Central Asia Update, May 3, 2011

What a wonderful trip we are having. This is the third email I have sent, but 2 came from my phone, and may not ever have gotten there. Yesterday our group toured the offices of CARD, and as usual are abundantly joyful at the good work that happens here. Lives are being changed forever in this place. Young people are learning computer skills that make them competitive in the job market here; others are learning to weave beautiful rugs that can become a career for them; still others learn carpentry skills that can translate into jobs. Many young people are attending the English classes and are amazingly skilled after less than a year. In the afternoon we divided into teams. Some stayed at CARD and helped with English teaching; some went to Psych Hospital. There some of us did manicures for the patients, and others worked on building a sport court. This will be a multi-day project. Half of our group went to the English school the past 2 evenings and have made friends there. Last night we had chili with American friends Jeff and Becky and their family. Today we are going to the babies' home this morning, then back to the Psych Hospital to make cute flip flops with the patients and work on the sport court. Another group will take a few people on a picnic in the country. Everyone is quite well and we are getting some sleep! All of the accommodations have been nice and we have very gracious hosts! Thank you for sending us--Cindy Read