11 May 2008 - Celebrations !! Kazakh Style

The last couple of weeks we have been enjoying two of Kazakhstan's holidays. May 1st was "Unity Day of the People of Kazakhstan" and it lasted three days. In the square, in front of the Akimat (Mayor's Office), was a huge stage where people from every country, that are living here, performed their native songs and dances. These are a group of Kazakh children, in traditional dress, playing the national instrument called a dombra.

These children are playing the Kobyz, which is another instrument native to the Kazakh culture. They played several numbers and the music was great!

Along both sides of the square were yurts and open booths set up with displays and food and artwork for sale. These are some of the pictures that were in one yurt.

We had a great time walking around and enjoying the culture of the people.

Victory Day for World War II was celebrated on May 9th. We were invited to a concert on Thursday in Congress Hall. It is a beautiful auditorium, and we felt very privileged to be there.

They had young men dressed up in World War II uniforms and Mira made Roy sit down and have his picture taken with them. He looks like one of they guys, suit and all, don't you think!!

Here we are with two young men in current military dress uniforms.

In this nation, the President honors women with large families. These women are wearing their medals for having more than 10 children. I thought they were so cute that I had to take their picture!

Mira and Anne in front of Congress Hall after the concert. It was a very patriotic and inspiring program and they honored all of the World War II veterans. Famous people from all over Kazakhstan were there to perform World War II songs. We were so glad that we were able to go.

On the morning of the 9th of May, which is Victory Day, we went with Gene Wikle, Mira, our translator, and Kulnazira to see President Nazarbayev lay a wreath at this monument to the "Participation of the Kazakhstani people in the Great Patriotic War" (World War II). The United States embassy along with other embassies were also represented at this event.

Here we are with Kulnazira, an NGO director that we are working with, Anne, Roy and Gene Wikle.

Kulnazira, Anne, Mira and Gene with the monument in the background.

These are the flags of Kazakhstan (blue) and the city of Astana.

This is the military performing in honor of the fallen dead at this historical monument. It was very impressive. Gene gave us a history lesson while we stood an waited. He explained some of the military practices.

This week we are planning on getting the NRT equipment through customs! It has been 4 weeks since it has arrived in Kazakhstan!! It is trying our patience, to say the least. We have people working on it, but it seems to take forever!

We are also leaving Tuesday to go to Karaganda for a presentation of a container of clothing which was sent from Salt Lake. We will be meeting with another NGO in Osakaravka on the way there. We haven't been on a day trip out of the city yet, so it should be quite adventure!!

We are doing great and are enjoying this experience. The Lord is blessing us all the time and we feel that we are here to do His work. We love you all. Thanks for the love and support.

Love,

Elder and Sister Welling