We have a tight language group, and feel it is our duty to represent.
Kylebek, from Kansas City, got his nickname the second day we were with our host families, when his host dad, a fiery Kyrgyz marshrutka driver, stunned Brandy by repeatedly yelling at Kyle and calling him ''Kyle-BEK!'' He wasn't angry, he just always yelled. Kyle is one of the most intelligent people I've ever known, and he knows it.
Brandy was only with us for a week or so, before ET-ing back to Colorado, where she hoped to marry her boyfriend of five years. Losing her brought us closer together.
Ivy is a married 24-year-old from Arkansas who is very easy to talk to. She and I have been known to grab a beer together and solve all the problems of the world. She is dedicated to learning Kyrgyz better than her husband, Nick, who lives in International, a few villages away.
Esther is a beautiful Korean-American from Los Angeles, whose father is a pastor and who, just eleven years ago, moved to the United States to go to school, even though she spoke no English. She is a positive force, and an inspires me to see the good in all people.
I hope to stay in touch with this crew throughout my service. We have been through some battles together, during language classes and afternoons teaching local students, and I appreciate the opportunity to get to know them. The four of us also wrote the K-18 contract for resilience together, which was a meaningful contribution.
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