The Holidays Are Over

Recently a fellow Volunteer, Linda Gies, traveled from Ganja to Neftjala through Salyan and back through Shirvan. She was supporting another Volunteer's work in Neftjala. The pictures are from Linda Gies.

Linda G's first stop was in Salyan where she visited with Leslie and observed her work in Salyan. The first picture is of Leslie's counterpart conducting an upper level class. That is typical dress during the winter months. The school uniforms are mandatory again after the Spring Equinox. Now, it is warmth that is important.

The lower level class is to illustrate the universal joy and beauty of children all over the world. No matter where kids are kids.

Linda G traveled with Peace Corps staff from Salyan to Neftjala. Before leaving Salyan they wanted to eat lunch at a restaurant. The driver inquired where they might purchase a meal since not all places are open to women. Amazing as it may seem to us, the driver was told no where in Salyan, but at the restaurants between towns a meal could be purchased.

They stopped and to make a rest stop and eat, and Linda G caught a great picture of this restroom - Kishi is Azerbaijan for "Men's". That's right - men's and men's. The women's was in another location and available, but the picutre is very funny.

In Neftjala a volunteer Jordyn has a drama club. They performed their second play of the year, the Wizard of Oz. Jordyn was creative in using sheets for background scenery. The sheets were painted by a parent. The play was presented three times to a full house every performance. These are some of the little successes that inspire us all.

The holidays are over, and we get back to the routines of our work. Then one evening Linda looked at our Christmas tree (New Year's tree) and knew we had to give it to someone who might appreciate it. The neighbors across the way have 3 small children. They are very bright and a joy to be around. Linda invited the mother over and through the translation program on the laptop (Dilmanc 2.5) communicated that she wanted them to have our tree, lights and decorations for next year. The mother had to ask her husband first, but later knocked at our door, and with the children by her side we took photos, and then presented our tree to them. Smiles abounded as I carried the tree from its old home to the new. Again, it is one of those special moments. I will post the picture next week.

To all our family and friends in the United States. We have been reading about the weather. You are constantly in our thoughts and prayers during the snow storms and exceedingly low temperatures. We started looking around and thinking maybe we should send packages to the United States with hand warmers, hats, and gloves. Stay warm, and Linda wants everyone to know she is following the Jayhawks from afar.

A post script: This week while we were in Baku traveling to the dentist my telephone was stolen from my pocket. I have filed an incident report with the Peace Corps and provided information. I will probably get another phone and number within the next few weeks. The police find the cell phones in about 60% of the reported cases.