Talasgiving

In what has become a tradition, here is my monthly blog update. Since I last typed, stuff has indeed happened. I was lucky enough to get to help with a two day Forum of Young Leaders. It was seminar led entirely by local youth, all of who are members of ARZ. This forum was in preparation for World Aids Day. Which is December 1^st, just so you know. We brought in approximately 20 students from every Rayon, think like a county. This was an especially great event because we made sure all the village students had the chance to participate. A lot of times big projects take place in Talas City and because transportation can cost so much, village kids can’t go. Also, all the trainings were in local language. This meant that our participants did not have to be English speakers. Any student with an interest was able to attend. Guys, I can’t begin to explain how great this project was. It was not my project, though. A K-22, Tori, is the one to give credit to. This was her baby. The students were so mature. They had lessons on HIV/AIDs, transmission, stigma and discrimination. They also were given time to plan out what they wanted to do for WAD in their villages. It was just a great project.

The next big thing that happened was Thanksgiving. Oh my goodness. It was so good! Everyone came together at Tori’s compound, and we ate. And boy, did we eat. I was worried we would not have enough food, we had 21 people at Thanksgiving, but, man, was I wrong. We had SO MUCH food! It was great. Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. Ever. I was so worried that I would be really depressed, but I was very much surprised by how much fun I had.

And now, I will tell you all the things I am thankful for:

1. My family. They are still the best support system I could ever need,

2. My host family. I live with such a loving and nice family. I really am blessed.

3. My PCV family. They are crazy and drive me nuts sometimes, but I love them. They are so great. I am so happy to be in an oblast that genuinely likes to hang out.

4. Tori’s hospitality. She let’s me come over just about every weekend and feeds me. It’s great.

5. The Goonies. They are my best friends, favorite people, soul mates.

6. Good coffee. Thanks Mom and Dad.

7. Being here. It’s not always easy or fun, but I’m glad I’m here. I’m committed to make it work.

8. The Weger Café. Yum.

9. Hot sauce.

10. My two Aizada’s. They are just simply wonderful!

I hope your Thanksgiving was yummy! Don’t forget to wear Red for World Aids Day!

A List About Things/ Happy Six Month Anniversary

So, it has come to my attention that there are some volunteers that post on their blogs regularly. Apparently “it’s not that hard”, but I have chosen the “I’ll post really sporadically” route. I never feel that anything blog worthy ever happens. I read other volunteers posts, and they have funny stories or good advice, and mostly I feel like life is just normal. Well, as normal as it can be. However, since today officially marks my six months in country, I figured I would try to throw together a little post and let my multitude of readers know what’s up.

And now in no particular order, here are things that have happened.

Winter. Winter was always a threat. I knew it was coming. I was trying to prepare, but this Tennessee girl really had no way of knowing. It’s October, and it is COLD. The worst part is it is only going to get colder. Ugh.

·     PDM. I, along with about 30 other volunteers and our counterparts, went to Cholpon Ata, Issyk Kul to participate in grant training. It was really great to get to see some volunteers that live other oblasts. My counterpart, Aizada, and I also got a chance to really plan out our project idea that will require a grant. I will write more about that later.

·     Nurballa. As PCVs we are encouraged to take on secondary projects for a couple of reasons. One being because for most of us our primary organizations just can’t provide us with enough work to keep us busy. The people we work with have a lot going on. Most of us have female counterparts who are responsible for not only their work, but also all the things their households need to run. (Health volunteers especially have a lot of free time.) Another reason for secondary projects is so we can frame our service into what we want. That is how I got connected with Nurballa. When I first did my site interview with my program manager I told her I had an interest in working with children with special needs. I specifically wanted to use my exercise science background. Occupational and physical therapy are hard to come by here, and I wanted to use my basic knowledge. Fortunately, my program manager is a great women who listens to what we say, and she almost immediately set me up with a day center for special needs children.

·     Strong Women. I am fortunate to have an unbelievably amazing counterpart. She has to be the best one out there. I’m telling you, Peace Corps did me a solid. Aizada is great. Anyway, a K-22 in Talas, Tori, worked with my counterpart to write a grant that allowed 20 PCVs and their counterparts to attend a 3 day training of trainers in Cholpon Ata, Issyk Kul. I was fortunate enough to be asked to give two of the training sessions. The training ended in a 5K run/walk. It was a lot of fun, and I am so glad that Tori gave me the opportunity to give some trainings.

·     Bishkek. So, I had about a week in between PDM and the ToT. Naturally, I spent that week in Bishkek. Granted I was there on program leave, and to help Tori get all the materials. But, I had a weekend that was all mine. Several volunteers decided to stay in/ come up to Bishkek for that weekend. I think we had 11 people in our group. It was also Jacob’s birthday weekend, so we had to celebrate! Bishkek is the capital city, and where all my food dreams can be realized. It was great and delicious.

·     Toktogul. Okay, this happened a bit ago, but I don’t think I wrote about it. I went to the lovely city of Toktogul with some other Talas volunteers, Cole, Anna, Kristen, and Andy, to celebrate Emma’s birthday. It was a lot of fun. Toktogul is only three hours away, so by far the closest to Talas.

·     Food Poisoning. Well, we knew it happen. It did. It sucked. I don’t want to talk about it.

Well, that seems to be the highlight reel. Happy six month post.

A fun story and some shameless begging

Well, training is officially over. I am 100% a Peace Corps Volunteer now. I can finally start the projects I have mind. I’m stoked. This also means that from now on all the structure and scheduling in my life will pretty much be self-made. So, that’s something. Training ended with three weeks of language and technical training back in our PST villages and hub site. IT was really great to see my first family again. It felt like coming home. Training was, well, a thing that happened. It was a lot of sitting and listening. The best part was definitely going to Bishkek every single weekend. We got to let loose and have some fun all together. All the Talas volunteers rode back together on Sunday. It was a fairly uneventful ride for the most part. Except for the stop we made to pick up some roadkill. Okay, so imagine that you have been in a moderately cramped minibus for about 4 hours. You’re tired, hungry, and your legs really need a good stretch. All you want in the world is to finally make it back to your house, and start settling back in, but then your driver pulls over to the side of the road. You notice that there is a dead, disemboweled horse just laying on the ground, and you assume the driver stopped to get a good look. Ya know, just curiosity. This was my rationale. NOPE. NOPE. NOPE. We stopped looked at the horse, and then I took the opportunity to use the outhouse nearby. When I walked back over all of our bags were on the ground, and the horse was being loaded into the marshrutka. Our bags just went back on top. See horse is expensive, and it is pretty tasty. So, my guess is the driver got a pretty sweet deal on this horse since it dies after being hit by a car. I can’t blame him. I want to. Because horse juice probably got on my bag, but I can’t.

Being back in Talas has been pretty cool. Monday was Independence Day. Aizada and I went watch the parade and then went to a carnival in the park. I had a blast. I got see awesome dances, and watch/listen to a recitation of Manas. It was a solid day. My counterpart is currently on vacation, so I am being left to my own devices while she is gone, but I have plenty that I can work on. 

Also, if any kind soul that reads this blog wants to send me a package or letter, I would love it!

My address is:

Кристина Эденс

Кыргыз Республикасы

Тород Талас

Улииа Алля Нуржанова

Дом #11

724200

Tel # 0552231525

If you need package ideas….

Hot sauce

Candy

Instant Oatmeal

Seasonings

Chips (especailly salt&vinegar and doritos)

BBQ Sauce

Pens&Pencils

Any boxed food item (rice, mac&cheese, etc)

Protein bars

Or anything you are kind enough to send :)

Be Nice To People

Life is a curious thing. When I heard about the shooting in Chattanooga I was so confused and sad. So many people worry about my safety while I’m here, but I have been saying from the beginning that there is no place that is immune to tragedy and senseless violence. For the most part, I have been so proud of the way Chattanooga has responded to this unbelievably tragic event. From what I have seen via social media and traditional media sources, people have come together in love and support, which is amazing. It makes me so proud to consider Chattanooga home. However, I have seen some things that are pure hate, and that is disappointing. As someone who is not muslim, but still living in an Islamic country it angers me to see posts from people condemning an entire religion and everyone who is a part of it. Let me just say, my experience with Ramadan in Kyrgyzstan has been nothing but positive. 

We moved to our permanent sites right as Ramadan had begun, and my apa and ata fasted the entire time. Orozo (the word for fasting) is challenging. My host parents would fast al day long, not even taking a drink of water, all while working regular hours and tending to the five children living in our house. At just before 9 o’clock every night they would get to break fast until about 3 am. Here’s the deal, Ramadan is an incredibly powerful holiday. The reasoning behind it is so awesome. It is a time to experience what those who cannot afford food and water go through every day. It is to serve as a reminder that we are incredibly blessed by Allah (God) with food and water. Not everyone is, and we should not forget that. I did not take part in fasting for a few reasons: 1. It was incredibly hot and not drinking water is dangerous 2. I did not feel convicted to do so and 3. It was never asked or expected of me. In fact my apa even made food for me, a 24 year old, because she knew that I did not know where all of our cooking utensils were kept. I have never been forced to do anything. My apa and ata are fairly devout and while there are some Islamic customs they do not adhere to, they mostly follow the Quran pretty closely. They do not drink, and my ata is such compassionate and good man. He does not yell or raise his hand at anyone in the family. I have seen people posting so many negative things about Islam in light of recent events that hit close, too close, to home, and I just have to interject that most of what I have seen being posted about Islam is false.

 My family has warmth and love for each other and me that I cherish. When Ramadan ended and my family celebrated Eid they were so considerate of the fact that I might find it all overwhelming. The tradition, in Kyrgyzstan, is to go to all the neighbors houses and eat plov. My family insisted that our house be the first one, and then told me I didn’t have to attend Eid at every house. They were worried I would get tired, and that people would insist I eat more than I wanted (because that is hospitality). 

What I am trying to say is, please think about what you post, or re-post. Think about is this post coming from a place of love? Or a place of hate and ignorance? Are you posting facts about this religion? Or just some random meme that you have no clue if the information is factual? 

Also for anyone I am connected to on social media, if you are posting hurtful, false things about the dominant religion in the country where I live, please be more considerate. Remember we are all just people, and that whatever god you believe in, we come from the same one.

Just Call Me Coach

This past week was a good one. We had a summer sports camp in Talas City. It ran from Monday to Friday, and every day was a different sport. Every single Talas volunteer came in to help at some point. It was so good to see everyone. Since I live in the city, I helped out every day. Admittedly, I was more use on certain days, because my soccer and volleyball skills are basically non-existent. We had a great group of kids the whole week. I loved getting to interact with them, and learn about them. We really focused on the sports aspect and not so much the English, not that any of the kids seemed to mind.

   
                                                        Volleyball was a HUGE hit!

Doing some serious coaching

We opted for underhand serves so more kids would make it over the net

Aside from actually doing something volunteer-ish, my favorite thing about last week was hanging out with all the volunteers after camp was over. Each day started at 9 and ended somewhere between 2 and 3. After all the campers left, we would pick up all our gear and go back to the apartment the village volunteers were renting, drop off our stuff and either go to the bazaar to get the needed ingredients for dinner that night, or just hang out. It was so much fun, and the food was awesome! We had chili, burritos, and fajita chicken salad. All with Kyrgyz twists depending on what ingredients we couldn't find. (Yes, you can find reasonably hot peppers here)

One afternoon we went to the river and just lounged around. It is so nice! I think the river will be my favorite spot. This week is definitely already feeling lonely compared to last week, but this weekend is Talas Welcome Weekend, so I'll get to see everybody again! I know without a doubt I could not have been placed with a better group of volunteers.

****SIDE NOTE****
Here is something cool, there is a program here called FLEX that is super competitive, and it takes really motivated students with a high level of English and sends them to the US for about a year. I have met several FLEX alum, and they are amazing. BUT! Here is the really cool part, this year there is a FLEX student from Talas City going to Tennessee!! How awesome is that?! I am going to meet with him sometime this week, and from what I've heard he might be going to Chattanooga! Crazy, right? I know. Small world.

Other side note:

I have a local address now, but I am going to wait to give it out until I know that it works. But as soon as I get something from one of the few people that have it, I will post it here. I also might include a list of items that I wouldn't mind getting if you are feeling generous, but letters are also VERY appreciated!

That's all for now.

Love y'all!

Isn't It Ironic?

It’s the little triumphs that I’m trying to focus on at the moment. The small things that make me feel like i’m going to be able to live here, and do okay. The past couple of days have had a lot of those triumphs. It started with having such a great and heartwarming conversation with my sister Aizada. She is almost 17, and really wants to improve her English, which is already really good. I have been giving Daston and Aiyapere some phrases and words to practice, but Aizada and I just chat. She told me about how she wants to go to The University of Central Asia and study business administration. She wants to study abroad in the US, and work in America for a few years. Then, she wants to open up a business in Talas, like a bowling alley or something like that. It was so cool to hear about her dreams and ambitions. She is a smart and driven young women and I can’t wait to see what the next two years have in store for her. 

Yesterday, I had a few really awesome moments. I have been making it a habit to stop into a different magazine (little convenience store) every day on my walk to ARZ (the reproductive health NGO I am working with) just to meet the people, and let them get to know my face. I always buy something small like juice or gum. The magazine I stopped in yesterday had the sweetest lady working behind the counter. She wanted to know everything about me. We talked for about 10 minutes, and I understood about 90 percent of what was being said, and she seemed to understand me just fine. When I got to work my counterpart, also named Aizada, but will always be referred to as Aizada Eje, told me that she wanted to take me to a puppet show at a pre-school. It was not a puppet show. It was an interactive, live show with the giant mascot characters, and it was so great. The kids were laughing and dancing. I loved every second of it. Especially because kids are just kids. They couldn’t have cared less that some 6 foot blonde lady was there. They just wanted to see Mickey, and dance their little butts off. Later I found out that Aizada Eje’s family were the performers. They travel from oblast to oblast doing these shows for children. 

Finally, after a pretty good session with my Kyrgyz tutor, I got to go home. I was about 40 yards from my back gate when this old man stopped me. All I was thinking was, “no, no, no. I just want to go home.” It also needs to be said that I have a really difficult time understanding when older men speak. They tend to not enunciate as much as women. However, I was pleasantly surprised that I could not only understand the words he was saying, but I understood WHAT he was saying. Listening comprehension has been a huge struggle for me. But, holy crap I knew what this man was saying! I was so ecstatic! He told me that he was my neighbor, and I was like family now. It is such a comfort the have an older man want to look out for me. It is a patriarchal society that places a lot of honor and respect in age. so having this older man know my face and name is an asset. 

Irony is a funny thing. So, as I was typing this Aizada Eje, my counterpart, came over to ask me about a math question. It was about number not adding up, and if you want to know the details of the question I’ll let you spend to money to call me. When she explained what she didn’t understand, I immediately saw what the issue was, but I had no way to explain. As good as Aizada Eje’s English is, there are some things that we just can’t communicate clearly on. Irony, man. What a jerk.

And it's on to Phase 2

If you’re thinking, “Wow, Chrissi really is slacking with this whole blog deal”, you are correct. I never promised frequent posts, though. Let’s see, what has happened since my last post? the answer is: a lot. Phase one of training ended, I took my LPI (language proficiency interview), met my permanent host family, met my counterpart, packed up all my stuff to move, and had my swearing in ceremony. Like I said, a lot. It’s all been pretty good. No real hiccups or issues. My new family is very sweet. My Apa and Ata are very nice and super welcoming. They have 7 children, but only 4 still at home. I have a 16 year old sister, a 14 year old brother, a 12 year sister, and a 3 year old sister. My 16 year old sister, Aizada, speaks English. the rest of the family does not, but that’s okay. How else am I going to practice my Kyrgyz? 

So far, my counterpart, also named Aizada, has been showing my around Talas City. I have a decent grasp of where things are located. I know where to buy things, and how to get home from just about anywhere. It’s slow going at this point. I want to just fast forward a little bit to the point when I will be working on projects, but all the steps in between are important, I guess. 

I think I am really going to like it here. My organization has a clear mission and vision from what I can tell. They also have a very dedicated group of local volunteers, which is awesome. I just have to keep reminding myself that it took about 5 weeks for Kengesh to feel like home, and the same will probably be true for Talas City. At least this time I have a little bit of language. 

That’s really all for now. Oh, I will have a new address that you can send things to soon. I just have to get it written in print, because Kyrgyz cursive is tricky. 

Until my next post,

all my love.

Oh, and a big happy birthday to one of my favorites: Blake! Miss ya, B.

Being Talasome.

So, you’re probably expecting this blog to about my permanent site since I found out where I will be for the next two years just a few days ago. Well, it isn’t going to about Talas. Sorry. I will give you a really quick run down. Talas is in the western part of the country, it is the birthplace of Manas (look him up), I will be in Talas City working with an NGO on reproductive health, and I’m really excited that Talas will be my home. Done.

Okay now for the real reason I opened up my computer to do something other than watch a movie. Today (Sunday), while I was cleaning, which we do every Sunday, I started thinking about how much I hate cleaning. I have always hated cleaning. My family can tell you all about it, but then I started thinking about the other similarities Kyrgyzstan has to America, at least for me. I have lived with educators my whole life, and my Apa is an Enlgish teacher. My dad is a huge history lover, as is my Ata. We watch documentaries all the time. Sometimes I have no idea what is being said, but I feel that way when my mom and sister start talking school stuff or when Jordan and Victoria start talking in German. 

As much as I want to learn about Kyrgyz culture, and as different as it may be at times, it is impossible to ignore the similarities. And those similarities are what I focus on. I look for comfort in them. Surviving and thriving during this whole adventure is majorly dependent on not only learning Kyrgyz culture and adopting it, but also finding a way to make this country and the people feel like home and family. Feeling at home is crucial for me. It’s why I got my tattoo, even though I barely understood this reason at the time. It’s why my journals and notebooks full of love and familiarity are so important to me. 

I can be happy anywhere, if it feels like home. And it does. I feel welcome in my host home. I don’t feel like I’m in the way or a burden, and that is part of what makes it home. I believe this experience, much like any experience in life, is what you make it. I have been happy basically this entire time because I want to be, and I choose to be. That’s my goal, motto, mantra for this adventure. I know there will be bad days, but I know they won’t last. There will be good in those bad times. I just have to look for it, and hold on to it tightly. 

If you really want to know more about Talas, I can post more. However, seeing as how at this point in time, I have never actually been there it may not be helpful. Also, there will be two years worth of posts that will take place in Talas, so don’t fret.

I hope you are looking for and holding on to all the happies that are all around you!

Here's how this works...

Okay, so I guess what I’m going to do is just write out these posts whenever inspiration strikes. Which could possibly mean that I will be posting multiple posts at once, but hey, what can I do? As I’m writing this it is May 17, which means that week 4 starts tomorrow. HOLY CRAP, y’all. We’re closing in on one month in Kyrgyzstan! Can you believe it?! I certainly can’t. Anyway, what have I been up to? Well, if you’re friends with me on Facebook you probably saw some pictures from when we went to Bishkek on Friday. It was a long, hot, and fun day. We had about an hour commute from Kengesh. The first marshrutka was so crowded. Fortunately for me, I was standing next to a window, and I got to feel a breeze every now and then. If you’re wandering what a marshrutka is, it is a mini bus type deal that comfortable fits about 20 people. However, there is never a marshrutka that turns down a paying customer. So you can imagine how crowded they can get, but it’s just another experience that I get to have. The day in Bishkek was full of sightseeing. We had to keep a pretty tight schedule. My favorite part was probably Osh Bazaar. It’s essentially this GIANT outdoor flea market. You can find pretty much anything you want there. It was stifling hot, though. I did talk to a merchant in Kyrgyz while I was there, and he was impressed with my Kyrgyz. (I need to note that it was probably more about the fact that I was trying than my Kyrgyz being that good.) The day ended with my language group going to tour the Peace Corps office. Which was cool to see, but we were all so tired we barely asked any questions. 

Yesterday (Saturday), I had language class from 9-12:30, and then I came home and studied. We had lunch, and then I studied. I called Mom, then studied. Called my sister, then studied. I was going to study I little more, but the power went out because of a storm, so I went to bed. I can honestly say that I have never studied this hard. But, I feels nice. It’s nice to be challenged again. I haven’t really had to learn anything in an academic capacity in about 2 years, and the challenge is refreshing. Especially now that my brain is remembering how to learn. It makes me think that going back to school when I leave KG won’t be awful, but don’t get too excited Mom. I still have over 2 years, so I’m not making any definite plans, yet. 

Today (Sunday), my apa told me we might go to the mountains, and see her father’s sheep, which I’m pumped about. However, the weather is seriously not cooperating, so we may have to wait. Today is also cleaning day. I have scrubbed my room top to bottom. Maybe this experience will make me a neat freak. I doubt it, but maybe it will make me not hate cleaning? We’ll see.

Later this week, I will find out my permanent site, who my counter-part is, and what my main project will be. It’s a huge deal. I will be spending the next two years, hopefully, living with one family, living in one place, and working on this project. I will also have secondary projects that will take up a lot of my time, especially the first year. I’m excited! I can’t wait to start working on things other than just language. Not that I don’t appreciate the emphasis the Peace Corps puts on language, because I do. SO much. 

Anyway, I guess that’s all for now. 

Love y’all.

It's been forever and the Internet is unreliable

I know, I know. I didn’t post a thing the entire time I had reliable internet. I’m sorry. To say that I was busy and overwhelmed, would be slightly downplaying it. But, I’m writing this now, so if you’re reading this it means that I’ve found internet! (but probably just temporarily)

So much has happened that if I were to try and write everything play-by-play, we’d both be dying of boredom. Not to mention my fingers would be so tired, and I’d probably still forget something. So, let’s try a list format. 

Things I have done successfully:

• walked to class
• learned a few very basic Kyrgyz phrases
• set up my water filter
• played with my host sister
• helped my Apa and Jingay (mom and sister-in-law) make dinner
• learned tons of Kyrgyz words
• used some of them properly
• played ultimate frisbee with the other volunteers in Kengesh
• cleaned my room
• showered (yes, we have an indoor shower!)
• used the restroom (no, we don’t have an indoor toilet)
• learned the Kyrgyz alphabet (okay, I actually still have a little trouble with some of the vowels some of the time)
• done my laundry (by hand, oh my gosh, it takes FOREVER!)

Things I have attempted, but haven’t actually mastered:

• used more complex sentence structure
• attempt to use more Kyrgyz when possible
• sleep all the way through the night

The language is difficult. It has sounds that don’t exist in English. I’m getting better every day, but it’s still a slow process. We have about 6 hours of language class five days a week and three hours on Saturday. Sunday we have off, but right now it feels like there is no down time. In class it’s an active learning environment and at home it’s passive, but never having a break is exhausting. This is also my first foreign language, and it’s certainly a challenge. I know I can do it, and we have only been in country a week. (I’m writing this on May 3.) Yet, I still find myself getting frustrated when I can’t communicate. 

But, I’m doing okay. I’m making it. I’m glad to be here. I just wish I could learn the language immediately, but since that’s not possible I guess I’ll just enjoy the ride, the ups and downs, which seem to come in incredible succession. 

Like just now. I had a great morning playing ultimate frisbee with the other volunteers, and then I came home and had a particularly difficult lunch full of silence and confusion. But right now I am having the best time with my little sister. We have played, danced, sang, and taken so many pictures. She is about 7. Her name is Ayannah, and she is my saving grace right now. 

Also, I have to admit that I cheated. I read Blake’s entry in my journal before I got to it. But, trust me I needed it. B, if you’re reading this, which you probably won’t until someone tells you, thank you. That message got me through a rough night. 

To everyone back home, I’m good. I promise. I love you!

TN to DC to ?????

Well, we're down to less than a month until I leave for Kyrgyzstan. Can you believe it? I know. It's really happening! I am so completely filled with excitement and fear. The strangest part is realizing these emotions are usually about the same things. I'm excited about the unknown, but it also is so scary to be going into so many unknowns. 

As of today, March 26th, I have finished working at the bank, moved from Chattanooga to Estill Springs, and made all of my travel plans to get from TN to DC to KG. DO YOU EVEN UNDERSTAND HOW REAL THAT MAKES EVERYTHING??? There are two flight itineraries in my name. One to get me to DC for my staging event (an orientation of sorts) and another to take me to Kyrgyzstan (via two layovers). The exact plan is, April 23 I will fly out of Nashville at 7:53 am to DC. I will arrive with enough time to check in to my hotel room and get to registration for my staging. The next day, April 24, I will board an international flight to Frankfurt, Germany. After, I think, a five hour layover I will fly to Istanbul, Turkey. We will have a nice little wait there, and then finally make it to Bishkek, KG around 3 am. That is the plan. That's what I am going to do. 

Now, onto what is currently going on in my life. I had my last day at the bank. I'm going to miss my coworkers a lot. They are wonderful people who have been so incredibly supportive since day one. I can not express enough how wonderful they are, or how much I will miss them.

Two days later, I moved out of my sister's house and back to my parent's. It was definitely sad and strange to leave Chattanooga knowing that it may never be my home again. I have lived in Chattanooga since college. For the past 6 years, I have called it home. For the last two of those six, I have lived with my sister. I'm going to miss her like crazy. I loved living with her. She is my best friend.

Anyway, these next few weeks are pretty packed. I just got back from a few days in Pigeon Forge with my mom and Nana. On Saturday, I will be going to spend time with my cousin and his family, and then next Wednesday I am going to Disney with my mom and sister. I will also be getting the last few items I need before leaving, getting some accounts in order, packing all my stuff into two bags, and spending some much needed time with my friends to celebrate Jordan's birthday. I can't wait to see my goonies. 

I've started getting emotional about leaving. Random things make me sentimental. I have moments where is seems like none of this is actually happening, like it's all a dream. And even though I didn't think it was possible, sometimes it feels like it's all happening too fast. One month from today I will be in Kyrgyzstan, getting used to life, and trying to figure out how to function. I'm so overwhelmed with all the love and support I have received. Thank you so much to everyone who has been a part of my journey so far. 

I know this post was a little scattered, but I wanted to share what my exact flight plan would be and just a little bit about how I feel. 






Disclaimer: The content of this website is mine personally and does not reflect any position of the US Government or the Peace Corps.

The Million Dollar Question

Why??

I have been asked this question so much, and I understand why. It's a valid question. Changing everything about your life, and moving to a country very few people know about is different. I get it. I'm aware it will be difficult, and there will probably be times I feel like I can't do it. Yet, I can't ignore the fact that I have this small, but solid feeling that I can not only do it, but do it well.

Contrary to what some people I have encountered believe, I did put months of thought into this. I did research, I prayed, I gave it so much thought that I have talked myself out of and back into going at least 5 times. Trust me, the Peace Corps doesn't sugar coat what serving will entail. They give page after page of reasons to not join. What I mean by that is, they tell you all about the bad things that could happen and rough times you will experience. They give people every possible excuse to back out, but as much as all the literature I've read scares me, it also fuels my desire to do this. On any given day I am full of excitement and fear. Some days those parts are equal and other days, the scale tips in the favor of one over the other.

My journal is filled with six months worth of entries about the Peace Corps. Starting with wondering if I should just apply and see what happens (spoiler: I got in), to doing it for the adventure, and now wanting this because I want to be part of a bigger picture of good will and servitude. I know that what I do in the Kyrgyz Republic will not drastically change the entire counrty. It would be foolish to beleive that, and I would only be setting myself up for failure and disappointment. What I want is to offer support, love, skills, and ideas to as small or large a group of people as I am able,  so that they can share and add to all of it. Many small differences will add up. I'm not looking to revolutionize anything. I just want to offer what I can.

This is also an opportunity to be brave. I firmly believe that if you force yourself to do things that you are afraid of or make you nervous, amazing opportunities present themselves. A friend I have that is living and working in Thailand right now, gave me advice very similar to this. She told me to be strong and she promised I wouldn't regret it. I think that is so true. Difficult situations shape so much about how we handle all aspects of life. Though I am well aware that this journey will be the most difficult and exhausting thing I have ever faced, I also know it will be the most incredible and rewarding experience. Probably rewarding in ways I haven't even considered.

If you think I still haven't answered why, then the truth is you'll never know. The why is very personal. As much as I want to give a nice, neat, concise answer, the truth is I can't. the why is deep within my heart. It's an emotion and a yearning. It's an attitude and something I have very little control over. Every reason I stated aboove is true, but they are just parts of a greater whole. A whole that I don't know how to articulate. As Hilary Duff once said in a song that was released at the end of Disney days:

Why not take a crazy chance

Why not do a crazy dance

If we lose the moment 

We might lose a lot

So why not?

If you are wondering, yes that song is on my iTunes. No, I'm not ashamed. :)

The content of this website is mine personally and does not reflect any position of the US Government or the Peace Corps

Going to a place to do a thing

So, here goes my first official blog post. If you are wondering about the URL name, or why I'm starting one to begin with let me fill you in. I am moving to the Kyrgyz Republic for a little over two years. Before you go crazy and think I've gone off the deep end, let me just explain that I am going with the Peace Corps. You still probably have no clue what the Kyrgyz Republic is, or where it is located. Now that you have Googled it, you also know that it is most often referred to as Kyrgyzstan, and it is a central asian country. Yeah, when I found out the Peace Corps wanted to send me to Kyrgyzstan that was all I really knew about it as well.

I had assumed, for whatever reason, that I would end up in some country in Africa. I thought, well, I can handle Ghana, Kenya, any african country really. (The Peace Corps does not send volunteers to places deemed unsafe) My thought process was: I can handle heat, I can survive humidity, I know so many people who have done missions in various african countries, this will be okay. At least it won't be cold, right?

Here are some quick facts about Kyrgyzstan:

1. It was part of the former Soviet Union
2. Because of this, and its close proximity to Russia, the culture has been very Russified
3. Most homes have outside tiolets
4. It gets freaking cold in Kyrgyzstan. Like -30 degrees cold
5. I will either be learning Kyrgyz or Russian depending on where I will be living
6. Its bordering countries are Uzbekistan, China, Kazakhstan, and Tajikistan

Of all the information I have read about my soon to be home, the fact that the winters are brutal scares me the most. I have never like the winter, and Tennessee has mild winters. However, with the proper gear and a sunny attitude, I think I'll survive.

If you're wondering what I'll be doing with the Peace Corps, well, I can't give a satisfying answer. I am officially a Health Extension Volunteer. Since I have no real medical training, I am fairly certain I will not be doing invasive type things. I am guessing it will be more in the realm of spreading health knowledge. Wash your hands, wash your food, use a condom, that sort of thing. I hope that I will be working with teenagers. I think that middle school and high age people are funny. It would also be an age group I am familiar and comfortable with. Of course whatever I end up doing, I'll be happy.

I do know that it is normal that I don't fully understand exactly what I'll be doing. I have been fortunate enough to be connected with another PCV headed to Kyrgyzstan, and he is also a little lost as to what the details of his job description are. As far as I can figure, we don't get any exact details because our jobs are subject to change. We have agreed to serve as needed. to give us a definite, detailed description of anything would be pointless. I'm kind of excited at the thought of not knowing. This means that I will be placed where I am needed the most. It also means that my location and job will be most suited to what I have to offer.

How I feel:
Sore. I got some immunizations yesterday, and I am feeling the effects, but I won't be contracting Polio:) Also, who knew that getting two years worth of doctors appointments in the span of a month could be so expensive and exhausting?



The content of this website is mine personally and does not reflect any position of the US Government or the Peace Corps