Chong Rakmat

That's "big thanks" in Kyrgyz. Just wanted to let ya all know that we now have conference T-shirts. They came out great. Thanks to every one for ideas and support. It's really appreciated. Also - for those of you who are interested in our Women's Leadership Club, we have a lot planned for this year. As I get into the swing of the new school year I will post updates on activities and events - with photos when possible. Again, Chong Rakmat!

Looking 4 Lilya

I'm looking for the movie "Lilya 4 Ever." If anyone has it, could you send me a copy? Or if you want to be really cool - you could buy it on amazon and send it to me. I'm helping a local NGO with an anti-trafficking awareness campaign and I think it would be a great educational tool (the movie is in Russian). When I was in Bosnia, some of the NGOs used it there and it was really effective. Thanks!

My Family was Here!

Fam in Kstan

On the 22nd of August – 31st my family was in Kyrgyzstan! My dad, stepmom, and 4-year old brother made the long journey (safely) out here.

At 3:30am their plane landed in Bishkek. I watched from the second floor in the airport as they came out of the terminal and I couldn’t help but cry. I was so happy to see them – it had been over a year since I had seen them last. After what seemed like forever (was actually only an hour) they made it through customs and baggage. We hugged and made our way out to the hotel shuttle.

For the first few nights we stayed in the Silk Road Lodge – what a treat for me! That was nice and comfortable. We walked around Bishkek looking at sights and even visited the Peace Corps office. Nate got to play in a park and quickly made friends with a little Kyrgyz boy about his age. We ate at a Turkish café, an Italian restaurant and a Kyrgyz restaurant. One day we spent the entire day visiting my first host family in a village. My real family and my host family got to meet each other and I got to play translator. That was pretty amazing – as I expected (since both families are fabulous). My host mom prepared plov (a national dish) and lots of salads and fresh breads. It was quite a feast. Nate played great with my host sisters. I also got to meet my host family’s new volunteer and talk with her for a bit. That was a lot of fun.

On Sunday, Anton – our trusted taxi driver – took us four hours east to Lake Issykul. We stayed at the Royal Beach. That was interesting. The lake was pretty. The weather was a lot cooler – even chilly at night. The “private bungalow” was a little cramped, but real close to the beach. Plus, 3 meals a day were included so my family got to try a lot of the local cuisine. The whole place was relatively quiet considering it was still high tourist season. Since that was my first time on the lake I enjoyed it.

Another 4 and a half hour taxi ride with Anton from the lake to the airport was how we spent the morning of family visit: Day 4. The fly down south was not too bumpy – though there were some pukers on the plane. We spent Days 4 – 8 exploring the sights of Osh. We hiked Suleiman Mountain, trekked through the bazaar, ate at some cafes, and even went in a 3-story yurt museum.

On the 30th the family flew back up to Bishkek and departed for home early on the 31st. I was relieved when they called and said they made it home safely. I’m so grateful that they came to visit, experience Kyrgyzstan, and get a glimpse of what I’m doing and how I’m living. I’m glad they got to meet my friends and colleagues, see my apartment, and my crazy cat. I’m sure they’ll think often about their adventurous trip and reflect on what they have seen and learned.

Thank you Dad, Carolyn, and Nathan for visiting me. I love you guys!