April, 2024 update
Apr. 29th, 2024 11:12 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
rworoIt is still chilly here in the mountains of Kyrgyzstan. I believe the snow is over, but there are likely more muddy days ahead. April highlights included a big celebration for the end of Ramadan on April 10. Although I did not participate in fasting, I was included in the Eid holiday (celebrating the end of the fasting month of Ramadan). We went house to house (to about 7 houses) in the neighborhood feasting on fruit, nuts, and meats. It was fascinating to be included in this holiday.
I participated in a English language training session for guest-house owners in my village. This was very basic language, starting with the alphabet and numbers.
One afternoon a student excitedly led me out of the classroom (I thought perhaps someone was hurt), but no, there were two tourists from France who has heard about me and wanted to meet me! This couple is spending a year bicycling through Central Asia and southeast country, spending a month in each country. There was also another French couple in town, also cycling, who stayed at the hotel in my village. They were volunteering for a week, in exchange for room and board. I was invited to a dinner that they served, including fresh lettuce and apple pie, two food items that I have not had since I left the USA.
Besides teaching my classes, I now also provide an English Club five days a week. One club is for non-English teachers at my school, and another is for parents of students. I enjoy all the clubs, because people who attend really want to learn English. Compare this to the required English classes, for grades 3-11, where it seems more than half of the students don't really want to learn English. Students who think they are going to spend their life farming in the village may not see the value in learning English.
Happy May to all!
I participated in a English language training session for guest-house owners in my village. This was very basic language, starting with the alphabet and numbers.
One afternoon a student excitedly led me out of the classroom (I thought perhaps someone was hurt), but no, there were two tourists from France who has heard about me and wanted to meet me! This couple is spending a year bicycling through Central Asia and southeast country, spending a month in each country. There was also another French couple in town, also cycling, who stayed at the hotel in my village. They were volunteering for a week, in exchange for room and board. I was invited to a dinner that they served, including fresh lettuce and apple pie, two food items that I have not had since I left the USA.
Besides teaching my classes, I now also provide an English Club five days a week. One club is for non-English teachers at my school, and another is for parents of students. I enjoy all the clubs, because people who attend really want to learn English. Compare this to the required English classes, for grades 3-11, where it seems more than half of the students don't really want to learn English. Students who think they are going to spend their life farming in the village may not see the value in learning English.
Happy May to all!
April
Date: 2024-04-30 12:05 am (UTC)I love reading about you life and adventures. Simply amazing!! My family and I are all doing well here. Work at the VA is busy. Eli and Gia are both well and healthy. I saw Elizabeth before the holidays and she is a happy retired RN! Sending love and support your way, friend! XXOO Nora