Finding a Favorite Spot

There are those times when it is nice to just get away for awhile.  Often times we get so caught up in the "activity" that we forget to rest and really enjoy the beauty that surrounds us.  A few weeks I decided that it was time to really get away, even if for just a few hours to think, reflect and rest.  One of my favorite activities is to "chase a good sunset" and this particular day was a prime opportunity to do just that!  I set out to find that perfect spot to view the closing moments of the day and discovered it about 20 minutes outside of Taraz.  There is a picnic place we have visited a few times which has a nice rocky hill to sit on overlooking a small lake.  I arrived just in time to watch the sun sink below the horizon and turn into a fire light display of glory while a gentle breeze blew across my face.  In the distance I could hear the occaisional bleating of sheep being hearded back to their homes.  I listened to some music, read some out of my book and for the remainder of my time, enjoyed the stillness of just being quiet and thankful.  It was a great reminder that no matter what may be going on around me...there are some things that just remain constant!  

Comfort or Class?

One of the noticeable differences between locals and foreigners is their choices in shoes and when certain shoes are to be worn.  In the states, you will often find women wearing flats or even tennis shoes to work and then changing into their dress shoes afterwards.  Here it is quite the opposite.  



The other day I was heading out the door to go home and noticed our receptionist changing her shoes - going from a more comfortable heel to what is pictured here on the right.  Oh MY Land...was my response...are you walking home in those?  "Absolutely" was the reply.  I of course had to get a picture of the "comfortable" vs. "classy" look. I can guarantee my feet were much more appreciative of my choice! 

Kitty Loves Kurt Balls

Sara came home from a birthday party and had a kurt ball with her that she was saving for later.  



Now for those of you who don't know, "kurt" is a salted dried sour milk ball that is popular as a snack here in Kazakhstan. Often mistaken as candy by our unsuspecting delegates, they are often surprised or shocked by it's pungent taste =).



Anyway, Sara set it on the table and within a few minutes, Gussie my cat starts licking it...then picks it up and starts chewing on it!  Over the next several days it served as a tasty treat for my four legged feline friend!

New Meaning to "Econom"

Locals will tell you that whenever possible you should "econom"...save money wherever possible.  This includes shutting off lights that you don't need, rigging repairs on automobiles, only having one light bulb in a chandelier having 4 sockets, unplugging all the power strips at the office at night, using the river as your car wash, etc.  In the midst of rising prices, econom is important.  So when we came home in the evening the other day it wasn't unusual to find that we didn't have electricity since the city seems to "econom" it as well.  



After awhile though it seemed odd that it wasn't coming back on so I decided to investigate further.  Going to the control box outside our door I noticed that the lights in the stairwell were on...hmm, how DO you examine a box that looks like this?  I knocked on the neighbor's door to see if she had electricity...yep.  After closer examination I noticed that one of the wires connecting the "knob" was broke, took the wire connected it together and wow...electricity! 

Puzzles and More...

In a recent post I commented on the kids I met at the rehabilitation center and the need for basic games and activities for them to do throughout the many hours of solitude and boredom.  One of our staff, Olya who went with me that day has collected a lot of books in Russian for them to read.  After reading the plight of these kids, my aunt asked if there was any way to help.  Within a few weeks, she's collected several boxes of games, puzzles, coloring books, and activities.  The first box arrived with this last delegation and it will be a pleasure to deliver these items soon!  

Clowning Around

What an awesome surprise to be met by two clowns at the train station when I returned from my UK vacation a few weeks ago!  Those who know me know that something like that would have probably embarrassed me to death a few years ago but living here, you just have to "get over it" and have fun!  



My train pulled into the station and as I started to climb down the stairs with my luggage, I was met my my friends Nadezhda and Marina dressed in clown costumes, Yura who gladly grabbed my bags, Ember who was taking pictures in paparazzi style and Ken who was shooting video.  I had a sneaking suspicion that something was up earlier in the evening when Marina texted to ask what wagon I was on but had no idea I would be met by such an entourage!  I think it was pretty entertaining for those around us and it was a great way to be welcomed home!

Golden Tree

A small paper tree made from gold foil left over from a cigarette box sits on the corner of my desk. It was a small gift from a young man named Slava. Olya and I went to a local rehabilitation center today to see their work with kids and adults. I had heard about this program last year and finally had an opportunity to meet with the head doctor who invited us for a visit. The small facility is set back in one of the micro-regions in what used to be a small kindergarten. The grounds were well maintained with flowers and plants and some of the adult clients were pouring cement on the areas of the building needing repair. We made our way to the second floor and was met by a young nurse who unlocked the barred door to let us in to the patient area. We met briefly in a small room that served as an office, therapy room, classroom and exam room depending on what the need was at the time.

After gaining an understanding of the program and the population they work with we moved on to a small room containing 4 beds, each one occupied by a young man with a recently shaved head. One boy was lying on a cot with an IV drip of who knows what. The other three boys introduced themselves and responded openly to our questions. The 16-year-old had arrived three days before by order of the court. Apparently he had stolen a car and had been given a sentence of 2-years on the local juvenile jail. Since he has a problem with drugs/alcohol, he will need to get a clean "bill of health" from this center before moving on to finish his time. His "cousin", Slava was in the cot next to his and in the window was a picture of a woman and in response to my inquiry he said it was his mom. During the conversation, Victor, age 13 stood by quietly with his hands clasped behind his back. His tiny frame made him look more like a 9 or 10 year old but his face, with awkward glances of curiosity mixed with timidity indicated that he has seen more than his fair share of life experiences. In those short moments of interaction I was made aware of another group of kids at risk of falling through the cracks. Before leaving the boys gave each of us the craft they had finished as a "thank you" for visiting. For me, it will sit on my desk as a reminder to be doing something more for these kids. Olya and I brainstormed some ideas on how we might provide some games, activities and crafts for these kids. We would also like to see some volunteers from the community coming in and just spending time talking and trying to encourage them. We will also see how we might use the Youth Impact program to give them some much needed skills and hopefully this visit might open some doors for us to the local juvenile detention facility. I wish Slava knew how much his gift meant to me today...