Sorry this has been a bit lapsed, but I had to wait for my computer to be fixed before I could post it. Anyways, here’s my last post written in Turkmenistan…
Wow what a week/month it’s been. As of about 30 mins ago I officially completed my Peace Corps Service in Turkmenistan. Now some of you who might have been following my blogs for a while may be asking yourselves “Wait a minute, Abby! I thought you were extending for another year in Turkmenistan?” To give you the short version of a very long and sad story, I was intending on extending and probably still would if they asked me to, Peace Corps endorsed the extension, but unfortunately my visa extension was denied so I had to what we PCVs call “COS” (close of service). If you see me and want the long story I’ll gladly tell it, but this isn’t the time and place for it. I am leaving on a happy and good note.
The month was a month of goodbyes. Goodbyes with my American friends, my Turkmen friends, counterparts, students, family, and Peace Corps Staff. I took the time to visit all of my close friends one last time and we reflected on our friendship together, it was sad, but good at the same time. My school threw a huge party for me complete with all of my favorite Turkmen food, a beautiful Turkmen Yangsyz (a coat) and dress, my favorite students and teachers. I gave one final demonstrative lesson for all of the teachers in my district and my favorite class put on a wonderful play complete with poems, Santa Claus, and a joyous round of “Jingle Bells” and “We Wish you a Merry Christmas.” I was so proud of their progress over the past two years. Despite what the Russian Teacher thinks, we defied her and played one last round of Hangman. We took traditional pictures with a Turkmen carpet, the flag, and a picture of the President. Everyone wished me safe travels and was so thankful for my service to their country, I could truly feel their appreciation. I had my last meal with my host mom and sister, Merjen and we cried as we embraced for the last time. They had truly become my family. Then on my last day in my village as I was leaving with all of my worldly possessions something happened for the first time in my service. Every day for the past two years my students would yell in English “Hello Abby Teacher!” but on this day all I heard was “Goodbye Abby Teacher, Thank You!” I’ll never forget these people, they left an impression on my heart and I on theirs.
I can’t really describe the work that I’ve done here and how it all has changed me, but I know that it has. I feel as though I’ve learned to embrace a different culture and accept a different way of life. I have learned to be more tolerant and patient. I’ve grown spiritually and find myself being open to other ways of worship simple conversations with others, appreciating nature, and simply slowing down your life to stop and think about just what God is doing in the moment. I’ve also learned a lot about simplicity, Turkmen people live very simply… not a lot of stuff. There is a saying in Turkmen that says “If I have bread then I am blessed” (or something along those lines). That’s an amazing mentality to have. I’ve learned so much here and I feel as though I now have two motherlands, the USA and Turkmenistan.
Thank you for those of you who have followed me in this part of my journey. I hope to continue to update as I re-integrate. Until then all I can say is “Sog Bol Turkmenistan, menin ikinji watanym!”
It’s been great to follow your journey. Thank you for sharing it with us!