Mom,
Ah, the thrills of preparing for the holidays before Thanksgiving. I guess this is what people who write Christmas cards every year feel like. I think I would excel at sending Christmas cards on time.
Today is my last day at site, and I'm very sad! I got a new dress to wear, and hopefully soon I'll have pictures of me dressed like a Turkmen bride. :) My mother has been away for 2 days, so I've bonded with my dad a bit and also done some cooking in the fly-ridden hell-trap that is an outdoor kitchen.
I almost wish I had requested a Turkmen family instead of a Russian family, though I will like the language practice. We had a test scored on "Novice/Intermediate/Advanced" with "low/mid/high". I got an "Intermediate-low" (very good) in Turkmen and and "Intermediate-mid" in Russian. My teacher assures me that Russian is much harder, but it's still a bit funny. I talk more with my family here now, and I think they like me. I shake things up a bit, but overall it's been nice.
We will have our "fun week" in Ashgabat where we will all pretend to listen to lectures on the alcohol policy, and then we will be officially "sworn in" on Nov. 19th. Then I'm a real Volunteer. (So far, I guess, it's been mostly vacation!)
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Michael A-dot,
How's the knee?
So, Turkmenistan's desert beauty is starting to grow on me. Though "The Economist" evidently rated T-stan as the worst place to live in 2004, I'm not sure that I'm as uncomfortable as they'd like me to believe.
I have some really awesome friends here, but in a week we're all leaving. My friends all will live in Dashoguz region, and I'm way the heck over in Nebitdag in Balkan. So I'm pretty much stuck for a good long time all by myself. That should be a good test. I couldn't tell Mom (haha), but I feel very directionless here. We haven't been on our own yet, and we sometimes don't know what kind of help anyone even wants. Are we just patronizing the people here? Well, the best or worst part is that I have nothing really to do in the States, so I have no reason to give up. It seems so far from college here, yet it's all the "2 years" idea. We have no grades, no annoying University stuff, but we still have this structure and ladder of power and 2-year deadline that makes it feel like a "Camping Master's Degree". I'll have had a class on outdoor cooking, using a hole as a toilet, and luggage carrying, but not much more. :)
So, how are Margo and school in general? Gee, I'm going to sound like dad here-- "So, hey, what classes are you taking? Are you still in engineering?" In 2 years I'll still think you're in engineering even if you're in art or something.
I'm sorry I couldn't send any real presents--I sent what's here. I figure the bracelets are manly because they're made of camel hair, and camel's spit and are hairy. Plus, if anyone asks, you can say it protects you from the evil eye which, from what I hear, is pretty bad.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
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Sharon,
Well, since they don't really have Christmas here, I'm using the UW cards I brought from home. I hope all is well with you. It's only November 13th or so, but I haven't heard anything from you other than Mom's reports.
I'm on my last day here at Gypjak. I've had so much more success with my family recently. I tested well in Turkmen, so I've been more confident. Now I have to go, and PC policy is that I can't leave my new site for 3 months--even to visit country nationals. Thumbs down!! So I think I'll be in a bit of a slump for the first month at least in Balkanabat.
I've been meaning to tell you that your skirt is about the best skirt ever! It's exactly what I'm supposed to have. I've had two dresses made here, but they're pretty traditional and conservative. Anyway, I feel like I fit in okay here, and I now think a lot about the work we're doing.
I definitely realize it's not the toughing it out that makes people leave, but rather the Peace Corps falling off its pedestal. Everyone thinks it such a life-changing, monumental thing to do, but really it's just like anything else. Anyone can make it through.
My mom here has been out of town (a rare occurrence here) for 2 or 3 days, so I got to do some cooking and a bit of "servant work" for my dad. He's actually a cool guy and would never ask me to do anything, but I felt responsible as the only girl. I'm going to take lessons in Turkmen sewing, etc. at my permanent site.
Well, this is sort of a Christmas card, so I'll apologize for the obvious lack of cool presents. :) If any of the stuff I sent appeals to you, fight for it. I made the bag with the zipper for you, though! It's a very early sewing attempt. I was still trying to work the pedals correctly. Anyway, good thoughts to you, and have a merry Christmas! Tell every family member who cares that I'm doing well, and make it sound sincere and personal. :) Miss you!
Love,
Kari
