What next?

Yes, as Kirsty said, I am a scamp. I'm sorry it's been more than a month. I can feel the pressure of falling behind on my updates. And alas, I haven't the time right now to fill in the massive gap I've left behind me (the last 5 weeks) but I thought I'd better reassure you I'm still alive. I've become a little more roasted in the sweltering Shymkent sun (mid-30s to 40s most days), but otherwise I remain unscathed by my experience. Pretty much over the major culture shock - it took longer than expected but I can now say with confidence that it's a thing of the past. My motto has become 'Go with the flow' as it's the best way to accept the unfamiliar environment and happenings that surround me. (I hope) I'm older and wiser for the experience. And I shouldn't forget to mention I am having fun! Recently we've helped out at a couple of children's summer camps which has been rewarding as the kids enjoyed the activities we put on for them. At the last one Gulnara and I ended up leading teams of children in some aerobics exercises!

There has been much to keep me preoccupied lately. It varies from week to week. There was Dinara's and my second GCD on Human Rights (did you know that one of the articles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is the right to rest and leisure - we should do well to remember that one!!!). Then I'm on the communications committee which means that every so often I have responsibilities in putting together our team newsletter. But at the moment, my main preoccupation is not to do with GX. It's to do with the future. At the beginning of the programme I thought I had everything mapped out.....I return to the UK on 4th September and I have a place to study a MSc in Rural Land and Business Management at Reading University, commencing in late September. However, I'm now rethinking this. There are very good reasons both why I should go straight to Reading, and why I should defer a year, but I just can't seem to sort them out at the moment in my mind. So I'm hoping and waiting and praying for some guidance. Watch this space for what happens next..... Oh, and if anyone has any answers, pass them this way!

Right folks. Here's a promise that more blogging will follow shortly. In particular I want to put up a bit of light travel writing as it's all getting composed in my head but doesn't seem to come out on the keyboard when I sit down in the internet cafe. But we're going away this weekend to a nature reserve for some time to reflect on the past 7 weeks that we've spent in KZ (yes, it has been that long!) and for a bit of a break. Back Monday, hopefully rested, relaxed, refreshed and ready for the final 5 weeks.

So, until next time, much love,
Beth x :)

Prayer points
Praise:
- That activities at work have recently picked up. I now help to teach two English classes a week which I really enjoy, and our new building is very almost finished so we're looking forward to moving in soon!
- For successful Community Action Days where the team has pulled together to help out at various places. We have recently been to two children's summer camps, and done a day's gardening work at one of the other placements.
Prayer:
- For team health. It seems that periodically people get dodgy stomachs, and in particular, Ben has been suffering from various different ailments. When people aren't feeling well it seems to affect motivation and mood levels.
- For our weekend away. That it will be an encouraging time together and that we will return to Shymkent feeling rested, relaxed, refreshed and ready for the final few weeks. I've a feeling some issues may arise so please pray that we will work through them effectively become closer as a team as a result.
- For the decision I have to make. Please pray that I will know what God's will for my future is and that I will be able to make the decision in time.

Thanks. Bx