Friends, please consider helping Carol Pearce, a Seattle-based teacher and lover of languages who is trying to learn Farsi in Tajikistan. Above and beyond what she says about herself and her determination to learn Farsi, both charming aspects of this project, I would like to get up and give Carol a standing ovation for daring to dream, and doing her best to realize that dream. More of us should dream different dreams like Carol here! For my part I am helping her. I thought I would share this with you, in case you are interested in helping her with her dream as well.

She says about herself, "I moved to Seattle originally to finish my degree in Russian studies. I taught Russian and translated some works. About the time our government began friendly relations with Russian, Russian positions became very scarce, so I sold real estate to support myself and my family. I recently returned to college; because of my interest in Middle Eastern history, I started taking Farsi. I love the language andcan't wait until I am able to translate from Farsi to English."

This is the description of her appeal page on Indigogo:

"I am completing my second year of studying Farsi and am a former teacher of Russian. Summer language programs in Russia were invaluable in my early training.

I was accepted for the Summer Farsi Language Program through the American Councils for International Education. And just this quarter I learned the University of Washington will extend the Persian language program to a three- and possibly four-year program. So my goal of translating works from Farsi to English looks more achievable than ever.

Why is this important?

It seems to me the better we understand a foreign country's language and culture, the more likely we'll have peaceful relations with that country. That's why I studied Russian and that's what we need in the Middle East now more than ever. It seems to me our dialogue with Russia was facilitated by the many cultural and business exchanges that occurred as the Soviet Union was breaking up. I have already translated one book on Soviet Dissent.

The opportunity for an intensive summer language study program in Tajikistan ( the only country other than Iran where it is spoken) is within sight. Since I've been studying rather than working the past two years, my funds are very limited.

So I'm asking you to help me take advantage of this opportunity. Please contribute whatever you can. All the funds go toward tuition ($5000) and travel expenses ($3,600).  All contributions will be greatly appreciated.