Parties

There are several families who will be leaving Ashgabat this summer, right after the 4th of July. Since the national day entails its own labor intensive festivities, we needed to going away parties early. Last Saturday the community had a wine tasting. It didn't seem worth it to have Mehri trek out so that we could go over to the pool house on the compound, but it didn't sound kid-friendly either. Luckily we decided to take RA because there were lots of kids, all kinds of drinks and good food. We all had fun.

Wednesday we celebrated a toddler birthday. One of Ruth Anne's friends just got back from London with a new baby sister, another was about to leave for Maryland to get a new baby brother, and the birthday boy belongs to one of the families that will ship out in July. So this was the last time these kids were all together.

Thursday my English class joined the other level 0 class to commerate the end of the term with certificates and sweets. Twin sisters from the other class gave an accapella concert. Many pictures were taken (but not with my camera). I wasn't sure how we were going to manage the leftovers and crumb strewn floor but the students all packed samples for their families, someone located a broom and the other teacher and I rather miraculously walked empty-handed out of a room that looked better than when we got there.

Friday there was a ladies luncheon hosted by one of the community liason officers (who plans embassy social functions) in honor of the departing community liason officer.

More than enough for one week!