Wow. A week has passed and holy crap… where did it go?
It started with almost not catching a train from Karaganda to Almaty… which I am super thankful for now because it opened up an entirely new relationship with one of my teachers that may not have happened otherwise… more on that later.
So, this past week was counterpart conference! We also got our visas extended!! Yerkin, in the Peace Corps office, is the MAN! It only took him four days. Every day I was in the office saying, “Good Morning Yerkin! How’s it going??” And he would tell me a Kazakhstani proverb and then say, “Save your worries for later.” LOVE him. 
Also, in Almaty at the same time were the COSing 20s. Really didn’t think I’d miss those guys that much, until I was sitting there… having tea… talking about how far we’d come and how much we shared and truth is… I will.
Counterpart Conference was an absolute blast! I got to meet the new EDU volunteers and I got to see the ones that came through Karaganda for their field trips!! I missed them!!!
I shared a room with my local teacher and Nick’s Counterpart. My counterpart was unable to make it because she is like a Vice Principal and she had to stay at school. However, we had an AWESOME time. I was afraid at first, but then after sharing a bed with your new local teacher… everything just gets better from there. 
After the conference started that is when the true fun began. I was able to see all the counterparts I’d met in the past and it just felt comfortable. Everything felt totally normal. I out chai-ed most of the counterparts (meaning I drank more chai (tea) than they did at almost every meal). It was awesome. I also had tea with a lot of counterparts later in the evening and it just felt right.
My session went super well. Of course I did things that I loved talking about so I was able to pass my energy along to the audience and even though the trainees and counterparts were tired, they humored me, most of the time.
I met one volunteer from VIRGINIA BEACH!!! Her little sister actually GOES to the elementary school that Nick went to… crazy right?? We are about 3 years apart. I was also able to meet all the EDU volunteers going to Karaganda and I am absolutely in love with them! They are very sweet, positive and seem energetic!!
After a slight train fiasco and my first time having to bribe to be let ON the train, I’m back in Karaganda and gearing up for two more weeks at site before the big vacation back to America. Nick and I will be diligently searching for souvenirs and trying to get everything in order before leaving for a month and half! We’d love to see YOU so make sure you hook up with us while we’re home!
Love,
Corinne (& Nick)
