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!