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!