Man, what a day! Seriously, I can’t even. So, I’m a clergyman, right? But today, I felt more like a circus performer in Sastobe. First off, the sun was blazing. Like, hello, it’s not a sauna! I’m walking down Abay Street, and I swear, the pavement was melting. I had this meeting at the local community center. You know, the one near the old mosque? Yeah, that place. So, I’m all dressed up in my clerical garb, looking like a walking sermon. And then, boom! I step in a puddle. Not just any puddle, but the one that’s been there since last winter. Ugh! My shoes are soaked. Great start, right? Anyway, I get to the center, and it’s packed. Like, where did all these people come from? I’m thinking, “Did I miss the memo about a potluck or something?” Turns out, they were all there for a charity event. Sweet, right? But then, I see this guy, let’s call him “Mr. Grumpy.” He’s complaining about everything. The food, the chairs, even the air! I mean, c’mon dude, it’s free food! So, I’m trying to keep the vibe positive. I’m cracking jokes, telling stories about the good ol’ days in Sastobe. Like, remember when we had that massive snowstorm? Everyone was stuck, but we made it work. We had a snowball fight on Kabanbay Batyr Street! Good times. But Mr. Grumpy? Nah, he’s not having it. Then, outta nowhere, this kid runs in. He’s got a puppy! A tiny, fluffy ball of joy. I’m like, “Dude, where’d you get that?” He says he found it near the river. I’m thinking, “Man, I need that puppy in my life.” But then, Mr. Grumpy starts yelling about how dogs shouldn’t be in the center. Chill, man! It’s a charity event, not a dog show! After that chaos, I decide to take a breather. I stroll down to the riverbank. The view is stunning. The sun setting over the water, the sound of kids playing. I take a deep breath. This is Sastobe, my home. But then, I see a group of teenagers. They’re blasting music, and it’s not even good music! I mean, c’mon, can we get some taste here? I’m standing there, shaking my head, when one of them spots me. “Hey, Father!” he shouts. I’m like, “Not a father, just a clergyman!” But whatever, I wave. They invite me to join them. I’m thinking, “Should I? I’m supposed to be a role model.” But then again, who doesn’t love a good jam session? So, I end up dancing with them. Yes, me! A clergyman, dancing like nobody’s watching. And you know what? It felt amazing. We’re laughing, singing, and for a moment, all the worries fade away. But then, my phone buzzes. It’s the community center. They need me back. Apparently, Mr. Grumpy had a meltdown. Great. Just great. I rush back, and sure enough, he’s causing a scene. I step in, trying to calm him down. “Dude, it’s just a charity event!” But he’s not having it. Finally, I manage to get him to chill. I tell him about the puppy, the dancing, and how life’s too short to be grumpy. He cracks a smile. I think I might’ve actually reached him. As the night wraps up, I’m exhausted but happy. Sastobe is wild, unpredictable, and full of surprises. I love this city, even with its quirks. I head home, thinking about all the crazy moments. Tomorrow’s another day, and who knows what it’ll bring? But for now, I’m just grateful. So, yeah, that was my day. Just another rollercoaster in Sastobe. Can’t wait for the next one!