Ever been deported?
Trip Start
Jan 16, 2005
1
11
Trip End
Apr 17, 2007
Tashkent,
Uzbekistan
Saturday, May 28, 2005
(Disclaimer: All the opinions or statements in this email are solely my own and are not necessarily those of Peace Corps or the U.S. Government.)
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I'm sending you my last update from Uzbekistan. On Tuesday night of this week I received a phone call from our directors office in Tashkent that we have had no luck getting our visa's renewed (they expire June 1st). We were instructed to say our goodbye's, close up all of our business and gather all of our belongings and arrive in Tashkent by Friday afternoon. Well, if that wasn't enough I came down with strep throat and was running a high fever from about Wednesday till Friday. Needless to say I needed a lot of help in getting everything together. It was very difficult to leave site not being able to see any of the projects we've been working on come to fruition. Saying goodbye to everyone was excruciating because they are all very upset with the powers that be for allowing this to happen to us. Also, it was very difficult leaving volunteers behind that are from early groups, whose visa's have different expiration dates. They are so worried about their future here, as well. It's been a very sad and trying time to say the least.
When I arrived in Tashkent on Friday the PC medical officer took me directly to the International Clinic and I got my antibiotics and all the good stuff and am now feeling much better, physically that is. Emotionally, leaving the country is really sad and many of the volunteers are taking it very hard. We do have options thou for direct transfers to other countries, as an NGO volunteer I have the option of Azerbaijan, Moldova, Romania and as of today other options have been announced such as South Africa, Jamaica, and Armenia. I have my list of favorites and have already turned in my request list...with Romania at the top. When I was going thru the application process to join the peace corps, and researching different countries, Romania was a country that I was very interested in volunteering. I should be finding out within a few days, because either way we have to leave the country on June 1st . If I do get to go to Romania I will be going straight there and will be starting the training program on June 3rd with fresh-off-the-plane newbies from America! I am somewhat excited at having the opportunity to immerse myself in possibly 2 different cultures and learn another language as well. Not to say that I've learned Russian, because by all means I'm still a novice! But I plan to continue studying it either way. Anyway, I know my last update to you included that long wish list and I hope that none of you have sent anything yet...but hopefully you are all procrastinators like me and didn't jump right on it when you saw it ;) All letters will be forwarded back to my home address, however, any packages that have been sent they cannot forward and therefore, I've designated them to a very dear volunteer friend in Navoi, Michelle, who took me in under her wing when I arrived and will be very grateful for any goodies. Anyway, just wanted to let know the details, just in case you had already done something.
Okay, so I really think I am taking all of this considerably well, I mean, yes I'm a little stressed and yes, the thought of another 3 months of training is mindboggling, but I know it's worth it. I know that my heart has truly been touched by many people here in Uzbekistan and I have also affected the lives of many people here. There has been an exchange of cultures with lots of clarifications and zapping of myths...on both ends. I believe in the ideals of Peace Corps which is spreading peace and friendship...and I know that it works. The volunteers out here are dedicated and put a lot of work and effort into their communities and with over 100 volunteers being in country at any given time, a lot of good work is being done. The events that have led to us being evacuated should really not be discussed on a public blog. However, I hope that most of you follow the news well enough to know at least a little and understand that no, I am not in any physical danger. For those of you who don't have a clue what's going on, we'll sit down for coffee some day and I'll explain. I'm leaving a country whose government has blocked it's people from any news information at this time by TV or by internet, so since you do have this access I hope you at least pull up Google, put in two key words, "Uzbekistan, Andijon" and start reading.
I am sad to go, but excited at what work awaits me in a new country. It's still really hard to believe this is happening, but it is also hard to believe that I'm sitting in a plush hotel room right now...that I managed to get all to myself thanks to the strep throat...and will be going to the health spa downstairs Monday am for a 50 minute massage which will only cost 10,000 som, the equivalent of about $10 and then for a pedicure which will cost me 8,000 som, or $8. Then maybe I'll layout at the well kept Olympic size pool...or should I sit in sauna or Jacuzzi...am I in Uzbekistan??? I didn't even know they had this stuff here!!! Anyway, my point is that I do get a few days...at PC expense, to relax, unwind and mentally prepare myself for another major transition before I have to go. It has been great being with my friends here again and we have really needed each other for support and encouragement as many have decided to just return home. Others are confused and still trying to figure it out. We are all trying to help each other in whatever way is needed. About 10 of us tonight, mostly NGO volunteers, were somehow invited to the country directors house for dinner and that was very pleasant and he has a wonderful wife and a beautiful house. We had a tasty Mexican meal and lively conversation.
So, are you convinced yet that I'm okay? I'm good. I really am and yes I still miss all of you and future vacation plans will still be planned. So, anyway, I will continue to update you as I can. Please feel free to drop me an email whenever you want and I will do my best to get back to you as soon as I can.
Love to all,
Amber
