Valentine’s Day

They don’t celebrate Valentine’s Day in Turkmenistan, but since I enjoy the holiday I decided to teach all my lessons about this lovely holiday. We started out the class with a spelling bee and the winner got a pack of sweethearts and a butterfly tattoo Valentine’s Day card from America (compliments of my Mamaw). After that, I explained what Valentine’s Day was. Most of them knew, but there were a lot of giggles in the classroom when I told them it was a day of love. Then I told them that they were all going to make cards and I taught them the poem

Roses are red
Violets are blue
You’re the best Mom ever
And I love you.

Bägüller gyzyl
Fialki gök
Sen iň gowy Eje
We men seni söýýän

Since they’re younger (and you’re not supposed to date here) I told them they could write to their Mom or a friend. I pre-cut hearts out and passed out colored pencils. They loved it and even the boys were coloring their hearts out. I was so great. Some of the students even made their cards for me. It was so precious and I practically melted on the spot. I have some really great kids in my classes.
After my last class of the day, two of my advanced students and one of my beginner students surprised me. They made me a poster that said Happy Valentine’s Day Bobbie Jo. In smaller letters there were plenty of XOXO’s, Be my Valentine, and other sentiments. They put a ton of work into it and now it hangs in my bedroom. They also brought me cards, a cake and some Fanta and juice. I am so excited that I am working with such thoughtful students. This Valentine’s Day has been one of the best I’ve ever had.

New Years Pics

Hey everyone. I'm going try to put up some more pics. The first two are from the carnival musicals. The third picture is my family minus my sister Dilnoza who is away studying. Zohre, Firuza, Me, Aziz, Saida, and Chary (they usually smile more). Chary is in traditional Turkmen dress. The fourth picture is my brother in law Aylik and my brother Aziz playing dutars. I hope you all had a fantastic New Years!