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Three weeks in Tajikistan were enough. The language issues were tough - the Persian has been Russianized; they use Cyrillic and not Persian script. The use of Russian as the official language for many years has split the Persian still in use into many highly localized dialects. In the Capitol of Dushanbe, using Dari-Persian can get you by - outside (as in Khujand, where I spent most of my time), forget it. People said that I speak Tajiki - what they meant was, I speak no Russian. After several attempts at buying yogurt, we ended up being stocked with various kinds of butters, creams and cheeses.

We're sending out e-mail letters about the wedding - we do not want to post too much. The Christian church in Tajikistan is small and persecuted. Tajiks as an ethnic group are considered an unreached people group. If I don't have your e-mail, go ahead and send one. Our Pastor (an Armenian) conducted the wedding at a Restaurant.

Antalya, Turkey, was the site of our honeymoon. I will post pictures on this blog as soon as we find the cord for our digital camera. There are a series of hotels along the Meditteranean. Ours was one price for everything - including seven or eight restaurants. When we ventured into downtown Antalya, the shops used high pressure selling techniques. Often, to avoid that pressure, Hamroz would walk behind me. Than, all the greetings were directed at me. I learned to follow her - from in front. It was beautiful and relaxing, but six nights and five days were more than enough. We were anxious to return to (and establish) real life in Kabul.

When we arrived home, some of Hamroz young girl friends were already inside (we have renters). They were so excited to see us that they stayed over that night. We were, and Lord providing always will be, ready and happy to have them. Gives a first glance of what we expect our life together will be like in Kabul. Hamroz starts working on August 4th, I start August 12th. Between now and then we've got time enough to continue a Kabul honeymoon, of sorts. We're also doing a lot of hosting. And fixing the house. And buying furniture. And internet posting. And loving each other.