Kazakhstan

We have lived in Kazakhstan for almost 3 years now! I can say without a doubt that I have absolutely fallen in love with Asia and the Kazakh culture. I have the privilege to get to know and love Kazakh, Russian, Uguar, Tatar, Uzbek, and Korean people here in Kazakhstan. Living here has opened my eyes to beautiful cultures I knew little about before. I feel it is a privilege and honor to be here and have this wonderful opportunity to live in Asia. The people of Kazakhstan are hard-working, sincere, loving, fun, and devoted friends. The community here is strong. People look out for each other. They take care of their families and friends and strangers. I have had SO many strangers help me in these first years as living as an immigrant. There have been times when we have been lost, confused, out of money, cold, embarrassed, tired... and strangers have noticed and jumped in to help. Strangers have also taken care of my kids. One time Katie ran ahead of me and took an incredible fall. I was far behind her but saw what happened and started towards her. A grandma took Katie up into her lap and cared for and cuddled her. As I approached she shooed me away... as if to say "It's ok, I've got this." Another time we were wheeling our wagon home from the store. It was full to the brim and we stopped at the bottom of our staircase which was four long flights up to our apartment. The kids and I were tired and we stood there for a second, gearing up to start up the stairs with the grocry bags. At that very moment, a large Kazakh man appeared from outside of our entrance. He didn't say a word but scooped up the ENTIRE wagon and as if it weighed nothing, and jaunted up 4 flights of stairs to our door. The kids and I were absolutely speechless. Who was he? Where did he come from and how did he know we were exasperated?? We still talk about him 2 years later and call him our Kazakh Angel. I have been changed by this culture and these people. I will never be the same. In my heart, there is now a huge admiration and love for Asia and for Kazakhstan and its people.
 "We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers, 3 remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ."   - 1 Thessalonians 1:2-3