L"oo"k it. L"oo"k it. II

The title of these posts comes from the way the Russian kids say "look".

These are the crazy monkeys of the Basic Reading class. From left to right, there is Andrei, Olianna, Sonia, Dima, Posha, Senya, Igour and Zhenya. You can probably tell that they are really crazy monkeys by the picture, but they are cute and funny at the same time. Kids!

Here is a video of the Basic Reading class to illustrate how they say "look" and that they are crazy!

L"oo"k it. L"oo"k it.

I'm home!!! I can't believe that I was in Russia on Thursday. It blows my mind. I am sure glad to be home, though. There are a lot of things I missed.

Since I am home, I can post more pictures, so here are a few from my Level Five party that I mentioned last time.

Vika, Izabel, and Jane

Changes in The Wind...

Guess what, guess what!

I'm coming home in about two weeks! I'm not sure of the exact date, but that's the big news on this end. I had a party with my level five classes today, and now I feel almost sick from all the junk we ate! Man, those kids know how to choose good candies and treats!

I am going to miss being here, but I won't be leaving behind any regrets. My only regret would be that my camera has broken and I can't take pictures without using someone else's camera. Oh well, I guess that is life!

Sorry to cut this short, but I really need to head to my house for some REAL food!

Пока!

Has It Come Already?

Well, two things are official: 1) Spring is here, and 2) I have been here for two months.

First, Spring. Everywhere I look, I see green grass coming up somewhere. I am almost surprised at the amount of grass in the city. I would have never guessed by the gray ground that grass would grow there. In the melting weeks, the city looked like a big trash can. In fact, one of my students described the city as such. That is no longer the case. People have swept, bagged, and burned the dead leaves, garbage and such over the last week. I saw about thirty black garbage bags full of leaves and things all stacked next to each other, waiting to be loaded into a truck.

One thing of interest is people sweep the streets- literally. I saw a man standing on the street using a broom to clean the street. Spring cleaning is the real thing here! With the arrival of Spring, the sun has come out as well. The last week had a high temperature of +20 C (or 68 F). I did some spring cleaning for myself and put away my winter clothes into my suitcases on Saturday. It is nice to walk to school with only a light jacket instead of a winter coat!

Second, my two month mark is here! It hardly seems like it could have already been two months since I was in the States. At the same time, I feel like I have been here forever. I call the house that I live in 'home' and still call the States 'home' as well. It can be quite confusing talking about moms and homes with the other teachers. It becomes hard to tell if they (or I)  am talking about home in Voronezh or home in the States.

I learned how to make Овсяное  from my host mom last night. They are a type of cookie that I love! I am super excited to make them for the rest of my life! I am sure they won't turn out quite as good as my host mom's cookies, but they might just be close enough. I also learned how to make Сомпот last night. That is a juice made from fruit. I love that too! Things to look forward to upon my arrival home!

I am so thankful for the opportunity I have had to be here in Voronezh. I have realized the weaknesses I thought were strengths. I have also come to recognize my own personal standards as they have been attacked. I know what I want out of the future, and I am excited to work towards all of my righteous goals! The Lord has a plan for me that I am trying to follow.

It has been wonderful to attend church in the Voronezh Branch. The Branch of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints here reminds me very much of the Church in the early days. The Saints here have sweet and strong testimonies. I have been amazed at the strength they have in the truth of Joseph Smith and in the Book of Mormon. We have a member of the Branch Presidency who attends our Sunday School lesson. He never ceases to amaze me and remind me of who I am. I feel towards him as if he was my brother... maybe almost my father. Several times, Brother Zhenya has shared his conversion story with us and told us to "never go out of the Church". I have been so blessed to be born into a family strong in the gospel. I have also been given the privilege to be reared in the teachings of the gospel.

I am so excited to start a family of my own in the future, to rear my own children in the knowledge of the gospel and of a loving Heavenly Father. I know that joy and happiness come from living true to the values that are taught through the scriptures. I also know that the Lord will not lead His children astray if we strive to live worthy of His Spirit. He also provides a way for us to accomplish our righteous desires. I challenged myself to read the entire Doctrine and Covenants in a week, and I would not have accomplished that goal if the Lord had not blessed me with an empty day to just read. I am happy to say that I did finish reading the Doctrine and Covenants, although it was in eight days instead of seven. I learned a lot in those eight days, and I feel that I replenished my spirit's thirst for the time being.

This has turned into a novel. Have a wonderful day!

Пока

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

Hello!

Привет everyone!

I am sorry that my communications seem to be few and far between. It is difficult to find time to get to the Internet Cafe. Some people may not share my next statement, and that is okay. I can't believe it has only been a few days over two weeks since I arrived in Voronezh. It feels as though I have been here at least two months. It isn't the bad kind- like I am bored and want to come home. Just the opposite! I feel as though I have been here my entire life. I have such a familiar feeling in Voronezh. It feels like home almost. The only piece missing is my friends and family from back home.

The weather here has been gray and gray. I am glad that gray is my favorite weather color! The temperature has been above freezing for the last few days, and all the snow has melted. When I looked out the window last Friday morning, I thought I was back in Washington with all the wet pavement! I've had a few days of being homesick, but Heavenly Father has blessed me with so much peace and love as I adjust to life in Russia!

I am so thankful to be part of the gospel. More and more, my testimony of the truthfulness of this work strengthens. I have had to rely on myself for all my spiritual aspects. I love it! I feel like I am in "spiritual boot camp" as I am constantly reminding myself to say my prayers and read my scriptures.

There is so much I want to say, but I can't find words. The group of us teachers have been exploring Voronezh this week. We attended a performance of The Nutcracker as a ballet on ice! It was amazing! It didn't sound like the Nutcracker music at first, but I soon recognized it. The dancing was amazing. They were dancing the minuet and the polka on ice. The stage was a regular stage in the Opera Theater (a beautiful building, by the way) that was covered with ice. I thought it was a great experience. We will be traveling to Moscow for a weekend in a few weeks, and I am excited to see more of Russia.

Oh! I take the bus everywhere in Voronezh. This week, I went to church and to school on the bus by myself. I can't tell you how nice it is to know what bus to take and where it goes. I love the way of life that the Russian people have. The branch members are so welcoming to the American girls tagging along in their branch. I had the opportunity to bear my testimony last Sunday to the branch (with a missionary translating for me, of course!). After the meeting was done, the people gathered around us and wanted to talk to us. Several of the members know my name after just three weeks of attending their branch! I may over-use this scripture, but I can't help not using it again. Alma 26:16 explains my feelings right now!

I am so happy in the service that I am doing. I know that the Lord is with me every step I take. He is ever present in my heart as I am so far from home.

I love all of you!

Пока

Teaching... No Greater Call

It might be a great call, but it is HARD work. I have eight students in my class of Basic Readers, and they challenge me every day. They love to play Bingo and are disappointed if the prize isn't candy. We have fun. Today we are going to be eating apples with peanut butter and whipped cream.

I am trying to learn the language. It is such a beautiful language. I can say a few words, but my inability to roll my R's hinders any hope of accurate pronouncation. I have started praying very hard that I can develop this ability.

The other teachers and I are having fun exploring Voronezh. We went to a vocal performance last weekend at the library. The performers were University Students, and they did very well. Of course, I have a small exposer to Russian vocal pieces, so I would think anything was good.

I hope everyone is doing well!

Пока

Hello Over There!

I can hardly believe that I am writing this in Russia! Well, I'm here! It was a long trip over here, and I'm sure I lost Friday between Vancouver and Voronezh. I am still getting settled and have a lot of work to do with school. We are jumping into the semester three weeks late, so we don't get cushion time. I hope that makes sense.

Anyway, I'll try to get some pictures soon. It isn't THAT cold at the moment, but instead of salting the ground to prevent ice, they dirt it. Everything is s0 dirty. I am really glad that I thought to bring an extra pair of shoes to wear inside.

From Russia with love.

The Time Has Come

...the Walrus said, to talk of many things:

Of planes--and flights-- and sitting down
Of packing many things--

Everything is packed! I can't believe that almost everything fit into my suitcases! I'm not sure how I feel about all the flying I'll be doing tomorrow. Time-wise, I will be flying for over 24 hours. Realistically, it will only be about 17 hours. Still, that is a lot of time in the air! I haven't tapped into my excitement pool yet, but I hope I'll become excited as I travel with other people.

I want to say good-bye to everyone and tell you that I love you! I will surely miss seeing everyone all the time! I look forward to hearing from you and seeing you upon my return!

May the good Lord bless and keep you till we meet again.

All my love!

Countdown Resumes

Well... It's official! I leave bright and early Thursday morning! I received my tickets, Visa and passport today! All I have left to do is pack the few items I took out of my suitcases to use this week, and I'll be ready to go! Thank you to all who have supported me in this adventure! I couldn't have made it this far without you!

All my love.

1-1/2 days left!

Departure, Departure, Wherefore Art Thou Departure?

The latest news is that I'm leaving on the seventh of this month. My tickets and everything should arrive this week- within the next five days- and then I'll be off to Russia! Finally!!! Because the group is leaving late, we are scheduled to return home slightly later than first predicted, too. I'll be home within the first ten days of June! I'm just glad to be leaving!

Have a great day!

January's Theme

Man, if I ever had to choose a theme for January 2008, it would have to be CHANGE!! Just when I think I have everything set, something happens to make me rethink everything again.

As some of you may have noticed, I'm not in Russia yet. That is one of many things that keeps changing. I am leaving... I promise! The current departure date is set for either February fifth or sixth. I found out today that the Visas changed again, meaning that I'll be coming home at the end of May. All that contemplating and debating over decisions I did! Just when I make my decision, ta-da! The Visas change again. Oh well, that's how the cookie crumbles!

In my last post, I announced that I was attempting to take classes in the Spring term since I would be home. Within the hour of finding out that I wouldn't be able to take classes (due to attendance issues), ILP called to tell me about the Visa change. If nothing else, I have learned out of these experiences to trust in the Lord completely. He really knows what He is doing in helping direct my life! The scripture that comes to mind is Proverbs 3:5, which reads: Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thy own understanding.

I certainly don't understand a lot of the changes that have happened over the course of this week and month, but the one thing I know for certain is that Heavenly Father will not leave me alone to figure and plan my life. I know this because I've spent the last month convulsively planning the Summer 2008 clear into Summer 2009! Planning and thinking are both curses and blessings in my life! I'm pretty sure I've reached a point where I cannot possibly plan anything else sensibly or without having to change it all time and time again!

Oh, the joys of life!

Decisions... Decisions... (Part 2)

After much prayer and contemplation, I finally reached a decision. I will be returning to the US at the end of April. I am really excited for this choice! It opens up many, many new opportunities and pathways to tread down! For example, I am attempting to take courses during the Spring quarter at Clark College even though I will come into the quarter late. If I am successful, I will be transferring schools in August 2008!

Life is grand! I have seen the love of my Heavenly Father so much this last week as I debated over the pros and cons for all of my decisions. One would think that I would be very stressed out and frazzled with my departure fast approaching and the uncertainties of school, but I'm not. I have been blessed with peace of mind. There are so many things to accomplish this week, but I am not worried about accomplishing all of it. I know that with the Lord, I can do anything He requires.

Have a wonderful day!

Decisions... Decisions...

I found out that my Visa, along with the rest of my group's Visas, were delayed because of a Russian policy change. The Visa changed from being an extended period Visa to a 90-day Visa. Because of this, I get to decide to come home at the end of the 90 days (April) or get a second Visa to stay until June.

I've been weighing the pros and cons since I found out, and I cannot see anything to sway me either way! The pros and cons are pretty even across the board. If I come home in April, I have a chance to take classes in the Spring Term. If I stay till June, I have three weeks of vacation in Ukraine while the Visa is processed.

Have a great day!

Change of Plans

I am still in the US right now because there has been a delay in my Visa. I should be leaving by the end of January; I don't know the exact date yet. Some might think I would be sad about the change, but the opposite is true. I am glad for the extra time at home to finish the things I need to get done. I didn't realize how many items were on my To Do list until this week.

Have a great day!

Relaxation? What is that?

With most of my supplies purchased, I feel a great relief. Well, that's done. I think I'll take time to relax and just wait for my departure to come! Yeah, right. Like that could ever happen! I now need to start packing and figuring out the great puzzle of fitting everything in my suitcases, coming under the weight requirements. Ugh, just thinking about it makes my head hurt!

I thought you might like to see some of the none-clothing supplies I have collected and will try to fit into my suitcase. I couldn't get a good angle to show all of them, so here are a few pictures to show most of everything!

It sure is a lot of supplies! And that is without the candy, clothes, etc. A lot of the supplies shown are things for the store that the kids can purchase trinkets and prizes with the tokens they earn.

Well, it's off to work on this massive puzzle! Wish me luck! It's a good thing I love challenges!

10 days left!

Triad News

Most of the people who read this will have no clue what I am talking about, so I must provide some background information to precede my actual post for tonight.

I have two friends who I love! We call ourselves "The Triad", taken from what Hungry* learned in her Sociology class at school. It means a group of three. Since her class, we became The Triad.

The Triad
(Me, Hungry and Hag Moth*)

With that said, we started shifting the blame of everything that went wrong in one week onto one of The Triad or another one of our friends, alternating people each week. For example, one week it could be Hag Moth's week; the next would be my week. Somehow, Hungry always seems to get out of having her turn!! It's done all out of fun and games, and love. It has been a source of great laughter for all involved!

Well, now to the real subject of this post. For the next three weeks, it is my fault! Usually, the person at fault only has one week of agony, but since I am leaving for four months, it was decided that I would get the blame from now until I leave! It's kind of silly but fun just the same. It might even sound dumb, but that isn't the point. It's a Triad Tradition, which I will sorely miss. I wouldn't want to trade any member of The Triad for anything. I love you both very much!

Love to all!


21 days left!

*Names have been changed.