One month in
Howdy everyone. Sorry it’s been a while. I got to spend some time reflecting last night and goal setting. I realized that a month ago I was just arriving here. My time here has gone fast so far. We spend a lot of time studying language and going to Bishkek to micro-teach and co-teach with Kyrgyz teachers. Once a week, all of the trainees meet for Hub day and have medical and safety training. I just got my last round of shots for a while 
My time with my host family has been good. I spend most of my day at language lessons or tech sessions and come back to study. We usually talk through mimes, my limited Kyrgyz, and my host sister at dinners. Last weekend, I got to go with them to a family garden in another town 3 km away. My apam suggested I study and sat me down at the edge of the field on a blanket. I a bit like a child, but figured maybe it is easier for them not to teach me how to garden.
May starts a string of holidays here. Tomorrow is Labor Day. The trainees are going hiking at Issyk-Ata mountain. We are hoping to see a waterfall and maybe a little snow! In addition, each language group (about 4 trainees per) will prepare skits, songs, and food for next Saturday. We are celebrating and learning about Kyrgyz Culture! Hopefully I’ll be able to upload some pictures soon, but I haven’t vigured out how to do that at an Internet cafe without crippling my computer with viruses. Please be patient.
Hi Amber,
Glad to hear that you are well and safe. I should have logged in sooner to see how you were doing, but I misplaced the card with the site. This is probably way different than ITC, but I hope that it prepared you well for it. This years ITC group just returned, school ends in a bit over a week. Where has the time gone. Travel safely. Charlie
Hi Amber! I was talking with Nicole Helgeson today because we work in the same group home. I had been thinking about you, and she brought up her friend who went to Kyrgestan. Ha ha! Of course it was you. : ) I loved reading your blog entries. I will be praying for your safety, sanctification etc. Your posts about your host family and miming remind me of when I lived in Spain for a semester. I knew some Spanish, but I still had to improvise. Enjoy your May holidays!!!!!!
*Kyrgyzstan*