Kazakh Tea in Muncie

Posted by Theresa Knauss, Board Member

This weekend, right in the middle of Indiana, we hosted a total of about 275 people from the local community over three different times serving bauersok, cookies, candy, nuts, dried apricots, salads, fruit, meat and cheese, and the oh-so-necessary cucumber and tomato slices- all served with real Kazakh tea! It was a time of fun, food, and visiting and a great opportunity to share about Interlink's work in Kazakhstan.

A host of volunteers worked to make the atmosphere inviting and the food not only lovely to look at, but also good to eat! In fact, we had a mother and her teenage son enjoy the tea so much on Saturday evening that they asked if they could come and help in any way on Sunday! It was truly wonderful of them to get up early on Sunday morning and spend more than 5 hours cutting, serving, and cleaning!

Besides the last minute volunteers mentioned, we also had a number of others who came and joined the tables to pour tea and share from their experiences while visiting Kazakhstan; many of these also stayed to help with dishes and clean up! I found that the valuable lessons on flexibility gained while visiting Kazakhstan were clearly visible with each volunteer as they adapted to the need of the moment throughout the weekend.

For example, we were hopeful that we might get 25 people to show up for tea on Saturday evening and prepared likewise. Much to our surprise, we had closer to 75 come for a sip of Kazakh culture that first evening! Despite the scramble to get food on tables and then add more tables and put dishes and food on them, every volunteer met the challenge with a smile as they rolled up their sleeves and worked extra hard! We had to do some quick planning and re-calculating (not to mention an unexpected trip to buy more food!) to be prepared for the two teas scheduled for Sunday morning and noon, but all were so excited at the number of people and the high level of interest displayed by those who came that they did all that was necessary to be prepared.

It was really interesting to go through the room catching snippets of conversation at the various tables as folks shared about their experiences in Kazakhstan with eager listeners who seemed to ask a lot of really good questions!

I think everyone had a really good time and enjoyed the Kazakh tradition of lingering over tea while enjoying the company of those who shared the table. In fact, it was such a great success we may need to do it again sometime!!

At the Dentist

Posted by Moldir Kidirbekova, Youth Impact Coordinator

On the 23rd of July Saule, her friend Aishat, and I went to the dentist. While on the way to the dentist Saule asked me several times if the operation would be painful.  I comforted her that it wouldn’t be painful and encouraged her that even if it was a little painful she should bear it with great patience knowing she was going to get rid of her toothache and have her teeth fixed. Aishat, her friend who is also from the Youth House, came with her to support her. The dentist put in a temporary filling and asked Saule to come back in two weeks. The operation went painlessly. Even though Saule was nervous before the operation she sat calmly and didn’t express her fear at all. I was proud of her great patience. The dentist liked her because of her appropriate behavior as a patient. We said goodbye and left the office. I asked her to take care of her fixed tooth and do every thing that the dentist told her. I stood at the bus stop and watched them while they were walking to their bus stop. They looked back at me several times smiling. I smiled back being happy because of seeing them happy.

Bir, Yeki, Ush

Posted by the Ulan Work Group



Bir, Yeki, Ush. One, two, three.  It is just as simple as that. We used these numbers often in our time at the CP camp. From starting wheelchair races to playing with a parachute to taking lots and lots of pictures, knowing these three numbers was very very helpful.

This camp was to help the mothers and grandmothers of these children get to know each other, give support to each other, and give them some rest. We were able to accomplish these things by all sorts of activities. One activity that was genuinely enjoyed was jewelry making. Karen brought all kinds of beads and clasps to make bracelets, necklaces, and earrings. The women were a bit shy at first but then transformed to giddy schoolgirls without a care in the world in a matter of minutes. Before this time, they didn’t really want to leave their children with the helpers but during this activity it almost seemed like they forgot they had children. Meanwhile, the children went on a “walk” with some of the helpers and then did a secret craft activity that we had them give their mothers and grandmothers later. This secret activity was a picture frame. Earlier in the day, we had taken a Polaroid picture of the mother/grandmother and their CP child. We put those pictures in frames and then had the children decorate the frames. Of course, the mothers and grandmothers loved it.

We also got to go swimming again at this camp. The water was much warmer in this pool but the wind was much much stronger. The children enjoyed being in the water. It was great therapy to work on their muscle control and relaxation. The pool was also nice for the mothers and the grandmothers to be able to relax. The children did not really stay in the water all that long, but we (the helpers) held them while their mothers and grandmothers swam. The pool was definitely a big hit.

These days at camp were the first days these mothers and grandmothers had had a chance to relax since their CP children had been born. They were very thankful for this time to relax and get to know other families with CP children. The mothers and grandmothers were impressed that we would love their children almost as much as they do.

Plans... what plans?

 Posted by Ila Simers, Delegate


As I prepared for my trip to Kazakhstan I tried to imagine what it would be like.  I really had no idea what to expect.  Bethany kept telling me ...be flexible! Things may change along the way.  Well, I can go with the flow, like a river…just part of the nursing profession; never know what will happen next!  Bethany said…"plans…what plans?”

I came as part of this delegation to care for the children at the orphanage, to provide them with special attention and help meet some of their needs in small ways for 3 days. 
One wrong step and I was sitting on the ground in great pain…I knew it didn’t look good! Okay, I really didn’t expect the table to be turned; where I needed others to take care of me.  My thoughts were; “thousands of miles from home, way out of my comfort zone and now I may have fractured my ankle.  What am I going to do now?”  My big lesson was…learning to ask others for help!  This is a very difficult lesson for someone who has spent her life caring for others.   

The members of this team were so wonderful to me.  They tried to make me as comfortable as possible under the circumstances.  They let me lean on them as I hobbled around during the activities…let me participate in little ways (sitting in the shade while the children played bean bag toss) since my mobility was really limited.  The compassion and willingness to help me was totally overwhelming…they knew how difficult it was for me to ask for their help, so the just kept coming to me asking if there was anything that I needed.  By the end of the 3^rd day we had developed a special technique that worked well…we are a great team!  I truly do appreciate all of the assistance that they gave to me during this very painful, trying time.

I was especially touched by the reaction of the children in the Vanofka orphanage.  They were very concerned about my well being.  They made sure that my walker was right next to me, in case I needed it.  It was fun sitting there watching them play with the walker that Zoya, their mother had gotten for me to use during my stay.  They told me that they used it as a skateboard and showed me how they did that.  The simplest things give them pleasure.  Several of them stayed close to me, so they could help me get up from my seat.  They would give me a hand when I needed it and made others move out of the path so that I could move about without dodging obstacles.  I was moved when I found 2 small stickers on the handle of my walker.  When I asked who put them there, the response was “Andrey.”  I asked him why…his reply was “to make it pretty!”  I had to save his stickers for my journal.  He has such a kind, caring heart, it is hidden behind his 8 year old behaviors most of the time.   

I am truly grateful for all the care and concern that everyone has shown me this week…this is one lesson that won’t be easily forgotten…Thank You all!

A Day of Rest

Posted by Sara Coggins, Kids Connection Manager

Yesterday we finished up our camp at Vanofka orphanage. Before we left, Daphne was able to give the children backpacks, school supplies, and pants for school from the children in Indiana. It was a good day, but saying goodbye to the children was difficult.

At five we left Vanofka. Bethany, Karen, Daphne, and I traveled on to Shymkent for a day of rest and preparation for a two day camp with children with Cerebral Palsy. We will leave tomorrow (Monday) morning for camp. There will be 11 children in attendance with one family member for each child.

On Thursday Ila twisted her ankle preparing for an activity. Due to the fact that the camp for those with Cerebral Palsy is spread out and requires a lot of walking, Ila preceded the group back to Taraz where she is staying with Beth. This was a disappointment for the entire group, but hopefully it will give her a chance to see more of what is happening in Taraz. We look forward to seeing her when we return to Taraz on Wednesday.

Sprains, stings and swimming pools

Posted by Karen Flannery, Delegate

On Thursday, we were excited to have a full day to spend with the kids.  We started setting up for some games in the morning, and Ila turned her ankle when she stepped in an uneven spot in the yard.  We had stations set up for games, coloring pages to give as awards for a fundraising race for Kids Connection (which will be held in the US), and interviews of the kids to find out more about their interests.  We set Ila up where she could keep her foot propped during the games. 

The children were very excited that we had made arrangements to take them to a pool for two hours each day.  We started to gather the kids to take them swimming, and little Roma was very upset because he thought he was going to be left behind since he was not in the first car load of kids.  The excitement on the kids faces could hardly be contained.  The water had just been added to the pool which was 4 feet deep at the shallow end and 6 feet at the deep end.  Some of the kids did not know how to swim so I was attempting to give lessons, which gets a little complicated when there is a language barrier.  The water was very cold but that did not keep the kids from enjoying this special treat.

We took a break for snack and to let the little ones stop shivering.  As I was sitting there drinking my Fanta, I was extra cautious as yellow jackets were flying around.  However, as I took a sip suddenly I heard screaming.  I must say it surprised me when I realized I was the one screaming.  I pulled the bottle of Fanta away from my lip and still connected to my lip by its stinger was a yellow jacket.  Ooh that hurt, but thankfully it was brushed away by one of my teammates, and I was offered salt to put on my lip to help take the sting out.  Ila and I have had our fair share of Ibuprofen and ice since that time.  Thankfully, I am not allergic to stings. 

           

Later in the afternoon, I was able to teach a lesson about love, which the kids seemed to enjoy. Daphne also did a time of teaching and games.  The children at this private orphanage are so well behaved, helpful, and excited to do the activities we have planned for them. The plan changes frequently, but flexibility is always a good thing when you are in a different culture.

The kids enjoyed building wood kits last night. They demonstrated for us how they used to use a walker, which they brought for Ila to use,  as a scooter.  It will be hard to leave the children tomorrow, but I am also looking forward to working with the kids with Cerebral Palsy when we go to Shymkent.  We will be doing a camp there that will include the parents of children with Cerebral Palsy.  It will also be a small group to work with so we should be able to get to know them all as well.

Ulan Work Group Update

Posted by Daphne, Delegate

The Ulan work group camp turned into the Vanofka work group camp which turned our world upside down. Schedules, agenda, and any form of a plan completely went out the window for this trip.  This change of plans allowed us more time with the children at Vanofka which excited me very much.  A group of children that I work with in Indiana have been raising money for the children of Vanofka.  One of the desires of my heart for this trip was to build a relationship between the children in Indiana and the children at Vanofka.  Last year they raised over $800, and Tony Hart was able to visit the Vanofka kids and bring them gifts purchased from the fund but left a remaining balance.  The kids goal for 2008 is to raise $1000.

To help build this relationship, the kids in Indiana made cards, sang a song in Kazakh, and wrapped gifts that were purchased with their funds to give as gifts.  All of these activities were captured on video and made into a movie for the Vanofka kids to watch.  

As plans began to change and the door was shut for us to hold the camp for Ulan kids, the doors opened at Vanofka for us to spend 3 days with them.  This has allowed us to spend much more time with them. The director is excited about the fact that we will have time to do some teaching of life lessons, rather than just playing with them, as we have done in the past.

Today was a GREAT day for our team. We arrived and unpacked our supplies and organized ourselves. The kids knew we were coming and were excited to meet us.  Sara, Bethany and Karen had all been to Vanofka in the past at some point, but this was Ila and my first time to visit.  

We first took a tour of the facility, and I was amazed at how nicely decorated and kept up it was.  It is very clean and the kids are so well behaved. We gathered the kids together in the living room space and with our translators’s help explained who had sent the gifts and cards.  We let the kids watch the video of the children from Indiana and then gave the gifts (a boy’s pair and a girl’s pair of roller blades, a skate board with helmet and pads, a basketball, a soccer ball, Barbie Dolls,  and several games including  Jenga, Yahtzee, Skipbo, and Uno).  

Paper went flying as the children unwrapped the gifts. Joy and excitement filled the room when they saw all of the toys. The kids were so excited to start playing right away.  We were able to show them how to play the games right away.  They showed us a few new domino versions as well.

Ulan Work Group

Posted by Bethany Planton, Ulan Work Group Leader

Wow! It is kind of hard to believe that I am here again. Last summer when I left Kazakhstan I did not think that I would be coming back this year, but everything just fell into place for me to come back. This year I have the great privilege of leading a delegation. This delegation consists of three wonderful women and myself. Daphne, Ila, and Karen are just amazing. I wish all of you could spend as much time with them as I get to, but to kind of make up for it I am going to write about each one of them.

Meet Daphne – Daphne lives in Muncie, Indiana. She has three young adult/ teenage boys Nick, Nathan, and Tyler. She enjoys her job working with elementary-age children and putting together short videos. Her favorite color is purple. Daphne is quite creative and very sweet. This is her second trip to Kazakhstan. Her first one was back in 2002 on the Taraz 2000 Delegation.

Meet Ila – Ila lives in Anderson, Indiana about a ½ of an hour away from Muncie. She is a registered nurse and does home care. Ila has a grown son named Allen. Her favorite color is red. Ila is always willing to help and has a great heart. This is Ila's first trip to Kazakhstan!

Meet Karen – Karen lives in Forest, Virigina. She enjoys her job as a physical therapist assistant. Karen has two cats that share her home with her. Her favorite color is purple. Karen is generous and fun. This is Karen's third trip to Kazakhstan. She has been on the Ulan Delegation for the past two years.

Now that you have met my wonderful team, I hope you enjoy reading all about we are doing while we are here in Kazakhstan.

Ulan Work Group

Posted by Sara Coggins, Kids Connection Manager

The Ulan work group has had to learn the phrase "be flexible" that we encourage all our delegates to keep in mind as they prepare to travel.  Due to many different complications, they will now be working with an orphanage in Vanofka and a group of youth with Cerebral Palsy from our office in Shymkent (two different three day camps).  This group has done a great job adapting to all the changes.  On this blog, we will probably still refer to them as the Ulan work group because that is what they were referred to as they prepared for their trip over here. 

The Ulan work group arrived in Almaty yesterday (Monday) morning.  Although they were tired (especially after a long layover in Amsterdam), they didn't have any problems on their flights.  They traveled to Taraz and arrived in the early afternoon.  After lunch, a tour of the office, and an orientation meeting, they went to their host homes.  Most of our delegates stay in the home of a Kazakhstani family, so that they can experience the culture and hospitality of the people that surround us each day. Today (Tuesday) will be a day of planning, since all of the planning that has been done previously will have to be adjusted as we have had to change the focus of this group. 

We will be trying to update this post every couple days in order to let you know what they have done during their time here (although this may be challenging due to a lack of internet at two of our locations).  As a result, we may end up posting (especially pictures) for several days at a time.  

Thinking Back on a Delegation

This post shares some thoughts from one delegate that came to Taraz in July to work with Youth Impact.  As we prepare for another group of people from the States (arriving tomorrow morning), we thought it would be good to look back and see how a trip like this affects a delegate. 

Posted by Shannon Neckers, Delegate

It's been two weeks since the Youth Impact Delegation has returned to the States. I was one of the lucky ten to embark on such a wonderful journey. I've had many thoughts go through my head since we've returned. I'd sum up my experience as the best 10 days of my life! It was amazing! I, along with the team, prepared for months before leaving the U.S., but nothing can fully prepare you for the experience (and I mean this in a good way)!  I went with the intention of helping others and I came back with several stories of the people of Kazakhstan helping me!

To further explain, let me give a bit of background. Before my trip, I was a girl who had just graduated from college and due to a series of events, I felt afraid to dream about my future. During this trip, I found myself dreaming once again about my possibilities. It was as if my heart was really beating again and I was equipped with a new view of life. My hope is that how I came out of the experience was similarly felt by several of the teens from the PTL program as they journey into unknown territory of their own. Not only that, but one thing our team worried about was being able to truly help the children we would meet despite the short amount of time we had with them. We did! We made an impact! On several occasions the translators would tell us, "The kids are so happy! They're laughing and smiling!" "What you're doing is a good thing." Also, just as I'm reveling in all my experiences and processing it all, I hope that those we met are still being impacted as they remember us.                                      

Now back in the states, we’re all missing the relationships we formed with the staff, our host home families, and the children. It was great sharing cultures and ideas with one another. A special bond was formed among us. One thing I loved about the trip was that it was easy to jump into getting to know others at a deeper level. The language difference in some ways was the complete opposite of a hindrance. A boldness came in using a translator to speak our words for us and trying to communicate with the people we met. We only had a few short days or in some instances a few short hours to be with the teens and young orphans and our goal was to make it all count! What a fantastic way to live life each day! In addition, what a wonderful example we were hopefully able to leave with those who we came in contact with during our stay. This continues to inspire me greatly, knowing that I make a difference. What should have been complicated (trying to communicate with 3 different languages among the group- Kazakh, Russian, and English), turned out for me to be simple. Doing small acts of kindness were more easily perceived. Although I feel like I'm just getting started talking about my time abroad, I'll leave with a poem I wrote eight years ago after spending a few short weeks with four Kazakh children visiting the states for a diabetes camp. I feel that the poem is appropriate in explaining my time spent in Kazakhstan just two weeks ago.

 

Making All the Difference
Laughter- the universal language
No matter where you are you can understand
Smile- the lifter of someone's day
Even if you do not understand
Thank you- two simple words
Take so little time to say but mean so much
Understanding the world and the world understanding you
Starts by giving something small

The Gift of Words

Posted by Olya Cherevko, Youth Impact Manager


Lyosha is a 4 year-old boy who lives in the neighborhood surrounding Interlink and often walks near the office with his 16 year-old sister.  Originally, they would stop at our office and his sister would ask if Interlink could help her with her education. When I started exploring what she would like to study she said design. I found out about a school where she could study, but she said that she wouldn’t be able to go because she needed to care for her little brother . She said her mother works as a cleaner at the stadium and her father is an alcoholic and stays at home. As I got to know Tonya I noticed that Lyosha did not talk and hid behind his sister when he was asked a question. At first, I thought he was very shy, but his sister said that he does not talk at home.  Instead, he communicates with gestures or sounds.
 

There is a very good school in Taraz that prepares children for school but also has a speech therapist and a psychologist.  Thanks to a sponsor in the States, Lyosha has been attending this school for two months.  There are already noticeable changes that Interlink staff have even noticed as Lyosha and Tonya stop by the office quite often to talk to me about their family problems. The biggest change is that Lyosha has stopped using gestures and can now say things like “I want to drink, Good-bye, Hello, Good (when asked how he is doing),  and so on. Two months ago he could not say a word. The teacher says he is a smart boy but needs to work on his speech. She suggested putting him in preschool in September where he can communicate with other kids and learn in a group setting. His mother has also seen changes in her son and is thankful to Interlink for helping him learn to speak.