Thanksgiving and thankfulness...

I cried for joy a bit this morning because when I opened up my email there were two letters (translated via email) from "my" kids in Kazakhstan! Here is a little snippet:

"I waited for your letter very much because I wanted to know how you are. I am fine. I study in Shu; I will be a railway worker. I think I can....I wanted you to return."

"I don’t know why, but the first thing what I want to say to you are: “I love you very much”. I was very happy when you wrote that you would come in Taraz. I will also pray God to help you to come here. If you come I will see you and we can talk about everything."

See, when I first went to KZ 3 years ago, I wanted to work with the cute little kids who would call me "mama" and give me sticky kisses. Instead I was assigned the group of 14 year olds. (Teenagers! Agh! Anything but teenagers!) This one class became so close to my heart. I don't know what motherhood feels like, but now I know how a child can crawl into your heart and take your breath away. Imagine how hard it was to leave.

My 2nd year in Kazakhstan I began to wonder what would happen to these children after they "graduated" from the orphanage. The "technical schools" offer basic labor skills only, the living conditions not so great, and support system nonexistent. Sometimes the kids choose street life, crime, and/or substance abuse because of the hopelessness. In response to this need, Interlink created the YOUTH IMPACT program. This initiative is a series of weekly classes in small groups intended to teach the children life skills for success. I'm so excited to serve in this program next year!

(Quick update. They are purchasing tickets as we speak, but I am still urgently in need of $320/month. See the right to make a donation!)

The Cheapest Way to Fly...Really!

In trying to be frugal, you know, a good steward and such, my coworker and I found the absolute cheapest way to get me to KZ!

The good news is that there's plenty of room for luggage in there. The service might not be as good but at least I can take my sharpened items and a bottle of water! I think the airtank and blankets might make it too...seeing as how I'll be flying over Russian mid January! Thanks Derek for your ingenious ideas!

Want to help me get there in style? I'm still in need of about $380/month so feel free to donate!

Reliance, shackles, and pennies...

In my first post I wrote that I couldn't wait to "throw off the shackles of self reliance." It was a sincere statement, but what was I thinking?! This week I have to laugh at myself as I look down (somehow surprised) to find myself tightly shackled to "my" little piece of world. The reality of handing over a checkbook, a power of attorney, and belongings into someone else's care...well, you try it! Thankfully a dear friend pointed out that my struggle is the dying of self and I can do it joyfully or grudgingly...pray that I have joy!

I'm still in need of about $480 per month in support or $5,760 in one time gifts. I truly and deeply believe that financial investment is an outpouring of the heart and a reflection of God working through man in all his facets. Raising support for this next year requires me to rely on the Giver of all good things.

At this time I do need to very humbly and directly ask that if you are considering investing in my time in Kazakhstan that you would do so as soon as possible. One reality that I am facing is that I cannot purchase tickets until I have at least 50% ($1,000 more than what I have now). You can use the links on the right to donate now OR you can mail checks (written to Interlink Resources) to Interlink Resources at 4630 North Broadway Ave.Muncie, IN 47303. Feel free to email me with more questions.

Smells like Kazakhstan

As of November 10th, there are at least 50 more people in the world who know what plov, olivia salad, halva, and tarragon soad are! I think the world's a better place because of it! ...Here are pictures from last Saturday's traditional Kazakh meal at my home. The best comment I got all evening was from the several people who said they could "smell Kazakhstan" from the street outside of my house! Thank you so much to those of you who helped shop, chop, cook, and eat! Thanks also to my photographers and even to those who just showed up and made amusing comments about the food (Michelle this would be you!).

A car, a boat, a plane... a camel?

Wonder of wonders, miracles of miracles... I have enough money for my plane tickets, visa, and other travel expenses!! I should know by next week my schedule for travel and what date exactly that I am leaving in January.

So this is it. This is the week I submit my resignation at work and put my name on a seat (or several seats...none of them on a camel!) that will carry me halfway across the world. And you know what? Even though I've done this before (lived overseas for a year) and even though I've been there before, it's still butterflies-in-stomach exciting!

Thank you so much for all who have given to make this possible. Without your generosity, this wouldn't be happening! I'm still in need of about $700/month for next year, so please consider supporting the work in KZ. Donation buttons are on the right!

Photo courtesy of Victoria Charbonneau.