Things here inTurkmenistanhave been rocky over the past few weeks, leaving the majority of Volunteers feeling drained and discouraged. Whether it has been problems with host families, struggling for cooperation at work or the constant battle in the outhouse, it seems we have seen better and more regular times.
Well, our new and fabulous Volunteer Leader, Lindsey Lowe, offered us some much needed advice. She said that we need to remind ourselves what we appreciate about Turkmenistan. In reflecting on this for a bit I came back to the realization that this whole experience is a rollercoaster and we – more specifically, I – am dropping down a hill right now which means that I will eventually start climbing up again…and yes, that means there will be more drops too. But the beauty of a rollercoaster is how it makes you feel in the end. Your hair is wrecked, you regret eating the corn dog and the funnel cake, the ill timed photo on the final turn shows the fear in your eyes but it was a wild ride that was inevitably worth it…even if it means a quick run to the restroom to settle that business with the funnel cake.
So, here goes. Top 10 reasons why I am straight in lurve withTurkmenistan:
10. Toýs! I am the toý queen and I cannot get enough of these Turkmen dance moves.
9. Topchans and tamdurs. Nothing better than enjoying some delicious gyzygyn chorek on a sweet topchan under the stars.
8. Guesting. I am a terrible guest but I am still blown away by the hospitality here.
7. Atabayev family. They were the first to makeTurkmenistanhome for me and I cherish them for that.
6. Süýtli chai. Well worth the inevitable stomach ache.
5. Begsoltan, Selbi, Leýli, Yazgeldi and Allanur. Some of my favorite students. Selbi is also a huge admirer of meninAmerikan oglan jigim – my brother. She cannot get enough of those photos.
4. Köýneks. Love. Altyn is the best tikinçi in the world. She handles my fitting meltdowns like a champ and always tells me that I look beautiful.
3. The talented group of Volunteers that I am lucky to be serving with.
2. Maya, Aýsoltan, Sapargeldi and Gülşat. They have shown me the ropes around Tagta and I am so grateful. They also feed me, so I really like them.
1. Dynçing mid day, aýlanmaking around town as the sun sets and tans oýnamaking at every opportunity.
