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Hello everyone, hope all is well back in the UK and that you are joining in with Halloween, Guy Fawkes night and preparations for christmas. Most importantly, for those who will be going to the Quiz night on the 11 November, good luck and don't forget to buy lots of raffle tickets to raise money for the project in Vahdat.
I have been very well since last writing on the blog. No recurring stomach bugs which makes a real difference. But since Ian left in mid September autumn has arrived in Tajikistan with avengance. Just like the UK the leaves change colour (even have conkers in the street), the days are shorter and we have gone from being overwhelmingly hot to not at all hot - in fact quite cold already. Only two weeks ago I went to work in my sandals, today I was in my walking boots to keep dry and warm. We have had three days of continuous rain and it feels just like wet winter weather in England.
When I go into work in the morning I can see snow creeping down the sides of the mountains that surround the city, so I hope that it will not be in the city before I get home early in December. Yesterday I went to buy an umbrella, an important piece of kit in this climate and something that I did not bring with me. Yes just over five weeks before I am home, which I am very much looking forward to. I have missed my family more than I ever thought possible and today is Oscar's 21 birthday - so it is particularly painful.
My time in Tajikistan continues to go well, I meet new people all the time and those I have got to know very well are fantastic people, who have shown me true generosity and kindness. More than anything the people will be my overriding memory of being here - I hope that I have been able to help in a way that makes a difference for the long term, time will tell. I have persisted with trying to learn Tajik, but not sure that my brain will absorb information quickly enough. I would love to be able to speak to the people I work with directly, but I remain grateful to the translators who have been my ears and my voice ever since i arrived. The first, Rahim, went back to finish his studies in Spain in September, since when Ruhkshona has been with me every day and is a joy to work with. At the age of 23 she has lived in the US for two years, speaks Tajik, Russian and English and continues to complete her language course at the Institute here in Duchanbe. She and her cousin, Mahina, are inspirational people, they work really hard and their language skills are impressive.
Two week ago we submitted a bid for funding a new project that would start next year. Caroline will be pleased to know that it is based on early identification of children with hearing impairments and those with communication difficulties, with a view to treatment, or rehabiliation for them and their families, to help everyone to cope more effectively. We will hear this week if the bid will go through to the next round. If it does there will be a lot to do by the 21 November, when the fuller proposal has to be submitted.
Out of work there have been new volunteers arriving in country, some working in Duchanbe and others in projects elsewhere. But three volunteers finish their placements by christmas, at which point there will be 11 of us in total. When i come back in january I will have about 10 more weeks before my placement finishes too, then back to the UK. I have some plans that I hope to work on, absolutely not going back to social care in the UK - done it to death and don't want to get involved again. This time in Tajikistan has been another watershed for me and I am past the point of sinking back into known territory.
Having a great time of experiencing Tajik life whenever possible. I have been to a wedding, a women's wedding party and a memorial service in the last two weeks. All very engaging as I try to make sense of how things happen. My Tajik dancing skills are limited, poor but taking part is good fun and enjoyable. I had a new dress made recently that I will bring home to wear at christmas, I just love it, completely over the top for the UK, but I think you will like it.!!
Next weekend is a bank holiday here, so I think we have Monday and Tuesday off work. Will let you know what we manage to do. Six months has been completely engaging, really enjoyable and an experience that I would not have wanted to miss. But it has also been quite tiring. Although I go out now and things feel familiar, I am constantly having to cope with new situations and constantly trying to deal with communication. Could not have had a better placement, I hope that some of the people from here will be able to visit us in the Uk, it would be good to keep in touch.
May see some of you when I get home but in the mean time do have a look at the most recent pictures, just to see what I have been up to . Love and best wishes to you all. Yvonne xxxxxxxxxxx
- comments
Ian Pinchen Nice to see the new blog Yvey. We're all looking forward to having you home for Christmas - but so pleased that it's been a good experience for you. XX
jan brewerton Great blog and photos Yvonne. Glad to hear that your health is better and that you are having such a good time. I bet the Pinchen boys are looking forward to having you home soon. Take care and much love xx
Ruth macmillan Hi Aunty, lovely to hear what you've been up to. Christmas is fast approaching, and I'm sure it will feel very surreal being back home in Cambridge after all those months away. It would be lovely to be able to get together over Christmas, but I don't know how practical that will be with people all over the place? Hope the next few weeks before you come home pass easily and safe journey home. x x x x
Vivienne Randall Yvonne, love reading your blog and seeing all the brilliant photos! The food always looks wonderful. What a surprise that it has snowed after all that heat. Hope to see you when you get back home if possible, till then contiinue to have a great time!
Helen Vidotto Dearest Yvonne, I have been very lax at keeping up with you - your blog and photos are always brilliant, what memories you will have. Gorgeous bracelet Ian! Christmas will definitely come early for you all this year - safe journey home,Yvonne, not long now. Hope we have a chance to speak while you're here. Much love Helen xxx
Frances Lovely to catch up again -so glad you're feeling better at last and are finding it all so worthwhile. Great photos and really interesting word pictures. I can imagine how excited you all are about your return, very soon now. Do hope to see you when you're here. Love, Frances