We are about to set out on a 27month journey working as Peace Corps volunteers in Turkmenistan! During our first three months in Turkmenistan we will be doing intensive language study, after that time the Peace Corps will decide exactly what area of the country we will be placed. Joshua and I will both be working in the field of public health, but our exact assignments will be identified during our three months of language training. As part of my Masters in Public Health program at the University of Washington, I will also be conducting research during our volunteer service.
You are likely wondering... "what-a-stan? Where is that?!" Such an astonished inquiry is not uncommon when we announce where we are moving:^) (we had to find the country on a map too). Here are a few facts about our soon-to-be host country:
The former Soviet Union was once home to almost 60 million Muslims. Most of that population now lives in the former Soviet Union's five Asian republics-- Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan-- which are the most isolated and least known of the 12 countries that make up the loose federation known as the Commonwealth of Independent States. Turkmenistan formally declared its independence from the Soviet Union and joined the CIS in 1991. Turkmenistan is dry with a desert terrain. Winters can be snowy and cold with bitter winds, summer temperatures can reach as high as 130 degrees Fahrenheit (HOLY SMOKES, FOLKS!).
There are approximately 5 million people living Turkmenistan and it is roughly the size of California (California has a population of 36 million!). The largest ethnic group is the Turkmen. The three main minority groups are Russians, Uzbeks, and Kazakhs. Turkmen are extremely friendly and warm and volunteers enjoy both the Turkmen and Russian hospitality.
Joshua and I have taken much time off of work in the past month to visit family and friends before our final farewell in just a few days! Our time with family has been wonderful. We will miss everyone dearly. We are very excited about how God will use us in Turkmenistan!
You are likely wondering... "what-a-stan? Where is that?!" Such an astonished inquiry is not uncommon when we announce where we are moving:^) (we had to find the country on a map too). Here are a few facts about our soon-to-be host country:
The former Soviet Union was once home to almost 60 million Muslims. Most of that population now lives in the former Soviet Union's five Asian republics-- Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan-- which are the most isolated and least known of the 12 countries that make up the loose federation known as the Commonwealth of Independent States. Turkmenistan formally declared its independence from the Soviet Union and joined the CIS in 1991. Turkmenistan is dry with a desert terrain. Winters can be snowy and cold with bitter winds, summer temperatures can reach as high as 130 degrees Fahrenheit (HOLY SMOKES, FOLKS!).
There are approximately 5 million people living Turkmenistan and it is roughly the size of California (California has a population of 36 million!). The largest ethnic group is the Turkmen. The three main minority groups are Russians, Uzbeks, and Kazakhs. Turkmen are extremely friendly and warm and volunteers enjoy both the Turkmen and Russian hospitality.Joshua and I have taken much time off of work in the past month to visit family and friends before our final farewell in just a few days! Our time with family has been wonderful. We will miss everyone dearly. We are very excited about how God will use us in Turkmenistan!
5 comments:
This is great! We'll definitely keep track of you guys now. Still not sure how the kids are going to handle Uncle Josh and "Girl Josh" being away for two years. :)
We love you both and are excited for this life changing experience you will soon have together.
This blog is such a good idea, don't forget to post pics, you know mom is a "visual" learner.
WE are all so excited for you. I am already looking forward to my first visit to Central Asia next summer!
you are both nerds.
"yes we can"
"what-a-stan"
I love it.
We are excited to see you guys this weekend! Hope you had a good trip to Colorado! Love ya, Rachel
Post a Comment