MARIA SUE CHAPMAN, DAUGHTER OF STEVEN CURTIS CHAPMAN, DIES IN ACCIDENT AT FAMILY HOME

NASHVILLE, TN...5/21/08... At approximately 5pm on the afternoon of Wednesday May 21st, Maria Sue Chapman, 5 years old and the youngest daughter to Steven and Mary Beth Chapman was struck in the driveway of the Chapman home in Franklin, TN. Maria was rushed to Vanderbilt Childrens Hospital in Nashville, transported by LifeFlight, but died of her injuries there. Maria is one of the close knit family’s six children and one of their three adopted daughters.

More than five years ago, Chapman and his wife Mary Beth founded the Shaohannah’s Hope ministry after bringing their first adopted daughter, Shaohannah, home from China. The ministry’s goal is to help families reduce the financial barrier of adoption, and has provided grants to over 1700 families wishing to adopt orphans from around the world. Chapman is a five-time GRAMMY ® winner and 54-time Dove Award winning artist who has sold over 10 million albums and garnered 44 No. 1 singles.

The Chapman family is so grateful for the incredible outpouring of love and support at this difficult time.

* In lieu of flowers, the Chapmans request any gifts be directed to Shaohannah’s Hope. Donate here >

* Also, due to tragedy of Wednesday, Steven will not appear at the May 24th show, Artist appearing in his absence to be announced shortly.

Funeral Arrangements for Maria Sue Chapman. These times are open to the public if anyone would like to be a part of celebrating the life of Maria.
FRI May 23rd Visitation 5-8pm
SAT May 24th Memorial service 11am

At Christ Presbyterian Church
2323 Old Hickory Blvd, Nashville, TN
(615) 373-2311

Building Progress--Church and Office

Here are some updated pictures of our new church and also our new office.

A little of This and That

It's been a little nuts lately. There really hasn't been much to write about. Last weekend was really busy with Mother's Day and friends and relatives in town. So it was nice to not really have much going on this weekend. We ran out to the outlet mall again. But this time came home with nothing. We saw a few things that we might go back for in a few weeks.

We wanted to plant flowers but just didn't get to it. We'll look this week for some. The Memorial Weekend looks pretty good. Yippeeee. It's about time! Maybe we'll even get to the pool. Monday is supposed to be around 82. Seeing is believing. But it has to be sunny. We even turned the heat on this morning. It's almost June...

I attended the Asian Bridge silent auction on Saturday night. http://www.theasianbridge.org/ This was the second one and seemed to have more people there this year. It was fun to see some that I had met last year. They hope to raise enough for 4 grants this year for adoptive parents. They match what the person raises. For me though...I just can't do a fund raiser for adoption. It's just sort of strange to tell people to give you money so you can adopt a child. There are some people though that can.

There were some good things to bid on. Still waiting to hear if I got anything. I think I bidded on 4 items. I left right before the big auction which I couldn't afford anyway. It was raining some so I wanted to get home to the kids. It was past their dinner time.

We did get the I-171 from the USCIS people on Saturday. Yeah Hey. They had said two weeks. So we weren't looking for it yet. Martha also got finger printed at our local police station. I think this is the 6th or 7th time in the past two years we've been finger printed. We're all finger printed out that's for sure. We will have to renew our prints again for China in November I think. But will probably wait until Feb 2009 when the I-171 expires again.

So as you can see...not really much going on right now. A few of the families have gone to get their girls...one in China and another one left on Friday for her little girl in Kyrgyzstan. It's just so hard to imagine that with us. When are we going to hold our little girls. This is just so hard. Every day seems harder and harder. Nothing seems real...We picked out some more paint colors for the room. So we have a lot to choose from. Maybe when the room starts taking shape it will seem little more real...it has to. Nothing seems like it will change. I read today that the certain orphanages are expecting 40-50 children from the earth quake. Not sure if they are considered abandoned or what. Of course so many lost their only children.

NOTE TO READERS: Where in the World are you from?

I'd love to know where everyone is from who's reading my blog. I'd like to hear from you. Maybe just a quick note to let me know what part of the world you're from. Something that I might not know about your country, state, etc. And maybe a good suggestion for Moms-to-be. Something that you found helpful, etc. We need all the help we can get. We only know about dogs.

Then when our girls get older it would be fun to show the various e-mails to them. It would be fun to look back and see how many people around the world contacted my sister and I.

Our e-mail address is theadair6@aol.com if you'd like to contact us. Looking forward to hearing from you where ever you are in the world.

Earth Quake in China Report

On Monday there was a really bad earth quake in the southwest area of China. It was felt as far away as Beijing.

Below is a report from Great Wall regarding their orphanages.

As you know, several orphanages that Great Wall regularly receives referrals from in the Sichuan and Chongqing provinces have been directly affected by the catastrophic earthquake that occurred in China May 12, 2008. It is our understanding that China is doing their best to meet the needs of those impacted by the quake. Our Beijing office is trying to obtain as much information as possible regarding the orphanages in Chongqing, Sichuan, and the surrounding provinces. Currently communications with these provinces is limited. We do know that the CCAA has not received any reports of any serious injuries or fatalities for any orphanages. We have also received word on some of the orphanages in the hardest hit areas:

The Chengdu Social Welfare Institute did evacuate its children due to the aftershocks. They carefully inspected their buildings and there has been some foundation damage to the rehab building and there are cracked walls in other buildings. The children’s building is in the best shape and all children have been moved to the first floor but spend most of the day outside, weather permitting – or in the institution buses if there is rain. All of the Chengdu SWI staff is working around the clock to care for the children and keep them safe. All the children at the Deyang SWI are safe and accounted for; however this orphanage did sustain minor damage to its building. Nanchuan, Chongqing and Xiushan, have indicated that all of their children are safe and no damage to their orphanages was reported. All of the Children at Zhaotong, Yunnan Foster Care are accounted for and are safe. The children at Chongqing Children’s Welfare Institute and Yibin CWI are also all ok. The children were all evacuated until the tremors passed. The buildings only had minor damage and none of the children were injured. We have also been notified that Yuyang SWI, Fuling SWI and Liangping SWI had some damage during the earthquake, some of their buildings were destroyed. Among them, Liangping’s damage was the most serious, half of the yard of the institute collapsed, but fortunately, all of the staff and children in these three orphanages are safe and accounted for.

http://video.aol.com/video/video-category/2123777

Shop till you drop...

That's what we did this past weekend. We are in desparate need of clothes for work...it's starting to get warmer and there seems to be very little to choose from in our Spring/Summer closets. I had gotten a gift certificate from the gang I work with for Ann Taylor so what better way of putting it to good use. We started on Saturday and spent time at the local mall... There were a handful of stores that were empty. The malls just aren't the same as they used to be anymore. Have you even noticed that at Christmas time they aren't that busy anymore? Then on Sunday we headed to the outlet mall. Love it there. So many good buys. It's been a while since we were there so it was fun to look around. Didn't really get much time so we will go back there again sometime. All in all it was a very profitable weekend.

Nightlight Christian Adoption Agency

A little about Nightlight...Nightlight began in 1959...located in Fullerton, CA. Since 1995, the agency has been under the direction of Executive Director Ronald Stoddart. To get further information on Nightlight, their e-mail address is info@nightlight.org.

Statement of Faith...

• We believe the Bible; the Bible is the complete, inspired word of God without error.


• We believe in one God, manifested in three eternal and coequal Person: Father, Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit.


• We believe that the substitutionary death and bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ provide the only ground for Salvation for all who believe.


• We believe that Jesus Christ is sitting at the right hand of God and He can return at any time.


• We believe in the sanctity of human life. We believe that mankind was created in the image of God and therefore is of inestimable worth and significance in all its dimensions from conception to the grave.

http://www.nightlight.org/

Re-connecting with Old Friends

Winnie and Friends

Friends come in all types

Have you ever wondered how certain people are doing after so many years? I lost contact with some one very special to me a few years ago and have thought about him many times. So I recently decided to e-mail him to see how he was doing. I really wasn't to hopeful that I'd hear back...Most just get too busy. There seems to be many people that you lose touch with and then e-mail/phone them and they never respond....(I've lost contact with a few girl friends and have tried to connect again but no such luck.) :-( Just not sure why...which is why it hurts.

Anyway, yesterday I received an e-mail from this person... It was just so wonderful to hear back from him. Hopefully we can stay in contact every so often. There are just certain people in our lives that are too valuable to lose. Thanks again for your e-mail... :) Hopefully you will read this post. I think so many of us take people for granted and that people will always be around. So if some one does contact you that you have lost contact with...Please be nice and at least respond back, it just might be the last time you will ever hear from that person again.

East Meets West Conference/Baby Shower

This past weekend I attended the East Meets West Conference here in the Chicago Area. It started out with a dinner on Friday at Gino's East. We got there a little late and the room was full so we had to sit in the bar area where they had set up a few more tables. We enjoyed taking to a family that came home in Sept with their precious little girl which happened to be the 2nd referral...the first one they had to give back because of medical reasons. What a hard time that must have been. The pizza was good and we only stayed about an hour or so since it was so crowded and very noisy.

I did get to meet Snow Wu...President of Great Wall. Very pretty women. It was really a good time. The sessions started at 8:00am and lasted till 5:00. I'm really glad I did signed up. I brought a few things home also....a stuffed goat puppet and and table runner along with a CD of Asian Lullabys. This conf. did make it seem a little more real...They did have some positive things to say and that China would not be closing their adoption process. (There had even been some rumors of that.) They can't predict when the referral process will speed up...but we just have to believe it will happen and my little girl is waiting for me to come and get her. The sessions I attended are listed below in purple.

Yesterday, I attended a baby shower for one of the girls in our Fox Valley group that is heading to China in a few weeks to get her baby girl Autumn. There was 18 of us there plus a few of their girls. All really dressed totally adorable.

Here is the Itinerary:

Registration & Exhibits with Welcoming Remarks by Snow Wu. Also Dr. Ochs spoke. I will be e-mailing him to ask a lot of questions.

Session 1*

1A. Cross Cultural Parenting: A "How To" on Making Your Child's Culture a Part of Your Life

1B. Understanding the Adoption Tax Credit and Other Funding Options for Your Adoption

1C. Inter-Country Adoption and Effects on Attachment

1D. The Journey of Chinese Adoption

Session 2*

2A. Simple Chinese: Communicating With and Comforting Your Child

2B. Referrals: The Waiting Game

2C. Development Milestones for Talking to Your Child about Adoption

2D: The Dad SessionLunch Keynote Speaker

Session 3*

3A. Support in the Community

3B. Helping Adopted Children Cope with Grief and Loss

3C. Waiting Child Program: Older Children and Children with Special Needs

3D. Travel: Your Adventure in China

Session 4*

4A. All Grown Up! A Close Look at One Adoptee’s Journey

4B. Post Adoption Resources

4C. Meet the Adoptive Parents and Children

4D. Gotcha Day

Session 5

Q & A with Chinese Official and Orphanage Director

Bowling Tournament at FTP

STRIKE!!!

We have started a bowling tournament here at FTP. We are in our second game now...my team lost the first game and the 2nd game we won by 2 pins. Yikes...that's way too close. It's been really fun though. Everyone seems to be having a good time. The winner will be determined sometime in July. So check back again to see who the winners will be.

Travel Suggestions

Packing for your trip
Before you step on the airplane, there are several things you will need to obtain and take with you.
Passport/Visa - If you have not already done so, you must obtain a U.S. passport. Application forms are available at most U.S. post offices or local government offices. Processing time usually takes about three weeks. Once you receive your passport photocopy the front page and carry it with two passport pictures in a separate place from your passport. This will make the reissue by the local U.S. embassy or consulate easier if the passport is lost or stolen. Also, leave a copy with your love ones at home as an emergency backup. Visa requirements vary by country so you will need to check with your adoption agency or Travel Agent for further information.
Adoption documents - If you are traveling to bring your child home and/or to complete an adoption, bring copies of all vital documents specified by your agency (e.g. home study, police and medical certificates, legal approvals, etc.). Ensure that they are properly signed, notarized, county-clerked, authenticated, apostiled and stamped plus any other authorization you think might help speed things up. When the legal process is completed, you should obtain several extra authenticated copies of any documents issued. You never know when they may be needed (e.g. naturalization proceedings, social security number application, etc.) and it is easier to get them now than later.
Clothing and other personal items - You do not have to take your entire wardrobe with you. Business attire is only necessary to wear in court, but remember that appropriate attire for everyday wear tends to be more formal in many countries other than in the United States. Shorts and loud sports shirts probably won't do. Take comfortable walking shoes. If you're adopting, it is likely you will be given your child on the day you arrive so bring enough clothing for least the first few days of your stay. You will want to buy clothing for your child from his or her country of birth, so be sure to leave room in your suitcase.
If you are adopting an infant, stretchies are convenient, especially when you are not sure of the baby's size. Also include undershirts, socks, a cap, bibs, and sleeping sacks (especially if it's cold). An adequate supply of diapers is a necessity. Plan on using at least seven to 10 each day. The price of U.S.-made disposable diapers is high in most other countries. Baby wipes are useful but they are not plentiful overseas so bring your own. You will have better luck locating Vaseline, Desitin, and baby powder.
Medications - It doesn’t matter if you’re traveling to some of Earth’s most remote and wild regions or even to the next state, lost medications can be difficult to replace. Here are a few smart tips on traveling with your medication (courtesy of MedJet Assist - ask for details about their emergency evacuation insurance coverage).
Take medications in your carry-on luggage. The extreme conditions in the compartments where checked luggage is stored could damage your medication.
Bring medications with you in their original containers so that airport security personnel know that what you're carrying are prescription pills from your doctor.
Keep a list of medications that’s current in a purse or wallet in the event of an emergency.
Camera - A camera is an absolute must! Pictures help to preserve your child's heritage. If you use a video camera, take at least one extra battery. Most of the newer charging units have internal converters, but you will need the proper type of adapter plug. Film and blank video cassettes are available in most countries if you need them. Don't forget that many countries use the PAL video format, which is usually not compatible with our VHS format. To avoid problems with your duty-free allowances when you return home, register the camera with U.S. Customs before you leave..
Money - Whether you will be staying for just a few days or for many months, you will need to have adequate funds. It is risky to take large amounts of cash with you. Before departing contact your credit card company. Explain that you will be traveling and ask for a modest increase in your credit limit. If you are planning to take traveler's checks the most often recognized and easily exchanged are either American Express or Thomas Cook. Keep a list of serial numbers in a separate place.
Other necessities - If you are traveling with an infant, a "huggy-pack" to carry the baby in front of you will come in handy. It leaves your hands free and is great for sightseeing. For a toddler or preschooler, a fold-up canvas umbrella stroller is invaluable. You can use it to carry things when the child wants to walk. You can also "gate-check" it at the boarding counter so it can be used at each of your intermediate stops enroute. Ask the airline representative for details. The stroller usually does not count as part of your normal baggage allowance.

Making airline reservations
Your airline reservations should be made as soon as you have determined tentative departure and return dates. The cost of a round-trip airline ticket is dependent upon a number of factors including departure date, advance booking requirements, days of the week you are traveling, and the estimated duration of your stay. If you are traveling to adopt, we are usually able to obtain waivers for many of these airfare rules. Most tickets will be issued as e-tickets (electronic tickets) that will be picked up at the airport. Be sure you have the flight information and confirmation number (record locator) to speed up the check-in process.
Infants under the age of two will require a ticket (usually a paper ticket because the airlines have not yet developed the technology to produce infant e-tickets) between the international departure city and the point of first U.S. entry. It costs approximately 10 percent of the adult one-way fare plus all of the various taxes. On domestic flights within the United States, the infant travels free. Each child age 2 to 11 years requires a ticket between the international departure city and home that costs approximately two-thirds of the adult one-way fare plus all of the various taxes. Depending on the regulations of the destination country, these tickets can either be issued in the United States as e-tickets or carried with you as paper tickets or set up as a prepaid ticket for pickup in that country. Certain countries require the purchase of the infant or child's ticket there. We can advise you which option will be the least expensive.
Learning about the country
You will enhance your trip and your understanding of the culture if you read, read, read before you go. Start by locating information at your local library and through your Travel Agent. Ask for pamphlets or other general information from the country's embassy or consulate. Also inquire about the addresses for government tourist offices and trade organizations. The government tourist office can provide maps and specific country and city information. Ask for lodging, sightseeing. and other details. There is also a wealth of information available on the internet. In addition, learn some of the native language. Don't worry if your pronunciation is not exactly right because it will become better with practice. Take language classes, listen to tapes in your home or car, or read a book. You have no idea how much this will help to open up the doors to the country.
Customs and Immigration
After you've landed and collected your luggage. follow your fellow passengers to Customs and Immigration. Don't panic!
Immigration - Once you arrive at your destination, you will present your passport and Tourist Card (if required you will usually receive it on the aircraft). The officials will check you against their list of "undesirables," ensure you have the necessary visas and entry documents then stamp the passport with your entry approval. Make sure you hang on to the Tourist Card if it is issued because you will be required to surrender it when you depart the country.
When you return to the United States with the children you have just adopted, turn in the necessary papers (the big, thick packet you have guarded with your life on the trip back) to the U.S. Immigration officials. The documents will be processed and your child will be issued a temporary permit (a stamp in their passport) allowing entry as a legal resident alien pending receipt of the permanent "Green Card", a first step toward naturalization or confirmation of their citizenship.
Customs - In many countries the Customs inspectors have two lines: The green "nothing to declare" line and the red "something to declare" line. Normally you should use the green line. The officials may inspect your luggage, but normally they won't. Be certain you do not exceed any of the incoming allowances for cash or other controlled-entry items. When you bring back a child to the United States, U.S. Customs will ask why you were gone so long, what you bought, and whether you brought back fruits, vegetables, or anything illegal.
Taking in the culture
Ask about tours through a local tour operator or your Travel Agent. Go shopping! Find out about the handicrafts for which the country is known. Go shopping! Use your driver or strike out on your own to the local flea market or shopping district. Go Shopping! You never know what interesting things you might find.
If you are a member of a service club such as Rotary International, attend the local chapter's meetings. The members will be willing to help you in any way they can and the interchange of cultures is so very important in fostering the cause of world peace and harmony. When we were in Santiago, I regularly went to the Rotary Club de Providencia's weekly meeting. From the friendships we made we were invited to the club's Christmas party and to a member's home for dinner. Overall it widens your horizons and helps you to feel more at home.
Culture Shock
You first notice it when you walk out of Customs and Immigration. You can't put your finger on it, but the feeling is there. It's more than just a language difference, a physical difference, a clothing difference, and a difference in physical features of the people. It is a different culture, a different set of values. You are a guest in someone else's homeland and you must conduct yourself accordingly.
If you have done your homework, you will know about the customs that are different than our own. For example, in Central or South America the word "Manana" does not necessarily mean tomorrow - it just means not today. If you know this and accept it, then you should not get upset when things are not done according to the U.S. timetable.
Don't let the culture get the best of you. If you are uncomfortable, just think that many of the people would feel the same way in our country too. Don't be afraid to ask for assistance. Almost everyone will be glad to help and you never know what interesting friendships you might strike up.
Traveling home
As your trip comes to a close, it will be easy to think about relaxing. But, you must reconfirm your air flights at least 72 hours prior to departure or the air carrier may cancel your reservations. Request bulkhead seats from the gate agent for extra comfort. Then, once you're through the exit formalities, enjoy the flight home knowing your trip was a success because of the advance planning you did.
Timothy D. Swanson is an adoptive parent of 2 daughters from Chile and Paraguay and president of Federal Travel & Cruises; 3170 North Federal Highway, Suite 205, Lighthouse Point, FL 33064.
Contact Information - Let Us Give You a Quote!

Information and Fare Quotes: (954)942-8666 Reservations and Ticketing: Toll-Free: (800)551-8666 Fax: (954)942-4047 Address: Federal Travel & Cruises, 3170 North Federal Highway, Suite 205, Lighthouse Point, FL, 33064 USA E-mail: adoptravel@federaltravel.com

Kyrgyzstan Dossier to Agency - Paper work Complete!

Just an update to say that the dossier was sent to Nightlight yesterday. Yippee. It was certified yesterday downtown and sent overnight. So...all the paper work is completed until further notice. Now we just wait to see what goes next. Anything can happen. So keep checking back. Found out I am #6 on the wait list for a baby girl referral.

Our home

Wheaton Bible Church...First Service will be in July

Here are some recent pictures of our new church building. First service will be on July 20, 2008. This will be a big change for a lot of people that have attended this church for many years. Sort of bitter sweet right now since this has been my church for 46 years. It's going to be a lot farther to drive so down the road it will be harder to get to. It will be nice though to have a lot more room but it will be a lot harder to see people we know. It could be weeks before we see the same people. So some will be surprised when our little girls arrive.

Kyrgyzstan at a glance

Name: Kyrgyz Republic, Kyrgyzstan (conventional short), former: Kirghiz Soviet Socialist Republic. Geographic coordinates: 41 00 N, 75 00 EArea: 199,900 sq km (77,182 sq miles).Land boundaries: Uzbekistan 1,099 km, Kazakstan 1,051 km, Tajikistan 870 km, China 858 km.Climate: dry continental to polar in high Tien Shan; subtropical in southwest (Fergana Valley); temperate in northern foothill zone.Data code: KG Government type: republic National capital: Bishkek Administrative divisions: 6 regions and 1 city (shaar). Bishkek, Chuy Region (Chuy Oblasty), Jalal-Abad Region (Jalal-Abad Oblasty), Naryn Region (Naryn Oblasty), Osh Region (Osh Oblasty), Talas Region (Talas Oblasty), Issyk-Kul Region (Issyk-Kul Oblasty)Independence: 31 August 1991 (from Soviet Union) National holiday: National Day, 2 December; Independence Day, 31 August (1991)Constitution: adopted 5 May 1993Population: 5,067,000 (UN estimate 2002). Ethnic groups: Kirghiz 52.4%, Russian 18%, Uzbek 12.9%, Ukrainian 2.5%, German 2.4%, other 11.8% Religions: Muslim 75%, Russian Orthodox 20%, other 5% Languages: Kirghiz (Kyrgyz) - official language, Russian - official language (in March 1996, the Kyrgyzstan legislature amended the constitution to make Russian an official language, along with Kirghiz, in territories and work places where Russian-speaking citizens predominate)Time: GMT + 5 (GMT + 6 from second Sunday in April to Saturday before last Sunday in September). Electricity: 220 volts AC, 50Hz. Round two-pin continental plugs are standard.
The Kyrgyz, a Turkic-speaking people, constitute a slim majority of the multiethnic population of Kyrgyzstan. The constitution enshrines Kyrgyz as the country's state language, although Russian continues to be used widely. Kyrgyzstan became part of the Russian Empire in the late 1800s. In 1924 it was incorporated into the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) as an autonomous region, and in 1936 its status was upgraded and it became one of the 15 constituent republics of the USSR, officially called the Kirgiz Soviet Socialist Republic (SSR). The republic was also commonly known as Kirgizia under Soviet rule, and Russians continue to call it that today. Kyrgyzstan became independent from the USSR in 1991. In 1993 the republic ratified its first post-Soviet constitution.
The total area of Kyrgyzstan is 198,500 sq km (76,640 sq mi). The country is almost completely mountainous. More than half of Kyrgyzstan lies at an elevation higher than 2,500 m (8,200 ft), and only about one-eighth of the country lies lower than 1,500 m (about 4,900 ft). Glaciers and permanent snowfields cover more than 3 percent of Kyrgyzstan's total land area. An underlying seismic belt causes frequent earthquakes.
Kyrgyzstan is located at the juncture of two great Central Asian mountain systems (the Tian-Shan and the Pamirs). These two systems are geologically separated from each other in southern Kyrgyzstan, between the Alai Mountains of the Tian-Shan and the Trans-Alai Range (Qatorkuhi Pasi Oloy) of the Pamirs. The Trans-Alai Range, which is the northernmost part of the Pamirs, forms part of Kyrgyzstan's southern border with Tajikistan. The main ridge of the Tian-Shan extends along Kyrgyzstan's eastern border with China, on a northeastern axis. Victory Peak (known as Pik Pobedy in Russian and Jenish Chokosu in Kyrgyz) is the highest peak in the Tian-Shan system at an elevation of 7,439 m (24,406 ft). Located on the Kyrgyz-China border in northeastern Kyrgyzstan, Victory Peak is also the highest point in Kyrgyzstan and the second highest peak in the former USSR. A series of mountain chains that are part of the Tian-Shan system, including the Alatau ranges, spur off into Kyrgyzstan. Most of these ranges run generally east to west, but the Fergana Mountains in the central portion of the country run southeast to northwest. The Fergana Valley in the west and the Chu Valley in the north are among the few significant lowland areas in Kyrgyzstan.
The Naryn River, Kyrgyzstan's largest river, originates in the mountains in the northeast and flows westward through the middle of the country. The Naryn then enters the Fergana Valley and crosses into Uzbekistan, where it joins with another river to form the Syr Darya, one of Central Asia's principal rivers. The Chu River, in northern Kyrgyzstan, flows northward into southern Kazakhstan. Yssyk-Kul, the largest lake in Kyrgyzstan and one of the largest mountain lakes in the world, is located at an altitude of 1,607 m (5,273 ft) above sea level in the northeastern portion of the country.
Forests occupy 4 percent of the country's land area. Coniferous trees such as the Tian-Shan white spruce grow along lower valleys and on north-facing mountain slopes. Many rare animal species inhabit the woodlands, including the Tian-Shan bear, the red wolf, and the snow leopard, which are protected by government decree. Other animals in Kyrgyzstan include deer, mountain goats, and mountain sheep. Kyrgyzstan's mountain lakes are an annual refuge for thousands of migrating birds, including the mountain goose and other rare species.
Kyrgyzstan's natural resources include significant deposits of gold and other minerals. Also present are deposits of coal, uranium, mercury, antimony, nepheline, bismuth, lead, and zinc. Exploitable but small reserves of oil and natural gas also exist. The country's fast-flowing rivers provide hydroelectric power. Only 7 percent of the total land area is cultivated.
The country's climate varies by region. The climate is subtropical in the Fergana Valley and temperate in the northern foothill zone. The lower mountain slopes have a dry continental climate, as they receive desert-warmed winds from Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, whereas the highest mountain elevations have a polar climate. In the valleys, the average daily temperature in July is 28° C (82° F). In January daily averages are as low as -14° C (7° F). Conditions are much colder at high elevations, where in July the average daily temperature is 5° C (41° F) and in January, -28° C (-18° F). Precipitation is between 100 and 500 mm (4 and 20 in) in the valleys and from 180 to 1,000 mm (7 to 40 in) in the mountains.
Commemorating the great Kyrgyz of the past The village of Kyzyl-Bairak has opened a monument in memory of Atake-baatyr and his great-grandson, Shabdan-baatyr, who did much to unite separate Kyrgyz tribes.
The memorial has been build trough donations gathered all over the country. President Akayev's children- daughter Bermet and son Aidar - are the initiators of the monument's construction.
Atake-baatyr stands on a pedestal with a snow leopard at his feet and a scroll of paper in his hands. The statue faces the sun rising from behind the mountains. In Russia in the mid-18th century Atake-baatyr was called the prince of Kyrgyz tribes. This year marks his 265th birthday.
The road to the memorial, which is going up, is covered with pink sand and has firs on both sides. A museum, left of the monument, keeps unique photographs and documents about the history of the Kyrgyz people. Some of these pictures and documentations have never been exhibited before.