November Update, Kyrgyzstan #7
Dec. 3rd, 2023 08:34 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
rworoThe highlight of the month was dinner at the home of Lesslie Viguerie, the US Ambassador to Kyrgyzstan.
Thanksgiving was a regular teaching day for us, as we do not get US holidays off. I made a point of asking my students what they were thankful for, and we had a nice list on the blackboard. The following week was IST, in-service training in the capital, Bishkek. Monday night, we had a traditional Thanksgiving dinner at the Country Director's house: turkey, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, green beans, pumpkin pie. Very nice. The following day, at the Ambassador's, was a Christmas theme dinner: lasagna, salad, and both cherry and apple pies, with ice cream. There was even ice cubes on the drink table, the first ice I have had since arrival last summer! We were taking group pictures on the stairs, and I happened to notice several large bookcases full of books upstairs. I suggested that he bring me a couple of books if he was ever in my region--instead, he suggested that I go upstairs and borrow a book or two, which, of course, I did.
I adjusting to working with a new counterpart at the school, as my original counterpart is now off on a 6-month maternity leave. The new teacher is young, and, since he was not involved in the application process to secure a volunteer, I am not sure how he feels about working with me.
Earlier in the month we had a 1-day host-family conference. This was in Naryn City, the oblast center, similar to a state capital. It is about 2.5 hours from my village. This town seemed to have more to offer than Kochkor, where I have been spending my Saturdays. I am looking forward to exploring Naryn City more in the future. I hear they have a library with an American Corner--I will donate the books I have completed.
Of course it is colder and darker here now. There is no snow on the ground, but the streams are frozen. There are not many trees here, especially deciduous trees that shed leaves. I really missed the sound of crunching leaves under my feet. On Mondays, I have an 8:00 class, so the sun is just starting to rise. I find myself looking down to avoid stepping in animal dung, then I remind myself to look up to enjoy the beauty of the new day and to be thankful that I have this opportunity in this beautiful country.
Last month someone asked about health care here. We volunteers have almost a concierge system. After arrival we were given a huge bag of medical supplies, including covid test kits, pulse oximeter, bandages, many types of oral antibiotics, sunscreen, dental floss, eye drops, etc. There is a PCMO (Peace Corps Medical Officer). We are not to use any of the supplies, unless under the direction of the PCMO. Since most of us are placed in remote villages, the idea is for us to have the necessary supplies to treat common conditions. Several of my peers have had to see specialists--the PCMO accompanied them to specialist visits, both to help with translation and to be involved in the care. If we need to see a health care provider, we are provided with transportation and lodging at a nice hotel in Bishkek. But, from what I understand, sometimes there is overkill. For example, one peer was provided with a very expensive 'boot' for a minor ankle sprain, and had to have multiple ankle ultrasounds, before she was 'cleared' to do without the boot. I couldn't help but think that the specialists overdo treatment in order to be reimbursed, as PC essentially gives them a 'blank check'.
Salt is used heavily here. Instead of shaking it into a dish, the cap is removed and it is poured in. I asked the PCMO about hypertension screening or treatment. He mentioned community health workers that come to the house, but my host family had not heard of them. One of my language teachers had trouble with intermittent rapid heartbeat. She showed me her medication--it was an herbal remedy, valerian, sometimes used for relaxation. I think healthcare for community members is several decades behind that available in the US. But, what they offer is more readily available to all...
I continue to work on learning the Kyrgyz language and integrating into my host-family, particularly my relationship with the 14-year old twin girls--I remember when I was that age--
As usual, I love hearing from everyone--let me know if you have any questions--I will address in my next update.
Thanksgiving was a regular teaching day for us, as we do not get US holidays off. I made a point of asking my students what they were thankful for, and we had a nice list on the blackboard. The following week was IST, in-service training in the capital, Bishkek. Monday night, we had a traditional Thanksgiving dinner at the Country Director's house: turkey, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, green beans, pumpkin pie. Very nice. The following day, at the Ambassador's, was a Christmas theme dinner: lasagna, salad, and both cherry and apple pies, with ice cream. There was even ice cubes on the drink table, the first ice I have had since arrival last summer! We were taking group pictures on the stairs, and I happened to notice several large bookcases full of books upstairs. I suggested that he bring me a couple of books if he was ever in my region--instead, he suggested that I go upstairs and borrow a book or two, which, of course, I did.
I adjusting to working with a new counterpart at the school, as my original counterpart is now off on a 6-month maternity leave. The new teacher is young, and, since he was not involved in the application process to secure a volunteer, I am not sure how he feels about working with me.
Earlier in the month we had a 1-day host-family conference. This was in Naryn City, the oblast center, similar to a state capital. It is about 2.5 hours from my village. This town seemed to have more to offer than Kochkor, where I have been spending my Saturdays. I am looking forward to exploring Naryn City more in the future. I hear they have a library with an American Corner--I will donate the books I have completed.
Of course it is colder and darker here now. There is no snow on the ground, but the streams are frozen. There are not many trees here, especially deciduous trees that shed leaves. I really missed the sound of crunching leaves under my feet. On Mondays, I have an 8:00 class, so the sun is just starting to rise. I find myself looking down to avoid stepping in animal dung, then I remind myself to look up to enjoy the beauty of the new day and to be thankful that I have this opportunity in this beautiful country.
Last month someone asked about health care here. We volunteers have almost a concierge system. After arrival we were given a huge bag of medical supplies, including covid test kits, pulse oximeter, bandages, many types of oral antibiotics, sunscreen, dental floss, eye drops, etc. There is a PCMO (Peace Corps Medical Officer). We are not to use any of the supplies, unless under the direction of the PCMO. Since most of us are placed in remote villages, the idea is for us to have the necessary supplies to treat common conditions. Several of my peers have had to see specialists--the PCMO accompanied them to specialist visits, both to help with translation and to be involved in the care. If we need to see a health care provider, we are provided with transportation and lodging at a nice hotel in Bishkek. But, from what I understand, sometimes there is overkill. For example, one peer was provided with a very expensive 'boot' for a minor ankle sprain, and had to have multiple ankle ultrasounds, before she was 'cleared' to do without the boot. I couldn't help but think that the specialists overdo treatment in order to be reimbursed, as PC essentially gives them a 'blank check'.
Salt is used heavily here. Instead of shaking it into a dish, the cap is removed and it is poured in. I asked the PCMO about hypertension screening or treatment. He mentioned community health workers that come to the house, but my host family had not heard of them. One of my language teachers had trouble with intermittent rapid heartbeat. She showed me her medication--it was an herbal remedy, valerian, sometimes used for relaxation. I think healthcare for community members is several decades behind that available in the US. But, what they offer is more readily available to all...
I continue to work on learning the Kyrgyz language and integrating into my host-family, particularly my relationship with the 14-year old twin girls--I remember when I was that age--
As usual, I love hearing from everyone--let me know if you have any questions--I will address in my next update.
