Жаны Жылыныздар Менен!

On this last day of the first month of new year, I thought I’d take the time to wish everyone a happy 2014! I’ve been a bad blogger of late, but only because my life has here has been its busiest yet. Thanks to warm socks and lots of hot tea, I am surviving the winter, working a lot and continuing to enjoy my time in Kyrgyzstan.

I went to Munich and Prague over the holidays, and got to see some fantastic people, including my Mom n’ Pop, my sister Anna, K College friends Milo, John and Laurel, and Germany family, the Faesslers. I also got to: eat cheese, drink good beer, visit two gorgeous cities, celebrate a German Christmas, take fantastic showers, do a little shopping, see the Nutcracker ballet and have many long, wonderful conversations with people I love. How lucky am I?

Upon my return to Toktogul, I caught up with many friends here. I spent my first week back visiting various houses for meals and conversations, and returning to my house laden with homemade jams and canned summer vegetables. It was nice to realize that even as I was leaving my U.S. family, I was returning to my Kyrgyz one.

Max and I got a visitor in Toktogul in the form of Max’s good friend Stefan—musician, linguist and traveler. Stefan was great to have around. The boys put on a concert at Max’s school, we took advantage of good weather to hike out to the lake for a picnic, visited friends in Toktogul and took a trip to the southern of city of Osh. I loved meeting Stefan, and was happy to be included in their adventures in Kyrgyzstan.

My women’s health club got off the ground recently. Our attendance hasn’t been super—which is at least partially a result of some nasty weather—but we did have two fathers ask to attend, which I think is fantastic. Though the club is designed for young mothers, it’s so great to see dads expressing interest in learning about health topics. We’ve had three meetings so far, and it’s been really interesting. Topics include fetal/child development, nutrition, breastfeeding, alcohol, family budgeting, reproduction and family planning.

For months, I’ve been told to always carefully wash and sort through beans, rice, lentils, etc, because these bulk foods tend to contain rocks and other particles. I learned this lesson the hard way a few days ago—apparently I didn’t clean my beans quite well enough, because I chomped down on a rock and chipped off part of one of my back teeth. What a great time in life to have excellent Peace Corps health care! I’m now in Bishkek staying at a fancy hotel complete with wi-fi, showers and free breakfast, courtesy of Peace Corps. My dental appointment is this afternoon—I’m sure they’ll be able to fix me right up, and maybe I’ll even get one of those super cool gold teeth that Kyrgyz people are always showing off.

That’s the update! It’s nice to be in Bishkek for a few days, and catch up with some other volunteers. But, of course, as I drive through those mountain passes, I am always happy to head back to Toktogul and the people there who make it feel like home.

The whole fam-damn-ily, back together.

In the Czech Republic, they like meat even more than Kyrgyz people do
....but don't tell anyone in Kyrgyzstan that I said that.

Me, Anna, Charles Bridge and some guy.

My Milo!!!!

Max and Stefan. It was a superb day for a picnic.

Looking good, resevoir.

Host baby is still cute.

After Max and Stefan's concert. The grinning guy up front is Max's proud host papa.

Several of my students.

We got a little concert on the way to Osh. Mostly, I am just proud of this photo.

Osh, from atop "Solomon's Throne." As per Kyrgyz lore, King Solomon once came here. As did the prophet Muhammed. As did Manas, probably.

Me and the boys.

Complete with a kalpak, my pops is now Kyrgyzstan-ready.