Babushki on Parade

Clifton Park

2006-07-07T22:26:00.000+07:00

I made it to Clifton Park without much ado--after 2.5 hours of delays I only arrived 30 minutes late. That tells me the flight to Almaty doesn't have to be 14 hour from Frankfurt, if we can magically make that kind of time up on a whim. Then again, I know nothing of flying.

This is post 101. Kind of anti-climactic, I know. Aslo, I am searching for direction for this blog, since I'm no longer overseas... This may be the end.

Getting started

2006-07-03T12:35:00.000+07:00

Looking to learn more about Central Asia? Check out this only slightly embarrasing conversation--a great reading list for anyone who's been or wants to go.

Mission Accomplished

2006-07-02T05:12:00.000+07:00

We've got an apartment! It's on the south slope of Queen Anne, about three blocks up from the cafe Ladro, if you know what I mean. It's small, with an 'angle' view... but it'll do nicely. Now to move in and get it as ready for Alana as possible before I fly to NY on the 5th. Wee!

Back in the Saddle

2006-06-30T23:03:00.000+07:00

Yellowstone was great--proof that my dad and I are friends, which is cool. Some things I learned o this trip: I'm a pretty ok fisherman, mosquitoes love the taste of my blood and Nate English is engaged. Also, people are idiots on vacation. Ask any hotel manager, any state or national park staff or pretty much any shopowner in Leavenworth and they'll tell you what I just said--people on vacation are idiots.

Having grown up in a tourist town has changed how I do the tourist thing. At times I'm overly sensitive to doing typical 'tourist' stuff and never take any risks... and living in Central Asia for two years changed me too... so now I fight the paradox within: the urge to blend in and dissapear and the urge to wear the stars and stripes and shout in English on the streets of Namangan.

I didn't get the apartment in Magnolia, on a completely different topic. I'm borowing Brady's car (again!) and going to look at a few more today and tomorow. I called 10 numbers yesterday and got 2 actual people. One of the eight messages I left has returned my call. Bastards.

Actualy, it's not all bad... when my phone rings I have no idea who it is or why they're calling and that's stressfull. So if they're not calling back, I can just call them names on the internet and feel justified.

Also, I can't set up my voicemail. The instructions in the book are useless, with the same useless information on the website.

The Mariners came fro behind to win! We're over .500! My goal for the season has been achieved and it's not even July!

I have today and tomorow to find an apartment. Pray for me.

Yellowstone

2006-06-19T10:32:00.000+07:00

I'm going to Yellowstone tomorow. Well, starting the journey, anyway. It's a little more than a day's drive from here. This is great because I get time in the woods fishing with my dad. This is bad because I haven't heard back about the aprtment I applied for on Thursday around noon OR have I heard anything from Horace about my ESI acount. I emailed him over two weeks ago (and again three or four days ago) about getting my money back but something's not right. Probably something to do with their server being down but... still... stressfull.

Church in English is still weirding me out. Going to services in Russian and Old Slavonic every Sunday made me give up some of my fundamental assumptions about going to church. I had to give up being fed, for example. I never got ANYTHING from a sermon, nor was I able to sing the songs very well. I also had to give up participating. I can't very well teach Sunday school if it A) doesn't exist and B) is in Russian. I even had to learn the flow of the Orthodox liturgy, how to cross and how to bow. I never did take communion, mostly because it would require a confession of sins to the preist, who, you guessed it, speaks Russian. I suppose I could have muscled my way through it with a simplified list and a dictionary, but that's a whole new level of intimidation I wasn't ready to face this past year. I also had to give up belonging, knowing I would never, truly, belong to this body. I would always be a foreigner to some degree.

So what was left if my primary reasons for going to church were gone?

Quite a suprising lot, actually. I had plenty of time to monitor my thoughts, ask questions and wonder. Am I reverent? Is my heart singing? Where is my mind? (Pixies ref) Why am I here? Why am I judging them? Isn't this beautiful?

It was a lesson in being with God instead of getting from or doing for God. He doesn't need me, but he loves me. How does that work? Can I let myself be loved like that, like a father loves his child (ideally) apart from what I have to offer? Giving up the need to be needed... hmm...

2006-06-14T08:19:00.000+07:00

Hoo, what a day. I'm exhausted and I didn't actually DO anything except talk on the phone and drive all over Seattle. I was doing great in Brady's car too until this evening when I killed it three times on the way home in stop-and-go traffic. That's a bad time to have a stick. Otherwise, it's been great driving again. I've got a lot of leads--everyone talks about how expensive Seattle is, but it seems like I'm finding lots of places in the neighborhoods I want in the price range I want.

Since I don't have a job and can't afford anything, it's fun to look around. I saw some flats that started at $1200 (1 bed, 1 bath), not counting the $250 per month for parking. Booyah. Right now I've got leads around Northgate, Magnolia, Shoreline, Lakewood 85th Street and even one downtown.

Oi.

Mamma mia

2006-06-11T08:44:00.000+07:00

Blogger is being stupid and has eaten two posts in the last day or two. Idiots.

I really like the little Italian guy in "Cars".

I also spent five minutes looking for my passport before I remembered I don't need it before going outside. I also get dirty looks and scoled because I'm slow to remember seatbelts are normal and usual here, as are green salads and crazy, crazy dressings. The bank, post office, buying a cell phone and a few other things as well as hitting up the dry cleaning place and trying to get some glaze for dad isn't a week's itenerary but a day's: crazy. As long as I remember the toilet paper goes in the toilet, I'm ok. Plus, I've stopped looking in the fridge for drinkable water.

I hear CAFE is out of Uzbekistan now. This sucks for a lot of people, but mostly for a family I know who's visa was through them and my old Uzbek tutor. Sad.

I'll be heading to Seattle monday sometime (maybe in the AM for the US v Czchchz Repulic?) to check out this list of apartments and jobs I have. Hopefully someone will want to rent to two unemployed history majors.

Some great WC action out there too: Trinidad (AND Tobago!) crashing Sweeden's party with a nil-nil draw and Ivory Coast giving Argentina a run for their money were really fun to watch. Now I need to decide who I want to lose more: Iran or Mexico?
In short, there's a lot to pray about.
I'll see some of you Sunday!

"Home" again

2006-06-09T05:17:00.000+07:00

I've arrived safe and sound with my luggage. Traveling this far west this fast is always a little wierd, but, whatever. I'm in Leavenworth after half a day's worth of delays and missed connections. Good thing I like the Denver airport. They have burritos there. You can't get those in Karaganda, or even Alamty or Franfurk. Mmm... burritos. Anyway, I got to Leavenworth around 4:30 this morning and slept 'till noon. Aparently I was tired.

Culture shock is already hitting me harder this time around... pray for my fight against paralysis in the face of so much to do and so many choices. I'm starting small, so right now I'm trying to do email, look through my regular mail, unpack and pick out tuxedos and explain Tarkan and Arash to my mother.

I've got two weeks to find an apartment, car and a job!

End Time

2006-06-03T14:29:00.000+07:00

This'll be my last post for a while--I'm saying goodbye to Karaganda tomorrow and Kazakhstan on Wednesday. I have a great life, but this moment is still bittersweet. I'm also debating wether to keep the blog going or not. Even if I do, it's not going to be huge priority as I've got biger fish to fry these days.

Paka!

Goings on

2006-05-29T09:27:00.000+07:00

I realized I haven't posted about what's going on with me in quite a while. My apologies.

This weekend was great. Saturday I took Alana out to lunch. It was a nice day--not too hot, and we did some shopping for folks back home (Whitney and Erin being the main beneficiaries this time). Alana even helped a man use his ATM card for the first time. Then I played baseball with Hillaray and Noah's students for a few hours showing them that one outfielder really isn't enough when I'm up to bat.

Sunday, Alana, Jon and I went to Topar (a lake about an hour out of Karaganda) with a dozen students of theirs. We played in the water, ate shashlik, threw a football, ate shashlik, threw a frisbe, ate shashlik--you see the pattern. I've had a ton of protien in the last few weeks since all the shashlik stands are opening up. Andrei (who's hugeness I didn't truly appreciate until I tried to get my arms arond him from behind playing keep away) did most of the cooking. But instead of burgers, coleslaw, potato salad, chips, and fruit, we had a tomato/cucumber salad with tons of dill, potatoes from the fire, bread and meat. And wine, beer and water. Luckily we couldn't see the smokestacks from where we were on the beach... and the smoke was white, so I could pretend it was clouds. We shared the beach with two other groups--a busload of kids (8th grade maybe) and a dozen Chechen dudes.

The Chechnyans (I have no idea how to say it right) were a friendl bunch, giving us their extra burn shashlik and some wine. The one guy I talked to asked the usual questions in the usual order: 1) Where are you from? 2) What's your name? 3) Where do you work? 4) How do you like the women here? (tied for #4 is why is Bush such an asshole? This in turn brings to light a wonderful paradox one finds in older CISer's minds--Stalin=great leader, Bush=idiot)

Anyway, they let me get by with an "I don't know" to #4, as I'm not so good in the future tense in Russian and I don't know how to explain (in Russian) engagement, celibacy and monogamy wich are all foreign concepts. One of them was either insane, drunk or possesed. Or maybe some combination of all that. The rest of the group kept egging him on to try different stunts (flips, handsprings, etc), all of which failed miserably. But he gave a vailiant, screaming effort.

It is the traveler's illusion that he is the only outsider as only half of us in the beach were from Kazakhstan. I've met people from India, Gerogia, Chechnya, Russia, China, Uzbekistan, Ireland, Canada and the US without even trying this year.

Yesterday was Alana and I's four month engagement anniversary as well. It was also our last Sunday night in Karaganda. Our train leaves Karaganda next Sunday afternoon, so it's crunch time with packing and everything. It's also getting harder to sleep at night, given the stress that's building up and the warmth of the weather.

Okay: final test today, grading tonight and then I'm basically done with classes.

Faces in the Crowd

2006-05-21T14:59:00.000+07:00

So... there are two yellow darts stuck to the computer screen due to the fact that I'm being shot at as I type with the "nerf" guns Jon's mom sent out around Christmas time.

Church was great this morning, by the way. It's a much more visual experience than I've ever had before at church--partly due to the fact that I can't understand much of the actual words spoekn during the service. I enjoy the icons and the scoffolding. I also enjoy searching for tiny bits of progress on all the paintings on the upper teirs of the sanctuary every week.

But there are the people to look at too. First, there's the people up front investments you see every week. There are two old priests: one is cranky looking and always does the main part of the liturgy. The other is jolly looking and always behind the scenes. There's also the Kazakh priest who always seems to be late. He's younger--maybe 30 something, like most of the rest of the guys up front. One priest (deacon? Joel, help me out here) has a great bass voice so it's really cool when he chants scripture and stuff. He doesn't look any older than I am, and neither does the other, tenor priest/deacon.

There are two old men who are both pretty short who are the doorkeepers--one is fat and the other skinny. Every Sunday their job is to venerate the three large icons to the left of the big door (open) and then open the smaller door to the left. They cross and bow in unison with each other and are always checking to make sure they're the same.

I'm convinced all the men with ponytails meet at church every Sunday too. There are usually a half dozen to a dozen of them, some with beards, some without. There are some crazy-cool beards to be found at church too. It's like a crazy beard club or something. I like it.

Of course, most of the congragation is neither priests nor ponytailed men. The majority is old women (babushki). Some are tiny--like Grandma Billie tiny, only with a head scarf. One is a dwarf, I swear. She couldn't be more than four feet tall and is super cute with here wrinkly mole face. There are also behemoth babushki--wide as a lineman but with vastly superior moral authority to lecture one on the warmth of their clothes.

Since there are no chairs (except for the oldest and most infirm) everyone stands. Mass, therefore is important if you want to stand in the same place. I'm not a tiny man but I get tossed like a beach-ball in the surf when the behemoths are bulling their way to the bread line or communion. Kids have an advantage when moving through the crowd too, since most of them are tiny and can walk between my legs without ducking.

::side note:: I've mention many times before that the only thing cuter than a little kid is a little kid in a ski hat. Now, I also have to add that "head scarf" can be substituted for "ski hat" with equal cuteness.

So anyway, you've got your regulars that I know by sight, even though we've never spoken. I'm on head nod status with a few. Not with the blind guy who's there every week of course, but, you know. I give money to the same crippled (torso man: he hasn't arms or legs) guy on the front step every week. I leave with the choir singing in my head for hours and hours afterwards.

I'm gonna miss this church.

Tashkent Special

2006-05-18T14:47:00.000+07:00

Uzbekistan continues to be on my heart for some reason. I recently got an email from a friend who was there over Pascha a few weeks back. He says unemployment is at 65%... so kicking out all the NGOs (who provide employment, among other things) really makes sense. Sad. He shared this example with me:

"People who own their own vans/cars and usethem as marshrutkas now are supposed to keep them every night in a government garage. They are not allowed to take home their own van that they bought with their own money! Then they have to pay a fee inthe morning to use their own car which they bought with their own money in order to use it that day. Then they still have to pay the 80% tax on profits tothe government, and then at the end of the day return their vans to the government garage. Most of them just plan to quit, but then the government still wins because then only government-owned vans will be working. And of course then the price can go up because it'll be a monopoly, and then the people are all losers while Karimov sends his millions to ever-peaceful Switzerland for his retirement
(which can't come soon enough). Depressing. Better news than that, however, is that the Church there continues to grow. Perhaps the sucky economy and political
situation help turn people's attention to more lasting things."
Not everything that happens in this world is God's will, but he does use it all for the good of those who love him.
Sweet.

Locked In

2006-05-16T10:21:00.000+07:00

As last night, none of our keys worked in our lock. Same with the neighbors, with whom we share our front door. They had been waiting since 5pm for the specialist (of what, breaking and entering?) to arrive, so I can't really complain. Still, we can't close our door... or if we can, we might not ba able to get it open again.

None of the numbers I've treid calling this morning have worked either. Better than not having a dial tone at all (last night), but all in all, I feel like I'm in Uzbekistan again. Not that that's an entirely bad thing. Last night Noah, Jon and I hit up a shashlik stand on our way home after classes for dinner--good memories of outdoor dining. The beer is better here too.

Speaking of which, pray for U-stan. Government garages. Sheesh.

Anniversary

2006-05-12T08:34:00.000+07:00

Tomorrow is the 1 year anniversary of a messy situation in Andijon. It's still unclear what exactly happened, and unlikely we'll ever know everything. What we do know is that the government has used it to justify clamping down even more on its citizen's freedoms. My heart has been heavy for my friends in Uzbekistan for the last few weeks. Various reactions can be found here, here and here.

On a slightly different note, here's what VOM send in their last update:

"In late April, police officers from Uzbekistan's criminal investigation department burst into the home of a Protestant pastor in northwest Uzbekistan, disrupting 12 people as they were having lunch together. The pastor and another believer were charged with "breaking the laws on teaching religion." The April 24th raid in Urgench, a city in the Khorezm region near the Turkmen border, targeted the house of Pastor Lunkin Sergey of the Union of Independent Churches. In a separate incident, three Christians in Tashkent were arrested on April 21st, while visiting and helping feed patients at a tuberculosis hospital for children. One of them was charged with violating administrative laws against teaching religion. During the past 12 months, Uzbekistan police and judicial authorities have stepped up pressures against Protestant Christians, and even government-registered churches are under heightened scrutiny. Pray God will give Uzbek Christians a fearless confidence in their Savior. Pray for a miracle from our omnipotent Creator to bring peace and justice to Uzbekistan. Pray for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit among those in positions of authority to turn them to the One who loves them and wants them to know eternal peace."

As usual, stay tuned to registan.net for great coverage of Central Asian news and music videos.

Victory Day

2006-05-10T09:37:00.000+07:00

Bust out the hammer a sickle baby, it's time to celebrate 61 years of kicking Nazi butt!

Yesterday was a great day. Not because it went according to schedule (ha!) or expectations (double ha!), though.

Word was there was going to be a parade around 10am yesterday morning. I met Alana and Andrea downtown with Noah and wondered how the parade was going to navigate through all the morning traffic. Hmm...

We then walked to the Lenin statue because Lenin = good times. His pedastal had more flowers than usual, but no crowds and no veterans. Then we spen the next hour looking for the eternal flame on foot. On our way, we were passed by a few busses full of soldiers... aparently leaving the ceremony we were trying to see.

Once we got there Alana and I scored some seioulsy cool pictures. Some of the best of the year, I think. Especially since I broke my camera around New Years. Many vets, firends and family were still paying their respects when we got there. In a culture where anger is the only emotion displayed publicly, it was very moving to see tears in many people's eyes. Then a guy with an accordion started singing and dancing. He was 70, at least.

We also ran into the Tuckers but lost Noah in the crowd somehow. Later, back downtown, we heard large guns being fired and after lunch, decide to see if we could find them. We did, only they were covered with little boys. We also ran into the cleaning lady at our school (random) who said, "Look, it's kasha," holding up her plate, "For the holiday!" before wandering off again. Again, many cute pictures of old men and their medals.

The coup de grace was the traveling circus I might have mentioned seeing last friday. They were in the middle of it all. The featured act this time was this kid who did somersaults over broken glass, got picked up by his ears, had a little girl stand on his stomach while doing a back arch and did a funny monkey dance. I was facinated by running into this traveling troupe again, but Alana found it difficult to watch after a while.

Today? Banya and baseball. Dare I say... booyah.

Strategery

2006-05-05T23:12:00.000+07:00

The new update is out--you should have in in your inboxes soon.

I've also got a new article out, although I wrote it so long ago I've forgotten what I said. Shoudln't be any more embarrasing than what's here. Join me in a journey of (re)discovery here.

Tomorrow morning we leave for our debreifing retreat: pray for us. We'll be back Sunday, when I"ll dive into Steps 6 & 7 with the boys. Pray for John(y) and G-pa Larry, if you haven't heard already. News, anyone?

My fantasy baseball team rocks because it contains no Mariners. That's my strategy.

Mai Dai

2006-05-01T22:30:00.000+07:00

Four thoughts:

1) We're two for two when it comes to snow on a spring holiday.

2) I just learned there's a city in Japan named Shabuya.

3) Classes start again and I'm in demand as a baseball instructor. This is the life, I tell ya.

4) Thanks for all the responses and support.

Guess what?

2006-04-28T09:25:00.000+07:00

I'm "published" again. Right after some students met Heysoos for the first time, ironcally. Or incidently. Brady could tell me.

It's day #3 of my spring break--Jon, Noah and Brian are due back tomorow afternoon and Andrea and Peg will be back this weekend as well. Classes will start on Tuesday again.

Am beginning the Steps-o-Freedom with my guys as well this last month. Spiritually, I got beat down Wednesday night, but God's got me back on my feet again. Alana still loves me, even. Life is good, even if SWAT isn't the greatest movie. Enjoyable, but not great.

What's great is three weeks into the season my fantasy baseball team is not in last place!
Hoo-rah.

Sweet Steppe

2006-04-26T20:11:00.000+07:00

The smell was the first thing I noticed. There's nothing quite like the smell of sagebrush on the windswept steppe. Of course, the wind is sweeping plastic bags and coke bottles around piles of broken vodka bottles and ash. But that's beside the point.

The point is I played baseball on the steppe yesterday and it was awesome. I pitch softball (ok, so it wasn't really baseball) after softball the Kazakhstani highschoolers for three hours. I loved most every second of it.

They really got into it with the help of Ben and Joeseph, two MKs here. Even Amy had a good time picking flowers, flopping on hte pile of sumkas and throwing dirt at people.

I love baseball. But when it's on the edge of Karaganda with an Orthodox church and towering apartment blocks on one side and the vast open steppe on the other... it's something else. On top of it all, the air polution here does make for some beautiful sunsets... darkness being the only reason we stopped. Just like when I was a kid, really. Except for the windswept steppe part.

East of Eden, West of NJ

2006-04-24T12:56:00.000+07:00

There is a tendency I’ve noticed in myself to idealize my childhood. I think most people do this if they enjoyed their childhood. Maybe that is part of why I’m writing this now. Rural and small-town life is understood to be under attack by those who live there. If you didn’t know that, you’re not from there. In order to protect rural and small-town life, therefore, we create ideal farm and small-town stereotypes in order to prove we’re significant, valuable and important.

Hell, we’re neigh indispensable. Now that I think about it, we’re pretty damn superior to those suburbians and poor inner city bums in every way. We’re the backbone (or heart or whatever) of America. We’re patriotic. We’re not materialistic. We’re against corporate greed and the eroding of decent values. We’re pro-family, pro-guns, pro-fertilizer and pro-freedom. We grow berries and know how to make pie. When the God comes to judge the earth, the cities will get it Sodom and Gomorrah style while we country folk watch the fireworks from our front porch rocking chair.

Total crap, of course.

The idea that rural life is superior is an echo of Eden. This is why I love cowboys. But we got kicked out of the garden a long time ago. As for Cowboy hats… they are a result of the fall, like it or not. We can’t go back. We do a disservice to God’s creation when we talk about it like a Norman Rockwell or (gag me) a Thomas Kincaid painting. If I’m honest, I know my hometown Leavenworth will burn too, one day. I know the vast majority of the world will take the broad way to the wide gate and not even look for the narrow way that leads to life.

However, having lived in a city of one sort or another for the last six years, the city ain’t all that great either. Rednecks and hicks are the pictures urban folk use to scare their children into believing the city is where it’s at. This is just as wrong as idealizing rural life into cheesy paintings.

There is a reason kids leave small towns. It’s BORING! Of course, teenagers think any place they are is boring. This is because teenagers are extremely stupid in this way. I know. I used to be one. This doesn’t mean the city is better than the country, though.

Let me get back on track. City-folk think they’re better than rural folk because we know our story ends in a city, even if they don’t know it. Creation starts in a garden and ends in a city. We’re here to create, build, order, subdue and rule. Cities are fun. There’s a lot going on—the arts are alive (at least on the West Coast) in the city. Culture is created in both urban and rural areas, true. But guess which culture predominates when 6 billion minus 2500 people don’t live in Leavenworth.

You don’t see kids in the suburbs beating the hell out of a tractor then driving it real slow on the shoulder of the road wearing a straw hat for a little country flavor. It’s the country kids who dress like gangstas and sluts. You know what comedy is? It’s when you see a pimped out hatchback blasting Eminem as it cruises downtown Leavenworth. The town is 14 streets long, people. It’s dressed up as an alpine Bavarian village. There weren’t even any stoplights when I was a kid. This is not the ‘hood. Plus, you know the kid riding shotgun is not a thug, but works the drive-through window at Dairy Queen and got cut from C-squad football. It’s hard to do anything but laugh. It’s about then I usually realize they’re not joking and I become very sad.

This is all to say, city—get over yourself. Seattle especially. Most indie rock stays indie for a reason. It sucks. Not everyone identifies with “culturally relevant” church stuff. Worship bands that look like rock bands don’t appeal to folks who think music died with all the crooners. And just because they’ll all be dead in 20 years doesn’t make them less important. City, you’re not the New Jerusalem yet. Jesus ain’t here yet and y’all are posing hard.

Country, you’re not off the hook either. Quit lying about how great rural life is. You’re only making more Microsoft yuppies want to move over here and raise property values so much a regular guy can’t afford a house anymore. We’re not in the garden anymore. Admit it. Chumstick isn’t the Garden of Eden, no matter how nice the Enchantments are. I just wish people would stop lying about each other trying to make themselves look good, that’s all.

Once the good ol’ boys stop trashing the cube-monkeys we’ll be able to see things a little more clearly. First of all, the good things about rural life look backwards while the good things about the city look forward. It’s not the inevitable march of progress. If anything, we’ve managed to make things worse. What was Cain’s big sin? Lamech? We’re worse, trust me. No, it’s God’s design that things work this way. We have a cultural mandate given in Genesis to fill the earth and subdue it. We have a long ways to go. This means change is inevitable. Either we’re busy with what God has us doing or he’s busy prodding us back to work and that means change. The question, (and the nominal point to all of this) is what are you going to do about it? Retreat to the hills and pretend you’re in Eden? (It didn’t work for Lot and his daughters. Ick.)

Engage the culture people, engage.

Shabooyah.

2006-04-23T23:49:00.000+07:00

Risen indeed!

East was a busy day. It actually started last night. Well, let me back up to Friday. Friday was Terrible Friday (what we call Good Friday, only it’s not actually on the same day due to different methods of calculating the date of Easter.). This is the day we normally have our team meeting and BS. We finished the Jesus film and I gave the students an oppritunity to respond. Many came back with us (Hil, Brian, Alana and I) to ask questions and just talk. Some students are asking for prayer and one confirmed her love for Jesus. Another entered the family anew! Hippa-hoo-rah, if I do say so myself.

Saturday night a bunch of us headed down to church for the 11pm (Easter) service. Well, we skipped going inside for the actual liturgy and waited outside the packed house for the procession around the church showing up a little past 11:30. There were multiple cameras inside and one outside covering the service and the whole thing was projected onto an outside wall of the church so we could see what was going on. Pretty sweet. Anyway, out come the priests with the incense and banners and we’re on our way.

Once everyone is out the doors are shut and we start our way around the building. I can smell the incense at times even though (because, maybe?) it’s windy. Many have candles. I see a student of mine with his (presumably) mother and sister. He’s startled and asks, “Why are you here?” I answer, “The same as you.” The crowd separates us as Alana’s less than 100% ankle pulls me one direction and his mother pulls another.

Once we get back in front the priest knocks on the door. It’s midnight. The doors are thrown open, the choir goes nuts and there’s a frenzy of “Christos vaskres!”, crossing, “Voistinu vaskres!” in response and bowing. I am told the service continued on into the morning, but we didn’t stay for too much longer.

I went back to church the normal time this morning, to see if the liturgy was still on for Easter. No dice—but everything was wide open. The front doors, the side chapels and the doors/curtain behind the altar (which only open during certain times during the liturgy, I think) were all open. I was able to take my time and venerate the hard to get to icons and just enjoy church without the crowd. There’s a really cool one of St. George and the Dragon that I like, and a series that shows the life of Jesus. Plus, there’s a dead guy up front in a fancy box that I was finally to go up and see. I want to find out more about him. Like, what’s his name?

Anyway, since there was no liturgy I hiked back across Stepnoy to catch the 10am service at Living Vine (the little protestant church plant a lot of us attend). It was interesting and quite a switch from the O-dox way of doing things. Scott did the preaching so I was able to understand the sermon, which is always nice.

Then I remembered I had told Alana I’d meet her at the O-dox church. Okay, take a break, go to the bathroom or get something to drink. It keeps going.

Alana, Andrea and Hillary had been invited by a student to visit church and have Easter dinner afterwards. Since I usually go to the O-dox service in the morning we were just going to meet there and touch base for the coming week. So, I hoof it back across Stepnoy (I’m going on 5k by this time) and it’s not even noon yet.

Right outside Living Vine I’m engaged in conversation by a vagrant. He’s got a bad limp that’s giving him some trouble with some random stairs in the extremely anti-disabled people sidewalk. So I help him out and he asks me if I’m going to the magazine down the way. Keeping it simple, I say no. Then he starts telling my how he doesn’t need (or want) to drink or smoke. I agree, nodding in understanding. He asks for money. I literally have nothing on me. It’s not for smokes or vodka he promises. I just need food. It’s Easter! Christ is risen! I only need something to eat. Having nothing to give and not thinking to invite him to my flat (a 20 minute walk with his limp, plus he’d make me even more likely to miss Alana at church) I start to walk away and mumble some lame apology.

Then he gave me a cake.
If you need money for food… why not keep the cake?
Whatever.

Anyway, I make it back to the O-dox church and catch Alana and everyone without any problems. Rima and Ira are there too, but before I can say anything to anyone, Rima invites me along for Easter dinner too. I know it looks like I’m a freeloader, but I had no intentions of horning in on them. Still, I got to look extra holy to all the people accepting donations on the way in and out of the church since I passed them all at least four times. We also got extra blessed (wet) with Rima and Ira as we set our cakes (and cookies) and eggs on the table outside church and the priest (with the choir) sprinkled water all over everything. He particularly enjoyed dousing one woman who hadn’t covered her head.

Then it was off to Easter dinner with Rima and Ira. We enjoyed borsch, a variety of salads and plov, plus lots of pasha (I’ve forgotten already—those cakes people make here for Easter) and cookies and tea. We enjoyed a Russian tour of the Holy Land on film and, as Joel will be pleased to learn, a number of music videos from around the world. If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a thousand times. Skipped the karaoke and dancing this year though. I’m sure Joel danced enough for both Unus and I.

I also fit in a few hours of ultimate Frisbee on the windiest day of all time AND a little American football. Good thing I only have on day of class (tomorrow) this week. I had to play three hours of LOTR on the X-box just to unwind tonight.

Crank Handel’s Messiah while you can—that’s Easter music if I’ve ever heard it.

Fame and Fortune

2006-04-21T10:31:00.000+07:00

Check it out. I'm a "published" author. It's not anything particularly original (or proofread), but I am writing a bit these days. Someday I hope to get paid for it. That'll be the day. I'll put up a few rough drafts here this weekend, I promise.

Speaking of promises, I'm a flake. Due to some technical difficulties, my bad memory and my tendency to tell people what they want to hear when I don't understand the question... yeah.

The nest 48 hours in sentence fragments. Rain last night. Good for the dust and my cough. Jon's birthday bash is today. 2nd half of the Jesus film tonight. Guess who's calling them out afterwards? Pray! Sports tomorow.

Palm Sunday

2006-04-16T23:46:00.000+07:00

He is risen! Well, not yet. Today was palm Sunday big-O style. Church was packed this morning.

I love the walk from my apartment. It's dirty and trash is everwhere, but it's pretty dry now so when it gets windy the trash blows around instead of lying stuck in the mud. Much more beautiful. I even saw leaves today on some of the dogwoods. Church is straight south from my apartment along the main drag. It's pretty flat so you can see the sun on the cupolas the whole time. Usually it's a lonely walk in the cold. Today I was one in a trail of hundreds flocking to church in the beautiful sun.

People selling pussy-willow branches lined the path up to church. (Instead of palms, I guess) The line to buy candles was out the door when I arrived and both the side chapels had their doors open to relive the congestion. It was the most reverent mosh-pit I've ever been in. I couldn't lift my arms to cross myself, let alone bow. It took me about 30 minutes to work my way from the door to where I saw Brian standing.

The service was in full-swing when I got there at 9:30 (a good 45 minutes late) and lasted until 11:30. The liturgy is long when 100 people take communion in a single file line. The highlight was hanging out while Joel went up to venerate the cross and get sprinkled. The priest really seemed to enjoy flicking water on people and their pussy-willow branches (on the left shoulder!) as they filed by. Water for the branches, the face, kiss the cross and go. Flick, flick, kiss.

I really have enjoyed this year as I've audited Othodoxy. Learned a lot. It's changed my assumptions of what "church" is and why I go. I've had to give up things like being fed, serving and participation that I held as essential before. Makes you think.

The Adventures of Sicky and Gimpy

2006-04-13T14:01:00.000+07:00

I've had a cough of one sort or another for almost (over?) a week now. Time is a weird idea... This morning Joel made the point that it's difficult to define without using itself to define itself...

So with me feeling less than 100% and Alana on her second week with a bum ankle (not to mention the rest of the sickly team)... it's been a little bit of a down week.

Even so, Joel is visiting, wich is always fun.

2006-04-09T15:57:00.000+07:00

So ESI needs teachers. Especially dudes. Since I'm leaving the field for a time and my stories will become boring withing months of returning to the US... it's time for some of y'all to have a great experience like I have. Am. Whatever the right tense is. All the cool people are doing it.

2006-04-08T09:34:00.000+07:00

It's snowing... on sports day. Maybe they'll let us use the gym. If anyone shows up. Gosh this is depressing.

Reading List

2006-04-07T09:55:00.000+07:00

Time overseas has meant some quality time reading.

Currently I'm reading:
OVERLORD, by Max Hastings - a great narrative of the D-Day operations
The Silmarillion, (umpteenth time) by JRR Tolkien - sweet!
Grimm's Fairy Tales, by the Grimm brothers, I guess - pretty bizzare in places. Disney definatley cleaned these up for the kiddos...
Peace Child, by Don Richardson (who I imagine looks like Horace Hardison, for some reason) - yet another book about missionaries in PNG
Pilgrim's Progress by John (not Paul) Bunyan - I was 10 when g g-pa Boyd gave it to me the first time... I understand more now

Recently Read:
The Great Game by some guy - sweet spy and explorer stories of when Russian and Britan were competing for Central Asia
Through Painted Deserts by Don Miller - a good travel story. wanted to go on a road trip again
Fever Pitch by John Cussak, I mean, uh, Hornby, Jack Hornby - great for any sports fan. Jeff should read this, being an Arsenal fan.
The Silmarillion by JRR Tolkien -still, su-weet!

I like legs.

2006-04-06T12:33:00.000+07:00

So you know those ex-pensioners scattered all over the former Soviet Union without arms and legs? No? Well, for one thing, they're everywhere. I see them everyday. Maybe they're good at positioning themselves in the path of Americans, but then again, they seem to be everywhere. Some have signs that say, "I lost my leg in Chechnya/Afghanistan, please help". Some have prosthetic limbs they remove while begging to up the sympathy factor.

His hands are tatooed, maybe prison, maybe the army. His hair is greasy and wiry, touched with grey. He smells strong. It's easy to ignore him and to avoid his eye--his is sitting on the ground, beneath my gaze. It is harder to ignore the space where his leg used to be.

The money sticks to my hand. What am I afraid of?

Spring? Kind of...

2006-04-03T12:38:00.000+07:00

It's mostly spring here... I guess. It's muddy and windy anyway. It still drops below freezing at night, but not for long because the ice is usually gone before noon.

Gosh, it's been a long time since I posted. News? Hmm...

Well, Alana twisted her ankle pretty well Saturday morning playing basketball with some students, Jon and I. I was actually on the other end of the court (four teams, two half-court games), so don't get any ideas. Luckily, Jim and Keith were there with their car and were able to take her home. She'll be off her feet for a few more days at least.

Other than that, I really enjoyed our first sports morning with our students. Basketball has never been my sport (Last time I played? ESI training, summer 2004: got rocked by Krista). However, since my head is a good 10 - 14 inches closer to the hoop than my students, I'm a rebounding machine. Or not. You know how glasses magically pull the ball towards your face? Brady knows. I guess that's why Alana wears contacts. It was a lot of fun--even though no one on my team could dribble, we could pass the ball pretty ok, which is just as good when no one can play defence or hit a shot outside of, well, a layup.

Anyway, Jon and I hope to keep the Saturday sports thing going--especially if we can use the field out back of the school. I look forward to flashing a little "baseball" leather.

Speaking of baseball--go M's! I hate you, but you're my team. Reasons to watch the M's this season: King Felix, that guy at SS (vacuum cleaner!) and Beltre cannot possible suck as much as he did last year. Or could he? Soriano should be fun to watch if he's back up to speed. Also, Willie F-ing Blumquist should be on the bench and there is no Matt Thorton. All in all, better than last year and by no means the worst M's team to take the field in the last 10 years.

Tulip Revolution

2006-03-25T09:39:00.000+06:00

March 24th is a holiday now in Kyrgyzstan and it may not be a good thing. The anniversary of last years revolution isn’t exactly full of fond memories for everyone. On one hand the revolution was a relatively peaceful transition of power. Askar Akayev, a holdover from Soviet days was replaced by Bakiev who appeared to enjoy considerable popular support, particularly in southern Kyrgyzstan. On the other hand, there was considerable looting and damage to downtown Bishkek. Bakiev also appeared to have paid many in the crowd for their support. Now, one year later he appears to be no less corrupt than his predecessor and lacking vision.

Is the holiday a celebration of the people’s victory or an attempt to justify and consolidate Bakiev’s rule? Let’s just say I wouldn’t be surprised if things don’t go as planned for the president.

The bad news is the mood in Bishkek concerning March 24th was tense at the end of January during my last visit. March 24th will be even more tense. Kygyzstan has been compared recently to the poorest nations in Africa because it has a ton of debt, apparently. The cautious and those with a relative degree of wealth or stability in their lives will most likely stay home. The question is: will anyone else show up? Are there enough people angry with nothing to lose to make a difference? I doubt Bakiev will decline to use force (like Akayev chose to) if they decide to make their voices heard.

That is what makes this March 24th in Kyrgyzstan an important day.

The good news is most people (at least in Bishkek) have more to lose than to gain by another revolution. It’s one thing to shout your disappointments about your government but quite another to replace it. The good news is Kyrgyzstan is still Kyrgyzstan with or without Akayev and Bakiev. Pray for Kyrgyzstan.

Beautiful and mountainous, corrupt and poor. I love it.

Nauris!

2006-03-22T15:59:00.000+06:00

Happy new year, yesho raz! This is the fourth new years holiday and the last, as far as I know. You've got the main event on Dec. 31st/Jan. 1st closely followed by 'old new years' (you know, back when the whole western world except Russia changed its calendar in like the 6th century or sometihng). Then there's Chinese new years which is why I got a dozen tiny dogs as gifts.

Today is Nauris (aka Navro'z in Uzebekistan). The new year officialy started again with snow flurries. It actually got colder as the day went on. I met Alana downtown and we watched the parade. It was full of sad looking vetrans and a sadder sounding band and a bunch of chanting sutdents representing all the universities and institutes in town. There was also a group representing fairy tales. Yurtas covered the square downtown and the main road was closed. A large arena was set up where people dressed up as animals (the gorilla had an uncle sam hat on) chased each other and danced to the very loud pop music. In front of the sports hall a contest was underway--climb a log and grab the prize! It was maybe 20 feet high, but really slick with all the rain and snow.

If that's not a good time, I don't know what is.

Stay tuned for a Kyrgyz revolution anniversary (pray!) post on the 24th and an Andijon post in May.

Tourney Time

2006-03-17T16:32:00.000+06:00

Guess who forgot to make his students fill out brackets this year? Sigh.

In the job search back home from overseas via the internet section of my life, things have been going slowly. Basically I'm in the process of weighing teaching high school history for 10-15 years (not counting the 3 years it'd take to get certified and a MA) or work some other random job for maybe less time before going to seminary. Seminary is the ultimate goal, then pastoring in the US and going back to Central Asia because they need mature Men even more than America does. This is a lot to think about while Alana plans the wedding and we both teach... in Kazakhstan.

Still, Super Bowl party Sunday!

Bloggericious

2006-03-11T13:01:00.000+06:00

It takes a lot of effort to keep this thing up to date, and sometimes I just don't feel like it.

This week was good--Women's Day was celebrated well on Wednesday (the 8th). We men made breakfast for the K-ganda ladies at their flat, cleaned up afterwards and spend some time affirming each of them. I got flowers for everyone as well. I think this is a holiday Alana and I will continue to celebrate in the states.

Firday was spent in T-tau doing Bible Study with Jamie and Faye. Jon was walking really fast for some reason, way out in front of the group... no idea why, really.

Today I did some actual writing I've been meaning to do for a long time. It's only a 1000 words or so, but I think they're quality. Later today Alana and I will be bayby sitting for the Tuckers. Ben and Joeseph are studs, but Amy... Amy hates me. I could be exaggerating, but then again, she's three.

Brady--I got the 'Hawks tapes Thursday! I haven't had a chance to watch them, but... actually, why don't I take some to the Tuckers with me? Booyah! It's Sunday on a Saturday! Also, a shout-out to the St. Pete girls: Thanks for the collective Soviet Defender's Day card, even if it's not officialy celebrated in K-stan anymore. There is a new man's day coming up in May though.

Violence

2006-03-06T23:19:00.000+06:00

Saturday night I was awakened three different times by fights in the street outside Otrar, the stripclub/resturaunt I live behind. It is not unusual to see violence on the street after dark--I can't count how many drunks I've seen taking swings at each other or kids rolling in the dirt. This was 15 or 20 dudes taking turns going at it while the rest just seemed to be content watching it happen.

Now, since I believe there you can build a just theroy for war, that also means there is a parralel theory (assuming I'm correct) for our interactions as individuals. That is to say, if war is ever justifiable, violence against another person is also sometimes justifiable. This is the line I hold in my mind. I've been faced with a mild dose of reality and suddenly I'm not so sure.

I have no idea why these guys were fighting.
Even from the fifth floor in the dark it was clear some of them were seriously inebriated.
It could have been just. But it was still sickening.

It struck me as I watched half awake how sheltered I am to almost every form of physical violence. I'm sheltered from most every form of physical DISCOMFORT, for crying out loud! I learned I have no idea what I'm talking about war. All those movies made in the last 15 years teaching us the glory of soldiers? Total crap. I aint no pacifist, but vomit inducing special effects cheapen (in a way) the sacrifice soldiers do make so that we can glorify them later. I've gone well beyond me original post-inspiration and now am rambling, stream-o-consciencenous style. Not that it changes the lucidy or quality of my thoughts.

A note on my financial situation:

2006-03-04T16:53:00.000+06:00

The last time I checked, I am well in the balck for this year. I have no more needs as far as ESI is concered. With that in mind, please feel free to continue supporting me. The money you send me helps ESI's cash flow and bottom line, since I will be doing some giving of my own.

However, for future reference, the fund is now called the "Nathan's getting married in July and doesn't have a job Fund". Give wisely.

Thank you all for your generous support.

Where have all the cowboys gone?

2006-03-04T15:16:00.000+06:00

As much as I love country music, I've always thought this song had it right. Ok, so I don't really know the song, but I like the title. That's what I'm getting at. The current state of manhood in the church blows like the north wind.

I was going to write a diatribe (a term only loosely understood by the author) about how boys need to man up and all that. I was going to get very angry and bombastic and scare some spine into the boys who don't read this. But, I have a fever and a head-cold and playing with the cat pretty much wiped me out today.

I just want to point out the connection between lust and the lack of Godly men in the Church. It's no secret pornography (I know 'porn' is a cuter name for it but I'm trying to be a hrad-ass here.) is a bigger business than professional baseball, football, basketball and hockey combined. What keeps satelite TV alive? It's not Sesame Street reruns or 20 cooking channels. Think of all the men who love sports. Then, think of the men who have peniss (huh, never had to make that plural before) and eyes. That's about how many men (in America, at least) have a problem with lust.

Our collective inabilty and unwillingness to even TOUCH the issue of sexuality is appalling. The sheer volume of bad advice is almost as sickening. The number of men in bondage is the worst of all. It's destroying us.

Lust may be the #1 reason why women who go to the mission field abroad are virtually taking a vow of chastity. Lust may be the #1 reason for a largely effeminte American church. Lust may be the #1 reason divorce is so damnably high. Lust may be the #1 reason why women feel like they have to chase down, fight off or swear off men. The only men with initiative are Godless creeps.

I am not heaping shame a guilt on the heads of those still in bondage. I've experienced enough of that myself. Most men are convinced they are the single worst sinner of all time, no will understand and that this is something they will have to live with for the rest of their lives.

LIES, LIES and more LIES!

The problem is the shortage of free men. And yes, it is a gazillion times easier to sit in my Karaganda apartment and point and scream at the problem like a baboon in heat. The solution is Jesus. We all learned that in Sunday school. If you're not in Karaganda and you're tired of being a slave to lust find a Godly man who can teach you what being God's man really means. I can help you find one--especially if you're in the sates of Washington, New York, Ohio or Minnesota. If you need help or want to hear my story, talk to me.

Don't settle for trying harder. Don't settle for anything less than freedom.

Amazing

2006-03-03T16:48:00.000+06:00

March 8th, "International" Women's Day is rapidly approaching and that means chocolate and flower sellers all around the former Soviet union are going to rake it in next week. It's like Valentine's Day meets Mother's Day only more important than Christmas. You think I'm joking.

Also, yestaerday was full of AMAZING sights. A huge flowing grey mullet that reached all the glorious way down to the wearer's buttocks. A Ford F-350. You know how long it's been since I've seen a pickup? Ok, so I guess that's only two sights, but they are AMAZING.

If anyone knows of a high school that needs a history teacher (or some rich kids who need tutoring) and doesn't care about certification, let me know. It just seems the likelyhood of getting hired as a teacher while I work on certification (wich costs money, damn it all) is slim.

Ok, so I'm goigng to send a newsletter with maybe some real news in it this weekend. I promise.

Another Weekend

2006-02-25T10:15:00.000+06:00

Somehow I managed to get to the end of the week without staring blankly at my students for more than a few seconds at a time. That is to say it seems like I'm putting way more work into my lessons lately with little return. Even simple lessons are taking a Herculean effort to finish. This also means I'm struggling to come up with lessons in the first place.

Hmm, that sounds worse than it really is.

The Ramsey boys (and maybe Naomi) are coming over... uh, any time now. And Jon invited all of his (and Alana's) students over to our place. If half come it'll be about 30 people. I'm not expecting any more than 15-20. Trust me.

Also, the final groomsman lineup is as follows:

Best man and the tallest friend I have: Gavin Hesse
Representing Ohio and the Armed Services: Ryan Hanson
Representing People Who Marry Their High-School Sweethearts: Jacob Acheson
Representing Those Who Would be Nerds Except They Are Also Good at Sports: Brady Acheson
Representing the dirty South and all Jons' without an 'H': Jonathan Gearing
Representing Nashvegas and the Republic of Texas: Russell Anderson

Seattle or Boston?

2006-02-18T13:09:00.000+06:00

Alana and I are leaning towards the West Coast right now, but nothing is certain. Pray for us.

Fiddler on the Roof has been a big hit so far, now to figure out what's next. Lesson planning never ends.

Also, click the link to the right to read the latest of Jon's poetry.

Busy Normalness

2006-02-16T21:58:00.000+06:00

Valentine's Day? Very cool. Alana's birthday? Even better. Today? We made pizza.
It's been a good week.
I love this Alana woman so much it's silly. But at least I don't wax poetic like Jon's been doing lately. That's also silly.

But there's something that's bugging me. It's all you boys who are ignoring God's call in your lives. I'm pretty sure God doesn't only call women to the mission field. Where are the leaders? There's a world of beautiful God-loving women out here that are asking the same thing. Man up!

Make sure to check out the latest from the Crushed Optimists editorial staff. Check here for an intersting story on Uzbekistan and the NGO situation there.

Maybe my next post will be all haiku.

Unconnected thoughts...

2006-02-09T23:55:00.000+06:00

The first week of the 2nd term is done. I'm gearing up for speaches and "Fiddler on the Roof" for next week.

Big shout-outs to Erin and Whitney, I know Alana really appreciates all the help. Even if I can't spell apreciate.

It hurts to think about the Super Bowl. Gah!

Today reminded me of Tashkent--rainy, temperature around freezing and tons of police on the street. The amir was touring around K-ganda today. I even got herded off the street as his motorcade went by by the police. Woo! Good thing I didn't take a picture... that one's for Landon and Jon. Go IBS!

Speaking of which, pray for Uzbekistan.

Superbowl Frenzy!

2006-02-06T06:26:00.000+06:00

Well, I'm actually sitting in the dark of 6:27 am (monday the 6th), alone in the glow of Jon's laptop... but I'm able to track the game reasonably well online. Getting a little play by play over the phone is great too. Hot dog! I don't understand how the 'Hawks are clearly the better team (minus a heartwarming homecoming story, prestige and history) and are still underdogs. Ah well, all the better to win with.

I'm engaged. It's cool. I like it.

2006-01-30T20:07:00.000+06:00

It happened like this:

Alana and I had been in Bishkek for about three days and I was tired of carrying the ring (bulky little box) in my pocket everywhere looking for a great place to ask her. Plus I had 10000 tenge stolen from me on our way into B-kek, so I was a little skittish still. Also, making plans really doesn't happen in central asia. You can't just whip up some elaborate romantic scheme because as soon as you count on something to work here, it doesn't. So I had to bide my time. In the park? In the mountains? At Fat Boys?

Nope. I asked Alana to marry me in Carla and Tracy's kitchen, right after breakfast Saturday. She was suprised and said yes. That's really all there is to it.

SEAHAWKS WIN!

2006-01-23T16:22:00.000+06:00

HOLY FREAKING CRAP! I am very excited about the 'Hawks making it to the Super Bowl before I was 75. On the other hand I'm surrounded by thousands of kilomiters of frozen steppe and might be the lonliest Seattle sports fan on the planet.

Oh yeah, congratualtions Brady and Erin! The race is really on now. August 5th, huh?

Go marraige! Go Seahawks!

Yest Visa!

2006-01-21T01:20:00.000+06:00

Astana is the coldest place on earth. Well, the last two times I've been there anyway. -37c is practically -37f (I think Jon calls it "minus ungodly) and it was windy today. I'm wearing 12 geese worth of down and Alana's got an entire sheep on, but we were still cold. Still, our trip today went super-smooth and we got our visas! Of course, the lady filled them out in front of us, which took some of the magic out of the visa process. The plan now is to leave Tuesday and return on the Saturday after next (almost two weeks).

Dick Montgomery

2006-01-17T21:53:00.000+06:00

Dick Montgomery is a pretty normal name. He also is my uncle. Dick died recently. (I also laugh at the discrepancies on basic facts between all the stories I link to here.)

"They kept saying he was a normal guy, but I think they meant ordinary. No normal guy has 18 kids. Ordinary men ("Elijah was a man just like us") can live extra-ordinary lives when it's all given over to Jesus. The testimony was this: that Dick lived by faith not by sight, that his heart was pure and his conscience clean before God. So he was ready--whether he knew it or not, to be with Jesus. Asher said that was a good thing, because if Jesus hadn't taken him home, Dick would never have stopped adopting children and never have gotten any rest." - Shirley

Now rest and work are one. Godspeed, Dick.

Go Seahawks!

2006-01-15T10:14:00.000+06:00

This is the season I've been waiting for all my life! Woo hoo!

Also, Alana, Jon, Faye and I went to the symphony last night. It was a new years party for old new years, basically. They played stuff from the Nutcracker, some Mussogorsky and Berstein (West Side Story) and a ton of other stuff. We also got champagne! All for about $2. Of course, we thought the show was at 6pm, learned it was at 5pm, hurried to get there (taxi with a flat tire didn't help) and then discovered when we arrived, the show started at 6pm after all. Sweet. That's what happens when the tickets still have rubles printed on them.

Idiot!

2006-01-12T12:23:00.000+06:00

Articles like this make me mad. Jon’s already sounded off on this, but once I read it… well, here I am. Mom, you know how I get sometimes. You might not enjoy reading this one. I apologize for the abusive use of caps lock, bold and itlaic print.

It’s a man without a penis giving sex advice, basically.

It makes me want to flip out and kill people, in a Christ’s-love-be-with you sort of way. His intentions are good maybe, but sadly… he has no [unforgivable swear + ing] clue. Seriously, no [unforgivable swear + ing] clue. He makes four points.

1) First, he writes about being made in Gods image and not having sex with prostitutes. Great—God’s standard is very clear here. When he writes, “Are you bearing well the image and name of a holy God by the way you conduct your relationships with the opposite sex?”, I think I understand and agree with him. However, in light of the rest of the essay, he’s really hinting that Godly people aren’t sexual. I’m pretty sure gender and sex are inherently part of our image bearing. Idiot.

2) Next, he goes on about protecting (not defrauding, is the term he likes) our sisters in Christ. He’s really big on the ‘sisters’ thing. This is his point: “…there should be no difference in standards of physical intimacy between the single man's conduct with a single woman and my standards as an already married man.” In general, yes! I have no business fooling around with women. But that is NOT because our sexuality is dangerous and wrong but because the level of commitment and emotional intimacy make such physical interaction inappropriate. Idiot! Commitment, emotional and physical intimacy all work together—if any of the three is significantly less than the other you have a disturbed relationship and something will give. (Now that I’m an expert!) Why are long-distance relationships so hard? Not because you can’t feel each other up whenever you want—but because you hit a wall in communication. You can’t see how they’re feeling, you can’t hold their hand when you say you’re sorry or hear each other laugh of cry. KILLING YOUR SEXUALITY IS NOT HOLINESS! Gosh.

3) We need to guard our hearts, minds, and bodies for marriage. OK, how? “If you have failed or are failing in this area, then remember your calling and resolve to stop now and prepare yourself for marriage.” When has resolving to stop now ever worked as and anti-sin strategy? Basically he’s telling men to try harder and not trust the grace of Jesus. In the masturbating world, we call this the “white knuckle” approach. It doesn’t work. Freedom in Christ be damned.

4) Last, the idiot talks of the “Marriage Bank”. It doesn’t open until you’re married, but men can make deposits early by being holy. Women make withdrawals. What the hell? And why is the guy the only one making deposits and the woman the only one making withdrawals? Don’t men trust and depend on their wives too? Where does the woman’s holiness go? The “Marriage Mayonaise Jar”? Under the “Marriage Mattress”? Gah!

I’ve lost a lot of respect for Focus on the Family for posting this kind of crap, even though it comes from a book edited by John Piper (et al). Screw diversity of thought. Some people are idiots. Also, what is going on with the picture at the top of the page? Talk about mixed signals!

Am I giving into a spirit of criticism? Damn right I am. I am sick and tired of Christian “men” who take this no-balls approach to life. “Men” who don’t love or trust Jesus enough to deal with their past and equate the Way with keeping your head down (think about it…). Take this sentence, for example: “Do you think it would be acceptable or unacceptable for me to have a meal with a woman not my wife and engage in extended conversation about each other's lives (likes/dislikes/struggles/pasts)?” The “correct” answer is no, even if you’re not married.

Don’t talk to girls. Don’t think about girls. Don’t spend time with girls. And for God’s sake don’t touch girls! This is your holiness, for I am Matt Schmucker and my yoke is not at all easy and my burden is crushing, crushing, crushing men into the ground. Idiot.

Good thing freedom in Christ is real instead of this idiot schmuck’s theology. Better resources include Jesus, LFL and Stephen Foster’s chapter on “Sexuality and Singleness” in his book Money, Sex and Power.

Frozen Snot

2006-01-11T11:19:00.000+06:00

-35c (-25f) is very cold. Even without the wind. 20 or 30 minutes is about all my face can take.

Cnovom Godom

2006-01-04T12:21:00.000+06:00

I love New Years in the former Soviet Union. It’s just so… unregulated! It’s a wonderful thing, this freedom to shoot off whatever overly large and dangerous firework you want in your own courtyard. I breathed in the smell of burning, heard the sounds of explosions and drunk shouts. I had sparks and ash rain on my head from the balconies above. I’m pretty sure I saw fireworks bounce off windows.

It was rad. And a little scary, but mostly rad.

I have never felt more patriotic, or more sad for the current state of total wussiness in America. Damn lawyers. I blame them.

This is the paradox of central asia—deep rooted Islamic conservatism on one hand, total Russian (Western) secularness and depravity. There is crippling bureaucracy and corruption on one hand and yet the reality on the street is a free-for-all since the laws are rarely enforced even if they exist.

It’s kind of like the old west, only with apartment blocks.

Holiday Explosion

2005-12-31T16:26:00.000+06:00

Cnovm godm! Was in Astana again yesterday to try and get Kyrgyz visas--no dice. Did see some nice ice sculptures Hillary says Astana is Disneyland on steriods. You can watch 400 million barrels of oil worth being spent in a few square km.

I made a cookie that looks like a scotsman.

Tonight is New Years con familia Ramsey.

Avacados and the Tower of Religious Toleration

2005-12-22T23:46:00.000+06:00

So they have avocados at the PAMCTOP. Only I haven’t seen one for so long I wasn’t sure they were what I thought they were. It goes without saying that I didn’t know the word for avocado in Russian. Good thing it’s a cognate. Anyway, I asked the lady there what kind of fruit these were since there wasn’t a sign and I’ve apparently forgotten what an avocado looks like. (These weren’t the greenish black ones from California. They were really smooth, really green and from Israel. )

She has to go to the back and ask somebody or look it up in the bi book-o-fruit they keep in the back… eventually she comes back and tells me what I’m pretty sure I already know.

It’s an avocado.

Then I asked how much for a kilo. She looked at me like I had gummy worms coming out my nose and said no, they’re priced individually. $4 for a kilo would’ve been bad enough, but nope, it was $4 for a single avocado!

So about the “Tower of Religious Toleration”. It’s the Space Needle of Astana because that’s the tall towery thing I’m most familiar with. It actually looks like a giant golden glob award. You pay 500 tg and ride an elevator up into it. You get a great view of all the construction and the vast, endless steppe if the weather is nice.

You also get to look at all the religious groups that got on the sponsors list—the Lutherans, Roman Catholics, a few Orthodox groups, the Federation of Shinto Shrines and a butt-load of Muslim groups are all there. It’s kind of confusing because it’s within a five minute walk of Kazakhstan’s biggest (also brand new) Mosque. It don’t think it’s interdenominational. Islam has always rested lightly here, I’m told, however.

The best part is yet to come. At the very highest platform inside the giant golden globe is a pedestal with President Nursulton Nazarbayev’s handprint in it. You can put your hand exactly where he did and guide the future destiny of Kazakhstan! Maybe I’m exaggerating, but I think President Bush should put one in the top of the Washington Monument.

A few thoughts from the weekend...

2005-12-19T22:03:00.000+06:00

Watching the Seahawks play the Cardinals reminded me of how much I don’t miss TV. Advertisements selling me stuff I don’t need. Advertisements lying to me. How many people in America are thirsty, hungry, impotent, bald and without a car? Sports are the one reason I might still spring for cable if and when I move back to the states. Even then, the announcers and “analysts” are idiots. Their pride and utter uselessness bothers me. So maybe I’ll just listen to the radio. Or better yet, make friends with someone who has season tickets.

I’ve even caught myself wondering the place of sports in general. How important is Robbie Tobek’s performance in the big scheme of things? Scary, I know.

I also just heard Switchfoot being played over the PA in the Seahawks game. How am I supposed to feel about this? Still, I’m really excited to be watching real football. 88 yards! Interceptions! Fitzgerald is impressive. Mac Strong! The best name in football!

Also, I went to Astana Saturday with Jon, three Ramseys (Jon, Shaun and Jim) and Carol. As the capitol of Kazakhstan, it’s got all the fancy steel and glass buildings that governments like to build these days. Add to that the old-school Soviet love for gargantuan plazas, squares, monuments, memorials, etc. and you’ve got yourself the biggest construction project I’ve ever seen. Oh yeah, Nazarbayev moved the capitol there in 1997. It’s actually a total crap town that’s literally been built overnight.

I wonder if today’s oil-boom countries will be like the boom towns from the gold-rush days in America. Obviously oil has proven more important to the world’s economy recently (and by recently I mean the last century) and there sure is a lot of it under the ground. Still, mankind is using a lot of it too. Also, there are some oil rich countries that aren’t rich at all. Venezuela and Kazakhstan come to mind. (Not like I’m about to complain…)

Astana only reinforces the world view you brought there. It either inspires your optimism for the future prosperity of Kazakhstan or confirms yours suspicions that the prosperity is just a façade. Remember the tizzy everyone got into after they figured out the connection between VP Cheeny and Haliburton? Well in Kazakhstan, all the major companies are owned by relatives of the president. That’s how you get things done people.

Anyway, the whole reason for going to A-town was to visit the PAMCTOP. It’s the single most likely place in K-stan to have eggnog outside of the PAMCTOP in Almaty (more than 20 friggin’ hours away). It’s maybe the most expensive grocery store (there’s a term I haven’t used in forever) I’ve ever been in that wasn’t in London. A bag of tortilla chips and guacamole was $15. That’s 10% of my paycheck on snacks.

This is already too long. Stay tuned for a funny story about avocados and the “Tower of Religious Toleration”.

Porn, Icons and Plush Toys

2005-12-15T22:07:00.000+06:00

I’ll get to the title in a second.

First: Matt is gone. He left for Almaty this afternoon. It was sad to not have him waiting for us at home after classes today. He’s gonna buck for pastor pretty soon it sounds like. I’d like to follow him, but it’ll be a while yet.

Second: I saw a Kazakh “riverdance” team last Saturday. Shoot, it's already been a week. I almost fell out of my cold but very comfortable chair when the lead guy came out. Not only did he look like John Belucci (circa Animal House) with his gut, curly dark hair and receding hairline, he also was wearing tizzight leather pants and a huge "celtic" belt thingy that would have put the heavyweight boxing belt to shame. I wasn't a big fan of the tap version of Swan Lake, but the rest was pretty fun. Nothing like seeing a bunch of Asians dance like the Irish, that's what I always say.

Third: The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe continues in earnest. My students are to have read up to chapter 15 by monday, so we're almost finished. I'm really enjoying teaching a "literature" class. Also, I'm really enjoying "quoting" things tonight. Wonder what the deal is.

So, about the porn. I was riding the bus just the other day when I noticed my bus driver had decorated the front a bit more lavishly than usual. Not only was there a giant calendar featuring dogs eating hot dogs (wierd), a stuffed monkey on a swing hanging from the mirror, there was also a row of three icons (Jesus, Mary and some other guy with a beard) next to a big naked Pamela Anderson.

God bless 'em, one and all... or however that goes.

Gobbledegook

2005-12-12T11:20:00.000+06:00

Mat leaves on Thursday. Sad.

We also had our neighbors over for tea last night. I think they're kind of used to having foreigners live next door. Still, Jon was the only one who could really talk to them. The rest of us just smiled. They seem nice. If I remember correctly, their names are Galliya (mom), Natasha and Yulia. Of course, I could be totally wrong. The upside is I finally kind of know who lives next door. Also, when guests come over, especially the first time, they come with gifts. We got two things of chocolate plus a fresh apple cake thing. That's on top of the awesome oatmeal rasin cookies from our upstate NY hook-up. And Jon made chocolate peanutbutter pie.

Seahawks rock. Someone's taping these games for me, right?

Also, I've been missing emails. Many are dissapearing in transit. I'm looking into getting a new account, but if you've sent me something important and I've totally destroyed our relationship by not responding, send it again please. You can also leave a note here on the site to let me know I should have gotten something from you (be specific).

Peace out.

Trump vs. Turkmenbashi

2005-12-08T23:16:00.000+06:00

GO SEAHAWKS!

X-Box

2005-12-05T11:42:00.000+06:00

I have defeated Darth Malak and destroyed the Star Forge once again proving the light side of the Force will always prevail.

Presidential Voting Guide: Kazakhstan

2005-12-03T13:51:00.000+06:00

If you're going to vote in Kazakhstan tomorrow, I suggest choosing your canidate by his eyebrows. There's Nazarbayev (Big Poppa), the communist guy, the young guy, the old guy and the other guy. Seriously, that's how they've been introduced to me. My students are either voting for Nazarbayev, not voting or warning me not to go downtown tomorow. Many bosses are "encouraging" their employees to vote for the right canidate.

I like reading Heinlan's "Starship Troopers" during elections. It reminds me of how most of us vote for whatever we want and expect to get it without actually doing anything (like paying taxes or taking responsibility). Also, I wonder if public wippings (father next to son? hmm?) would be a more effective form of punishment than the suckage of our current juvy system.

Joel and Deb got here yesterday! Free lunches! Hooray!

I'm starting "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" tomorow.

Sometimes I feel like I'm ready to charge into battle, only when I look behind me, my dudes are all picking lint our of their bellies. Davay!

Thanksgiving

2005-11-28T23:50:00.000+06:00

I spent Thanksgiving at Shaktyor (Russian for miner). It’s a resort owned by Mital, a huge mining company here. Only three to four hours away by bus, it was way easier to get to than Thanksgiving last year. Uzbekistan wasn’t able to make it this year—finances and fears of not being able to return combined to keep some of our dear friends at home. Kyrgyzstan was able to make it—12 hours on a train and a few more by car.

We had the place to ourselves, it being winter and mid-week. There’s a small man-made lake (frozen very solid, maybe 80 acres) set in some little hills with cool rock formations. The rocks reminded me of the one time I was in the Rockies, only much, much smaller. We had sun and above freezing temperatures for a few days and a day or two of snow.

We also had some of the freshest chicken ever. I watched it die and we were eating it within six hours. Same with the fish—the Russian word for Kokane is… Kokane. Crazy, I know.

I ended up leading worship (with Jon and Alana actually doing the singing) somehow. Hymns are hard on the guitar. Yeesh. The whole week was a great time to break from the routine and reflect on what God has been teaching me. Thanks Carla, Zephaniah 3:17 rocked my socks off!

I’m trying to get pictures up today, but I’m trying to get some big attachments sent to Lowell at the same time. In the meantime, it’s back to teaching. Also, keep your eyes open for another general update in your inbox this week as well. Right now I’m trying to remember what I assigned for homework a week ago. It's hard because my motivation is low. My motivation is low because I know less than half my students will do it and grades are meaningless. Why do I even bother?

Filler

2005-11-26T15:34:00.000+06:00

Presidential elections are getting close. How can I tell? Well, there are Nazarbaev (incumbent for quite some time now) materials everywhere in "Kazakh" light blue and yellow. At least four posters are on every bus, power pole and stationary flat surface. There are also the opponents. One was murdered a while back. The others have catchy slogans like, "Our people's deputy, our people's canidate." He sports the tried and true hammer and sickle logo as well. Jon and I commented as we waited in 10 degree weather if "our people's" bus was coming anytime soon.

Thanksgiving was great, by the way. Details to come. And a newsletter.

Karaganda Symphony

2005-11-13T23:11:00.000+06:00

One bus stop past the Miner’s Palace and we’re there. We enter the hall as the buzzer sounds. Alana looks great in purple and black. I’m wearing my David Niven sweater and boots with a two week beard. It rained today.

The building is tacky, yes, but not like a high school. Like a high school auditorium trying to be Benaroya, perhaps. The floor makes the woodworker in me cringe… the chairs slope forward. One breaks.

As the music starts, I remember that I’d forgotten how sweet a symphony sounds live. The way the sound fills your ears to the point where I don’t care my butt’s asleep. I like watching the violin players smush their bowties. There’s one cello player whose cheek twitches every time the tempo changes.

First is an overture of some sort by Mozart. Then, some Mozart with a lot of flute. The flute player is a tiny, tiny man. Kerri would like him in his tinyness, even though he wasn’t rock-star skinny. Seriously, his flute was half as tall as he was. I liked it until the flute was the only thing playing.

Intermission.

A student (I think) of Noah or maybe Andrea chatted with us on our way back to our seats. It is cold in here. I’m expecting piano, since this part is supposed to be Rachmaninoff. No dice. The brass section is beefed up, however, and the bass cleft in general gets a shot in the arm with a half-dozen extra cellos, another bass and some timpani. Some lady talked for a long time in russian and all I got was that the piece had something to do with the seasons.

Once the music got underway, I was struck by how the conductor moved. At times it was like watching a marionette as its strings broke, at other times it was more of a swaying and waving action and still at other times he was pointing, pointing, pointing with his little conductor's stick like an angry professor. The tuba player looked like he was having a conversation with the last trombone guy between their parts. On the cymbals and drums were two guys who looked like they mght still be in high school. When they stood up they always looked very nervous, leaning forward in anticipation of their, one, climactic, crash!

I like the symphony. I really like the symphony for $2.

I also went to church today, ate four somsas (2 cmyasa, 2 cirom) and took a nap. Now I'm blogging instead of planning lessons.

Kazakh Paradise

2005-11-07T01:45:00.000+06:00

As I walk through the valley from Stepnoy to Gulder, I take a look for bus and realise it's never there...

I get to see Alana almost every day. This is very, very cool. So cool that I have to repeat myself for emphasis. So cool that there are no synonyms with enough panache and pizazz to describe the coolness of Alana's being here with me.

I spent today listening to my roomate Matt preach from the G of J about Simon "Can't keep his mouth shut" Peter. Props, my man. Many props. Then we had lasagna at the Tuckers as we watched South Carolina lose to Georga two months ago. It's fun to play with Joe, Ben and Amy (the little Tuckers) and just be around a family for a while. The world is not built on single college-aged people living together, Christian or not. Imagine, there's a whole world out there where men leave their father and mother and cleave to their wife. I'm gonna try it.

Also, to Jacob: where's the love?

Novemberween

2005-11-02T13:51:00.000+06:00

We had a Halloween part monday night for all of our students. I manned the bobbing for apples station, while others painted faces, carved pumpkins, made kids stick their hands in a bowl full of peeled grapes and played uno. I was a cowboy. Alana was Pocahauntus and the rest of the ladies filled out a Disney princess roster: Hillary as Jasmine, Andrea as Belle/Cindarella (last minute costume change) and Peg as Fionna. We even got Mat and some of the MKs to help out--Jon R was a Sith Lord of some sort while Mat was a pirate with a mullet. Good times.

I am not motivated for class right now. I don't know why. Maybe it's because my classes are still shrinking and I'm starting to take it personally.

I have had some VERY cool conversations with students lately. I really like some of them.

I got my box of books! I mailed it to myself (ground) in August. I got it yesterday. Apparently, after the dogsled ride across Canada and Alaska, the guy in China decided to just kick my box across the country instead of carrying it. The story I got was the box was destroyed somewhere in transit. The bag my books arrived in in Karaganda also broke open, I hear. It took the administration a few trips to the pochta (many thanks!) to gather all the pieces. Suffice it to say, many of the paperbacks are significantly worse for the wear. I'm just gald I got my roadside guide to washington geology! Road trip in my head!

Christmas shopping this weekend? We'll see. The temp's been right around freezing for almost two weeks now. I don't go out much.

snow

2005-10-31T10:14:00.000+06:00

Little pieces of God’s grace falling to earth. Swirling and cold, brilliantly white. Ice floats down in tiny chandeliers and bite with the wind. Leaves no longer burn. Mud freezes. The fire in the trash goes out. God’s mercy is coming down on me today. He covers me like Noah from my loneliness. He covers me like Adam from my shame. A brilliant robe of white I’ve been given to wear until my spring.

Good week

2005-10-16T14:00:00.000+07:00

NOTE: Do not include SBTC (Small Business Training Center) on any mail you send me! Just my name. This makes it easier and faster to get from customs. That is all.

What a week. Somehow I had a good week despite the fact I spent much of it teaching grammar. I was recently reminded of the applicability of “Good Morning Vietnam”, when Robin Williams says, “I gotta get to English class, otherwise there’ll be a bunch of Vietnamese speaking in short choppy sentences!” We’re working on writing in class right now. Fragments and run-ons are perfectly normal in spoken English, especially in the sports world. It also makes reading my student’s writing a painful, confusing experience.

Then there was Friday night BS. I’ve already had more deeper conversations with more students in these first six weeks than I had all of last year. We talked about two parables—the wide/narrow gate and the rich fool (as an example of a guy who missed the gate). I love the parables, even for all their difficulty, their still just stories. And everyone can tell a story. Plus, you remember stories better than lectures even if you don’t understand them.

Of course, by Friday night, I’m pretty wiped out because we have BS ourselves that morning. Saturday is my day of recuperation, where I lounge around the house, read books, pretend to study Russian and play x-box.

I have yet to make it through an entire service at the local orthodox church… it’s one of my goals this year. Today is for Alana and I and planning lessons.

I am tired, but it is a deeply satisfied tired.

Double post!

2005-10-09T17:32:00.000+07:00

Because the Kaz-net and our phone is so reliable, you get a double post today. This also means I'm really sorry about not replying to people. After weeks of trying, sometimes I forget who I've already emailed. These posts are totally unrelated, but each indicative of my mood at some point in the last week or so. Also, the newsletter is out and I’m trying to put up news pics as well. Stay tuned…
* * *
Ever wonder what a Russian circus is like? Yeah, me neither.

But let me tell you,
It’s part magic show…
Part synchronized swimming…
Part music video…
Part sad animals…
Part twirly ladies way up high in the air…
And part little kids spraying Fanta on my back.

Still, you all should ask Hillary how much she likes her photo with the chimp.
I had a good time.
* * *
::edit::
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that is may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as Christ God forgave you.” – Paul
::edit::

Speaking of manning up, looks like I’ve got some work to do.

Orthodoxy

2005-10-03T21:54:00.000+07:00

I went to the local Orthodox church yesterday morning. It’s only six or seven years old and the sanctuary is still under construction. Despite the scaffolding, it is quite beautiful. Also, I was struck by how small the sanctuary seemed after seeing the building from outside. Once Brian and I braved the gauntlet of invalids, crossed ourselves and bowed three times, we were in.

The choir was incredible. The liturgy is beautiful. The building is really cool—there’s a lattice door that separates the congregation from the guys in vestments where the power-point screen is in most churches. Behind the doors was a red curtain with the rising sun backlighting it. As it was drawn back and the doors opened… it was really cool. There was a big fancy candle thingy the priest stood in front of for most of the time.

It was confusing at times—I don't know why the Bible gets trotted out and takes a little tour of the sanctuary, along with the elements, but it does. Everyone takes their time. There is no no-huddle option for the liturgy. I liked the part where they spread incense all over the place. Not only was the smoke very pretty in the candle light, it covered the congregation’s BO.

Even though through much of the service much of the symbolism was obvious to anyone who knows their Bible, I was confused as well. All the crossing and bowing. What’s up with that? I accept and embrace crossing as an awesome part of church history and tradition we have with us today… and as long as I’m bowing to God, that’s cool. But it seemed the like the congregation subscribed to the all too common philosophy of, “If one is good, more is better.” Not that I minded—bowing nice and low is a nice stretch in the middle of all that standing.

I’ve learned a lot about the Orthodox church over the years, but nothing really prepared me for how strange and yet familiar the service would be. Maybe I’m filling too many blanks in on my own (After all, I hardly speak Russian, let alone old church Slavonic).

Still, every one of my questions or problems with the Orthodox church has a parallel in the Protestant church. It’s just that I’m comfortable with some and not with others. Mary scares a lot of Protestants almost as much as the Holy Ghost does. Hate those dorks who applaud (or shout “Amen”) every time someone says, “Jesus” or “Calvary”? I know I do. Those are the obsessive crossers (genuflectors? Sounds like a bike accessory.) and bowers.

Worried about the service being in a foreign tongue? Ever think about how much would be communicated by your church service if you couldn’t understand anything the preacher said or couldn’t read anything or couldn’t talk to anyone?

Worried about saying the same prayers every Sunday? Ever get tired of hearing the same damn requests every week? Ever forget to pray for something?

Worried about worshiping icons? Ever get confused whether you were at a concert or a church service?

Worried about wise stewardship of funds (Why waste it on gold leaf when you could help the poor!)? Ever get distracted on Sunday morning by the hideous pastel felt banner thing hanging from behind the pulpit with a dove, or possibly Texas, with an olive branch in it’s mouth on it? Ever wonder why the carpet is blue and the pews are orange?

Worried about accidentally worshiping Mary, the mother of God? Ever hear someone say from behind a pulpit that Jesus wasn’t talking to you or me, he was talking to the Jews?

I now understand much of Church history as attempts to reinvent the wheel. The true church is Orthodox. Enough from me. I very much doubt very many of you actually read all those words. The true church is Orthodox.

So yeah, update

2005-09-30T04:45:00.000+07:00

All of a sudden, it's a week later.

I did music in class this week--fun, except I think they were expecting more Brittney Spears and 50 Cent than they got... which was none. Instead, I decided it was important they understant Elvis and Dylan. And sing along with "A Little Less Conversation". I'm going to preach a sermon on that song someday. Good stuff.

Speaking of good stuff, Alana and I are going through a book my friend Ryan "Built for Marriage" Hanson wouldn't like anymore because it's called "Preparing for Marriage". I think parental interviews are coming up, so look out. It's a great chance to talk things out in leu of a real couple to mentor us. But we're still looking--we've got two leads (the Tuckers and the Ramseys) that you could help us pray about.

There's an ice cream factory literally just down the road from us. Jon bought 2.5 kilos Tuesday.

Ballroom dancing is hard. Especially whichever waltz we were trying to learn. Total fun, but it sure doesn't come naturally.

I'm stil struggling with feelings of anxiety tied to my financial and scheduling situations, even though there's nothing actually wrong. Help me pray through this. Also, I'm way jealous of Rus, who got to see Sufjan Stevens in concert. Were you there Ben? Speaking of jealous--a big fat CONGRATULATIONS to Roddy Boy, who will be married any second now.

We get to talk about our Father together tomorrow twice--once with each other, then again with students! Fun times!

Contact Info

2005-09-23T03:46:00.000+07:00

Nothing too exciting:
Phone: 7.3212.75.12.52 (+ 13 hours WC time)
Address: Attn: Nathan Acheson
Small Business Training Center
49 Yermekov Street
Karaganda, Kazakhstan
470032

The weather finally got fall-like today as it only got up into the 50s. Not that I mind.

Classes go well, but I'm feeling the pinch financially (I cannot afford to travel to Uzbekistan, as things now stand) and time-wise. 4 lessons is a lot to prepare (and grade), so even though I have half as many students as the rest of my teachers, I feel like I've got twice as much work. The friday has filled up with team and student activities, pretty much, which leaves half of sunday and saturday for my lesson planning for the week... I'm grading monday through thursday. An endless cycle.

Still, I can't complain. Except I just did. And I STILL haven't been able to load my fantasy football team since coming here. It's all in Gavin's hands right now.

Noah, Jon and I took a big step towards real community this morning--pray we can defend the ground we've taken. Pray also for the discussion group we're hosting friday evening at the girl's place.

Also, just because I can't reply to you in less than a week doesn't mean you shouldn't email me. Especially you, Ryan.

The Breaks

2005-09-16T23:21:00.000+07:00

New pictures are up.

Thursday was the last day of my first week of class. Hooray. I'm fairly confident of most of student's names. But what are you going to do, personally invest in these kids? Pshaw. No seriously, I like most of them. Some of them are what we call "American groupies". They think it's cool to hang out with Americans and pester them with questions. Some are 15 and flirtatious. Some are vain, ambitious pricks. Some of them are even English teachers themselves... which I thought was cool until I realized this means they can spot a crap lesson from a mile away. AND they're actually going to use what they learn. So the pressure's on. I used Jurraassic 5 in class yesterday. That's how cool I am.

The weather has been very fall-like. Up into to 70's during the day and down, um, lower at night.

We lost water AND electricity for a few days due to a fire one floor above us. This is different than the time we expected to lose water LAST week for the winterization of the pipes.

Currently reading: Genesis, Acts and Revelation.
Watched recently: Chuck Norris's "Eye for an Eye" (1981)
Recently broken: bookshelf - who builds an eight foot tall cabinet out of 1cm particle board and some corner braces?
Currently drinking: Piva Karagandinskya. It's way good. And Smirnof is a dollar for a half liter (6 month'w worth of vodka)

Student quotes that helped me make it through the week:
- "The work do from monkey man."
- "In my life I'd like to divide my each skills on natural that I imbibe with one's mother milk."

2005-09-07T23:38:00.000+07:00

I am very angry at the Kaz-internet right now. I have 6 emails I’ve been trying to send all week. I think I know what the problem is. Only now, I can’t get online. It was the same two nights ago. It keeps saying there is no dial tone. I can hear the f*cking dial tone! I am at the swearing and throwing Jon’s computer out the window point, you see. It will pass.

Wait, I’m connected now. Hooray.

Am I learning patience? Am I? AM I?! Better say yes, damnit!

Sigh.

Classes start tomorrow—I planned an entire semester this afternoon. Well, I made up some units and gave names to each of my 18 weeks of class. I have two classes that meet 4 times a week. It's actually the same class, just two groups. One has 25 students. The other? 12. Only 8 guys in the whole group. I'm going to try to scare thr group of 25 down to a more reasonable # by monday.

We all have to operate under the assumption it’s all being monitored—phone, internet, mail… everything. Still, we have more freedom than some. I am safe. God is moving.

…and it looks like using outlook express has been official shot down for the year. Because I don’t know how to ask questions about my SMTP server or whatever in Russian. I need details from my internet sevice provider.

I sound whiny. Life isn't bad. It's just the last hour of it has been really frustrating.

Unity. Surrender.

Bulletpoints

2005-09-05T22:44:00.000+07:00

We started testing today, classes start Thursday.
I'm trying to write a letter to Samina in Uzbek. It's taking forever.
I have 6 messages in my outbox that Outlook won't send. Time saver my toosh.

Dinner out on the Town

2005-09-03T23:56:00.000+07:00

Dining out in Central Asia is an experience like none other. It can be a great time eating delicious traditional foods out-of-doors in good company for reasonable prices.
Or not.
I’ve got used to being the only one in the restaurant. I’ve become used to the surly, grudging service. But I haven’t got used to waiting 45 minutes in the dark for a $4 piece of shashlik while the wait-staff has dinner behind a door just down the hall because I’m too tired to keep walking, let alone cook something for myself. How will they know our food is ready? Normally I wouldn’t worry about it, but I was tired and hungry tonight—a lethal combination. Listen to me, I'm complaining about a nice dinner out that cost me $5.

Still, I am mighty impressed by piva Karagadinskaya. How impressed? Better than any of the pilsners I had in Hungary, Rus.
Tasty.

Today was a good day, dinner excluded. And even that wasn’t so bad. We had our first city team meeting this morning. Just prayed the whole time—very edifying, I thought.

I got to vent a little to Alana after some delicious chili and walk around the park by their place a bit as well. Compound sentences can be a problem for me. So sue me.

And we tested some students for Ryan and Brian’s classes. Most will do just fine. One wasn’t exactly listening, however, when I asked her how old she was. She answered, “I’m fine, thanks. How are you?”
Sigh.

Also, for you who understand the world of spiritual warfare, I live in a former goulag. Hostility, Confusion and Deception have already made their presence felt. (Not my own discerning, but corroborated.) Pray.

Checkin' if your church was made with hands

2005-08-31T00:12:00.000+07:00

Pray for our friends in Vietnem, who are no longer able to meet with Family to talk and learn about their Father like they used to.

Check out some photos, the link is over there ----->
Assuming they upload, that is.

Also, our washing machine takes 2.5 hours to do a simple load of whites. I'd complain, but it's still better than doing it by hand. My whites were more like grays by the end of last year. However, I came back home around dinner time after spending the afternoon exploring (the city) with Alana to discover my laundry load had stopped halfway. Why? Mysteriously, nothing eletric was working on one half of the flat. I flipped the breaker (in the hall) and all was well. Until the breaker tripped again. Ha ha, doing laundry is so funny.
Wait, there's more.
Once my load was finally done, I went to hang them up to dry on our balcony. No sooner had I hung everything up, but the line broke. Damp clothes on the filthy floor! Hooray! Those clothes are washing as I type. I'm still nervous about hanging them on a line five stories up on the outside of the balcony. Those clothespins better hold.

Good news: computer speakers are affordable and delicous... sounding.

Lost Luggage: A Tale of Beauty, Mystery, Suspence and Poor Spelling

2005-08-28T23:37:00.000+07:00

Not really. The only bag Luftansa "lost" was my guitar, which I picked up no prob in the Karaganda airport. The cold, dead and dark Karaganda aiport. Picture an airport about the size of Tashkent's. Take away the people. And the cars. And the lights. Add some howling wind and steppe and you've got it. Still, I go my guitar OK.

So yeah, I'm here in Kazakhstan. It's cold and rainy right now, but the weather is supposed to clear up and be back in the 70's by the end of the week. I'm just glad I brought my boots, that's all.

My living conditions have taken a giant leap forward. You could probably fit three of my old apartments into this one. I have my own room. We've got a washing machine AND a microwave!I used it to warm up soup. Jon had a little trouble getting the washing machine to unlock and give him his clothes back, but it worked out ok.

I went to church this morning--I think it's a Methodist plant of some sort. Anyway, the ESI group was 1/2 the congregation and it was all in Russian. A good reminder of how much my Russian sucks. And how good it is to worship. Worshiping God is good.

I don't have anything to do this week except stop being constantly lost and maybe take a trip to Kyrgystan. So that's nice. Sorry if this post seems choppy, but I'm not writing because I'm in the mood tonight. More obligation. I dunno.

Don't get me wrong, I am very excited to be here, where God's put me. Just not as excited about posting, for some reason. Still, hooray for boots!

On the Road Again

2005-08-22T00:22:00.000+07:00

I'm literally starting a journey halfway around the world tomorow. It'll take me under a week to get to my final destination, but like Alana's grandpa says (in her newsletter, copied without permission), "It's better than a three month boat ride to India around the Horn."
True.
And this is just on commercial transport, open to anyone with the cojones to try. Just think of where I could get if I were in my hypothetical Land Rover or perhaps, horse. Admit it, it'd be way cool to ride a horse across Asia.

It's exciting to think about being back in the saddle soon. My Seattle-Denver-Frankfurt-Almaty route doesn't excite me, but I'm not complaining. I've got a tight layover in Frankfurt, by the way. And by tight, I mean I have an hour to get off one plane and onto the next. It's taken me 45 minutes to get off a plane before... so please pray for me.

I'm packing light--one checked bag (50lbs), my guitar and backpack (carry-on). Well, lighter than last year. This includes a suprise gift in the form of a giant down parka thingy tonight. I anticipate getting to Uzbekistan at some point to pick up a few things, but I'm pretty pleased with myself. My box of books is in the mail and should arrive before Thanksgiving. Maybe Halloween.

Finances are tight, but God continues to provide. People walk up in church and hand me cash. Crazy. I basically have no savings at this point. It bothers the provider/planner part of me to no end, but there's nothing I can do about it right now. I've got what I need to go to Kazakhstan, and I'm confident when it's time to come back I'll be able to.

It was also my last sunday at LIV today. I talked for a bit, they prayed for a bit and some people teared up. I love my church. Thank you all for everything.

Jacob and Whitney just got back from their honeymoon (in BC) tonight as well. How many married women can still get the youth (18 or under) discount? Booyah.

Last meal? Chocolate cake.

The latest...

2005-08-19T07:01:00.000+07:00

Follow this link to the latest on religious freedom in Kzakhstan. Forum18 has lots of Uzbekistan news as well these days. Cheers.

Wedding PIctures

2005-08-17T03:57:00.000+07:00

Married Man

2005-08-16T07:37:00.000+07:00

My little brother Jacob is a married man. Weird.

Even weirder? A weekend (four days running now) with a house full of relatives AND Alana. Good times? Mostly. It's a lot for an introvert to deal with. But, since we're a family of introverts (generaly speaking), it hasn't been too bad.

Charlie and Lisa are staying with us. The rest of my mom's sisters (Margie, Laurie and Libby)were here... as well as some of their kids. Add 10 years to a cousin I never really knew that well and you get some vaguely recognizeable faces. Most of my dad's side came and went pretty quickly for some reason. It was a blessing that only a dozen or so of my 30+ cousins showed up. That'd have been embarrasing--I really don't know all their names. I met some new ones at the wedding. New to me, at least.

Not only did my little brother get married this weekend, I taught a short sunday school lesson AND youth group deally on sunday. Is there a difference between wingin' it and following the HS?

Today is also Alana's last day in Washington, EVER. Well, maybe not. She leaves for NY zafstra. It's been an amazing summer... and I still get to look forward to actually living in the same city as her. How cool is that?

We head for the big K-ganda on the 22nd. Holy crap that's close. Life has felt something like a sprint these last few days... I just can't seem to get caught up on sleep.

NEWS!

2005-08-10T08:32:00.000+07:00

Visiting the Seattle area with Alana this last weekend was way fun. Saturday was all touristy stuff--Pike Place, the Needle, the Locks and whatever. We had an excellent dinner at Cutters followed by enjoying the view from Kerry Park. Sunday we did lunch in Freemont (Costas Opa)and then headed up to Whidbey Island in time to catch the sunset at Deception Pass after enjoying the lighthouse and beach at Ft. Casey. Washington rocks.

Nate English is in Leavenworth as well, which is big news to no one reading THIS thing.

Preparations are ramping up as the wedding aproaches this weekend. Today was a cleaning day--I don't imagine the cleaning will stop until the actual wedding consumes everyone's waking life. Today was a good day to just chill (after some serious dusting) and read... and finally get my newsletter updated and ready. The electronic version will be out tonight and the physical tomorrow (unless I'm going to see you at the wedding, then you'll get yours there).

I talked with the elder board at Light in the Valley yesterday. It was cool to see them in action--what with their minutes and agenda and prayer and everything. I gave them some refrence material and updated them on my plans. And, after answering a few questions, they decided to support me with actual money too! I expected some financial support, sure, but... they blew my mind. They've promised almost half of what I need for this next year! Praise the frickin' Lord!

One minor detail you all need to pray about, however. We still don't have Kazakh visas. Our passports are at the Uzbek embassy, but we're out of time to get both... so we'll have to do that in Kazakhstan. I am not looking forward to that.

Also, I think family is about to start showing up at our house.

2005-08-06T07:38:00.000+07:00

I've got a flight to Kazakhstan!

I hiked Colchuck today!

Seattle tonight!

Woo!

Oh, ESI training...

2005-07-30T03:48:00.000+07:00

How do I know I'm at ESI training again? The major blessing in my life is that I woke up and felt rested three days in a row now. I am very excited about many of the new teachers we have this year. Brian and Ryan are the only guys in the whole bunch, but they seem to be surviving allright. Ryan is quick to speak his mind and a total geek, and Brian is a deep thinker and has a beard, so I think we'll all get along fine in Karganda.

Hillary, Alana's teamate, is solid as well. Add the alum (Peg, Andrea, Myself, Noah and Jon) to the aforementioned, and you get TEAM KARGANDA. It's big. And we'll have two friends (Jamie and Faye) in Timertau, under an hour away.

Other teams are not coming together so well (Bishkek, Vologda)... but we'll see. It's something I encourage y'all to pray about--don't stop with me and my teamates.

A lot of us played mafia the other night. I was able to win as mafia once, which never hapens because I'm a terrible liar. Good for life, bad for lying games. Although... the townspeople did let me live one round after I admitted I was mafia. No wonder they all died.

I don't know why, but I feel like there's something blocking me from posting anything too personal here... I've had tons to think about over the last two weeks but I haven't been able to verbalize anything well lately. I did lead the men's session on temptation this morning (with all the morocco and CIS dudes) with Russ's help. The boys were remarkably open, which bodes well for their future time abroad. It's always weird talking to guys about and and stuff outside of relationship. I don't really know these guys and I'm supposed to prepare them for temptation overseas? There is no formula I can give them and everything else sounds like contrite know-it-allness. So I just told my story. You know, what happened to me and what lessons I learned along the way.

I finished Harry Potter #4 and Don Miller's "Searching for God Knows What" so I bought a book about a trapper in the Rockies (his journal from 1834) and Richard Foster's "Money, and Power". Also, this was a while ago, but I got four pretty sweet recods while I was in Seattle that have been awesome for me lately. Talib Kweli and Hank Williams have been ok, but Dylan and this Sufjan Stevens guy have been amazing. I've also had Poor Old Lu on the brain for a while now.

Yablaka

2005-07-22T03:00:00.000+07:00

Ryan's wedding rocked. Way fun. I got an Uzbek flag and some CDs for my trouble as best man.

Training is more tiring than I was choosing to remember. At least the alumni meetings are fun because Deb lets us drink beer. I got to fulfill one of my ESI dreams and be in the "Braveheart" skit yesterday. Nothing like putting on a wool skirt on a hot day and paiting yourself up to work up a sweat. And yes, I have a perrrfect Sottish accent. Gavin and Roddy would've been proud of the dip and kiss I landed on Wallace. Weird that I'd kiss a guy dressed in plaid before my friend... hmm. Tomorow I get to play "Ivan Ivanovitch". Woo!

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Training

2005-07-15T16:16:00.000+07:00

Tomorrow is Ryan's wedding reharsal. Saturday is the wedding. Then, I'll be in Seattle (not sure exactly where yet but...) until my flight leaves early monday. If everything goes to plan, I'll arrive in Burbank well before lunch and have a great two weeks helping train new teachers for ESI and hanging' with friends. 1.800.Blue.Van. Hoo-rah.

Thanks to all of you who sent your best wishes for my birthday.

I'll be back in Warshington on the 30th of July.

Pray for:

ESI's new teachers
Kygystan's new President
Alana and I
IBS
Kazakhstan, Karganda and the new team

2005-07-13T04:09:00.000+07:00

I've been playing a lot of Halo 2 and reading a lot of Harry Potter lately. Lame, you say? Well it's all new to me. Over the last few years I've (re)discovered that I really like stories. I've reread many books that I remember enjoying as a child. They're mostly adventure stories like Treasure Island, Chronicles of Narnia, The Hobbit (et al), 1001 Arabian Nights and so on. Since I didn't get into stuff like Tin-tin or Harry Potter until later, I can't really say I'm rediscovering them... but they're cool all the same. My friend Ben told me once there was going to be a live-action Tin-tin movie. Maybe I missed it. I pray Disney doesn't screw Narnia up this winter. I have low expectations, but then again, I doubt it will be playing in Karganda.

It's a wonder to be reading non-fiction for fun again. After college... ug. I've had it up to here with "Christian Bookstores" for a while now too. I guess that's why I was so suprised with Don Miller's Blue Like Jazz. He was funny... AND insightful.

The bummer is most authors today only have one idea. It might be a big idea that needs explaining from all angles, but it is still just one idea. Eldrige's stuff could be condensed into one normal sized book. Brennon Manning too. CS Lewis, on the other hand, wrote in a different genre every time. Sci-fi, fantasy, philosophy, apologetics, theology, autobiography... it's all there.

This is all to say I'm really looking forward to hanging out with the new (and old) teachers at training next week where I'll have to put down the freakin' books, talk to people and possibly have a chance to re-enact this picture:
Plus Alana and I will get to hang out a bunch. Pasadena style.

...and the livin' is easy

2005-07-09T23:57:00.000+07:00

It's hard to express how much I love summer in L-town. I suppose it's a lot like summer anywhere else, but I'm particularly enjoying this one for some reason. Maybe it's because I haven't spent much time downtown with the tourists. Or maybe it's because I don't have a "job" and can read Harry Potter books all day.

Thursday was a 12 inning softball game. Sunday afternoons are all about fishing. The hiking and swimming possibilities are endless. Last night's presentation went well. The Mariners have even managed to put up 10 runs in each of their last two games. So life is good.

The only thing that could make it better, of course, is if Alana were here. But I'll see her again in a little over a week so it's not so bad. Speaking of which... for all of you interested, Alana's Washington Tour begins July 30th and will include stops in Seattle, Soap Lake and Leavenworth.

First, however, I have to get to Ryan's wedding up in Ferndale. I think it'd be bad form for the best man not to show up. So I'm doing what I can biz mashina.

I had forgotten my birthday was approaching until my mom asked me what I wanted.
It took me a long time to answer. I'm still not sure.

Nathan's current most meaningful authors list: Brenon Manning, Don Miller, CS Lewis, Eldrige and Tolkien.

File Under: who knew?

Freedom Under Pressure

2005-07-06T00:15:00.000+07:00

Check this story out--an eyewitness account from the mid-May Andijon mess.

Up, Down and All Around

2005-07-05T23:32:00.000+07:00

Just as I was getting used to the idea of going to Kazakhstan (even starting to look forward to it)... I get news that the embassy in Uzbekistan is recalling nonessential personel. Nevermind I thought they were overeacting in the first place. Nevermind the reasoning behind sending or not sending teachers (they're Ms to, you know) is COMPLETELY DIFFERENT than the reasoning behind sending or not sending embassy staff. You think Uzbekistan needs Heysoos more or less urgently right now? Arg.

It just so happens that during the crucial month where ESI needed to make a decision about Uzbekistan, our state department was freaking out. God's plan? I hope so.

Still, it's official. ESI is not sending anyone to Uzbekistan for the next school year. The good news is Jon and Alana and I will most likely all be together in K-stan. Hot dang!

Also, Ryan Franklin pitched a complete game shutout. Freaky.

Seeds of the Church

2005-07-02T04:20:00.000+07:00

Holy shit people.

Kazakhstan

2005-06-29T21:28:00.000+07:00

It looks like ESI will NOT be sending any teachers to Uzbekistan this fall... which seriously sucks. However, Kazakhstan, U-stan's neighbor to the north, is very likely my (and Alana's) assignment for the coming school year. Jon will probably come too.

Fenway

2005-06-28T18:35:00.000+07:00

Boston is a rad city. Not rad like Budapest, but still pretty rad. Alana took me to dinner in the north end (Italian) the other night. Saw a game in Fenway... which was smaller than I expected. As cool as an experience like that was--to watch a game where so much history had happened and so many great players had played... it did make me appreciate the Safe even more. Although Fenway doesn't have those annoying gimmicky cheering prompts over the loudspeakers and/or on the centerfield scoreboard. No one tells you how to cheer. That's cool. However, I will, under no circumstances, pay $6 for tepid Bud Light. And there are no garlic fries.

Other sights of note:
Freedom Trail
Boston Common (complete with lesbian swans in the pond)
Hancock and Prudential towers
Park Street Church (some famous butts have been on those pews: Sam Adams, Paul Revere, etc.)
a pond near Plymouth
and the very cold Atlantic ocean. Cold like if you went in Lake Wenatchee two weeks ago.

New York

2005-06-24T19:31:00.000+07:00

I've been in upstate New York since the 15th of June. That's over a week. I like it here. Mostly becasue there's this girl named Alana who lives here and lets me be her boyfriend. Wednesday she and I went to Niagra falls AND had dinner with Travis (+ Amber). Sure we spent more time in the car than anywhere else that day, but it was worth it.

Cooperstown? Been there.

Crazy Native American names? Got 'em. (and you though Sequim was hard to pronounce)

We're headed to Boston this weekend.

Also, if you want to see pictures, ask questions and hear about my time in Uzbekistan, July 8th is the day for you. Right now it's planned for 6:30 (Friday) at the PUD. Email this adress nacheson@spu.edu for details.

Milk and Honey

2005-06-11T21:41:00.000+07:00

I'm home. Whatever that means. I'm in Leavenworth, in a house I spent a lot of time growing up in, of that helps. It's weird being back in the states, people. Everything seems to have gotten bigger while I was away (except my parents, who are smaller). Cars and highways. People. Prices. Roscoe, our cat. The home DVD collection.

The reason I'm posting now, with no real news, is that I need your prayer big time right now. Not only am I starting to rasie support for next year (get ready for that email!) but the situation in Uzbekistan seems to be deteriorating. The US Embassy (as noted before) has pulled out all non-essential staff. The Peace Corps have been denied visas when they went in for renewals. Part of this is an ongoing political spat between the USA and Uz governments, part of this is because of new intelligence (I'm told).

So, pray. ESI is debating wether they should send teachers or not this fall. If we do, only alumni would be allowed, which would complicate the teamate situation in Tashkent. ESI may not send anyone to Uzbekistan next year, in which case I might end up going to Kazakhstan or something.

Personally, I think I need to go back to Uzbekistan now more than ever. But it is hard and scary to think too long on.

It's in the LORD's hands.

Uz-update

2005-06-03T14:33:00.000+07:00

So here I am in the beautiful and neatly ordered Netherlands watching the situation in Uzbekistan deteriorate. The US embassy is pulling out non-essential personel and encouraging ex-pats to leave "while they can". Add rumors that Chechen terrorists were involved in the May 13th mess and... yeah. I pray my visa stuff goes well this summer.

Keep praying for Uzbekistan--its leaders and the church there.

In other news, Russ and I have very much enjoyed our time in London and now the Hauge. We met up with Kerri for a fun-filled romp through London, uh, Sunday, I think.

Monday was spent on a bus, boat and train on our way to Holland. Tuesday was art day with Charlie--we took in the MC Escher museum and another with a ton of Vermeers (Girl With a Pearl Earing, etc.). Russ and I wandered Amsterdam on wednesday, rather sucessfully avoiding the sex and drugs. We did take the Hieneken tour, watch some gus play chess on a giant board in some park and paddle a little boat around on the canals, however. Yesterday we hung out with Lisa and saw the old (13th century) and new (15th entury?) churches. Today? Maybe a bike ride and some uitsmeiters.

Ozodlik

2005-05-29T15:45:00.000+07:00

Woo! I am in the land of the free... where I am free to pay $2 an hour for internet service and the freakin' Comfort Inn is $150 a night. And I can finally acess things like my blogger account... lucky for you. The Uz-government has seriously clamped down on the internet, so I could not view or log into xanga or here. Many foreign news sites are blocked. Even so, news is slowly trickling out about the events of May 13 in Andijon.

Thank you for your prayers during the last weeks of violence and tension in Uzbekistan. It already feels like last year. However, the US has just issued another terror warning for its citizens in country, and no one knows what will happen next. Uzbekistan needs your prayers--I keep thinking back to my students and all the different friends I made in Uzbekistan... politics, economy... it doesn't really matter. We all know where real change comes from.

I love Uzbekistan, but she is not free. Not free to worship, not free to speak, not free to assemble or anything like that. Even so, I've been consitently convicted to pray for my enemies. It's really hard... I pray for justice to be done too... for God to break the teeth of the wicked, like David in Psalm 58 I think.

It's also hard to be in an English speaking country again. I'm fighting the urge to order in russian or uzbek for lunch. I can understand conversations around me. I can understand the TV and radio and billboards and roadsigns and everything! I'm a freakin' genius!

Russ and I'll be hooking up with none other than the infamous Kerri Fisher this afternoon--look out London!

Baseball and Poker

2005-05-11T13:49:00.000+07:00

Speel check is for wimps.

Despite the fact that I've never played poker for real in my life, I taught it in class today. We used candy to bet with and generally had a good time. I highly reccomend it for anyone looking for a way to teach American culture, hook kids on gambling and get them really wound up with sugar.
But wait there's more!
The second lesson today was basball idioms. And holy crap there are a lot of them. Over an hour of straight lecture's worth. Once I started I couldn't stop. I gave up on the stupid 80-20 rule a long time ago. Students don't need to speak to learn, do they? They've got the whole rest of the day to speak! Anyway, I was tired after that and let them go pretty darn early for lunch. And now I'm here, writing this post instead of grading some stuff I need to grade. What am I, lazy?
Yes.

Anyway, I just realized I have three days of class + one final + one day to give certificates. I don't think I'm going to have time to teach through the major themes of Western Civilization via the LOTR series (including the Hobbit and Silmarillion).

Heroes + Boon = Booyah.

C'mon Sonics. 2-0 doesn't bode well. My fearless predction? Not very feraless: four game sweep by the Spurs OR a Sonics win in seven. Looks like broom time. Could someone return the real Rashard to us? Jeez.

Russ's Victory Day post is awesome. Give him much props.

Weekend Action

2005-05-10T12:29:00.000+07:00

Over the course of the weekend I was able to celebrate Mother's Day (hi mom!) AND Victory in Europe Day. VE Day is remembered more like Victory of the Triumphant Motherland over the Fascist German Pigs Day here, but... whatever. Not all 25 million of those casualties were the German's fault, mother Russia. Actually, VE day used to be a bigger deal than is here--parades and everything. Russia threw a big party, I hear. But I guess Karimov kinda skrimps on vetrans pensions (there are no pensions) and benefits, unlike everyone's favortie politicion, V. Putin. He would win, if he ran for president of Uzbekistan, I think.

The weather this weekend was nice--rainy and cloudy and therefore not 90 degrees. May is too early for 90 degrees. But it is not too early for me to buy a kilo of strawberries for $.30! Booyah! One advantage of living in a developing country--cheap produce!

It's souvenier shopping time too. I'm working on getting a little something for everyone--especially you guys who are getting married this summer. Don't worry mom, I've got your mom's day AND birthday covered. Or at least I will by the time I see you again.

I have two weeks of classes left!
Holy crap!
This buzzard is eating my head!

Shanghai Noon is funnier than I remember. Especially all the references to 'Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid' that I missed the first few times.

Oh yeah, for all of you interested in my summer itenerary here it is:

June 10th: Arrive in Seattle
June 15th: Go to NY
June 29th: Go back to WA
July 16th: Best Man it at Ryan's wedding
Right after that: ESI training in CA
Begining of August: Back to WA
Aug. 13th: Jacob's wedding
End of August: Return to Tashkent

Russian vs. Uzbek hospitality

2005-05-05T11:17:00.000+07:00

A Russian host may toast multiple times during a meal, so I always down some bread right away to absorb the shock of the vodka.
A Russian host is more likely to serve you at a table--a tabel high enough to sit at with chairs.
A Russian host will also invite you to eat beyond your capacity, but since I don't understand Russian as well, I can ignore it better.

An Uzbek host obligated to encourage you to eat. This includes the imperitive, "Oling!" or the invitation, "Marhamat!" being heard two to three zillion times per meal. The more frequent a visitor to the table you're eating from, the less you are told what to do and the easier it is to bend the rules.
An Uzbek host's spread may or may not be actually intended to be eaten--some of it is decoration.
An Uzbek host may comment on your chubbyness as he dishes you up another portion of the fat-based main course.

Both will load the table until it is bowed with the wieght of food and drink and it is no longer possible to find your personal plate or glass.
Hot tea will be copious, no matter the season or weather.
Homemade alcohol is common to both tables--usually some sort of fruity wine, sometimes mixed with gazli water.
Both will load the table until it is bowed with the wieght of food and drink and it is no longer possible to find your personal plate or glass.

A Russian host probably won't serve you osh.
An Uzbek Host probably won't serve you stroganov.
They may both serve you Korean salads, however.

Either way it's exhausting (in a fun way, sometimes) for an introvert like me who usually wants to fall asleep before the main course ever arrives...
The clear winners are the Koreans.

Uh... yeah

2005-05-04T15:02:00.000+07:00

I didn't mean to insinuate I'm the sole reason Xanga got shut down in Uzbekistan. I estimate at least 50 regular posters were active in the country--and I'm sure some of them were political. Collegues tell me this happens from time to time, no big deal.

What is a big deal, you ask? Well Jon bought a fan yesterday, that's one. For two, third course grabbed the projector before I could totally screwing my plans for showing 'Office Space' in class today.

It's official, CMBC has split. Suck. Wierd too, since it sounds like the entrie board of elders, the pastor, the secretary (my mom), etc. left also. I don't know who that leaves, but it's enough to keep the statement of faith hyper-dispensational, I guess. Yay for them. I've been asked to help name the new church... here are my suggestions in no particular order:

- Church of Grace but Not Really, We're Actually Pretty Legalistic (CoGBNRWAPL, for short)
- Icicle River Community Church (Wenatchee River, Eagle Creek, Chumstick?)
- Wedge Mountain Community Church (Icicle Ridge, Mountain Home?)
- Church of Rock
- Nate's Church of Funk
- Leavenworth Community Church (boring, but accurate... also probably taken)
- Church of Quitters
- Scum of the Earth Church
- Ship of Fools
- We Love Jesus (more than you) Club
- Cascade Mountain Bible Church Milleneum Edition

Mostly, I don't like names that are in two parts (The Gathering - a community church) becasue it seems much too trendy (and therefore not Leavenworth). I do think the name should have something do do with the local area. Cascade Mountain Bible Church is still pretty much the best name for a church I've ever seen.

... I apologize for the fruity look of the site. It's a little more than I want to deal with right now.

Uzbek Government Conspiracy

2005-05-03T13:45:00.000+07:00

I can't get to my origianl Xanga site anymore. Nothing Xanga related works from Uzbekistan anymore.

My current theroy: I've been censored! Woo!

Not only is it kind of exciting, making me feel like a bad-ass in a geeky journalistic sort of way, but it also feeds my ego, making me think there was something actually of worth on my site. This is total crap, of course. Sure it has happend before and is totaly doable from the government's perspective, but... uh... I'm sure there's a perfectly reasonable explanation for it all. Not sure how they're going to justify it though--usually they use terrorism and relegious extremeism to justify taking people's rights. People are used to it here. I'm not.

Forum18 has good info on relegious freedom in Uzbekistan (and around the world). Peace.