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!