Just a few of the remarkable faces of Kazakhstan! From the teenaged boys of Kostanai to the knitting ladies at the outdoor market to my favorite pashmina vendor... each face has had a story to tell and each person, a laugh or a smile to share.
In the singularity of my purpose here, I am more keenly aware of my own vulnerablility and those random acts of humanity that guide me, like an undercurrent, along my way. There is a gentle nudge at the post office, steering me toward the right pick-up counter, or a quick hand on my shoulder, restraing me from stepping into the on-coming traffic or a middleaged saleswoman in slippers running out of her shop, into the drenching rain to hand me a forgotten package of camera batteries. I am not alone here but instead, surrounded by a sea of kindness, waiting to happen. But these euphoric moments of human connectedness, moments of pure joy, cannot happen unless I experience and reveal my own helplessness. Humility and Grace.
These past few days at the Medeo Hotel have reminded me of the stories I've read about living in New Yok City in the ethnocentric neighborhoods of the early 1900's. There is the anticipated arrival of English speaking emigrants bringing news of the motherland, stories of political and social upheaval and signs of the changing times, evidenced by the more fashionable and freshly creased attire. And each departure is cause for celebration while eliciting mixed feelings of accomplishment, relief, melancholy and trepidation. I deeply miss Bruce on this leg of our journey together. I miss Jenny, Chris and Ryan who welcomed us to Kostanai and embellished our experience. We crossed paths with Bret and Laura and this week Laura returned, briefly, to take her daughter, Paulina, home. Marcy and Peter arrived mid-March and Peter returned stateside shortly before Bruce went home. Marcy and I have gotten closer and together we welcomed Darryl, Loretta and Margie and are showing THEM the ropes! In and through this experience, we have shared our dreams, fears, hopes and heartaches and rely on one another for support and validation. Holding tight and letting go. Comings and goings. Humility and Grace. Life demands much, but the rewards are innumerable!
On a closing note, Julia and I had a delightful morning and Oleysa and I agree that she is breathing easier and her energy is improving. She can now stand up with both feet planted firmly on the ground and she crawls with her elbows the full length of the couch. This little girl thrives on social interaction and is happiest when surrounded by other people talking! She babbles mostly when we are alone and blows rasberries until I'm coverred in spittle! I will be home before Mother's Day but each day is my gift!
1 comment:
Dear Ones, Strangers, foreigners, lifetime friends growing out of shared experiences are the things that novels are made of. We are so pleased to hear of your expanded circle and dreams realized. More relieved that Julia is feeling and sounding better. More important, is that Mother and daughter will be home before Mother's Day. We think we have all learned so much about each other and ourselves through this shared "Bliss"....Love to you from the Home Team...T&D
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