What limited resources means to me....

In the Peace Corps application and training process, we are continually reminded that we will be living and working in circumstances with "limited resources."  This is what limited resources has meant for me in Kazakhstan:

1. When I have the luxery of blowing my nose with actual tissues, I wouldn't dare us the entire Kleenex - tear it in half of course.  This way you can at least blow your nose twice.

2. I brought those Starbucks instant coffees that are prepackaged for 8 oz of boiling water.  I only use 1/3 of the pack for 1 8 oz cup of water because 3 cups of coffee are better than 1.

3.  When I receive a package I am excited to cut up the cardboard and use it for teaching in the classroom.  Durable materials are hard to come by.

4.  If I come across a paperclip or butterfly clip I take it! 

5.  When we eat lunch together we trade candy for fruit. 

6.  You are nice to the people that were thoughtful enough to pack hand sanitizer because it is really difficult to find. 

7. Sometimes toilet paper is optional - or you ran out.


I will learn about my site placement in the next few weeks.  That also means that I will have my new address soon!  Yay!  This week the big wigs are coming by to observe us and decide which counterparts we will work best with at which school.  Lots of pressure....but it is fine.

bye for now,

Megan

Kazakhstan Fun Fact:  There are no hall passes or detention in the school system here.