Short and Long Term Future

Well we've got only 18 days left here in Mongolia. Due to the hand-foot-and-mouth disease outbreak (which has now infected over 1,000 people) I taught only 6 out of 32 hours last week, and will do the same this week and next week. It's kind of a bummer, as we wanted to be able to say goodbye to the little students.

So, we'll be in NY for 2 weeks visiting, and then we head down to DC for all of July and August. We will work, try to save money, and try to have a little fun too. Then at the end of August, we will move to Colombia where I have a teaching job waiting for me, and Clayt will find something either before we go or once we're down there. We look forward to the change in climate and diet!

And of course, we look forward to seeing all of you very soon as well!

Hand-foot-mouth disease hits Mongolia again

The government here has cancelled classes for grades K-2 for this entire week, and up to grade 5 for today. We will find out more tonight, as they will make an announcement on TV. Things certainly are never dull here! Below is an article about the situation:

Hand-foot-mouth disease hits Mongolia again
Monday, 12 May 2008
Deputy Prime Minister Enkhbold is heading an emergency committee to deal with the issue of nearly 200 suspected cases throughout Mongolia, including the capital Ulaanbaatar. Elementory schools have suspended their classes for Monday and several public events have been canceled.
The first case was reported last Thursday and since than the General Authority for Emergency Management (GAEM) has seen a rapid increase.

Disease Characteristics by the Community Health Administration
Hand, foot, and mouth disease is usually characterized by tiny blisters on the inside of the mouth and the palms of the hands, fingers, soles of the feet. It is commonly caused by coxsackievirus A16 (an enterovirus), and less often by other types of viruses.Young children are primarily affected, but it may be seen in adults. Most cases occur in the summer and early fall. Outbreaks may occur among groups of children especially in child care centers or nursery schools. Symptoms usually appear 3 to 5 days after exposure.
People can spread the disease when they are shedding the virus in their feces. It is also spread by the respiratory tract from mouth or respiratory secretions (such as from saliva on hands or toys). The virus has also been found in the fluid from the skin blisters. The infection is spread most easily during the acute phase/stage of illness when people are feeling ill, but the virus can be spread for several weeks after the onset of infection.
The rash appears as blisters or ulcers in the mouth, on the inner cheeks, gums, sides of the tongue, and as bumps or blisters on the hands, feet, and sometimes other parts of the skin. The skin rash may last for 7 to 10 days.

It's been a long time...

..since we've posted any photos! So below are a bunch. We've been so busy lately, and now time is just flying by. Clayton was hired as a consultant by Mercy Corps for a month-long project, which is really good for his resume and wallet! I took on a second job as a private tutor, and am enjoying the good amount of cash-in-hand that it provides me with. I also had another trip to the Mongolian hospital, this time for 5 days because of kidney trouble. Things are ok now. Since our last post, we have had 2 school picnics, a Mongolian Day at school, 2 going away parties for friends, 2 snowstorms, were on a Mongolian kids TV show, and I met with my students from CNCF one last time. So, here's what you haven't seen yet:
Enjoying the sea-saw

Meaghan and I on her last night in Mongolia!

A good-looking group of Americans living in Mongolia!

My last day of teaching with the students at CNCF.

Clayt and I on Mongolian Day at school, that's Clayt's own Deel, mine I borrowed from my friend Rachel.

Clayt with a khazakh student.

Me and the Tenth Grade Girls.

Purevdorj and Ariguun.

Here we are with our e-tickets home on the day we bought them. Can you tell we're excited?

Clayt teaching the boys how to play american football. It was an interesting game to watch, lots of touchdowns.

Me in front of a camel who looks unhappy about being tied to a rock.

On the set of the TV show "Let's Sing Together" which is hosted by 2 friends of ours. Once our episodes air on, they should be on youtube and we'll post a link.

This is our building's elevator. Cozy, smelly, and unpredictable!

Lastly, here is a photo of what the toilets look like here. We don't have these in the states, but here they are what are used in most public places and schools. I think it took me the first 6 months to get used to them, and I still don't like to use them. Notice the handle on the back wall to turn on water which acts like a flusher, but sometimes the water isn't running... notice also the ribbed sides for foot traction. Notice also the lack of toilet paper.