And Still Working!

I wonder, how many of you out there, can give your boss a bloody nose and still keep your job??? As it happened, my friend, and acting Company Director, were engaged in a water war. Not our first mind you (Remembering the past 2 4th of July gatherings). I was backing up as she charged. A co-worker (Kiikzhan) stopped me from behind. Beth, not knowing this, was in full attack mode. I bent down to give a good splash but her nose met up with my shoulder. OOOOOuch! Well, I didn't say ouch, but Beth sure was feeling a little pain.



In the third picture I was loaded up for bear with a water gun prepared for more battle. This was Interlink's 1st Annual Staff Summer picnic.

All had a good time. Some of the guys prepared sashleek (kind of like shish ke-bab) while others prepared salads, bread and drinks. We played many games, got really, really wet, and ate some more! We already look forward to next summers 2nd Annual Staff Summer picnic!

OUCH!

I think the last time I needed stitches I was 4 or 5 years old. I was running through the house, fell, and hit my forehead on the corner of a wooden table. I can't even remember how many stitches I got then.

This time things are a little more clear! We had an American delegation here working with Youth Impact. This is the group of teens who have graduated from local orphanages and are in a job training program. Some are seeking further education. In any case we all went to a local riverside for a picnic. The river, or large stream was only knee high so a number of us were wading in the water playing with a volley ball.

The river bed is loaded with rocks and at one point I felt myself step on (what I thought was) a sharp rock. Not thinking much of it I kept playing. About 20 minutes later I got out to find a sizable, deep cut, on the bottom of my foot. Hello! Instead of a rock it must have been a broken piece of glass. Actually it did not hurt, all that much, until I started to squirt some water in the cut to clear out the dirt that was inside. Fortunately there was among us, a licensed RN. When we got back to the office, Sara, the RN, went to work on me. Fortunately we also had a supply of medical equipment on hand.

It wasn't perfect. The Novocaine and stitching material we had is really for dental work, but here you have to go with what you've got.

The stitching was a breeze! However, and that is a "BIG HOWEVER", the Novocaine shots were excruciating. If you have any doubt ask Sara Coggins, my co-worker, who was holding my foot down for the shots. I think her ears are still ringing.

Funny thing is, I have water slippers for just this kind of activity. Guess I won't forget them next time. Anyway, all had a great time at the picnic and the Americans went back home. Thanks Sara for the art work.
In Him,
Ken

The Old and the New!

I just completed one small project here. The old ladder at the house I am living in has been repaired many times over the years. Here in Kazakhstan if something breaks they just add on another piece of wood to keep it together. The old ladder is smaller and yet, with all the added wood, is heavier than the new ladder which is an extended 3 feet. I also used bolts to secure the steps while cutting out notches for the steps to fit into. I've yet to varnish the new ladder, which it will need to keep protected from the coming winter.

Now I can gain access to the garage roof (pictured with ladders) and the grape vine lattice. As the vines grow they need to be laced in the metal framed lattice which supports the grapes and also turns the grape vines into an awning providing much needed shade for my car in the dog days of summer. As you can see in the second picture the vines are in much need of attention. I'll use the new ladder to redirect the vines on the lattice.

Hope your house projects are going well.
Keep me posted on your end.
All for now
Ken

You Decide - 2008

In keeping with the political season I thought I'd let my blog viewers decide what new look I should have this coming winter. As some of you know it can take a while to grow a deent beard so I need to know now what look suites me best, in your humble opinion, of course.

So please take your time and look at these three pictures. Let me know if you like the "Full Beard" look. (bottom left) While it makes me look older, it also gives me some character - don't you think? A full beard also helps keep the cold Kazakh winter wind from scorching my face.

The second look - the "Goatee" (top right) which we all know only looks good on certain men. I've had one in the past and some hated it and some liked it. But in this election year You Decide 2008, I want your opinion.

Thirdly - In the top left photo, I have the plain "Mustache" but with a little extra. Giving that sorta Oriental spin. Though I'm not in the orient I am in Central Asia, and this is as close as you get. So now that you've looked at all three you can make your first vote, in this election cycle, a vote that will determine my look for winter 2008! I'll also accept any and all commentary.

Sorry if the pictures are not clear enough, I have only 5 days of facial hair to work with.

Just keeping you involved.
Hope all is well in your part of the world.
Mayny blessings,
Ken

Just Hanging Around

I went to the Internationsl airport in Almaty to help the Savva Delegation get on their way home. After they left I met up with friends of mine, Dave Knauss and his family, to enjoy the sights. As we went to the park there was a man outside with this large Python snake so some of us had our picture taken with it.

He was quite large and really, pretty heavy.

The Savva Orphanage Delegation had a great time here and the children absolutely loved having them visit, teach English, play games, celebrate parites, play sports and much, much more. Later I'll be posting several pictures and go into more detail about our time there.

Have a great 4th weekend.
I will be celebrating with American friends and some folks from work.
All for now
Ken