tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17948214900578536022024-03-19T02:26:05.564-07:00The light of a single ember...My Year in Kazakhstanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08922105854128675102noreply@blogger.comBlogger173125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1794821490057853602.post-28940007649923206702009-05-02T17:00:00.000-07:002009-05-02T17:18:25.582-07:00All Good Things Must Come to an End<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCc7R2HaRQVTne7al98X34P-7iE97XmCKt2YPRBQiIcpx5-dGtUkSlqKToGBxvjb3hxwhLUapRiZKywPhHNHYP4vFOShLmR5LHZss_yh4bVhNTyRa9ojG02Sa9kt22cvZm49Ao7VP4ypMr/s1600-h/2860_598546835738_55712992_36548458_6561013_n+%28Small%29.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCc7R2HaRQVTne7al98X34P-7iE97XmCKt2YPRBQiIcpx5-dGtUkSlqKToGBxvjb3hxwhLUapRiZKywPhHNHYP4vFOShLmR5LHZss_yh4bVhNTyRa9ojG02Sa9kt22cvZm49Ao7VP4ypMr/s400/2860_598546835738_55712992_36548458_6561013_n+%28Small%29.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331384854160340562" border="0" /></a><br />Well my dear friends...I think my blog is about to enter into <a href="http://www.enchantedlearning.com/coloring/Hibernate.shtml"><span style="font-weight: bold;">hibernation</span></a>. I've enjoyed blogging very much and have had a really great response from you all, more than I expected! Thank you for all those who have read and encouraged me through this blog!<br /><br />I am so happy to let you know that I have<span style="font-weight: bold;"> two jobs</span> at this time! As of last Monday I will be spending nights and weekends at a local calling center for upscale clothing. As of Friday I began a job with community services, working in schools with special needs children. I am going to be tired, but I am so thankful to have this work!! Although little extras, like keeping a blog, will have to go...<br /><br />Also, I have moved from my original spot here in Lynchburg. I was so sad to leave Debbie (I miss you!!!) but it's for a good reason and is the right time. I am staying with another family (thank you Robert, Lisa, Issac, and Ben!!) here in Lynchburg for a few weeks. It's a perfect location, near my evening work making for a quick trip home when my night shift ends!<br /><br />A few more weeks will see me moved again. I have an offer from a wonderful couple out in Bedford who I am excited to spend time with. My school assignment is about an hour away from their home though so it will be a challenging time this summer, to say the least! But I am young (right?) and have lots of energy to meet my goals.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Of course, Kazakhstan is still on the radar</span>...I'm just waiting. All things have their time and place and now is the time for me to work work work!! And I seek to do so with joy and thankfulness and as much engery as I have!<br /><br />If you'd like to know when I start blogging again, just subscribe to my blog (in the right hand column) and a notification will be sent to you! Blessings on each of you! Love, EmberMy Year in Kazakhstanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08922105854128675102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1794821490057853602.post-15032792387993304812009-03-04T14:10:00.000-08:002009-03-04T14:10:00.724-08:00Frolicking....there's simply no other word<span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 102);">Well, after 10 inches of snow came by...I couldn't help but want to play! Sadly, I had no playmates around and had to come up with some imaginary ones. MiniMe and KJ-Gee were fun for dress-up but poor competition for a snowball fight! And of course I had to make a snow angel!<br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZYJY710Y7AOYduchesp90_DxSpIbQ-ZT0uLm4Va0LSPiM4O9c1NNWr3-v-uy1etn5X2jK9boHecWPAX1bO5JzZkwKwwTjeCXoTDCWGbL-JaTAQYzX2qGs3SiqLaHL3gO2gULjgFphnOAO/s1600-h/December+111.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZYJY710Y7AOYduchesp90_DxSpIbQ-ZT0uLm4Va0LSPiM4O9c1NNWr3-v-uy1etn5X2jK9boHecWPAX1bO5JzZkwKwwTjeCXoTDCWGbL-JaTAQYzX2qGs3SiqLaHL3gO2gULjgFphnOAO/s320/December+111.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308718829338388386" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlWPzdIh7XKdDI_cY7L8PDCZJ3W0niMpNV-_e6rSRes8WsoJQBKPyZDnsWRRyT68BgcI8GxBz7BDrZfdlen-OuC-SRo3yhqHUVd8DnHtOLe1GuyxbXwKZ-IPhLNfP1Hm5r11GUdzFkFDwk/s1600-h/December+118.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlWPzdIh7XKdDI_cY7L8PDCZJ3W0niMpNV-_e6rSRes8WsoJQBKPyZDnsWRRyT68BgcI8GxBz7BDrZfdlen-OuC-SRo3yhqHUVd8DnHtOLe1GuyxbXwKZ-IPhLNfP1Hm5r11GUdzFkFDwk/s320/December+118.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308718852698391906" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8FUl-c8qdCLKtHal0Z6lnTrTMIxacoHMP8LcIuakkuE7a-B0OLKgKgzol-LPNtAxzerliUkvkMYqO2uuSpkaZsB5xmmNM7ID9cI8xmHEXEUA4F5cPe7LwDMrzJj8n4UDhJj2kMdufnkYj/s1600-h/December+112.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8FUl-c8qdCLKtHal0Z6lnTrTMIxacoHMP8LcIuakkuE7a-B0OLKgKgzol-LPNtAxzerliUkvkMYqO2uuSpkaZsB5xmmNM7ID9cI8xmHEXEUA4F5cPe7LwDMrzJj8n4UDhJj2kMdufnkYj/s320/December+112.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308718844842855778" border="0" /></a><a style="color: rgb(51, 102, 102);" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj40UCx_dGQCjqi7PVFHEZKp8cFcNxyyBGiAQcKGV8mErGx25TfFiKMSDxS4KIl1dMcu83qI8jVzYFeTI16EHEsf79ozJF4ais1bQJniDUUBIjEyrN_F_19aagIvvrd7ELb5uaes1P-eZyP/s1600-h/December+116.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj40UCx_dGQCjqi7PVFHEZKp8cFcNxyyBGiAQcKGV8mErGx25TfFiKMSDxS4KIl1dMcu83qI8jVzYFeTI16EHEsf79ozJF4ais1bQJniDUUBIjEyrN_F_19aagIvvrd7ELb5uaes1P-eZyP/s320/December+116.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308718862208639842" border="0" /></a>My Year in Kazakhstanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08922105854128675102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1794821490057853602.post-84131416896488485292009-03-03T13:54:00.000-08:002009-03-03T13:54:00.756-08:00Please put me in the slow lane!!!<span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153); font-weight: bold;">As I drove home from North Carolina, in swooped a snow storm...a very BIG, wet, and cold snow storm! It was a bit tragic considering the long morning walks I had been enjoying and the sweet daffodils that had begun peeking out at me from their yellow caps everywhere I went!</span><br /><br /><a style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153); font-weight: bold;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSyLL452h6LE0BW09pLc_vX088JxeadWAQgWZNE9JWq-F75zw1oDdx2ltLdLDTp4N75HUmFFsyZHeLR8FQH77uilAZ-vU4YniroSHRKadXBMihVEtzYMKb50rkb29JcpzM9VpeSuH94w-U/s1600-h/December+093.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSyLL452h6LE0BW09pLc_vX088JxeadWAQgWZNE9JWq-F75zw1oDdx2ltLdLDTp4N75HUmFFsyZHeLR8FQH77uilAZ-vU4YniroSHRKadXBMihVEtzYMKb50rkb29JcpzM9VpeSuH94w-U/s320/December+093.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308714935007853746" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153); font-weight: bold;">The heavy snow and winds meant a 2 and 1/2 hour drive took me almost 4 hours. I spent most of it creeping down the highway at 40 miles per hour, the end of a looooonnnggg line of cars. The couple of times I was arrogant (and impatient) enough to try and pass with speed, the slipping on the roads had me back behind them all, a bit humbler and down to 30 miles per hour!!</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153); font-weight: bold;">I counted no less than 11 accidents on the way to Lynchburg, so I'm thankful to be tucked nice and warm back at home!! Slow lane please!</span><a style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153); font-weight: bold;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdSJjYcavr9wjtfgnJKM0vJnCJzLGLv7scuZCKmCyLtmkEhRggcnbI_kQpF0vKcIUpVAGFS5VHt2bWB9umQeaDVFgHO6SKSsg75UlVwlRni2YWE2LGBSQY5_W9DZtnY1uSCpBd2dubNqGb/s1600-h/December+094.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdSJjYcavr9wjtfgnJKM0vJnCJzLGLv7scuZCKmCyLtmkEhRggcnbI_kQpF0vKcIUpVAGFS5VHt2bWB9umQeaDVFgHO6SKSsg75UlVwlRni2YWE2LGBSQY5_W9DZtnY1uSCpBd2dubNqGb/s320/December+094.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308714945418848130" border="0" /></a>My Year in Kazakhstanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08922105854128675102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1794821490057853602.post-6667904795675688842009-03-02T13:38:00.000-08:002009-03-02T13:53:51.184-08:00We're really grownups now!I spent this past weekend in Chapel Hill, North Carolina visiting my friend Jamie and her husband Charles. We talked for probably 95% of all our waking time, catching up having not seen each other for a year. The last time I saw her was when she got into the car to drive off on her honeymoon, just one day before I left for Kazakhstan. Now there are happy new developments in her family and as we discussed such big life issues as raising children, life insurance, and the increased cost in living...oy vey we felt like such GROWNUPS!!! ...Well, almost!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibsqQAWEE7W9bfXxfyAEpN__qkTilbtkl6nFhW_12p_f8P203ROyHZZDb0XmI65KAKzZZIxfQawLPzwiWlCAzUN4kQQigsX5BQWZ2gfUFLoCCcl5mOEJS6jorrn0dqWqKRgGFO3rMPcdfS/s1600-h/December+008.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibsqQAWEE7W9bfXxfyAEpN__qkTilbtkl6nFhW_12p_f8P203ROyHZZDb0XmI65KAKzZZIxfQawLPzwiWlCAzUN4kQQigsX5BQWZ2gfUFLoCCcl5mOEJS6jorrn0dqWqKRgGFO3rMPcdfS/s320/December+008.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308710312816903266" border="0" /></a><br />Thanks for your wonderful hospitality Jamie & Charles!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh4ZJMevLyKNXQ9eNyq1iAuIAUMihLx5Pm6vywZo5UBShsWyZNcoC7IRlTlwNfsC2Mjm4_0oozgik7xipoYy7ygBjrosVSk_4oEdp2fJemn4Fbw38eHU1aaSvQJPD-u5kmpRTg9eWFsIRQ/s1600-h/December+087.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh4ZJMevLyKNXQ9eNyq1iAuIAUMihLx5Pm6vywZo5UBShsWyZNcoC7IRlTlwNfsC2Mjm4_0oozgik7xipoYy7ygBjrosVSk_4oEdp2fJemn4Fbw38eHU1aaSvQJPD-u5kmpRTg9eWFsIRQ/s320/December+087.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308710322757048882" border="0" /></a>My Year in Kazakhstanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08922105854128675102noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1794821490057853602.post-64468770095432306132009-02-25T16:21:00.000-08:002009-02-25T16:27:08.538-08:00Where's the mammoth???Hunting. I feel as if I've returned to the basic stage of striking rocks, beating myself and grunting, all while wearing spotted, matted, ragged furs. Your typical cave woman! All because... I'm job hunting.<br /><br />Yes, along with so many others, I'm trying to find a job. I've got so many applications out and seem to find that the positions are filled literally moments before my resume gets in. I was hoping to be working by the first of March, but it doesn't look like that's going to happen at this point.<br /><br />So what do I do? I try to be thankful for the down time I have, and put it to good use in reflection and relationship building. I keep my chin up and keep filling out the applications. And I trust. I trust that even if the worst comes and my savings are all gone, that I am not alone and the world will not end!<br /><br />So although I'm a bit "hunt weary" today, this is a chin up email! The hunt is on!!! I'll keep you posted on the prey....My Year in Kazakhstanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08922105854128675102noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1794821490057853602.post-61115905703460676652009-02-17T14:48:00.000-08:002009-02-17T14:48:00.681-08:00Of Seagulls, fish, and photographyThanks to a good friend, I was able to have a couple of days in Virginia beach. Thanks to God they were warm and sunny days where I could walk on the beach. It was a lot of fun to relax, greet the sunrise, visit with friends, wander around the quaint shops. However, to be honest, Kazakhstan is never far from my mind. Some days it's so easy to TRUST and know that there is a bigger plan being worked out...and others days it's just difficult to still be in a place "in-between." But all said and done the beach was nice no matter what the state of my mind!! So my friend, thanks for letting me come along for the ride!!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguP2EW6S6VOMdCNMPY7xRdRAn4ZeSYwA8tbx68f4P08KH7U6cZHTezM0l-k9TyzWRCrkiV1QK6548zVSvFSxiZr1NeFRvtu3ivmEDCktCPF6KVIRBQLLeTnOPPkZNGwHIYV7Q31Ti1sNV_/s1600-h/IMG_0047.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguP2EW6S6VOMdCNMPY7xRdRAn4ZeSYwA8tbx68f4P08KH7U6cZHTezM0l-k9TyzWRCrkiV1QK6548zVSvFSxiZr1NeFRvtu3ivmEDCktCPF6KVIRBQLLeTnOPPkZNGwHIYV7Q31Ti1sNV_/s320/IMG_0047.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303163258429218578" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGRs_JuVPdzDZFLoTYACuskEv_MPAWfy3mCE8EvEM0mDv5_chdfE-Uy11kR0LBVyaKi53PZOnDpmB9QjVEx8Egt1sIdIVeuh2qYLv6TqHk5v39dNIqqzgTTcenkTCIhqwP_RortIN0Wpdf/s1600-h/IMG_0076.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGRs_JuVPdzDZFLoTYACuskEv_MPAWfy3mCE8EvEM0mDv5_chdfE-Uy11kR0LBVyaKi53PZOnDpmB9QjVEx8Egt1sIdIVeuh2qYLv6TqHk5v39dNIqqzgTTcenkTCIhqwP_RortIN0Wpdf/s320/IMG_0076.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303163261888430034" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-sClog9dtyDEwHqkC2RRLef84h4HA_7xHSbN4Z4N00jsnLn3yZHYkscMh8YapR-yLUhyphenhyphenYZ_xzru66sg-SGVWN82vK0pOK7cBwS7135WihYyxdmHg-K_6s57N5rrX1gc5_TRN3MHa0Le1R/s1600-h/IMG_0113.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-sClog9dtyDEwHqkC2RRLef84h4HA_7xHSbN4Z4N00jsnLn3yZHYkscMh8YapR-yLUhyphenhyphenYZ_xzru66sg-SGVWN82vK0pOK7cBwS7135WihYyxdmHg-K_6s57N5rrX1gc5_TRN3MHa0Le1R/s320/IMG_0113.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303163270623130498" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc-TjT1eV0Hc1SYq8N9v4IWzvmuwC8oiZ51cRNd5ZqY-xD5k4frPtneoeG7PkLht8QYXsWS4gXDqQiQNzyFKZk3kbjgYh0zkukx-3TIuJW77_vKpF_HQieX-lBXC87KA5YL6mRzHl7l-w0/s1600-h/IMG_0115.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc-TjT1eV0Hc1SYq8N9v4IWzvmuwC8oiZ51cRNd5ZqY-xD5k4frPtneoeG7PkLht8QYXsWS4gXDqQiQNzyFKZk3kbjgYh0zkukx-3TIuJW77_vKpF_HQieX-lBXC87KA5YL6mRzHl7l-w0/s320/IMG_0115.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303163277382409602" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBbwI0_wvZYKBEfW_e06PvJCxJb4Z2ZKSUimdCz2hovBboh2qDo26QHveDSr0a8Y8X7h9akUMBcCmvfiMUJsrz8s0R2Z4-pxMJIy8woL7O42830a93dcYXHMlI5ZoyySvEM1K73PbyG8AG/s1600-h/IMG_0088.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBbwI0_wvZYKBEfW_e06PvJCxJb4Z2ZKSUimdCz2hovBboh2qDo26QHveDSr0a8Y8X7h9akUMBcCmvfiMUJsrz8s0R2Z4-pxMJIy8woL7O42830a93dcYXHMlI5ZoyySvEM1K73PbyG8AG/s320/IMG_0088.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303165900717897122" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlZ0GB3cSibIenk6hHZC33Mcrpsc73v2Gnl7n1whSiCG6Jey1xx2nf3XwviqJlchSS1XIGSy_Q8zIEJqDZZpaCaEqqXfnoKnQ0zDHKFjuoh2hvBLmLhG7oFqiDiO6CSc74vWWFBCpH8b0L/s1600-h/IMG_0079.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlZ0GB3cSibIenk6hHZC33Mcrpsc73v2Gnl7n1whSiCG6Jey1xx2nf3XwviqJlchSS1XIGSy_Q8zIEJqDZZpaCaEqqXfnoKnQ0zDHKFjuoh2hvBLmLhG7oFqiDiO6CSc74vWWFBCpH8b0L/s320/IMG_0079.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303165908157051490" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC8Q9vafTxQK0w0w-yu7FFLEacykS4sxKYJUbAQbuGKoJQ7AuNRWBqutV-_2hTUqo6uuFy51zRBlEhQ6-Rfbhffbl56F7u77Ms0o30mlfFtOk17NJJOzl2300Nb55egnFbOfIAWGQKnGjH/s1600-h/IMG_0042.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC8Q9vafTxQK0w0w-yu7FFLEacykS4sxKYJUbAQbuGKoJQ7AuNRWBqutV-_2hTUqo6uuFy51zRBlEhQ6-Rfbhffbl56F7u77Ms0o30mlfFtOk17NJJOzl2300Nb55egnFbOfIAWGQKnGjH/s320/IMG_0042.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303163254712845202" border="0" /></a>My Year in Kazakhstanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08922105854128675102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1794821490057853602.post-52772327964043509532009-02-16T17:55:00.000-08:002009-02-16T18:28:13.646-08:00Fellow Kazakaphiles and Kazakh visitor...kind of<a href="http://saracoggins.blogspot.com">Sara Coggins</a>, the Interlink Kids Connection Manager, is in the US right now. She came through Lynchburg and we got to meet up a few times. The last time I saw her was when I dropped her off in Richmond, VA with some Kazakh loving friends of mine (note the car)! Thank you Pam and Gilpin for a really encouraging time with great food and a nice, long walk, despite the chilly weather. I really enjoyed my visit with you and hope I get to see you again soon!!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL1JS-sIM4gvRZpqHLxeibW1gl75Dl1ihg4eJu1SECcfr8UpvYkTAbHEaPd4Mzp2HqLzBBUZnG07QRBbTAtSt2d1tt1UD8uLkiSTNBMVlysL4IxhiUb4c9nkcHba4CCbW5-U0WGhfBFcly/s1600-h/IMG_0123.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL1JS-sIM4gvRZpqHLxeibW1gl75Dl1ihg4eJu1SECcfr8UpvYkTAbHEaPd4Mzp2HqLzBBUZnG07QRBbTAtSt2d1tt1UD8uLkiSTNBMVlysL4IxhiUb4c9nkcHba4CCbW5-U0WGhfBFcly/s400/IMG_0123.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303586969310035330" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwc-NPLSpGJOdMF5fJbMjMl-PCC66u7ExL7JTuwqzN5Yq_lXv0Mhs17tof9L4Y8KwpbWvETnNvdoWlFuTJhQy4dw0PKbB_pvZ-QWiB7uL2RTWbswsqNEUqGjn2y11N9nySyaKkXqTnOpEh/s1600-h/IMG_0117.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwc-NPLSpGJOdMF5fJbMjMl-PCC66u7ExL7JTuwqzN5Yq_lXv0Mhs17tof9L4Y8KwpbWvETnNvdoWlFuTJhQy4dw0PKbB_pvZ-QWiB7uL2RTWbswsqNEUqGjn2y11N9nySyaKkXqTnOpEh/s400/IMG_0117.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303586961836438498" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-9uXLt1byJAaRkRnACp0tIn0Nf3s27q7j8QTWZBLa-PbR9HuCyA1ZEXbI9d5eVExeKsQsGPAEeyEh0tVydHg7BI-56tCK8108b2Rft4mVBqCxEgAUrmNXfUbLzBpeUGMbtHZxRkTeUAZO/s1600-h/IMG_0118.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-9uXLt1byJAaRkRnACp0tIn0Nf3s27q7j8QTWZBLa-PbR9HuCyA1ZEXbI9d5eVExeKsQsGPAEeyEh0tVydHg7BI-56tCK8108b2Rft4mVBqCxEgAUrmNXfUbLzBpeUGMbtHZxRkTeUAZO/s400/IMG_0118.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303586964498874962" border="0" /></a>My Year in Kazakhstanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08922105854128675102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1794821490057853602.post-45153752403332237002009-02-16T14:44:00.000-08:002009-02-16T14:44:00.286-08:00So I went to Virginia Beach this past weekend....<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNPy0uJJXSfBxOeAibW1AFkD_144i-TDTaea6Ba045KxrMTJjmB1f3k1snCpEozVbwq7-NMBTw9CUNZxM_91gOI-3pbnP84ix1Qa6gXJ0-9JdN8u5bjrUdmOdGa87vOMRygcaGp3YPOevO/s1600-h/IMG_0207.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNPy0uJJXSfBxOeAibW1AFkD_144i-TDTaea6Ba045KxrMTJjmB1f3k1snCpEozVbwq7-NMBTw9CUNZxM_91gOI-3pbnP84ix1Qa6gXJ0-9JdN8u5bjrUdmOdGa87vOMRygcaGp3YPOevO/s400/IMG_0207.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303159557858171858" border="0" /></a>My Year in Kazakhstanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08922105854128675102noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1794821490057853602.post-8857360692079597292009-02-15T14:31:00.000-08:002009-02-15T14:44:36.181-08:00Reunions & Daring EscapesSo there really is no daring escape, but there have been some good times reuniting with my friends here Virginia. Here are a few highlights of catching up with a family dear to me, MY CAR an adoptive couple I met in Kazakhstan and their little boy, and a good friend over some iced mugs of pop. And this is the short list. Dozens of people have rolled out the red/blue/green whatever color carpet to welcome me home over countless meals and coffees. I'm thankful for this time...though I look forward to working again sometime soon, God willing!!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD3W6TVa3SV4z7zklSbWNGM7k8CpYpPdYmJ_6u1c9ZjZObnBDi8aciE9ScRuOZSVOF_bhi6fwefiVn8jv55wpVA_kKbK_-36UU_t1Sz6XQ2Qdflj40yxoI7Ns989iyKCvHccvT2T-1iLZ7/s1600-h/McPherson+Family+%28without+dad%29.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD3W6TVa3SV4z7zklSbWNGM7k8CpYpPdYmJ_6u1c9ZjZObnBDi8aciE9ScRuOZSVOF_bhi6fwefiVn8jv55wpVA_kKbK_-36UU_t1Sz6XQ2Qdflj40yxoI7Ns989iyKCvHccvT2T-1iLZ7/s320/McPherson+Family+%28without+dad%29.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303157811482855586" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtiaqDGoVxt79QEBG_k_SIHWxj9axwjIi2E76CgZB2IW0pWg5J7q5VeDDfGY7PPIQekUr5aIt8ntuJEOKdfi_W0a06mAB2AG_8io9QlNg2RsWqFolmUhKQc2BMQmg-czuuyJCxK3aUMOZv/s1600-h/IMG_0192.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtiaqDGoVxt79QEBG_k_SIHWxj9axwjIi2E76CgZB2IW0pWg5J7q5VeDDfGY7PPIQekUr5aIt8ntuJEOKdfi_W0a06mAB2AG_8io9QlNg2RsWqFolmUhKQc2BMQmg-czuuyJCxK3aUMOZv/s320/IMG_0192.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303157793871548306" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhStgdT4vJvler0tP_Ed1sNpeHsaEN1371fw9jRbTw5aYPyl0jGTxmAzNMFOr8r4BLbuolaHod7K1W5taZMoYRCcjWAbH0jz76loVFIJHn-A4Ucpsci7rP1XIqEsltBM0OO0dp3cgiAqZiz/s1600-h/IMG_0033.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhStgdT4vJvler0tP_Ed1sNpeHsaEN1371fw9jRbTw5aYPyl0jGTxmAzNMFOr8r4BLbuolaHod7K1W5taZMoYRCcjWAbH0jz76loVFIJHn-A4Ucpsci7rP1XIqEsltBM0OO0dp3cgiAqZiz/s320/IMG_0033.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303157755593285874" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRPAIMx_8tRPZPrbS5wL74niKkQz6FgP_WGq9W-BBf935ePZmEYBPozZmV-V-_afbYO-VrcU9Y0JB8wrPdotwwvY-lx8wJFhyWl1gjoBYFFY2uyahQptXgGWHuWucvqHQvjSUTkYGFWXcd/s1600-h/IMG_0195.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRPAIMx_8tRPZPrbS5wL74niKkQz6FgP_WGq9W-BBf935ePZmEYBPozZmV-V-_afbYO-VrcU9Y0JB8wrPdotwwvY-lx8wJFhyWl1gjoBYFFY2uyahQptXgGWHuWucvqHQvjSUTkYGFWXcd/s320/IMG_0195.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303157797825800274" border="0" /></a>My Year in Kazakhstanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08922105854128675102noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1794821490057853602.post-16485547203701215712009-02-03T19:31:00.000-08:002009-02-03T19:40:56.866-08:00I can cook!Hey, so the past few days have been a reaffirmation that I can cook!!! I really began to doubt myself while in Kazakhstan because I cooked some, but nothing came out quite right. Everything was just so difficult. But I did some shopping this week<span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 0);"> (And nearly had a heart attack at checkout! I mean MY WORD! Food is so expensive I just about fell over! In fact, my wallet did. It actually leapt out of my handbag and ran towards frozen foods. I chased it down and caught it just in time before it burrowed itself among the meats....and speaking of meats....AGH! Again! So I was torn between the $12 organic, hormone free chicken and the $3 (larger pack) of hormone full chicken. What to do??? Do I want crazy hormones and preservatives, NO! Can I afford the other stuff? Sadly, no...but hopefully if I go back to Kazakhstan I will have many years of chemical free food! So I bought...don't say it, yes, hormone full CHEAP chicken. *sigh* Defeat.)</span><br /><br />....ANYWAY...so I cooked. I made a beautiful sweet potatoe-jalepeno soup yesterday that Trish taught me years ago. My host Debbie loved it, but her sons turned up their noses. More for me...ahahahaha. Then tonight I cooked couscous with capers, creamed spinach with garlic and feta, and spicy rosemary-pepper chicken in a thick tomatoe base. Tasty!!!! I can cook!!! (And no recipes so it's the best ever!!! Recipes are just like someone telling you what to do which is great if you don't have a clue, but so affirming when you throw things in a pot...and they turn out okay!) And...bonus, Debbie's son actually liked it! I know a lot of people would just be polite but when you've got a picky guy cleaning his plate...SUCCESS!!My Year in Kazakhstanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08922105854128675102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1794821490057853602.post-77947667417433687492009-02-02T19:51:00.000-08:002009-02-02T19:51:01.412-08:00I don't know about the weather...or much else!<div><div><div> We've had cold, heat, and some beautiful ice this past week. I've been meeting with loads of people who are counseling me through the return to the states and advising me regarding my hopes to return to Kazakhstan. We've all agreed that taking time is important, as opposed to rushing back. We're looking at the long term and wanting to make sure I am as prepared as possible. Although I don't necessarily like the idea of waiting (who does?!) I can see the wisdom and am thankful for the input. I have a lot to think about!</div><div> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS9Qov8mrFewpnnap0fK_ezxpGQ2AJi94319W8BB-Q5dj-xoeVda13Z1s5wIPKBeti_KpYbsiccecTOUQXKibeDDLUKn9nPIAQ_PRXg39_hPu-fE7Yae6ZMteuZnhbKTvN511FX42ZS6RM/s1600-h/IMG_0152.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296930872441034738" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS9Qov8mrFewpnnap0fK_ezxpGQ2AJi94319W8BB-Q5dj-xoeVda13Z1s5wIPKBeti_KpYbsiccecTOUQXKibeDDLUKn9nPIAQ_PRXg39_hPu-fE7Yae6ZMteuZnhbKTvN511FX42ZS6RM/s320/IMG_0152.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpaLHNL9vZBahGFc-oZ3xMiNe_SJaG15YL_RbrFe_wxadbd-FXNRfDC1-r_viQo0vHplZDD5Duj5cDYZWb18jFaiG4BCqzZAo2bY0M8yOJyNa7xdSyYcPx46WeNAOjWrf-RTjGX2zWxN6I/s1600-h/IMG_0154.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296930873727238402" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpaLHNL9vZBahGFc-oZ3xMiNe_SJaG15YL_RbrFe_wxadbd-FXNRfDC1-r_viQo0vHplZDD5Duj5cDYZWb18jFaiG4BCqzZAo2bY0M8yOJyNa7xdSyYcPx46WeNAOjWrf-RTjGX2zWxN6I/s320/IMG_0154.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi17bwDr1XRqC1Sq-8HcFSU9b9rc2LoEOUqUtBSd24WPPJzoN_1tEX1RtySKhnbuqEqnFj1yhRF_SSQaFvoCwlbwYnbqpGKZMqupkwONOR4KtOJpDWYF8KX8F4p6DipaiN7P4u_ojulUeYO/s1600-h/IMG_0147.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296930875879316754" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi17bwDr1XRqC1Sq-8HcFSU9b9rc2LoEOUqUtBSd24WPPJzoN_1tEX1RtySKhnbuqEqnFj1yhRF_SSQaFvoCwlbwYnbqpGKZMqupkwONOR4KtOJpDWYF8KX8F4p6DipaiN7P4u_ojulUeYO/s320/IMG_0147.JPG" border="0" /></a></div></div></div>My Year in Kazakhstanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08922105854128675102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1794821490057853602.post-68448053284929916752009-01-29T19:43:00.001-08:002009-01-29T19:51:20.563-08:00Running with the dogsSo here are some folks I've been hanging out with lately! They can't get enough of me. I'm currently house sitting for a good friend and I'm glad her HUGE dog is way more calm than he was in his puppy years.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCr_77-NExDTKshhD_LVUvrctg-VFjjgOYXw3r7d-wg9rBrmrEJBBKoBAUtHm2s4ZwiXJ9XxiBhSRYUYxM3j4E4orZv6kytLNwNqL-DQ8xuVqD9hONBQGXqxiRJVRjZMPckQbBk0TUNded/s1600-h/DSC_0004.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296928787272210034" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCr_77-NExDTKshhD_LVUvrctg-VFjjgOYXw3r7d-wg9rBrmrEJBBKoBAUtHm2s4ZwiXJ9XxiBhSRYUYxM3j4E4orZv6kytLNwNqL-DQ8xuVqD9hONBQGXqxiRJVRjZMPckQbBk0TUNded/s320/DSC_0004.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3fmFhfleDREwGyFu4VnShr53F71KVhpm_PY97dDV-Y8nUK4t2U7jL-bctsJYfqNOaRvhfJGza4VIrHDQ8wlTywI-uIWibD75vAdsPcbE9jJGA1O0CtsYgpXgFteRSNWVszgda6aYjSEG2/s1600-h/Ember+with+Cutie.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296928787800616834" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3fmFhfleDREwGyFu4VnShr53F71KVhpm_PY97dDV-Y8nUK4t2U7jL-bctsJYfqNOaRvhfJGza4VIrHDQ8wlTywI-uIWibD75vAdsPcbE9jJGA1O0CtsYgpXgFteRSNWVszgda6aYjSEG2/s320/Ember+with+Cutie.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkOcJZdejfdZ9gipufAR4IZJ49OfbVjQ-9mTm35W4WRB5D6-tTTXQE7Bm4_NjI32_3dIPx4WfV2typpnjQ18DzIoejatYt3aed8qlzGCH5Ea55slZbO4cC9vd-VCIOKsYUMedxP8YR9tRO/s1600-h/Debbie+with+Cutie.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296928792182958338" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkOcJZdejfdZ9gipufAR4IZJ49OfbVjQ-9mTm35W4WRB5D6-tTTXQE7Bm4_NjI32_3dIPx4WfV2typpnjQ18DzIoejatYt3aed8qlzGCH5Ea55slZbO4cC9vd-VCIOKsYUMedxP8YR9tRO/s320/Debbie+with+Cutie.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPeH_AiEGT6y2ALSZqJSJR6UulGoXYv7Q0rVxkCHaurwJ1HmuMeCOqRc6RWnA81VI4BTUeBD4xaQ1GlF1eFNZthHeGf01c2nkfQXYKJRj_xwesVBQfAxG7JdgfULKFVsWucboM7rbJSz-A/s1600-h/IMG_0162.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296928797795959986" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPeH_AiEGT6y2ALSZqJSJR6UulGoXYv7Q0rVxkCHaurwJ1HmuMeCOqRc6RWnA81VI4BTUeBD4xaQ1GlF1eFNZthHeGf01c2nkfQXYKJRj_xwesVBQfAxG7JdgfULKFVsWucboM7rbJSz-A/s320/IMG_0162.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYM2rGHJZrKo63N14IfarMRVdtoBmD-nvQpmJmsSM4cP3imCtksby3apDufYx8vTnjNxCEEBa2uuVt_O23ttjodzNh8EdumRCmOqAINsZ4-NnAiwyuusR0CFACe1ZfMdn5nBRJjP-K5wGO/s1600-h/New+friend+Becbarmak.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296928804950416962" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYM2rGHJZrKo63N14IfarMRVdtoBmD-nvQpmJmsSM4cP3imCtksby3apDufYx8vTnjNxCEEBa2uuVt_O23ttjodzNh8EdumRCmOqAINsZ4-NnAiwyuusR0CFACe1ZfMdn5nBRJjP-K5wGO/s320/New+friend+Becbarmak.JPG" border="0" /></a>My Year in Kazakhstanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08922105854128675102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1794821490057853602.post-18920954037424064322009-01-12T15:09:00.000-08:002009-01-12T15:09:00.386-08:00Learning to RestSo I learned something really great Sunday. After loading up on reunions with friends...I headed out for some solitude and a long walk in my favorite park when I realized something. I can rest!<br /><br />I've been studying and working since I was 14 and the past few years all my vacation time has been used for Kazakhstan summer delegations. So, essentially for the past 14 years there has always been some checklist to do, some plan to make, something to clean, something to buy, somewhere to go, some job or job hunting. But now...<br /><br />Now I am not yet able to make plans till I have quite a few more conversations. I'm not yet able to work since I haven't heard yet about my direction or time frame. I don't have a house to clean. I don't need to buy a thing. It's a beautiful time to be in. I know work and lists will come soon to me so I've realized I should be thankful in this time (and not anxious!). It's a time for reflection and taking stock, but also for REST. This is good. Very good.My Year in Kazakhstanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08922105854128675102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1794821490057853602.post-75368228814000188612009-01-11T13:31:00.000-08:002009-01-11T13:31:01.235-08:00Where is Ember now?Okay....I am in LYNCHBURG. Yes, I am. Very exciting. I am taking it slow as it's quite a big shock for me to be here. I've got about a 10-15 minute time limit at Wal-Mart! It's a lot more challenging to come back than it is to leave, that's for sure.<br /><br />But...taking it slowly doesn't mean you're not allowed to have some FUN! Hence, I shocked my former coworkers yesterday by showing up unexpectedly at their lunch. Those who know me shouldn't be surprised, but I'm loving the surprising people thing!! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnN-gLKsVwfkCzK2LcD2Fhgj8b-tBd5hHJkj1blHuECL6Jd7cR2SJpV8WoCHwrSZORV_MNyNMBR-HlOcPkpSBycQDQr4b-C-Ym0-meX6viH8MBjdVcR2wxPpR-bEE-Vqbjggpi1awDbMe2/s1600-h/IMG_0042.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289781643702863826" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnN-gLKsVwfkCzK2LcD2Fhgj8b-tBd5hHJkj1blHuECL6Jd7cR2SJpV8WoCHwrSZORV_MNyNMBR-HlOcPkpSBycQDQr4b-C-Ym0-meX6viH8MBjdVcR2wxPpR-bEE-Vqbjggpi1awDbMe2/s400/IMG_0042.JPG" border="0" /></a>My Year in Kazakhstanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08922105854128675102noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1794821490057853602.post-2150023048467593792009-01-10T13:20:00.000-08:002009-01-10T13:30:53.934-08:00Where was Ember?<div>Well, I left Delaware after the holidays...and made my first stop in Richmond, Virginia. I spent a couple of days with Vicki Charbonneau who will soon be headed to Kazakhstan herself. Check out <a href="http://kazakhvictoria.blogspot.com/">her blog</a> to see how she's doing! I had a great time chatting with her exchanging stories of the first year there and her stories from the past year of preparing to go. Thanks Vicki! Love you!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfNOFsWnWXgLvFumflC4BymZMVrkyrTSnEV19L8-HuoGIrKUktYfL2v6EZ17yt-7mENJOWMjLJfj-kfzyyOfD9Q9-jLxYrkHCTM61J-mDC1vQfnwZwJyPjRBP7JdMLJvW2ihClTUq2G1L2/s1600-h/IMG_3038_JPG.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289780531086770626" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 306px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfNOFsWnWXgLvFumflC4BymZMVrkyrTSnEV19L8-HuoGIrKUktYfL2v6EZ17yt-7mENJOWMjLJfj-kfzyyOfD9Q9-jLxYrkHCTM61J-mDC1vQfnwZwJyPjRBP7JdMLJvW2ihClTUq2G1L2/s400/IMG_3038_JPG.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div> </div><br /><div></div>My Year in Kazakhstanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08922105854128675102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1794821490057853602.post-11964842507856769882009-01-10T13:17:00.001-08:002009-01-10T13:20:35.464-08:00Sweetness!My favorite photos from Christmas<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibEhYVjry_Fh6LtBboAfXBiboK0g0yRN1F6V5agpauCxHj09FHeT2amMURLlGxUebkQftVmWkGfPawuyT-2DbzZ9WnpDxzr35zF09VytlFgr91VSQrGMOjod49vNu3_22_w37Pfd93pKs7/s1600-h/IMG_0175.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289777880177920770" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibEhYVjry_Fh6LtBboAfXBiboK0g0yRN1F6V5agpauCxHj09FHeT2amMURLlGxUebkQftVmWkGfPawuyT-2DbzZ9WnpDxzr35zF09VytlFgr91VSQrGMOjod49vNu3_22_w37Pfd93pKs7/s320/IMG_0175.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-KOn8OvR9HfMwLwQvQXnHswzLUltS74Io2SGlMSyF1FZuXQPWYtqaINrDoeQnNbFnE-mgnrkKIPNpu0HV20mOvPoBd0gLEnJvPIhf_R2HeLAvbSN7wRG0cNUDhYZ2XVULyUKZw3FPWJYf/s1600-h/IMG_0180.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289777883063087106" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-KOn8OvR9HfMwLwQvQXnHswzLUltS74Io2SGlMSyF1FZuXQPWYtqaINrDoeQnNbFnE-mgnrkKIPNpu0HV20mOvPoBd0gLEnJvPIhf_R2HeLAvbSN7wRG0cNUDhYZ2XVULyUKZw3FPWJYf/s320/IMG_0180.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh02O-Y1Sv_xQsY4oxWpUdZ3Q_osPsDGCCgWaqk3gJJRa9CEsvDB89TI7c9mvXXhiJdp9m293dE0jE0uoSQz47efqlusAZSDt_uTcUirzd9pih7Wv0OiG9UqCQqR107gHV3NwvuLAkfRzdt/s1600-h/IMG_0177.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289777889661084130" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh02O-Y1Sv_xQsY4oxWpUdZ3Q_osPsDGCCgWaqk3gJJRa9CEsvDB89TI7c9mvXXhiJdp9m293dE0jE0uoSQz47efqlusAZSDt_uTcUirzd9pih7Wv0OiG9UqCQqR107gHV3NwvuLAkfRzdt/s320/IMG_0177.JPG" border="0" /></a>My Year in Kazakhstanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08922105854128675102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1794821490057853602.post-71743890968122395452009-01-09T19:30:00.000-08:002009-01-09T19:33:08.292-08:00Barefoot after ChristmasDecember 28th saw me at the beach...barefoot! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwtl1MWVRWNkeyyv2XPDhREh-s-A5_g2CxMyck49-J_J-6ixXOZfUVUbuw7sfoGJIrE1i43g-aKKqWt4_jyDqn8eXH6ADoFSNWbNbX1P0XZFsbMOdMfLGjhGHU4LOa3M8VR09ZZm5eSbTJ/s1600-h/IMG_0096.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289502734157968578" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwtl1MWVRWNkeyyv2XPDhREh-s-A5_g2CxMyck49-J_J-6ixXOZfUVUbuw7sfoGJIrE1i43g-aKKqWt4_jyDqn8eXH6ADoFSNWbNbX1P0XZFsbMOdMfLGjhGHU4LOa3M8VR09ZZm5eSbTJ/s320/IMG_0096.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvMDgBaPUNwHIQeV_C7_ApmADHlwPJLM0SjnXtnQx-aWoQTO1GJ9MQBcqYUfqfF60pvKgzkPyn1EkCzHRJ4qewxUtK6xH1V_vez0rNu2Z0epNu-Kz0S2NrKzJPgUAJ_SItp9R5vRp7_MwM/s1600-h/IMG_0085.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289502729869272658" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvMDgBaPUNwHIQeV_C7_ApmADHlwPJLM0SjnXtnQx-aWoQTO1GJ9MQBcqYUfqfF60pvKgzkPyn1EkCzHRJ4qewxUtK6xH1V_vez0rNu2Z0epNu-Kz0S2NrKzJPgUAJ_SItp9R5vRp7_MwM/s320/IMG_0085.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><div></div></div>My Year in Kazakhstanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08922105854128675102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1794821490057853602.post-82961260631415335852008-12-26T20:49:00.000-08:002008-12-26T21:01:59.938-08:00Home Sweet Home<strong><span style="color:#009900;">Oh the sweet pleasures of home. I can drink from the faucet. I can flush my toilet paper. I can buy shampoo with labels in English. I can surf the 150,000 channels where nothing is on...but it's all in English! Oh the simple pleasures! :)<br /></span></strong><br /><div><div><span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>Here are some of my favorite Christmas pictures. Note that the nieces are included!!</strong></span> </div><div> </div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNJdNSkZwSN9SQ_FAMi5kzTToUEAaig7Eb475l_NbJQ4ic739WzxEyPSuQIL3Z6dz50gseb56TIDyHXj_RrEhRPW-EXCD9Yo6nqOpZ6c6uKLzIUzhaHcJCy0GKW_OlBGNoWa95UjfDAubz/s1600-h/Dad+with+granddaughters.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284330236787782386" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNJdNSkZwSN9SQ_FAMi5kzTToUEAaig7Eb475l_NbJQ4ic739WzxEyPSuQIL3Z6dz50gseb56TIDyHXj_RrEhRPW-EXCD9Yo6nqOpZ6c6uKLzIUzhaHcJCy0GKW_OlBGNoWa95UjfDAubz/s320/Dad+with+granddaughters.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAjtI0DtS4gv41Ns952LldVVzkSSi9ebFzoozeaCSX6szw0ajrynuKllTgN03aQHZs4s9ZYQuxgfjTAoEwAKgCrPrdzBOzN9Gs1nRL1lBwf6PciK9LBPVSpznl7mqMp_0nUkosKYh8OAMY/s1600-h/Kurin.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284330241329928530" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAjtI0DtS4gv41Ns952LldVVzkSSi9ebFzoozeaCSX6szw0ajrynuKllTgN03aQHZs4s9ZYQuxgfjTAoEwAKgCrPrdzBOzN9Gs1nRL1lBwf6PciK9LBPVSpznl7mqMp_0nUkosKYh8OAMY/s320/Kurin.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div><span style="color:#009900;"><strong>So far it's been a peaceful return. Now that Christmas is over though, I have been a bit sad as my heart is realizing I'm not just back in the US on vacation! But being with family is so sweet right now.</strong></span></div></div>My Year in Kazakhstanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08922105854128675102noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1794821490057853602.post-8339482774383086842008-12-20T02:29:00.000-08:002008-12-20T02:29:00.895-08:00Packing 101: When things just don't fit.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBg2h6PK5frC6-2x8hPM5rY8ZhHCzqTEwLXQTHWUlnneGZTzl_zLU-Wd3yAkjDO1d1tsrHgUQYDffTQOZ4sSXLeE3R3DhWv_DZgESc6LUoVdC7E5CAhxmIQYbxUI7IjAOmovvx3E278cjf/s1600-h/IMG_0005.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBg2h6PK5frC6-2x8hPM5rY8ZhHCzqTEwLXQTHWUlnneGZTzl_zLU-Wd3yAkjDO1d1tsrHgUQYDffTQOZ4sSXLeE3R3DhWv_DZgESc6LUoVdC7E5CAhxmIQYbxUI7IjAOmovvx3E278cjf/s320/IMG_0005.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279963998521065186" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVdF3kh1z32Na-RJ-Fahpz10jRvCqtM1ZCde_WbAWKkg3f8Gan0MjzEX8RM15r4S7Q3k7y0CvCfY4ju26R_mGOa5CgBF_XkQZ5HFA8WtgXesGxF4Sim1kCW_x4cUBgB_RysG0c0re6UJxB/s1600-h/IMG_0001.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVdF3kh1z32Na-RJ-Fahpz10jRvCqtM1ZCde_WbAWKkg3f8Gan0MjzEX8RM15r4S7Q3k7y0CvCfY4ju26R_mGOa5CgBF_XkQZ5HFA8WtgXesGxF4Sim1kCW_x4cUBgB_RysG0c0re6UJxB/s320/IMG_0001.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279963992237508130" border="0" /></a>My Year in Kazakhstanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08922105854128675102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1794821490057853602.post-58377183428023095272008-12-18T02:11:00.000-08:002008-12-18T02:11:00.522-08:00Saying goodbye at Saramoldeava<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8cUPUctNbvKAZ8hoTbiFMAJ9tVxTXYuIaJfn8gdEu2BBMVxt3VV_41mKILCLv-ACkSztBjeJYIp6lnB_o8BYseWyfy1Pttwzfc9JbKe9LvoaDkXscCuRzPo4oQeZn1yDaeb4mTHVpfEX4/s1600-h/SMD+Dec+Last+Days+%281%29.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8cUPUctNbvKAZ8hoTbiFMAJ9tVxTXYuIaJfn8gdEu2BBMVxt3VV_41mKILCLv-ACkSztBjeJYIp6lnB_o8BYseWyfy1Pttwzfc9JbKe9LvoaDkXscCuRzPo4oQeZn1yDaeb4mTHVpfEX4/s320/SMD+Dec+Last+Days+%281%29.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279961448449742258" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">I wish you could see the kids in person- the way they smile and laugh, their little fears and hurts, and the immense love you can pour in only to find it is <span style="font-style: italic;">you</span> that has been filled up.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">If you can't meet them, I'd love to show you my videos...especially the crazy ones with the balloons.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">But if you can meet them and you can't see my videos, how about some pictures from my last day at Saramoldeava?</span><a style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 0, 0);" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj27RZbJEDsYNUv0bwj4HMnBViBRLFi78bQhFcQfWNyRLR1CkoBoBdpxSsIktOfxM-rt7wqtzFJ-62nO3kgwg55aSD-bCt-AWrchrAVvy25j_uMH_Wo7Ql00FhQl9aW706iioOl3GnjP-L/s1600-h/SMD+Dec+Last+Days+%285%29.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj27RZbJEDsYNUv0bwj4HMnBViBRLFi78bQhFcQfWNyRLR1CkoBoBdpxSsIktOfxM-rt7wqtzFJ-62nO3kgwg55aSD-bCt-AWrchrAVvy25j_uMH_Wo7Ql00FhQl9aW706iioOl3GnjP-L/s320/SMD+Dec+Last+Days+%285%29.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279961440022098690" border="0" /></a><a style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 0, 0);" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFTG7S5KldBz_Uf-jzCDXsJzPhZ9rL3MrqLBY1Kmvo56j7Cx9HBIfalj2ZpsXUDNcAEtQZFrzZeXUpxd9vwuZLCi4wItF4_G-XorcVRrE81eG2JewS_uuPKeBj1EZforMJTCrARV8rc0x-/s1600-h/SMD+Dec+Last+Days+%286%29.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFTG7S5KldBz_Uf-jzCDXsJzPhZ9rL3MrqLBY1Kmvo56j7Cx9HBIfalj2ZpsXUDNcAEtQZFrzZeXUpxd9vwuZLCi4wItF4_G-XorcVRrE81eG2JewS_uuPKeBj1EZforMJTCrARV8rc0x-/s320/SMD+Dec+Last+Days+%286%29.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279961446277227842" border="0" /></a>My Year in Kazakhstanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08922105854128675102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1794821490057853602.post-56471023785286290032008-12-17T02:39:00.000-08:002008-12-17T02:39:01.063-08:00Negotiating the Bride...and Midnight Disco<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZz_-2-6J2DbLHuVvEjBS0Ra2XFPyqhcxlKYQ-atY3RdPQpomrXYFBAYzRuVzjjOavk3Dj26ff_WvwZcomN35Kjy-_tBU3QTq9nXaFfbFYP6tk1BSsHUEGkr1uEoEeThT4wUEB8jTMlTcK/s1600-h/IMG_0063.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZz_-2-6J2DbLHuVvEjBS0Ra2XFPyqhcxlKYQ-atY3RdPQpomrXYFBAYzRuVzjjOavk3Dj26ff_WvwZcomN35Kjy-_tBU3QTq9nXaFfbFYP6tk1BSsHUEGkr1uEoEeThT4wUEB8jTMlTcK/s320/IMG_0063.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279971745405249714" border="0" /></a>So on the eve of Eid, my family (including me) caravaned out to a nearby village (2 hours!). We went to celebrate what they said was a wedding, but was actually the negotiations for the bride!<br /><br />First came the "unveiling." The bride, supported by her friends bowed continual as music was interspersed with the calling of relatives names. The appropriate relatives (his and hers) came forward to give money. The more money, the higher the veil until all the names had been said and her face was exposed.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF_4ilpV1NL39qQ6yZDhVzYBvyiwfkSqnux1cGrrNFBwQIYGzdtLz9bOGE3PI_doYDM2X25tNNMY_YiNdmTh1DZiKuyEgDyorzkwe5wtSqh2d9CXvSIPmywGZqw7P77NUTtiYcXoVn02mc/s1600-h/IMG_0056.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF_4ilpV1NL39qQ6yZDhVzYBvyiwfkSqnux1cGrrNFBwQIYGzdtLz9bOGE3PI_doYDM2X25tNNMY_YiNdmTh1DZiKuyEgDyorzkwe5wtSqh2d9CXvSIPmywGZqw7P77NUTtiYcXoVn02mc/s320/IMG_0056.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279971739783257506" border="0" /></a><br />Then we all headed inside to dine (more Bisbarmak, the 3rd time that day!) and LOADS of people and food. Every room was packed. :)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh91i2PjI1MZy38pWTLuN2mvnWttiEZytGVEEK7Zb2mWGV0Lc_dCroJo4thp-iA6-i8Ayt496NuQs1nhWrsvPKM9xJM7EadSJTt3mtZa1UaHMWOzfp3BM5wpTyBg9g4YsB_Ewn-Z6PtFVQC/s1600-h/IMG_0074.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh91i2PjI1MZy38pWTLuN2mvnWttiEZytGVEEK7Zb2mWGV0Lc_dCroJo4thp-iA6-i8Ayt496NuQs1nhWrsvPKM9xJM7EadSJTt3mtZa1UaHMWOzfp3BM5wpTyBg9g4YsB_Ewn-Z6PtFVQC/s320/IMG_0074.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279971733477464434" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAi2QGIOWm6iFL7hFAhCVAunfOacphKed8uNU0DoOWbd33zOCpgzILfLpcSH3AKSyWSeJfVgH7qLS5qCLX_QNC4su4UjhePOtS6smUELvNZlciHbBn56tZG2xm9mSz3ltQGKOY5lhOkIkz/s1600-h/IMG_0046.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAi2QGIOWm6iFL7hFAhCVAunfOacphKed8uNU0DoOWbd33zOCpgzILfLpcSH3AKSyWSeJfVgH7qLS5qCLX_QNC4su4UjhePOtS6smUELvNZlciHbBn56tZG2xm9mSz3ltQGKOY5lhOkIkz/s320/IMG_0046.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279971730377240258" border="0" /></a><br /><br />We finished, cleaned, and I was thankful to see it was before 10pm. Maybe I would be in bed by midnight after all! I had work the next day! Yea...no such luck. We sat around waiting and waiting. I finally asked and was told we were waiting for some of our relatives. Oh. They came, they ate, we sat some more. I asked again and was told we were waiting for <span style="font-style: italic;">her</span> relatives.<br /><br />Then came the realization that I was going to be there a very VERY long time. An hour later my Mom came over to say that this was a real "<span style="font-style: italic;">Kazakh drama" </span>I was getting to see. Her family had been locked in with the bride-to-be for a long time and was NOT happy. And hour later they came out...and guess what... yes, we ATE AGAIN! Remember this is following the 4 meals I had at various houses for Aid and the meal I had already eaten there!<br /><br />An hour into the meal and toasts, more serious negotiations began. I was stuck with the eldest siblings and so sat respectfully and tried not to yawn. FINALLY my Mom had mercy and...sent me out to the disco! I couldn't believe it! Oy vy! Again, realizing that I was not leaving any time soon, I figured I should make the best of it...and I danced my socks off to the utter shock and delight of all my Kazakh relatives and the townspeople! My older cousins helped me ward of the <span style="font-style: italic;">jigits</span> (young men) who drank to much and we had a GREAT time!<br /><br />At about 1:30 am or so I finally was DONE! I couldn't dance or hop or even hum another song. I went in to find out how close negotiations were (no where near done) and was directed to the "sleeping room." SLEEPING ROOM! How come no one told me about that 3 hours earlier!!! In any case, I literally fell onto a pile of pillows on the floor at which point my host Mom decided she should get me home... if only I had known that a performance of exhaustion was the ticket home, I would have done it a lot earlier! Anyway, I tucked into bed somewhere near 4:00 am, and surprisingly was no worse the wear the next day...with a great story to share!My Year in Kazakhstanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08922105854128675102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1794821490057853602.post-17029619152387820162008-12-16T00:39:00.000-08:002008-12-16T00:46:01.606-08:00Eid (the crazy fun blog)So my day of Eid began at 11am.<br />And let me start off explained that my host mom is one of TEN children. With marriages and kids, that's a lot of people!!<br /><br />So my host brother and I head off to one aunt's house and just before leaving are redirected. We show up to a two room apartment full of 20 people! More keep arriving. We do the official Eid having tea, sweets, nuts, and of course bread.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM3SkHFy3wxAIQ2C_rs00n20STnh06l-bH-RHl0yb_033LslrBapZPUKVbive-ERqssydDM4Uj_MH1r8ZFhEp7wmwOSLu3HLYqqie2bPnGaiUBgVPX8ekpvu9Bn_qBHA_w7joNb96NIAX_/s1600-h/IMG_0015.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM3SkHFy3wxAIQ2C_rs00n20STnh06l-bH-RHl0yb_033LslrBapZPUKVbive-ERqssydDM4Uj_MH1r8ZFhEp7wmwOSLu3HLYqqie2bPnGaiUBgVPX8ekpvu9Bn_qBHA_w7joNb96NIAX_/s320/IMG_0015.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279941807171635266" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkiwT9vVZ10puDd63qGk3f_9L5WtxA0RU7wAUuYb0x7FEegS4PlnfGbs-9_tyndtDeytji-alHpLfMO3BgVUaE485bS8jrb6_VDsjwmqjUACcZA2MNnO_Sq4Z3ildb4iFl1jis5lWT4uum/s1600-h/IMG_0018.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkiwT9vVZ10puDd63qGk3f_9L5WtxA0RU7wAUuYb0x7FEegS4PlnfGbs-9_tyndtDeytji-alHpLfMO3BgVUaE485bS8jrb6_VDsjwmqjUACcZA2MNnO_Sq4Z3ildb4iFl1jis5lWT4uum/s320/IMG_0018.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279941815122391682" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRvNXGygmPswI8WSujBpSeYBzWW7Gc-LaBP1ixFthu64WnS30fxXeT_dH5ZznaGlo1H-khuEfVJ1H1ElY3W-CN6lPCbgBbLHPjkFg01cU1z8rNYMORgoFQHBQV1CGWQ36fyFGHqXH7c7Sr/s1600-h/IMG_0021.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRvNXGygmPswI8WSujBpSeYBzWW7Gc-LaBP1ixFthu64WnS30fxXeT_dH5ZznaGlo1H-khuEfVJ1H1ElY3W-CN6lPCbgBbLHPjkFg01cU1z8rNYMORgoFQHBQV1CGWQ36fyFGHqXH7c7Sr/s320/IMG_0021.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279941824423710162" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUnadEbnjFMOwszbgAcdIp8ouF1_0zgrnjf9RYAD4e5GxKP5O78l2OGAegW3mvCommy5vQmoM4xnbVWwe-csg2XUBiYMM2UZCq0L9g8rv6icSie7hdJpUP7DA8r63AKVGKItA9uEr8AFN9/s1600-h/IMG_0027.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUnadEbnjFMOwszbgAcdIp8ouF1_0zgrnjf9RYAD4e5GxKP5O78l2OGAegW3mvCommy5vQmoM4xnbVWwe-csg2XUBiYMM2UZCq0L9g8rv6icSie7hdJpUP7DA8r63AKVGKItA9uEr8AFN9/s320/IMG_0027.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279941828406957794" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Then I'm encouraged to relax so I play about an hours worth of Uno with the boys. I've become a favorite among the cousins from 3 to 23 because I show up to family times with fun games!<br /><br />Soon, Bishbarmak is ready (big flat noodles with fresh sheep!). It's a traditional dish called bis (5) barmak (fingers) because it is eaten with the hands. So we dine...again!<br /><br />Another hour or so...and we're off another persons house. Friends instead of family and we have yet another tasty meal. I'm pretty much full at this point, but being the American, food is heaped on my plate and I oblige with slow nibbles.<br /><br />Another hour here and we go back to "home base." Then we're off to another sisters house. I was left alone to "christen" the house with my tea drinking and apple eating. By this time I've switched to fruits and teas hoping I can make it through the day.<br /><br />We head to another place, but stay outside with increasing numbers of family gathering. Then as the sun sets and evening approaches...we head for a wedding!!!! But that's three more meals and another story!My Year in Kazakhstanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08922105854128675102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1794821490057853602.post-18572441157757190012008-12-16T00:27:00.000-08:002008-12-16T00:27:00.602-08:00Eid (the education blog)This past week was the Muslim holiday of Eid (pronounced Aite here in Kazakhstan). According to Wikipedia online:<br /><h3 style="font-style: italic;"><span class="mw-headline">Eid el-Adha</span></h3> <p style="font-style: italic;">Eid ul-Adha (عيد الأضحى), or the <b>Festival of Sacrifice</b>, falls approximately 70 days after <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eid_el-Fitr" title="Eid el-Fitr" class="mw-redirect">Eid el-Fitr</a> (end of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramadan" title="Ramadan">Ramadan</a>) and is celebrated in honor of the prophet <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abraham" title="Abraham">Abraham</a> willingness to sacrifice his son as a proof of his loyalty to God (Allah). Celebrations usually include presenting an animal (usually a cow or a sheep) sacrifice, and the meat is shared with family, friends and those in need.</p>This holiday is a "drop in day." This means every woman cooks the days or nights before Aite (which lasts 3 days) and prepares for unexpected guests. All the traditional food is eaten and families come together.My Year in Kazakhstanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08922105854128675102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1794821490057853602.post-53568755712297761692008-12-15T23:02:00.000-08:002008-12-15T23:02:00.393-08:00So it's been a busy few weeks. With just 6 days left in the country and only two of them in the office, I'm trying to catch up on my posts...<br /><br />First, here's a glimpse of our time at Savva orphanage. For me it was saying goodbye, but I made it through. A couple of the older girls have become especially close to me. They were sad when I said I probably wouldn't make it back in time for graduation, but they have said they'll keep writing!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidYujc5yUY6KgXItIYH7ANheM2VPUqsiNVMBRMeNq5FwHsLAE1YJTYC_xd0x9hcMdkF9PHE4rix1L5s_EWZjz_HCXD7kyVPAG52QsH7w9r3Z4kQCCZp3O8sIP7Jgye4L4JqlBDuzOcpf1f/s1600-h/Savva+Dec+08+EMumaw+%28125%29.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidYujc5yUY6KgXItIYH7ANheM2VPUqsiNVMBRMeNq5FwHsLAE1YJTYC_xd0x9hcMdkF9PHE4rix1L5s_EWZjz_HCXD7kyVPAG52QsH7w9r3Z4kQCCZp3O8sIP7Jgye4L4JqlBDuzOcpf1f/s400/Savva+Dec+08+EMumaw+%28125%29.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279930213586372642" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7rwpf7UR6aoPMMOXOYpCRuSeulV0_J0CjdsxEfOtEYTTfnUc9Eh045JbIom5BY23cHaijZs6q87xDKYlf6EhdPR_F443Ea7qUpr3PjkbkTsJsPW4y8vZvWIqjQLyHjpMO-NG73WQzapIH/s1600-h/Savva+Dec+08+EMumaw+%28106%29.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7rwpf7UR6aoPMMOXOYpCRuSeulV0_J0CjdsxEfOtEYTTfnUc9Eh045JbIom5BY23cHaijZs6q87xDKYlf6EhdPR_F443Ea7qUpr3PjkbkTsJsPW4y8vZvWIqjQLyHjpMO-NG73WQzapIH/s400/Savva+Dec+08+EMumaw+%28106%29.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279930210297451106" border="0" /></a><br /><br />We also had a long discussion with several of the older girls. Two or three times a year we bring supplies for them to write their sponsors. Unfortunately the girls said they've written and written, but had no response! When I'm in the states, I hope to encourage sponsors to write to their children. It's a big deal to get a letter...or not to get one.My Year in Kazakhstanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08922105854128675102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1794821490057853602.post-23084598531558111352008-12-09T21:54:00.000-08:002008-12-09T21:54:00.938-08:00Bear or Pig? Vote now!<span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">Our Kids Connection group have had a long running debate we now submit to the public eye. At the Saramoldeava orphanage there is carved animal. So far about 8 people (including Ken & Kiikzhan) believe it to be a bear. On the other hand 6 people (including Sara & I) believe it to be a pig? So what is it????<br /><br />BEAR OR PIG??? You decide. Leave a comment.</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFvYGNeCqQ3w40V4MktCriUden0fOcq8ZdAmpJOmpAwxT_Xdsq4sAS6gTTnJ97yFI_KLJ_W7PdNJDZVliQBLqtrXZy29HncIdY_09If3XKgInwW_IEgtbiIIPS0zh_dju0jvUkq2HTH72d/s1600-h/IMG_0298.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFvYGNeCqQ3w40V4MktCriUden0fOcq8ZdAmpJOmpAwxT_Xdsq4sAS6gTTnJ97yFI_KLJ_W7PdNJDZVliQBLqtrXZy29HncIdY_09If3XKgInwW_IEgtbiIIPS0zh_dju0jvUkq2HTH72d/s400/IMG_0298.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274034294417337106" border="0" /></a>My Year in Kazakhstanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08922105854128675102noreply@blogger.com10