As I was told by my ‘sister’ Alina- and yes, one can easily mistake it as a Muslim holiday with all of the holiday around Karakol City. Christmas Trees, Fireworks, and Champagne – it’s all here…
Life is unique here. I can now people to “sit on a d***” in Russian, I have been able to help women here create art and beauty amongst extreme hardship, I became a Korean teacher. Life is unquestionably interesting here.
However, I know a miss out on a lot by being here. There have been weddings, holidays, passing of loved ones. There have been missed laughs, missed memories, and most likely missed tears. Therefore I would like to thank whoever is reading this for taking your time to read my ramblings, for taking your time to read about a culture and way of life that is probably so vastly different from where you are right now. If I know you, thank you for giving me that chance. If I don’t know you, simply thank you for being you, whoever and wherever you are.
Merry Christmas, Happy Chanukah, and Happy New Year
Merry Christmas and happy new year, I wish it brings you and your family lots of happiness, prosperity and good health.
Hi Andrew, great to read your posts. I bought one of the gorgeous turquois scarves for my mother-in-law for Chanukah. She hasn’t seen it yet because our party isn’t until January but I’m sure she’ll love it. All the people who saw the scarves thought they were beautiful. I know you’re doing great work there and I can only imagine how different it must be. You’re a great guy! Warmest Regards, Barbara
Andrew:
There are certain people whose names will not be mentioned who question whether you should be in K. and who regularly wish that you return sooner rather than later. While I miss you very much and greatly look forward to your return i feel that you are where you should be and that what you are doing is really making a difference.
We all have to make choices about where we will live and how we will spend our time. In the end i don’t think that you will be happy unless you are following your heart or at least listening to where your heart is telling you that you should go and what you should do.
So now even though we no longer have Pretty Girl with us she is now as close to you as she is to us and she will continue to be a good guard dog.
Love/Dad
Andrew,
I do enjoy your ramblings, they are informative and interesting, and let me know what you are up to. I’m sorry about Aranka, I remember when she was a pup and wore a birthday hat. But I’m sure she is somewhere peaceful and hopefully, eating a big steak.
It must be very confusing hearing all these languages at once! We miss you and can’t wait till you join us in our hot tub!
Love, Fran
Mike, Rachel and I wish you a joyous Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year!
XOX,
Frannie
Love you Drew, thought about you a lot during the holidays. I hope you got my card!