A Weekend In Taraz

Posted by Sara Coggins, Kids Connection Manager

The delegation got a chance to rest some yesterday. In the morning, we took them to the bazaar. It was a fun cultural experience for everyone. Many were able to find souvenirs to take home, but I think they enjoyed watching the people even more. This was one of the first chances they had to just observe the everyday life of people in Kazakhstan.

Then, the American team and the delegation went for a picnic in the mountains. We had an enjoyable time relaxing and sharing stories from their time so far. Keith and Chic were really ambitious as they climbed one of the higher peaks. The timing of the trip was perfect since grass, flowers, and leaves are just beginning to appear.

Today, the delegation went bowling with children from two groups at Saramoldaeva Orphanage (about 20 children) that we sponsor. There was a bit of a mix-up with the reservation at the bowling alley, so we had the opportunity to play a few games outside before we started our bowling. It actually worked out really nicely because it allowed everyone to get to know each other before being split up on teams for bowling. Our bowling alley in Taraz only has four lanes, so we had to wait for all four lanes to free up.

Tomorrow morning we will be taking the youngest children at Saramoldaeva Orphanage to the park to ride rides. We will also be touring Ulan Orphanage and Interlingua English School in the afternoon.