LANGUAGE CLASSES and SHEEP
Today marks our one week anniversary in Kyrgyzstan. A lot has happened since we arrived, which makes it feel like we’ve been in the country for much longer than only seven days. The Kyrgyz language classes are a little overwhelming because they move at such a quick pace, but we’re rising to the challenge. After six hours of language class, Devin and I go to our new home to study (and hang out with our new family).
Our host family is awesome. Our “apa” and “ata” (“mother” and “father” in Kyrgyz) are really great, and they treat us like their children. The first few days were pretty uncomfortable and awkward though. We just showed them pictures of you all and explained who each person was in the family. And by now, we’re starting to communicate pretty well (mostly in sign language). We even joke around with them a lot. Laughter definitely is the best way to communicate. And their house is so lively. It seems like the favorite house on the block. People visit all the time, and even as I write this at 10 pm, there is music on in the living room. They’re a fun group. I actually feel at home because it’s like mom and dad’s house where there’s always something fun going on too.
And like Peace Corps warned us, we’re getting a lot of stares from everyone. Not many have ever seen an American. And today when Devin, our little brother Ibek, our little sister Ijean, and I went to bring the cows home (literally), all the people along the side of the roads were looking and saying hello. It’s weird being the center of attention, but everyone is pretty friendly so it’s okay. Another adjustment we’re making is the whole bathroom situation. The toilet is really just a hole in the ground. It’s not too bad, but we’re still trying to adjust. Also, the shower is outside (in the backyard area) right next to the cows and sheep who make their bah and moo while we try to shower. It’s such a surreal experience.
On Sunday it was our apa’s birthday and they celebrated by killing a sheep. Actually, they wanted Devin to kill it (with a medium-size kitchen knife!!), but he declined because he wasn’t quite sure exactly what he had to do. So we watched another family member kill it. I had a tough time watching. And I had an even tougher time eating it later that night. Devin was a trooper though and he ate pretty much everything they served him. And they served us A LOT. That’s one thing no one should worry about… we are being served so much food. They must think we’re withering away because they feed us non-stop and when we take a rest to catch our breath they tell us to eat more!! Oh, and for those of you who heard about the whole “eating the sheep eyeball thing”, Devin DID NOT have to eat the sheep eyeball, but we were given every other part of the sheep (including the head!). And Devin successfully avoided “arak” (aka Vodka). There was some pressure from the party goers, especially the guest of honor who sat next to Devin and proudly showed us his Michael Jackson dance moves!
We have lots of pictures but forgot to bring our cord!! =( Hopefully, we’ll get that soon so we can upload pictures. We have lots of great pics especially the one with Devin in front of the newly butchered sheep! (MOM and DAD could you please send the cord!!)
We miss you all already and love you all lots!!!
Sarah (and Devin)
Our host family is awesome. Our “apa” and “ata” (“mother” and “father” in Kyrgyz) are really great, and they treat us like their children. The first few days were pretty uncomfortable and awkward though. We just showed them pictures of you all and explained who each person was in the family. And by now, we’re starting to communicate pretty well (mostly in sign language). We even joke around with them a lot. Laughter definitely is the best way to communicate. And their house is so lively. It seems like the favorite house on the block. People visit all the time, and even as I write this at 10 pm, there is music on in the living room. They’re a fun group. I actually feel at home because it’s like mom and dad’s house where there’s always something fun going on too.
And like Peace Corps warned us, we’re getting a lot of stares from everyone. Not many have ever seen an American. And today when Devin, our little brother Ibek, our little sister Ijean, and I went to bring the cows home (literally), all the people along the side of the roads were looking and saying hello. It’s weird being the center of attention, but everyone is pretty friendly so it’s okay. Another adjustment we’re making is the whole bathroom situation. The toilet is really just a hole in the ground. It’s not too bad, but we’re still trying to adjust. Also, the shower is outside (in the backyard area) right next to the cows and sheep who make their bah and moo while we try to shower. It’s such a surreal experience.
On Sunday it was our apa’s birthday and they celebrated by killing a sheep. Actually, they wanted Devin to kill it (with a medium-size kitchen knife!!), but he declined because he wasn’t quite sure exactly what he had to do. So we watched another family member kill it. I had a tough time watching. And I had an even tougher time eating it later that night. Devin was a trooper though and he ate pretty much everything they served him. And they served us A LOT. That’s one thing no one should worry about… we are being served so much food. They must think we’re withering away because they feed us non-stop and when we take a rest to catch our breath they tell us to eat more!! Oh, and for those of you who heard about the whole “eating the sheep eyeball thing”, Devin DID NOT have to eat the sheep eyeball, but we were given every other part of the sheep (including the head!). And Devin successfully avoided “arak” (aka Vodka). There was some pressure from the party goers, especially the guest of honor who sat next to Devin and proudly showed us his Michael Jackson dance moves!
We have lots of pictures but forgot to bring our cord!! =( Hopefully, we’ll get that soon so we can upload pictures. We have lots of great pics especially the one with Devin in front of the newly butchered sheep! (MOM and DAD could you please send the cord!!)
We miss you all already and love you all lots!!!
Sarah (and Devin)
posted by Devin at 3:10 AM
3 comments
