From the Airport…

I’m sitting in the Astana airport waiting to fly to Vienna in the morning. I will spend a week in Austria and then about 6 weeks in Turkey before I head home on July 20. It’s been kind of a sad process saying good-bye to our friends here. The last month finished really way, and we had some great opportunities to spend time with our friends.

This will probably be might last blog-post for a while. I may be able to post while I’m traveling, but I’ll probably not go out of my way to do so.

Peace

Kyrgyzstan

A couple weeks ago, Erich and I were able to meet up with a couple of our friends who are teaching with the same organization in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. We spent a couple of days there, and then we headed to Lake Issyk-Kol which is the world’s 2nd largest alpine lake.

We stayed in a village with a Kyrgyz family who are the family of a friend of our American friends. It was a wonderful experience. Kyrgyzstan is blessed with a unique mix of natural beauty and traditional culture. The best part of the experience was staying with the Kyrgyz family. They treated us wonderfully, and I loved seeing the mountains and the lake with them.

Click the link to see pictures from our trip: Kyrygzstan Pictures

Easter

It’s been an interesting experience celebrating holidays in a different country…good interesting, not bad interesting, however. This past Sunday we celebrated Orthodox Easter–one week later than Protestant Easter. I met one of my students and some of his friends at 10:30pm on Saturday night, and we walked to the big Orthodox church about 15 minutes away. When we arrived there were cars everywhere and people everywhere. At first, we went inside, where there are tons of beautiful icons and fresco-like things painted on the walls and ceilings, and found a good place to stand. (In Orthodox churches outside of America, there are no seats or pews. Everyone stands throughout the entire liturgy. I don’t know how the old ladies do it!) People kept piling inside, and it was getting rather tight, so we decided to join the rest of the congregants outside.

There was a video screen for the people outside to see what was happening inside. We stood and listened and watched. The whole thing was quite beautiful—different men church leaders chanting scriptures and prayers, women and men singing responses, people moving around with incense and prayers blessing different things. It’s a beauty often left out of Protestant churches and services. And then, at midnight came the climax of the service. A procession of deacons led by the patriarch, I believe, followed by other church leaders and congregants marched out of the church to bells marking the beginning of Resurrection Sunday. When they made it outside they did a giant loop around the congregation, and there was definitely a spirit of celebration about the crowd.

Then the procession reached the steps of the church and the patriarch swung the thing of incense around and said “He is risen!” and we said “He is risen indeed!” This went on a number of times before he went to the front doors of the church, knocked on them, the doors were open (in a way symbolizing the opening of the tomb), and he entered the church building followed still by the procession. It was truly a beautiful service, and I’m truly glad to have experienced it. It makes me think about the way we often celebrate these kinds of holidays in America.

We left shortly after and followed the crowd out. The lady I was following, as she was holding a candle, accidently lit her hair on fire. It didn’t burn too much, but it was kind of funny.

So happy Easter to you! Here’s to the one who, rather than taking up arms took up a cross to defeat evil and bring us life. Here’s to the one who, rather than bearing a sword bore our shame. Here’s to the one who died a seemingly foolish death defying the kingdom of the world’s ideas of success and victory. For as we know and find undeniable hope in, his death was not his defeat; it was death’s defeat. And we thank him for defeating death, which festers inside of all of us, without arms but with his own blood. And we know that the grave did not hold him, nor shall it hold us to whom he offers that great gift of victory.

He is risen! He is risen indeed!

Tea Party?

I think we Americans have a serious problem with instant gratification. While Bush was spending billions of dollars each month to “liberate” Iraq our mouths were shut because we didn’t feel the pinch in our pockets at the moment. We had the gratification that we so desire—even though it was a false gratification. Now, Obama—who’s been in office for only a few months—is spending billions, and we are up in arms throwing tea parties. It’s an interesting concept, but to me it just proves how fickle and selfish we are.

Sure, it’s okay if we support our president going to war and killing hundreds of thousands of people, just as long as it doesn’t strain us financially at the moment and the battle is in the name of “liberation’. But when it comes to some liberal raising taxes forcing us to take more money from our fat wallets, then, oh no, we must fight this evil. Let me ask, what is more evil: higher taxes or killing innocent people? Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar. Give to God what belongs to God. Our money bears the image of our Caesars, but we bear the image of God. What’s more important? What should we be working to protect?

I am as guilty as any for I too initially supported Bush in is war to “free” Iraq. I used to believe that America was the last greatest hope for the world, that we could offer freedom, and that democracy was ultimate existence, but then I came to realize that I cannot serve two masters. I had forgotten about this simple statement made by my true Lord—who is our only hope, who can offer true freedom, and in whose kingdom lies ultimate existence.

“What difference does it make to the dead, the orphans and the homeless, whether the made destruction is wrought under the name of totalitarianism or the holy name of liberty or democracy?” – Mahatma Gandhi

And then I would add, What difference does it make to God whether his image, his creation is destroyed in the in the name of totalitarianism or the holy name of liberty or democracy?

Beginning of April

April is off to a good start. The last couple of weeks have been really enjoyable in the classroom, and spring seems to be here for good (I think I might have said that in my last post, but hopefully this time it’s for real). Today I walked to Maikakduk, as usual, and I enjoyed a dry, somewhat cool walk.

Earlier this week one of our national friends took us to a Korean restaurant to try something I’d never eaten before–dog! And, may I say, I was pleasantly surprised. It was good. We had 3 different dishes that used dog meat. The 1st was a blood sausage. The 2nd was dog soup, and the third was a heavily spiced bowl of dog ribs and liver. All in all, it was a fun time with our student experiencing something very new.

Life feels pretty normal these days…it has for a while now. I have a pretty solid routine established: I go to bed around 12 each night and wake up at 8 each morning. Mon-Thurs I teach from 4:30-7:45. Tues and Thurs I have Russian language lessons. Wed I teach an English club for 2 hours. Fri morning I walk to Maikaduk, and then in the evening we have guy students come to our place and play games. Sat I walk to the bazaar and eat some delicious food then play either kind of football. Sun is chrch.

In a couple weeks Erich and I are going to go to Kyrgyzstan and meet up with some of the other American teachers there. We plan to get into the mountains a bit. I’m really excited to see some elevation variation.

Also, I’ve decided to stay home rather than return to KZ in the fall. I can’t completely say why I’ve chosen this, but it feels like the right thing to do at this point.

Blessings and peace

Nauryz

This weekend was one of the more action-packed weekends I’ve had here in Kazakhstan. It was really an excellent one. Sunday was Nauryz which is an ancient New Year celebration that is celebrated throughout Central Asia and the Persian influenced world. And in Kazakhstan it has become a celebration of Kazakh culture. Nauryz literally means “new day” and is meant to mark the end of winter and the beginning of spring and the new growth and life that comes with it. This weekend embodied that idea of a “new day” because the week prior had seen at least 3 days in a row of snow, but it was met with the weekend’s sunny, warmer days. Now the snow is beginning to melt again, and I’m really hoping it just goes away for good.

 

In class last week we talked about St. Patrick’s Day and the events of “Bloody Sunday” that took place in Ireland in 1972. We celebrated Irish culture and also discussed yet another example of an oppressive force using violence to get what it wants and coerce those without power to do its bidding. It was really interesting, and I really enjoyed the thoughtful input from my students.

 

On Friday we celebrated Nauryz at Apple Tree with the children. It was a blast. We played traditional Kazakh games. One of the games involved one boy and one girl racing on fake horses to a specific spot. The girl gets a head start, and if the boy is able to catch her she must kiss him on the cheek (most of the girls didn’t want to kiss the boys so they blew kisses). But if the boy doesn’t catch her, then she gets to chase him with a whip. The kids really enjoyed the games, and I really enjoyed experiencing this with them. The walk there was pretty grueling, however. The snow was really unstable because of the warming temperatures. I would walk on the surface of the snow a few paces and then fall a few inches through the snow’s crust. It was like this pretty much the whole way, and needless to say, I was pretty tired by the time I arrived in Maikaduk.

 

Then, on Saturday Erich and I went to one of our national friend’s apartment and spend time with his grandma and grandpa. They are both about 82-years-old, and his grandpa fought for Russia in World War II. His grandma was a math and science teacher. They are a funny pair, although not too healthy. The grandpa kind of speaks his mind, and it can be pretty funny sometimes. His wife tells our friend not to translate everything he says for us because some of it’s bad. It’s fun, though, to sit and talk with them—very interesting.

 

Sunday was the city Nauryz celebration. A good part of the main road through downtown was closed off, and people came and set up yurts along the road. Inside the yurts you could get all kinds of food. We went into one yurt, and the people inside found out we were American and let us eat for free. They did some toasts and talked with us for a while. There were dancers, musicians, singers, etc. all along the street. It was really fun to just walk and observe. Everyone was in high spirits and some had had too much spirits if you know what I mean. It was definitely a memorable experience.

 

Here’s a link to my Facebook pictures from March. There you can find my Nauryz pictures: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2048231&id=69603689&l=b231e66fe2

Where have all the signs of Spring gone?

It’s mid-March, and it’s snowing and blowing pretty wildly outside. It’s snowed the last 3 days, and all that Springness has simply disappeared under a blanket of white. Oh well, I guess it was to be expected.

Last night we had a late Super Bowl party with some of our friends. I had already seen it with another friend, but it was fun to watch again. It was an absolutely amazing game.

Last Sunday was Women’s Day. We celebrated at Apple Tree last Friday, and it was a lot of fun. The boys made cakes for the girls, we played games, and we all spent a little time honoring the women. On Sunday afternoon, we went to a dance performance in which one of our students was performing. She danced 6 different dances, and the performance was comprised of many different ethnic dances. There were Kazakh, Russian, Polish, Gypsy, Armenian, Georgian, Kavkaz, and many more. Most of the dances represented the many ethnic groups living in Kazakhstan. It was absolutely fabulous. I really enjoyed it, and it was one of the highlights of the spring semester.

Here’s a link to my March pictures. Enjoy!

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2048231&id=69603689&l=b231e66fe2 

There isn’t much news from my side of the world. I’m just trying to figure out what I’m going to do in the fall. Please keep me in your thoughts as I seek the will of the Father. Thanks for all your support!

March!

Wow, it’s March! And March couldn’t have come to Karaganda in a better way. We have a perfect blue sky (which it’s been like that for at least 2 weeks straight) and pretty warm temps – around freezing.

The snow on the sidewalks and around is melting. I’m sure it will make a mess in a few weeks, but now, it’s not too bad. It’s kind of fun to see how much packed-snow and ice there is on the sidewalks. The walks and side-roads don’t get swept here, so the snow just piles up and packs. So we end up walking anywhere from 3-9 inches off of the actual ground.

Classes are going well. We spend most of last month focusing on Black History, and it was really interesting for me to share the events and discrimination that African Americans in particular have faced and still face in America. We’ve had some really good discussions, and my students continue to amaze with with their continual improvement. They’re great!

Here are a couple of pics that my national friend took after we ran on some frosty mornings. They make me look like I have an actual beard rather than the random patches that are actually on my face.

Enjoy and be blessed!

A Few of My Favorite Things…

Here are a few of my favorite things about winter in Kazakhstan:

- I love seeing all the little children bundled up to the nines. Sometimes they are waddling around like marshmallow men, and it makes me smile. I bet if they were to fall down it would be like the scene in A Christmas Storywhen Ralphy’s little brother falls over and can’t get back up because he’s so bundled up. Other times, there parents, instead of pushing them around in strollers, are either pulling them or pushing them on little sleds. It’s great!

- I love it when the water comes back on even if it’s only been off for half the day. We’ve been really fortunate to not have the water not work for very long, but when it’s off and then returns, it definitely makes you appreciate the fact that we have semi-clean water being pumped into our habitat when ever we want it. There are many places that can’t claim this luxury.

- I love that the kids living around our apartment complex are always playing in the courtyard. They are out there playing soccer constantly. I’m amazed, even on days when it’s super cold, they are out there playing, being active. I think of American kids sometimes who would rather be inside playing video games all day (I really sound old here, I know), and it makes me sad. Supposedly our society is more advanced because we have the best electronics and gadgets. But I say, what we often call progress, is not progress at all. It’s actually regression. Just my opinion though.

- The other day, Erich, David and I ate shashlyk (kebab) like usual on Saturday. One of the guys serving asked us if we wanted tea, and of course, we did. Then he asked us something we didn’t understand, and we asked “what?” So to get his point across he started doing the motion you would do if you were milking a cow, and we finally realized that he was asking us if we wanted milk in our tea. I love overcoming language barriers with hand motions and sound effects.

- I love running on the snowy steppe with one of my national friends. We get to talk and enjoy the bounty of rolling, snow-covered vistas laid out before us. We run to a natural spring about 2 times each week. I really enjoy these times!

- One more thing, even though there are plenty more: I love that there’s a hint of spring flowing through the crisp air. It’s like the transition of seasons is somehow announcing it’s arrival in an invisible, untouchable way. It’s great though; you can really feel the surge of Spring’s wake building and building. I’m really excited for winter’s end, even though it’s been a pretty pleasant winter.

A Wise Man Once Said…

Imagine a wise man stands before you and tells you that he can offer life to the fullest. But there are conditions.

You are very rich. You have a car, a cozy house, a flat screen TV, a laptop, a cellphone, a guitar and amp, a comfy bed, lots of books, and many other things. But this man tells you that life means getting rid of these things–all of them, because with all these things comes the fear of losing them. And with the fear of losing what you have comes the need to protect what you have. With the need to protect what you have comes the often times violent defense of what is “yours”–the things you own.

This wise man tells you, in fact whispers in an ancient yet still progressive tongue, that these things, these possessions, have actually led you to death. And to enter into the kingdom of life you must first give all your possessions away. He says you must learn to depend on the one who offers freedom, and he says that what the world calls progress, the American dream, the rags to riches ideal, corner office with a window all lead to bondage rather than freedom. He says that freedom is not a gift that any man or product can offer–not even the most powerful, prosperous nation on earth can truly claim to offer genuine freedom. Their freedom can do nothing to the chains that bind your mind and soul.

So then; what to do? Do you do as he says and give up everything–every last thing that demands your worship and attention?

I’m hearing that whisper right now. I hear it every day, but I don’t know exactly what to make of it. But I also cannot deny its persistent knocking on my soul. What to do, Jeff?