A Tribute

Before we write a real blog post about our adventures this weekend at a jailoo (high country pasture), let me first, in true Kyrgyz style, raise a shot of vodka and toast my mother.

Here's to you, amazing mother of mine, for

• Cheerfully going with the flow, even when we had no idea where the current would take us
  
• Eating strange and unusual things (like sheep's lung filled with milk and your favorite drink made out of fermented mare's milk, kumis) without a word of complaint

• Using the outhouse with a half door, two rickety old boards and a squatty potty inside
• Becoming good friends with our dear friend and co-worker Chynara

• Taking your shoes on and off numerous times
• Getting on and off the floor to eat around the short floor tables
• Eating food when you weren't hungry!
• Squashing into a full car without a word

•  Traversing "adventurous" terrain by car with no sign of fear (although I suspect some lurked deep inside!)

• Doing your best to speak the language

• Dealing with no running water quite well

• Playing with the children at the yurt
• Sleeping in the yurt with 8 other people :)

• Cuddling and holding sleeping Daniel for that hour and a half in the crowded, warm car 
• Being way out of your comfort zone for so long!
• And most of all, for laughing, smiling and eagerly learning about everything!
  
  

You are the best!  Cheers to you!