Sunday, September 24, 2023

A Second Ceremony



 Our ceremony in Maine, including tossing the bouquet to a group pf girls!


 One of the greatest things that happened in Kazakhstan was that I met my husband. In 2018 we had two amazing ceremonies-one in Kokshetau (shown here) and one in Portland, Maine.  I have never been so happy to have found such a kind, intelligent, and thoughtful man. We have had many adventures since our wedding, which I will have to catch you up on.


 A fe fellow teachers from school.  It has been ages since I wrote, and I look back at my time in Kokshetau fondly.  Here are two colleagues I became very close with.  Miriam (rainbow hat), and Anne (red hat). We were at a football match in Kokshetau, enjoying a day out. 

Friday, June 14, 2013

Train ride across Kazakhstan

I took a train from Kokshetau to Karaganda.  The ride was 9 hours, and amazing.  Karaganda is a very historic place, with mining roots, and history of one of the largest Gulags from Stalin's time.  I visited the Gulag museum, and was amazed at what went on, and what these people have endured.  I have a totally new respect for the Kazakh people. Below is me having tea on the train.  The silver contraption is the hot water heater for tea.

Saturday, April 27, 2013

Traditional Kazakh meal in the village.

















I have been in kokshetau, Kazakhstan for the better part of eight months now.  This continues to be an enlightening experience both as an educator and as a person.

As an educator, and an American,it it amusing, and frustrating to teach English at times.  I find myself wondering if my colleagues and I actually speak the same language ( and they are native English speakers as well!).  More often than not I will come across words and phrases that  I am dumbfounded by.  I was under the impression my language difficulties would be with the local language! Lol!! I have learned a new vocabulary, a new curriculum,  a new grading system, a new scheduling system, a little Russian, even less Kazakh, and my year isn't even over!

The curriculum continues to morph as we move along, but basically follows a version of Cambridge CAE English curriculum.  I have worked on IELTS testing, and found the structure quite interesting.
I continue to work on the assessment strategies of the four strands of the test, and find it fascinating and quite wonderful to have a speaking and listening section, as well as writing and reading.  Developing practice tests, and lessons for speaking and listening in class has been both challenging and exciting.  I was thrilled to see the common core develop these two strands as well, if I'm not mistaken.

Culturally, I have become friends with quite a few locals, and happily visit and break bread with them often.  I continue to learn a great deal about the people of this unique and marvelous country.

Sunday, September 2, 2012

Official introduction!

Students welcoming us to school for our official introduction and orientation. Playing traditional Kazakh music in traditional Kazakh garb