Picture Time!

Finally, I have a chance to post a picture. So, this is our entire teaching group in Moscow on Red Square.

Left to right: Jessie, Karisa, Meredee, Myself, Katie, Michele, Sarahfeena, and Shandel

It was super cold that day, but we had a lot of fun touring St. Basil's Cathedral.

And for those of you who care, this is how long my hair is currently.

Have a great Easter!

Culture Differences

Hello everyone.

Several people have wondered what some of the cultural differences are. Everyone wears a hat here. You are looked at strangely if you don't have a hat on. I know... Since I lost my hat, I've had some pretty interesting looks. You have to turn all the lights off when you leave the room. All the food used potatoes. It costs more money to call a house phone from a cell phone and vise verse. There aren't white lines on most of the roads. They drivers zip in and out of cars when driving.

These are just a few. I'll list more later.

Have a great day!
Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Moscow Adventures

Whew! I made it home from Moscow! We had Monday off of school because of Women's Day, so we all decided to head north to Moscow for the weekend. We stayed at one of the head teacher's appartments for the Moscow ILP group. It was SO amazing to see the world famous sites that you hear about but only dream of seeing! Well, I saw them!!

Friday, we took the train to Moscow and arrived Saturday morning around nine o'clock in the morning. Then, we headed off to Red Square to spend the day! We watched the changing of the gaurds at the Eternal Flame, a WWII memorial. That was an awesome site; I wish I had been able to see it better. Then, we toured St. Basil's Cathedral and walked around Red Square! It was AMAZING!!! I can't describe how I felt seeing and walking there. The closest I can come is "I am in Russia!"

Sunday, we went to the Pancake Festival to celebrate the coming of Spring. The crowd waiting to get into the festival was packed!!! I seriously could have fallen down and still be upright. We were pushed and punched. We laughed a TON and took some great pictures of us in the crowd. We also toured the Armoury and the Kremlin on Sunday. They were so wonderful to see and behold.

Monday, we went shopping in a market for trinkets and things. I didn't buy anything, but I'll have other opportunities. One thing I can say about Monday is I lost my hat on the Metro. I guess I have to buy a Russian Hat now. Oh no... How ever will I survive? Just kidding!

After a long train-ride home, I taught for six hours today in level five. I am so happy for the change! Not as much stress! I've got to run and sleep... finally!

Have a great day!

Culture Shock

Well, after three weeks of being here, my body is finally retaliating. I've been learning how my body expresses culture shock this week. I thought I was just fine in how I adjusted, but apparently not. I had a complete melt-down Thursday and again yesterday.

I have to constantly remind myself that things are fine. I just need to remember that Heavenly Father loves me and that He won't let me sink on this adventure.

Kids are crazy!!! I am having a hard time learning what I am supposed to be doing with these kids, but I still work at it. I think I have the hardest class of the entire school! They are right in the middle of the two teaching styles. This means I get to incorporate both teaching styles in my lessons. That is not as easy as it might sound, or maybe it is as hard as it sounds! Whatever the case, I am trying my hardest- maybe even too hard- to balance the Kindergarten and Elementary styles of teaching.

We are headed to Moscow next weekend, and I am looking forward to a few days off of teaching. I am still having fun no matter how I may sound. I've found myself coming closer to the girls I am teaching with. They are truly becoming my friends.

Пока