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.