Uzbek Women's Retreat!

   Recently, our girl's bible study group decided to go to Uzbek women's retreat to give the ladies pedicures.  We practiced on each other during our Friday meeting, and then drove up to the retreat on Saturday.  The ladies had been told that there was going to be a surprise, but they didn't know what it was.  When we got there, they were so excited and happy.  In this culture, you always hug and kiss people even if you are perfect strangers.  So, we were all trying to fit in hugging and kissing,  saying, "A Salom", and the like.  They didn't have any heat, so were in the cafeteria area in our sweatshirts setting up.          

   There were several unplanned complications, but, that's life right!  Adventure comes with the unexpected.  First, it was pouring rain, which we were complaining about, but as it turned out, it was a blessing due to the fact that we had no running water! : )  It is difficult for me to imagine the everyday life of these people with the power and water going out all the time.  We collected rain water in giant pots and then slowly heated them up in every tea kettle and pan we could find.  I began to feel like I was living one thousand years back in history, but honestly, it was fun!

   The ladies were so happy and blessed by a little thing that we did.  They sang hymns together in Uzbek and Tajik, which was quite an experience to hear.  While we washed, they blessed us with all sorts of blessings.  Some of the blessings were, "May your husband carry you in his arms, "May you have many children", "May you be beautiful in the sight of all".  It was interesting because I have never been blessed in that way before.  We don't really do that in America.  Here are some pictures!

We had mashed potatoes, bread, and tea for lunch.

Then, we got to work! : )

Alicia and Emma giving pedicures.

Emma

A mom and her baby Ibrohim.  Ibrohim is the Tajik/Uzbek Abraham

I took this picture of Ibrohim and I think it is almost perfect!

Here we are!  

   Don't forget the giveaway!  

   Taylor ✮