsored child.  It was fun to spend time with with both of them as well as see friends in Shymkent.  
• English club has been going really well.  We have been working in listing the problems we see in Taraz and now we are going to begin working on how we can go about volunteering in our community to meet those needs.  It should be fun to see the kinds of ideas they come up with.   
• I will be visiting with several people this coming week who have requested things from us (orthopedic shoes, walkers, wheelchairs, etc).  I am setting up times to go into their homes and visit with them to get to know them better and understand the needs to a greater degree.   It will likely be a pretty busy week, but I am looking forward to this.  

Next time I'll try to share some funny stories since this update was more of one to catch you up on what has been a crazy month.  Have a wonderful week!

New Toys

Every week I spend some time at a foster home where 11 children with disabilities live.  We have fun playing together and learning new things.  It has been fun to watch the children grow.  When I first came, there would be regular meltdowns and fits when they didn't get their way.  They would throw toys and start screaming anytime they were frustrated.  They weren't able to complete even the simplest of puzzles.  They also didn't know their colors or animals.  Every time I would take out a new activity they would push and shove to try to get the activity first.  They really didn't have the concept of sharing down at all.

As time has passed, they have grown so much.  Now, several of them can complete 25 piece puzzles on their own.  They can name some of their colors and animals.  Today, we had a breakthrough in activities.  Instead of just having one activity that everyone had to participate in at the same time, I brought several different activities and each individual got to choose the activity they wanted to do.  I brought puzzles, coloring books, and playdough.  I was a little worried that chaos would ensue, but they did a great job.  Instead of screaming at me, they asked nicely for a new activity.  They also cleaned up their old activity before getting a new activity.  One child was about to throw a fit because I didn't give him something and I told him to ask nicely instead.  He eventually did ask nicely.  In the past, he would have thrown something at me instead.  It is so much fun to see how much they have grown in just a few short months.

Last week we got to deliver some toys to them, thanks to a generous donation from a friend.  These children spend all day and night in one room.  Sometimes they go outside when the weather is nice.  I'm not sure what they do, as they don't have any toys in their room.  We were able to buy several different educational toys for them.  We purchased toys that are hopefully fairly indestructible, as the wear and tear is pretty high on toys that are being played with by 11 children.  It was so fun to deliver the toys and take turns playing with each type. The joy on their faces was priceless.  Here are some pictures of us playing with their new toys.

A Family Wedding

The week after I returned to Kazakhstan from Thailand, my Kazakh cousin got married. The whole thing was a fun experience.  Although I have been to many weddings, I have never been part of the family, so the experience was totally different.  It made for a very busy, but fun first week back.  

The wedding was on a Thursday night, however my Kazakh father’s birthday was on Wednesday night.  So, the entire week was filled with preparation and activities.  I was going to take the entire day off on Wednesday, but we had a celebration at the youth house, so I was only able to get away after lunch.  After lunch my Kazakh sister and I went grocery shopping and then hurried home to help prepare dinner for my Kazakh dad’s birthday.  After we were mostly prepared, I went to pick up my Kazakh mom at her school and we drove over to my cousin’s house.  We then told everyone who was there preparing for the wedding the next day to drop everything and come over for dinner.   Everyone got ready and went to my Kazakh family’s house to celebrate his birthday, before returning to finish preparations.  I can't even imagine the anger that would be involved if this was asked of the bride's family in the States on the night before the wedding.  

After the birthday dinner, the women went back over to my cousin’s house to prepare for  the next day’s festivities.  The wedding would be Thursday evening, but much would happen before the actual wedding.  We prepared salads and other food for lunch on the day of the wedding.  At 11 am the groom’s family came to the house to eat a meal.  We made several salads and prepared plates of candies for the next day.  We also cooked some of the meat.  It was 11:30 pm when we headed home.  I took home two huge containers of raw lamb to put in my fridge, since all the fridge space at my cousin’s home was already accounted for.   After dropping off the meat the next morning at 8am, I took my car to get it washed, as I didn’t want to embarrass my family with a dirty car.  

I took Thursday off in order to help with whatever was needed.  At 11am I was called and told to go to my Kazakh family’s apartment to have my hair and make-up done.  Then, I would help get the bride and the bridesmaid to and from hair, nails, and make-up appointments.  At about 2:30 pm I took the last group of people to my cousin's house.  When I walked in the door they wanted me to join the extended family at the table, where everyone from the two families were giving toasts to their union.  Everyone in the room was Kazakh except for me, so it was a bit confusing to those who didn’t know me.  I gave my toast in Kazakh and then exited the room to help with dishes.  Then, I went to the neighbors apartment with the rest of the cousins to wait until it was time for the bride to join the party.  She was sitting in the apartment in her dress trying to remain cool on a very warm day.  

After a while, the bride was presented to the groom's family.  At this point it was my cue to allow the men to start loading my car with gifts my family had prepared for the groom’s family.  My responsibility was to drive the gifts to his family (following the stretch Hummer limo with family and friends).  Then I would wait until the gifts had been given and bring the daughter-in-laws of our family back home.  I had no idea at the time what I was getting into.  

First, we drove following the limo.  One of the male relatives of the groom rode with me and peppered me with questions the entire drive.  There was a videographer hired to document this trip and the rest of the wedding day.  He had a separate car and spent most of the 30 minute trip hanging out the window trying to get good shots of the cars in the procession.  Once we arrived, the entire party went inside to meet the grooms side of the family.  I was instructed to pull my car into the driveway and the men from the groom’s side of the family unloaded the gifts.  Then, all the young people in the Hummer left and the two daughter-in-laws (who were sent to represent the family in the gift giving) and myself were taken into a room with an elaborately laid table. Toasts were given and we were introduced to the groom’s mother and grandmother.  Once enough toasts had been given, we moved into the living room to officially present the gifts.  There was a special order to the gift giving.  First, gifts had to be given to the grandmother and then others in a specific order.  I sat and watched as gift after gift was presented.  All the gifts were household items.  Then, the daughter-in-laws were given gifts.  I was also given some fabric to make a dress with.  

At this point I thought we were done, but I was mistaken.  We went back to the table and had a few more toasts.  Then, I drove the daughter-in-laws as well as several members of the groom’s family back into the city.  After dropping everyone off, I went home and got my dress and took it to my Kazakh family’s house to get ready.  The wedding was supposed to start at 7pm and we arrived at about 8:30 pm.  The actual wedding probably started around 9-9:30 pm.  It was a fun evening filled with dancing, good food, and lots of toasting.  I then helped drive my extended family home.  Some of my cousins spent the night at my apartment.  We got home at about 2:30 am and went right to bed.   It was a fun time with my Kazakh family and I was really glad I could be there to help and be a part of the entire thing.  I think I have finally caught up on sleep, work, and my studies after such a crazy week.  

Thailand Vacation

A lot has happened since I last posted, so I will be posting a couple different posts in the near future to catch everyone up.  I spent much of August in Thailand, relaxing and re-energizing before the start of work for this school year.  I had a great time and enjoyed getting fully rested.  Below are some highlights of my trip.  

Hanging out with the tigers

Riding through the jungle

This life jacket from our snorkeling trip made me laugh

Special treats

Sunset on the beach

Cave exploring

A palm bonfire on the beach

Watching local fishermen

Exploring on a scooter - driving on the left side

Sunrise my last morning on the beach - I also swam out to the island on the left one morning ... the blisters I received from the fins I wore were not too fun, but it was a fun trip out to monkey island.  We sat on the beach and watched scared tourists try to feed the monkeys.  

Overall, it was a fun trip full of great memories and new friends.  I even got to hang out with some friends from Shymkent (Kaz) who were also on vacation, which was a fun surprise.  I returned to Kazakhstan rested and ready for the coming semester.