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story652.xml

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2002-05-19

The news continues to pour in from the short-wave radio. For the PCVs (Peace Corp Volunteers)here in Atbasar, this machine is our primary source of information. It owns our attention when we sit in our apartment trying visualize and come to terms with the reality of the events of this week.

Our phone lines are down again so our access to the internet is limited. There is only enough time to send and receive emails. So I write this with great care before connecting again. We have seen footage from America once. However we hear the voices of fellow Americans who are intimately connected with the situations at hand again and again. I still get chills.

It hurts to be here right now. My sitemates and myself feel very disconnected with this event that is shaping America as I write. The thought of a dozen American flags at every blink of an eye, friends and family all coming together to console each other, and the pure unity that is in the air of my home country makes me proud. I wish I could be there to witness this. I am more proud to be an American now than ever in my life.

I feel safe. There is only concern from my neighbors. However, the radio speaks of a campaign that will begin soon and stretch on for sometime to come. The target of these actions may be close to my country of service. This concerns my sitemates and myself. I'm not sure what to expect in the next week or so. We begin to wonder if evacuation will be an option for us.

We have been told the following from PC office in Almaty:

1. Do not leave site
2. Do not make public appearances
3. Continue to work.
4. If anyone begins to ask questions about my home that makes us feel uncomfortable contact PC.

There are reasons to believe that if war hits the lands of Afghanistan that we will be affected. Kazakhstan is close to Afghanistan. Almaty, the largest city in Kaz, is only 250 miles from the closest Afghan boarder. Almaty holds the PC office and the U.S. embassy, which is on alert.

As you may know Russia has pledged support for America, as well as Kazakhstan. Afghanistan and Russia have an unmerciful history. Ironically we helped support Afghanistan during this conflict in the 80's. If Russia decides to contribute military support Kazakhstan would be directly in the middle of the conflict. Furthermore, Kaz holds vital resources needed for a war, oil. So this countries role in this campaign may be great.

Again, I want to say that I feel safe. There is no hostility here. This next Saturday, Papa Roma (the Pope) is scheduled to visit Astana, the new capital and a 4 hour train East from my site. We were planning to attend, however this may not be the wisest action now. Chances are we will not attend. I would be surprised if it actually takes place.

In other news I start teaching tomorrow. I must admit that I am not mentally prepared to begin. My mind is preoccupied. I don't know if I should go to the bazaar to buy food for next week or if I should pack a bag that I could grab in a moments notice.

I want to thank everyone again for informing me of our friends and family. It?s better to know than wonder. I am sorry to hear of those loved ones who have fallen victim of this atrocity. Our hearts are heavy here in Kaz. There is little email between Kaz volunteers. What is sent is encouraging. Mostly, our groups of volunteers feel that this is a reason for us to work harder at what we do. To show the people of Kazakhstan that peace is also an option and that as Americans we will not stop our way of life. This is, of course, assuming that we will not evacuated.

Thank you again for all your thoughts. You all are in our minds and hearts. Please keep me informed.

Brian