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Hello Dear random spirit lovers! As you all know I am departing this summer, in July to go back to my roots. No, I am not going to Mongolia to pay respect to Genghis Khan, am simply returning to the Great Silk Road to see what goods I can trade. These past 6 years spent here have changed my life forever and irreversibly. From here and on there is only moving forward. I cannot begin to explain the mental processes I am going through at the moment, but the truth of the matter is that it’s time to go spend time with the dear to me people. My parents have been very patient, striving to provide whatever is best for me and sacrificing their ability to see me by not demanding my presence home, but I know how lonely they feel, I feel it in every line they write me and in their tone of voice.
I had a hell of a time in the United States, I learned and grew; I received an education! Most importantly – I made life long friends here. I have experienced so much support and love from people I would have never met unless I came here – friends that became family, host family that became family. Everyone knows how much George and Betty have done for me. They truly became my parents here in the states, I went through all the teenage fazes before their eyes that they had to deal with, they welcomed me into their family and offered love that most people can’t offer even to their own children. With all of you, my friends, I have shared so many stages in life, growth and perspective changes. Everyone gets surprised with the level of friendship that we share, it is solid because it involves love.
The reality of the fact that I am leaving is becoming more and more tangible and so many memories strike before me. When I came back for college, innocent, confused, full of energy. I was so naïve and had so much to absorb. I have experienced the extremes of emotions in the states this a valuable treasure that shaped me into who I am today and will always be with me no matter where I end up. I can’t help the sorrows of leaving friends and dear to me people behind, but I sincerely hope and know we will meet again! All of you are always welcome in Uzbekistan, it will be a hell of a time if you came and visited me. There is lots to accomplish, I am 24 and still have plenty of ambitions! I just have to go do my thing, and I‘ll be back with plenty of new Uzbek Tricks!
In the meantime, I have to fundraise moneys to be able to go home. I came up with a fundraising idea – a cook book. I want to print a collection of our recipes, pictures and bios and use it as a fundraising tool that will help me get home and will provide us with memories in a book form. Noting brings people together closer than food and drink (well, sex does, but that’s a different type of book, perhaps in the future). I want this book to be a compilation of about 200 recipes with an overarching theme of “Things we cooked in college.” There is no limit to how bizarre or normal the recipe is, anything from tortillas with peanut butter, to night of a thousand pancakes, to stews, salads, drinks, etc. I envision the book as both funny and beneficial in the kitchen. I believe we have plenty up our sleeves. I want the book to contain 6 categories (chapters):
1) What day is it? (Breakfast)
2) I’m never drinking again! (Lunch)
3) I guess there is nothing left to drink…(Dinner)
4) Dress to impress. (Salads and dressings)
5) I miss home and wish it was Christmas! (Desserts)
6) Grandma sent a check! (Cocktails
Please submit recipes in any or all categories, any amount to me. It would be great to have pictures too. Please send everything to rashidgabdulhakov@gmail.com I will collect the material, design the book and print it in the nearest of futures and hope that you guys will support my trip home by buying the book and getting other friends and relatives to own one. (it will not be expansive I promise, about 15 bucks). I also need title suggestions, please brainstorm in that department as well. Thank you all very much. I can’t wait for our reunion here, and life adventures to come.
Love,
Rashid
