Pull up a chair and sit with me a while. It feels like forever since I sat to write down thoughts from our daily lives here in Ankara. Most of that has been because of being psychotically busy. When there is a moment of time, there is often no energy. But mostly it is because the thoughts in my mind have been jumbled, swirling, forming, and waging wars against internal editors of common sense/censors. It is time, though, and I have time. The morning is clear and cool and quiet. The tea is hot.
Comfy chairs outside an Ulus store.
Prom happened. A university was chosen. Dakota is now a future Lobo at the University of New Mexico, in “Albuquirky” as she calls it. She recently spent a lovely week in Germany where her soccer team not only came in dead last, but also received many compliments on how friendly and enjoyable they were and how they made everyone they met feel. One teammate sustained a pretty nasty concussion. To say the least, it wasn’t the trip that they all were looking forward to.
Jackson is involved in scouts and soccer and has after school activities where he is learning to play hockey. He has some interesting events he is really excited about that we are in the middle of plans for. He is growing like crazy and seems to have a one track mind for ramen noodles which he prefers to prepare himself. He survived being in a massive hail and downpour squall that caught him and friends off guard while outside playing. The red welts on his arms and legs go well with the shiner he picked up last weekend from another outdoor play with friends. He’s looking pretty rough, but adorably growing up as well.
This is an old photo taken in Beypazar back in late autumn. I love the interaction of the family members and friends. It is what drew me to quietly snap their photo.
I’ve spent a lot of time lately driving in the car around Ankara to get to and from meetings and to get children to and from pickups/drop-offs. I can swerve and honk with the best/worst of them now and it doesn’t faze me, much. Being out and about has helped me learn more about the city.
I have found a refugee camp that goes unnoticed right under everybody’s noses and daily business. They are truly invisible but in pure sight. The beggars on the corner are increasing. It is heartbreaking. You could give and give and it wouldn’t be enough. I have heard of numbers swelling, of scuffles between refugees and locals, of backlogs and need. I heard the rumor that there were hunger strikes and protests where refugees were sewing their mouths shut to bring attention to unfair practices at the UN. That rumor is true, it seems, and has been done by a handful of Afghan refugees who are experiencing some very difficult circumstances in their quest to find a safe and welcoming place to have a life. I had heard the rumor, though, about a couple months back, so I wonder how many have done this before it was reports in the news – or at least in this English version of this Turkish newspaper. There was another rumor of some restructuring going on in one particular refugee assistance group – so there may be new opportunities to serve in the next year.
A back patio style seating area behind a small store, off a side street path in Ulus
My PTSO commitments are winding down. A new board was selected and they are a great group of ladies who are very capable and talented, so a lot has been getting things handed off. There have been final meetings, too. I just have a few last bits to wrap up for the scholarship committee. I was up til 1am the other night folding and assembling special bulletins for graduation. It felt so good waking up with it accomplished and even better delivering the product. My impromptu happy dance was joined by the office staff still which had us all cracking up. And with each bit, comes more excitement for our daughter’s approaching graduation milestone. Times are good. Although I am glad I stepped up and took on a leadership role with PTSO, I am also very ready to walk away and have that behind me. I think that I am better suited for a support/behind the scenes kind of helping. The front line is brutal at times as much as it can be rewarding; many times I was way out of my comfort zone. I grew a lot this year and I think I helped make a difference. I also had to make some decisions to say no, to disappoint others, to draw lines, and to be judged all the time, not just about the school support, but also perceptions of how I supported my children. My skin wasn’t always thick enough.
One family in Ulus chats to another from their balconies.
In January, we chose to move our son from this school to another: the pre-move battles, the fallout, the two school schedules, having to become a twice a day taxi because the new school’s bus service was unavailable for the remainder of the year. Jackson is in a very good place now. Adjustments haven’t always been the smoothest, but we are 100% convinced we did the right thing for him despite the complications to us all. He is thriving. And as he has told us numerous times, “Mom, we’re ok. You know this is a first world problem.” Such wisdom. He also, now that he has MUN (model united nations) as a class, frequently addresses any complaints of parental decisions with rebuttals along the lines of “the delegation of Jackson greatly objects to the oppressive tactics of the dictatorship delegate of mom regarding sanctions against …..” He’s actually quite good, which is lucky for him because I find myself smiling despite the frustration of insisting for the third time that he hang up clothes or he will lose some privileges.
Now… to enjoy my daughter’s graduation, my mom’s visit, celebrating with other senior parents, to watch my son have amazing school opportunities and travels, to see my daughter have her first real job, to experience more of Turkey, to play with the dogs, to clean my house from the spawn of Wookie fur bunnies that her shedding has let loose all over, to snuggle my 100 pound lap dog and to sit and have tea and laughter with friends, to look forward all the lavender going into bloom. I had heard the rumor that although adversity can destroy, it also can bring many blessings and growth. It really is spring here. Lots of new beginnings. I’m thriving too.
I love this bench made from ancient ruins. I found it along the back side streets of Ulus.
Thanks for sitting with me a bit. Now that you’ve heard me chattering on, please do let me know what is going on with you. Send emails or old fashioned letters; leave a comment. I will be making calls soon to catch up with you. Blogging is great, but so one sided. And I miss my friends and family all around the world.
Nomads By Nature 