Today was the first day of our second semester at CLI Bishkek. Grades are to be awarded. It would be nice to say that all the students will receive the same grades they would receive in the US, but it is simply not true. Here we are teaching one… more »

Classes as usual. No news is good news. One of the new students came to tell me that the toilet didn't work in her home, but they have an outhouse she can use. That's not good. We require running water and working toilets and toilet paper. I asked… more »

This is bad news for KG if it is true. The '93 agreements allow aid from the US to come into KG without being taxed, which means the aid dollars go a lot further. If KG wants to tax the aid, then it also makes the US much less likely to give it. One… more »

It's a Wednesday, so today was time with peer tutors, various activities, an excursion and a doctor's visit. Since Kathleen was in town, and since this was her only opportunity to see something outside of Bishkek (and she is a great lover of hiking), I… more »

Classes as usual. Nothing odd. Our student who was ill continues to improve. Hopefully she'll be back in class tomorrow. Kathleen and I had lunch with the founder of the school, Kenje. She is a remarkable person. Hard-working, thoughtful. I'm… more »