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