May 12, 1998 Dear Mom, I must have started this letter a million times, and a million more in my head. I've fallen a bit behind in writing, but I've managed to make myself so busy these days that I just fall into bed between teaching, basketball, running, and daily surprise activities, I'm pooped. However, it's four days later, and I really began before I stopped. Gulzhan(?) from Hurricane Oil's Almaty office is here and that has resulted in a flurry of activity for me. The dates of the environmental English camp have changed from the first two weeks in June to the last part of June and the first part of July. By that time I will be in Almaty/Kapchagai w/Richard, preparing for Turkey and so on. And I'll be pretty burned out on teaching and camps, since I will have already worked Joe and Meredith's camp in the mountains. I'm looking forward to focusing on something more than teaching for a time. Richard has already left for the summer, a week ago today. At first it was hard to be alone here, but I'm adjusting fairly easily. I'm not happy about the situation, but I'll obviously make the best of it. Not much point in prolonged moping, is there? Paul & Dixie are highly entertaining folk, providing me with hours of laughter and happiness. I feel with them a bond like family, and a great comfort. Dixie and Salaudy(?) decided that if Richard and I have kids, boy or girl, the first one will be named Kaplan Simon Bailey. The Kaplan is for Paul, the Simon is Dixie's last name. Of course, that's a long way off yet, Granny, so don't get too excited. But we do entertain each other well. Last night we all three stayed at Dixie's and after I came back from my run this morning, we had an excellent breakfast of French toast, coffee & juice. Then Paul and I headed off for the RC at 10am to get some work done for our classes. I snuck home for the few hours before the Teacher's Association meeting to bathe, play with Guby and hopefully finish this letter. Teaching is winding down, thank heavens. I've really come to enjoy it, but I'm also ready for a break. This upcoming week is my last for the year, and I'm pretty excited. I'm sad about leaving my 11th formers, er, rather them leaving me via graduation. They're such great kids, really blossoming in their language and minds. I hope to keep in touch with a majority of them after they graduate. My favorites are all heading off to University, with few exceptions. I'm not as close to some of my other classes, but I've bonded in different ways with each one. My 8th form classes are great, and next year they are really going to be able to run with their language. I've already got lots of ideas for them. I'm really proud of all my kids. They've all worked fairly hard, and one has made incredible progress with his English. That's what makes me the happiest. One girl in my 8A class, who has really caught on not only to the language but also to the concepts I've been trying to get across. Some very sad news from this part of the world is that one of our Peace Corps staff members died two days ago. There had been a very serious car accident in Krygzstan involving a Peace Corps vehicle. The roads were icy and so on, and they ended up rolling. Angelina, and Altinai were the passengers and both suffered spinal injuries. Abdel, the driver, was physically fine, but mentally distraught now. Altinai, the Env. APCD, was able to come back to Almaty after about two weeks. Angelina, one of the TEFL APCD's was more seriously injured and it was thought initially she wouldn't pull through. However, she did but could not be moved due to the severity of her injuries. Her legs were also paralyzed. As she recovered, she was finally moved to a hospital in Almaty to receive further treatment, and be nearer to her family who live in Kapchagai. She was beginning to retain some feeling in her legs and underwent another surgery two days ago for her spine. Apparently, there were complications - the surgeons may have stayed in too long and she died. It's so very sad on many counts. Not only our APCD, but she was our friend and great help. She certainly offered me much of the advice and support I've needed this past year. She was the sole provider for her family and leaves behind three children, ranging in age from 8 to 20 years old, and a husband. She had no insurance, either. It had been offered, but most local people declined to accept it or buy it. So now there are huge bills left to be paid somehow or another. It's really devastating blow all around. She will be greatly missed. There's always a certain guilt and some fear that go along with something like this. I feel guilt for still being alive, young, and healthy. And afraid at the same time because it can end all so quickly. And so, on that somewhat blue note, I'm going to end this letter. I've had my bath, am finishing my cup of coffee, and am about to head off to the teacher's association meeting. I hope this finds you well and happy. Mom, I love you loads and miss you. Love, Joan