Jessica on Tour in Kazakhstan

I just want to make a quick little posting to say that I am so appreciative for the support I have here. Things can be tough at times and and discouraging, but I always have a plethora of people that I can go to, even better–people who come to me and encourage me.  Jessie has done more for me here than I can thank her for. Not only did she provide me with a home for my first two months here, she has gone out of her way several times to give me help and words of encouragement and advice. James has called and emailed me to ask how things are going. Tammy, who I just met when I got here has not only been helping out alot with the play, but builds me up constantly and has been a wonderful listener. Gala has become a true, true friend, and even if we don’t see each other one week, she’ll still call to see how things are going for me. Arad is like a brother to me, and is always there for me if I need anything. Jon Pixler has been a great person to go and talk to, and Assel, who I now see every day, has become my “mom”, saving me from getting hit by cars and giving me warm clothes to wear:)  I am just so thankful that I have people like these in my life right now. My life is full and blessed here because of these people. 

Wow, these pictures are big. Woops.

I have been meaning to write about my birthday for two weeks now. My birthday was the 1st week of October and I was sick in bed. I had plans to go out to dinner with my cast, but had to cancel that. It was also Teacher’s Day at school and I had to miss that celebration. It was just the worst to be sick on my birthday–not to mention that it was my first birthday this far away from home…….

However, my sickness was overshadowed by the abundance of calls and text messages and emails I received. Not only did I hear from my parents and Gram from home, I heard from so many old and new friends here in KZ! I heard from my friend from last year, Zhandos, who’s in Atyrau, from my very close friend here in Almaty from last year, Gala, and from several of my cast members which was very sweet. Jessie was also taking care of me while I was sick and showered me with various gifts. I even heard from teachers at the international school I’m teaching at, which was nice.

Then, the next day, at the KIMEP Anniversary (in which Jessie so fabulously led the KELT presentation), members of my cast led everyone in singing Happy Birthday to me. Then , the following Monday, at rehearsal (I was still sick!) a bunch of my cast decorated the Fun Club with posters and  presented me with a cake, flowers, and this huge home-made card with all their pictures in it! It was the sweetest thing. I loved it.

To cap it all off, Gala, Arad, and Assel chipped in to buy me a Russian language cd set and book! I love it, and am so excited to use it. I really want to learn Russian (at least some) while I’m here.

So even though I was so sick and almost drowned myself in tissues and toilet paper filled with yellow junk (gross!), I still had a really nice birthday.

And I felt better in time to move to my new apartment a few days later!