To my husband Tom, and all the other great dads out there...
Saturday, June 16, 2007
4 tornados and flood warnings
Sometimes all you want to do is relax. And sometimes relaxation is elusive like a toddler who needs a diaper change but, you have to chase him down before you can accomplish the task.
We went to a B&B. Upon arrival the place looked nothing like the photo on the internet.
The 5000 book library they boasted of were mostly old (not antique) moldy books. Some were falling apart and some smelled so bad we tried not to breathe in as we walked past.
Beautiful woodwork was covered up by too much junk all over the place. Bed bugs visited me as I sat up late that first night reading.
Visiting the bathroom in the night was also an adventure. The bathroom was across the hallway. There were mannequins in various places throughout the halls dressed in period clothing. Can you imagine making a bathroom run and seeing someone standing in front of you silent, smiling, and pointing the way?
The scenic walk the innkeeper told us about was littered with abandoned rusted out cars and a few mobile homes.
As we have traveled booking things on the internet has never been a problem. We should have known there was a problem when people who lived in the area didn't know the place existed!
We were determined however, to make the best of it. We went to visit a local museum, then went into a town 30 miles away to eat and take in a movie. We saw "Knocked Up" and "Oceans 13" neither one of these movies wowed us. We walked around the small mall there and toured the city afterwards. Shortly after dinner it started to rain. We decided we better get back to the B&B.
We drove slowly for over an hour in the thundering rain with 50 mph winds - we had no idea if we could even reach the place. Finally, we pulled over and called, they were just getting back home from chasing tornadoes and didn't see the weather as a problem. Tom expressed his concerned about getting stuck on the long sandy clay drive up to their place. I was supposed to speak at a Women's Bible Study in a city two hours away the next morning and we didn't want to take any chances.
After gathering a few supplies like toothpaste and deodorant, we spent the night in a Motel 6. I have never been so happy about a clean bed and a private bathroom! I got up the next morning preparing to drive in to speak but, when I called Vicky she told me not to worry about coming in. She was more concerned about us getting stuck or not making it than that innkeeper was.
Tom drove back to the B&B, picked up our suitcases and paid for the one night we actually did stay. Maybe we will have better luck next time!
We went to a B&B. Upon arrival the place looked nothing like the photo on the internet.
The 5000 book library they boasted of were mostly old (not antique) moldy books. Some were falling apart and some smelled so bad we tried not to breathe in as we walked past.
Beautiful woodwork was covered up by too much junk all over the place. Bed bugs visited me as I sat up late that first night reading.
Visiting the bathroom in the night was also an adventure. The bathroom was across the hallway. There were mannequins in various places throughout the halls dressed in period clothing. Can you imagine making a bathroom run and seeing someone standing in front of you silent, smiling, and pointing the way?
The scenic walk the innkeeper told us about was littered with abandoned rusted out cars and a few mobile homes.
As we have traveled booking things on the internet has never been a problem. We should have known there was a problem when people who lived in the area didn't know the place existed!
We were determined however, to make the best of it. We went to visit a local museum, then went into a town 30 miles away to eat and take in a movie. We saw "Knocked Up" and "Oceans 13" neither one of these movies wowed us. We walked around the small mall there and toured the city afterwards. Shortly after dinner it started to rain. We decided we better get back to the B&B.
We drove slowly for over an hour in the thundering rain with 50 mph winds - we had no idea if we could even reach the place. Finally, we pulled over and called, they were just getting back home from chasing tornadoes and didn't see the weather as a problem. Tom expressed his concerned about getting stuck on the long sandy clay drive up to their place. I was supposed to speak at a Women's Bible Study in a city two hours away the next morning and we didn't want to take any chances.
After gathering a few supplies like toothpaste and deodorant, we spent the night in a Motel 6. I have never been so happy about a clean bed and a private bathroom! I got up the next morning preparing to drive in to speak but, when I called Vicky she told me not to worry about coming in. She was more concerned about us getting stuck or not making it than that innkeeper was.
Tom drove back to the B&B, picked up our suitcases and paid for the one night we actually did stay. Maybe we will have better luck next time!
Sunday, June 10, 2007
meeting new people
We ate a great meal with Shirley and Gerry at Brick Oven happily topping it off with Sheridan's Frozen Custard!
It was good to see Tom standing behind the wooden pulpit in their 118 year old sanctuary. The congregation is currently remodeling the property with the men of the church doing the majority of the work themselves.
We loved how they kept the original sanctuary in tact...incredible stained glass windows on each side of the room give the room a peaceful feel. I had not felt that serene since my time in Assisi, Italy. We are eager to return and see how it looks a year from now!
Before leaving Topeka we had lunch at On the Border with Kathy and Ray. We met Kathy's son when we were in Oregon. We are so grateful to Brian for connecting us with the loving, caring congregation we spent time with in Topeka. It reminded me of the church I grew up in... small and close knit like a family.
Today we leave for Edmond, Oklahoma after that we are moving on again. I don't know if I will have internet access for the rest of the week. So, if you don't hear from me just know that we are taking a long overdue mini vacation for just the two of us at a Bed and Breakfast somewhere in the midwest!
It was good to see Tom standing behind the wooden pulpit in their 118 year old sanctuary. The congregation is currently remodeling the property with the men of the church doing the majority of the work themselves.
We loved how they kept the original sanctuary in tact...incredible stained glass windows on each side of the room give the room a peaceful feel. I had not felt that serene since my time in Assisi, Italy. We are eager to return and see how it looks a year from now!
Before leaving Topeka we had lunch at On the Border with Kathy and Ray. We met Kathy's son when we were in Oregon. We are so grateful to Brian for connecting us with the loving, caring congregation we spent time with in Topeka. It reminded me of the church I grew up in... small and close knit like a family.
Today we leave for Edmond, Oklahoma after that we are moving on again. I don't know if I will have internet access for the rest of the week. So, if you don't hear from me just know that we are taking a long overdue mini vacation for just the two of us at a Bed and Breakfast somewhere in the midwest!
Friday, June 08, 2007
Driving through Greensburg
Driving through this city was:
eerie
surreal
mind boggling
Not knowing whether the 54 freeway had reopened near Greensburg or not we set out Friday morning to drive to Andover on our way to Topeka. As we neared Greensburg Tom asked me to get out my camera. Honestly it was difficult to photograph the devastation. I was overwhelmed by what I was seeing... either nothingness or devastation.
As we slowly made our way from one from one end of the city to the other we were practically speechless.
How do you take it all in?
We gazed at buildings with 3 out of 4 walls missing, trees that looked as if they were made for one of the Lord of the Rings movies, hand made signs pointing to where the hospital was set up or where other city services were located.
Continue to pray for the people of Greensburg as they work each day to rebuild and move forward with their lives.
Thursday, June 07, 2007
Small Town America
As we travel cross country seeing what life is like for thousands of folks along the way, Spencer's question yesterday still rings in my ears....
"why is the bank next door to the county jail?"
"why is the bank next door to the county jail?"
Wednesday, June 06, 2007
Praise God!
On Wednesday, we had the appointment to see if we could get some type of financial assistance so that Tom could have his gallbladder surgery before we return to Russia.
We found out that we qualify for a UNM Care medical plan that has a 5$ copay for a doctor visit and 25$ copay for emergency room or surgery.
We are so grateful to everyone who prayed for him. This is such a blessing. Our hope now is to get Tom in to see a doctor very soon and for surgery to be scheduled not long after!
Today we leave Albuquerque, New Mexico and head toward Topeka, Ks. We will drop Spencer off along the way so that he can travel with a group of youth from Andover and Wichita to the Young Life Camp he will attend in Colorado.
After Tom speaks in Topeka on Sunday we leave for Edmond, OK where both of us will be speaking at a Celebrate Recovery meeting on Monday.
We get a brief time out at a Bed and Breakfast before we go back to Andover to retrieve Spencer on the 17th.
We found out that we qualify for a UNM Care medical plan that has a 5$ copay for a doctor visit and 25$ copay for emergency room or surgery.
We are so grateful to everyone who prayed for him. This is such a blessing. Our hope now is to get Tom in to see a doctor very soon and for surgery to be scheduled not long after!
Today we leave Albuquerque, New Mexico and head toward Topeka, Ks. We will drop Spencer off along the way so that he can travel with a group of youth from Andover and Wichita to the Young Life Camp he will attend in Colorado.
After Tom speaks in Topeka on Sunday we leave for Edmond, OK where both of us will be speaking at a Celebrate Recovery meeting on Monday.
We get a brief time out at a Bed and Breakfast before we go back to Andover to retrieve Spencer on the 17th.
Tuesday, June 05, 2007
What would you pay for a good cry?
Bridge to Terabithia was about the power of children's friendships and how they transform our lives... when you are going through your awkward phase alone it is much more difficult than if you have a friend to share that struggle with. Friends can make life bearable. Friends can make life fun. My childhood friend succumbed to breast cancer last year. Margaret was one of those friends who changes who you are and I am grateful for her influence in my life.
Sitting in a chilly movie theatre on a Monday afternoon with a wriggling mass of small children it was hard to tell if this was going to be an enjoyable experience whether the movie was any good or not. Mondays at the dollar theatre all you pay is 50 cents. No wonder the place was jumping with little ones. Fortunately, the movie was a good one and the children were well behaved.
By the end of the movie many of us were so touched by the action on the screen it lead to tears. So what was the price of a good cry? You already know... only 50 cents!
Monday, June 04, 2007
Valley of Geysers
Landslide damages famed valley in Russia
By MANSUR MIROVALEV,
Associated Press Writer
Tue Jun 5, 1:27 AM ET
A severe landslide has nearly obliterated one of Russia's most noted natural wonders, the Valley of Geysers, officials and environmental activists said Monday.
The valley in the Kronotsky national reserve on the Far Eastern Kamchatka Peninsula contained about 90 geysers, as well as an array of thermal pools, and is the region's most popular tourist attraction.
A snow-covered mound collapsed Sunday "within seconds" and caused a massive landslide, about a mile long and 600 feet wide, burying two-thirds of the valley, park ranger Valery Tsypkov said in televised remarks.
The landslide dumped millions of cubic yards of mud and stones and destroyed most of the valley's geysers and dozens of thermal springs, stopping yards away from the valley's only hotel, he said.
Tourists and park personnel had to be evacuated, but no injuries were reported.
"The splendor of the valley has changed beyond recognition," Kronotsky national reserve director Natalya Radugova said in televised remarks.
Some officials were more hopeful about the valley's future.
The natural dam created by the landslide will turn the valley — which was discovered only in 1941 — into a thermal lake that could become a new "tourist jewel of Russia," tourism official Denis Lazarev said, according to Russian news agencies.
Experts feared many of the valley's geysers were obliterated.
"We witnessed a unique natural event," said Oleg Mitvol, the deputy head of Russia's environmental watchdog agency Rosprirodnadzor. "But the consequences of such a natural catastrophe are irreversible."
A sparsely populated peninsula, Kamchatka is located some 4,200 miles from Moscow. It was completely closed to foreigners until 1990 and now attracts thousands of tourists annually with its volcanos, geysers and national parks.
"This is tragic for humankind, in that we have lost one of the great natural wonders of the world," Laura Williams of the World Wildlife Fund said in a statement posted on the group's Web site. "But for nature, this is only a blip in the history of the planet's evolution."
Letters of Invitation
We received an email from Tania the director of the Language School that we attend in Krasnodar... she says that our "letters of invitation", which are needed to get a Russian visa could be ready in 2-3 weeks.
We asked her for new invitations so that we could renew our visas early. Our current visas are up in September. If we waited until September to renew the visas, then that would mean another trip out of Russia to get everything processed. By renewing them early we will be able to stay in school, save the cost of another trip out of the country and we would not have to leave again until January.
We speak to one another in Russian, we listen to tapes, we still text message and email in Russian but, there is nothing better than being immersed in the language as we are when we are in Russia. We are so eager to get back to school, back to work and back among our Russian friends!
We asked her for new invitations so that we could renew our visas early. Our current visas are up in September. If we waited until September to renew the visas, then that would mean another trip out of Russia to get everything processed. By renewing them early we will be able to stay in school, save the cost of another trip out of the country and we would not have to leave again until January.
We speak to one another in Russian, we listen to tapes, we still text message and email in Russian but, there is nothing better than being immersed in the language as we are when we are in Russia. We are so eager to get back to school, back to work and back among our Russian friends!
Saturday, June 02, 2007
Rock of Love
Looking at the mountains beneath us as we rode the tram down from Sandia Peak the other day, I saw this heart-shaped rock and quickly snapped a picture.
Each time I look at it, I am reminded of how God's unfailing love has been the rock we have leaned on over the years. His love has helped us to survive life in a foreign country. His love has helped us endure the pain of our first two children being stillborn. His love has been the foundation that our marriage and family have rested on for 25 years.
May God's love be the solid rock in your life, today and everyday!
Friday, June 01, 2007
stop and smell the roses
Time goes by so much faster than I ever realised possible. It seems as if it was just yesterday I was driving to Seal Beach to get out of the Pasadena smog for play time so the guys would take a better afternoon nap.
Nathan is leaving early Sunday morning to fly to Pittsburgh to visit friends. Spencer leaves the next weekend for camp in Colorado. Neither one of them needs me to pack their bags and decide what they will wear or to plan out their itinerary. In all of our years as a family this is a first for Tom and I.
Last year we left Nathan and Spencer home alone, Tom was here in America and I was in Rome, Italy. They spent their time playing video games and eating whatever they wanted for ten days. We were connected through text messaging and email.
This year both of them are happily leaving us behind.
I, being a mother, have mixed emotions.
I want them to grow, mature and experience life. But, I want to make sure they don't get hurt. And yet I remember when they were little "falling down and getting back up" was part of the process of development each one had to experience. It is the "falling down and getting back up" that leads to growth and maturity.
My heartfelt prayer is that they will both (like Christ) grow " in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men." Luke 2:52
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Sandia Peak
Here are a few of the photos I took today!
On Thursday Tom, Dad, Spencer and I went up to Sandia Peak. I am glad that I let the guys talk me into going. The ride was not the scary event that I was bracing myself for. Instead it was exciting. At the top you are treated to view that spans an 11,000 square mile radius.
the coloring you see on the photo is Tom's Hawaiian print shirt!
a tram going up and we were going down.
On Thursday Tom, Dad, Spencer and I went up to Sandia Peak. I am glad that I let the guys talk me into going. The ride was not the scary event that I was bracing myself for. Instead it was exciting. At the top you are treated to view that spans an 11,000 square mile radius.
The last time we went to see a world record holding tourist site there was a tornado a few hours after we had been there. See this post to read about The world's largest hand dug well in Greensburg, Ks.
The tram going up to Sandia Peak is the World's Longest Aerial Tramway. The ride is 15 minutes long and you will have much to see along the way and once you get to the top.
Once at the top it was over 20 degrees cooler up there and Spencer and I were glad that we took our jackets. Dad and Tom toughed it out!
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Young Life Camp
Spencer is scheduled to go to a Young Life Camp in June. I think he is counting down the days until he is away from Tom and I.
He really has had such a great attitude as he has traveled the country with us. I know when I was 17 I would not have wanted to spend my summer on a road trip with my parents!
Spencer will be going to Frontier Ranch in Buena Vista, Colorado. If you check out the website you can watch a video to see some of the activities he will be involved in.
Spencer is able to attend the camp thanks to the Outward Focus team at Hope Community in Andover, Kansas.
We are so grateful that they thought of this detail ... giving him a chance to have a real vacation before we return to Russia in July!
He really has had such a great attitude as he has traveled the country with us. I know when I was 17 I would not have wanted to spend my summer on a road trip with my parents!
Spencer will be going to Frontier Ranch in Buena Vista, Colorado. If you check out the website you can watch a video to see some of the activities he will be involved in.
Spencer is able to attend the camp thanks to the Outward Focus team at Hope Community in Andover, Kansas.
We are so grateful that they thought of this detail ... giving him a chance to have a real vacation before we return to Russia in July!
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Reality TV
Are you watching the new reality tv shows?
One of the things we miss when we are in Russia is American TV. Since our arrival in the states on February 22nd, we have been able to see, American Idol, America's Next Top Model, The Bachelor, Dancing With The Stars and Survivor.
Now that those shows are over a whole new crop of shows are sprouting up. I enjoy watching the The Lot, which is going to award a million dollar contract to an aspiring film maker. I know there are some others like America's Got Talent and The Next Big Thing but I have not seen either one of those... the show that cracked us up last week was "So You Think You Can Dance".
Tonight's episode should be good... they will be showing auditions from LA and Chicago, I know there will be some great dancers but I am sure there will be some colorful characters just as there were with the New York auditions last week!
One of the things we miss when we are in Russia is American TV. Since our arrival in the states on February 22nd, we have been able to see, American Idol, America's Next Top Model, The Bachelor, Dancing With The Stars and Survivor.
Now that those shows are over a whole new crop of shows are sprouting up. I enjoy watching the The Lot, which is going to award a million dollar contract to an aspiring film maker. I know there are some others like America's Got Talent and The Next Big Thing but I have not seen either one of those... the show that cracked us up last week was "So You Think You Can Dance".
Tonight's episode should be good... they will be showing auditions from LA and Chicago, I know there will be some great dancers but I am sure there will be some colorful characters just as there were with the New York auditions last week!
Monday, May 28, 2007
Another reason to drink?
Temperature guide: 33 degrees celsius= 91.4 degrees Fahrenheit
Tuesday, May 29, 2007.
Issue 3666.
Page 3.
Blackout Fears Amid a Record Heat Wave
The Moscow Times
As the temperature hit a record high Monday, Moscow's electricity provider scrambled to prevent a blackout due to a surge in the use of air conditioners.
The temperature hit 33.2 degrees Celsius in Moscow on Monday, surpassing a record of 32.2 degrees set for the day in 1995, Interfax reported, citing the Moscow area weather bureau.
Electricity use jumped 8 percent, forcing Unified Energy Systems to impose limits on corporate consumers, company spokeswoman Margarita Nagoga said, Interfax reported. The situation was exasperated by the closure of the city's Matveyevskaya transmission substation for repairs, she said.
The limits are to be lifted Tuesday. Two years ago, a surge in demand caused by a heat wave led to a power outage that began in Moscow and spread to the Moscow, Tula, Kaluga and Ryazan regions, leaving 1.5 million to 2 million people without electricity.
Monday's heat sparked small fires at several electricity substations around Moscow, Interfax said.
A poll of Moscow kiosk vendors, meanwhile, found that the sale of beverages shot up by 80 percent on Monday.
Beer sales alone were up 90 percent, according to the Interfax poll.
Moscow temperatures are expected to hover around 30 degrees for the rest of the week.
Tuesday, May 29, 2007.
Issue 3666.
Page 3.
Blackout Fears Amid a Record Heat Wave
The Moscow Times
As the temperature hit a record high Monday, Moscow's electricity provider scrambled to prevent a blackout due to a surge in the use of air conditioners.
The temperature hit 33.2 degrees Celsius in Moscow on Monday, surpassing a record of 32.2 degrees set for the day in 1995, Interfax reported, citing the Moscow area weather bureau.
Electricity use jumped 8 percent, forcing Unified Energy Systems to impose limits on corporate consumers, company spokeswoman Margarita Nagoga said, Interfax reported. The situation was exasperated by the closure of the city's Matveyevskaya transmission substation for repairs, she said.
The limits are to be lifted Tuesday. Two years ago, a surge in demand caused by a heat wave led to a power outage that began in Moscow and spread to the Moscow, Tula, Kaluga and Ryazan regions, leaving 1.5 million to 2 million people without electricity.
Monday's heat sparked small fires at several electricity substations around Moscow, Interfax said.
A poll of Moscow kiosk vendors, meanwhile, found that the sale of beverages shot up by 80 percent on Monday.
Beer sales alone were up 90 percent, according to the Interfax poll.
Moscow temperatures are expected to hover around 30 degrees for the rest of the week.
welcome!
Our friends in Andover had been on a cruise before we visited them. They said that everyday there would be a new towel animal on their bed.
This is what we found waiting to welcome us to their home. It was such a treat! We are grateful for the hospitality that we have been shown in so many unique ways since we have been here in the states.
Thanks Cathy and Paul!
Friday, May 25, 2007
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Paris Hilton
She is always in the news... we have all seen her pose for the cameras. And yet how many of us take the time to pray for her and consider her spiritual condition.
I found an article here: http://www.nationalledger.com/artman/publish/article_272613596.shtml
The story about Paris begins like this----> "Paris Hilton has turned to Buddhism in her ongoing campaign to avoid jail. And if that doesn't work she has a Christian Bible as well."
Just do a quick search on Google.com of Paris Hilton Bible and you will find a number of stories making fun of her desperate attempt to find some peace spiritually.
I don't know whether Ms. Hilton is a Christian, a Buddhist or what. I do know that she needs some guidance from a power greater than herself. My prayer for her and for all young people who are facing jail time or currently serving time in prison, is that God reveals Himself in an unmistakable way.
I found an article here: http://www.nationalledger.com/artman/publish/article_272613596.shtml
The story about Paris begins like this----> "Paris Hilton has turned to Buddhism in her ongoing campaign to avoid jail. And if that doesn't work she has a Christian Bible as well."
Just do a quick search on Google.com of Paris Hilton Bible and you will find a number of stories making fun of her desperate attempt to find some peace spiritually.
I don't know whether Ms. Hilton is a Christian, a Buddhist or what. I do know that she needs some guidance from a power greater than herself. My prayer for her and for all young people who are facing jail time or currently serving time in prison, is that God reveals Himself in an unmistakable way.
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Captain Jack is Back!
Are you going to see Captain Jack? We are! We used Fandango.com to purchase our tickets early. We didn't want to take a chance on the movie being sold out! So if you are wondering about us at 11:35 am on Friday... just know that we will be sitting in a movie theatre waiting to get through all the previews to see Pirates of the Caribbean at World's End!
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Walking
Tom and I have been walking the past couple of nights. I found that on the first night our walk was about 4 hours before bed and we both slept better.
An article on the AARP website has this to say:
"Walking has a long-term impact on your sleep as well as giving short-term relief. On restless nights, instead of turning on the TV, get up and pace around the house. Take in deep breaths as you move. Shake out your arms and legs. Stretch out your neck. When you climb back into bed, you'll feel more prepared for a healthy trip into dreamland. " you can read the full article about how walking affects sleep here:
http://www.aarp.org/health/fitness/walking/a2004-06-04-walking-sheep.html
You can find a fairly detailed list of benefits to walking by clicking here I found them on the AARP website as well.
Walking is a simple exercise that we should be able to do no matter if we are in Russia or here in the states! We both have good walking shoes so all we need is a path to walk on.
An article on the AARP website has this to say:
"Walking has a long-term impact on your sleep as well as giving short-term relief. On restless nights, instead of turning on the TV, get up and pace around the house. Take in deep breaths as you move. Shake out your arms and legs. Stretch out your neck. When you climb back into bed, you'll feel more prepared for a healthy trip into dreamland. " you can read the full article about how walking affects sleep here:
http://www.aarp.org/health/fitness/walking/a2004-06-04-walking-sheep.html
You can find a fairly detailed list of benefits to walking by clicking here I found them on the AARP website as well.
Walking is a simple exercise that we should be able to do no matter if we are in Russia or here in the states! We both have good walking shoes so all we need is a path to walk on.
Sunday, May 20, 2007
The Name Game
On Sunday we were at church and they were having a ceremony to honor all the children who were taking a step from one level in their education to the next.
As the names were called in the earlier grades we heard a name that sounded very familiar. I believe that she was going from kindergarten to first grade. I didn't want to to talk during the service so I asked Tom about her name when we got home.
We both heard the same thing. This girls name was... Beyonce'. Yep, just like the singer.
As the names were called in the earlier grades we heard a name that sounded very familiar. I believe that she was going from kindergarten to first grade. I didn't want to to talk during the service so I asked Tom about her name when we got home.
We both heard the same thing. This girls name was... Beyonce'. Yep, just like the singer.
Saturday, May 19, 2007
blog your blessing Sunday
Picture of a gallbladder
Our blessing this week comes in form of Tom feeling much better. "Thank you" to all who have prayed for him.
He still has not had surgery to remove the gallbladder... because we are waiting for insurance to kick in. The insurance policy we had before only covered us in Russia.
We are blessed that he is able to follow a low fat diet and keep his gallbladder from getting angry with him!
Friday, May 18, 2007
On Russian time!
I sent a text message to Lena asking her and Alexei to pray for Tom.
I got an answer back at 3:30 in the morning.
What a wake up call! Perhaps I need to start turning the ringer off on my phone when I go to bed.
To check the current time in Krasnodar click here now to check the time in Albuquerque click here ! You can find the home page of the world clock here!
I got an answer back at 3:30 in the morning.
What a wake up call! Perhaps I need to start turning the ringer off on my phone when I go to bed.
To check the current time in Krasnodar click here now to check the time in Albuquerque click here ! You can find the home page of the world clock here!
Thursday, May 17, 2007
50th Anniversary
One of the blessings of being in the states is being able to participate in family events! My parents, John and Kathryn, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on the 12th of May. This is a photo of Spencer and I with my parents at Brunch on Mother's day, the 13th.
Thank you Angie, for the photo!
Spider Man 3
Nathan, Spencer and I went to see this yesterday and we enjoyed it a great deal. However, our trip out of the parking garage was not so enjoyable.
We had to take the stairs since the elevator was out of order. We came down behind a group of teens smoking marijuana. I hate that smell! I said this aloud so they would hear. The guy whose turn it was with the joint stepped out of the way so we could pass the group by. I guess I should be grateful for his manners?! It is amazing what some people will do in public.
We had to take the stairs since the elevator was out of order. We came down behind a group of teens smoking marijuana. I hate that smell! I said this aloud so they would hear. The guy whose turn it was with the joint stepped out of the way so we could pass the group by. I guess I should be grateful for his manners?! It is amazing what some people will do in public.
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Gallbladder attacks
Thanks to everyone who was praying for Tom after this recent gallbladder attack. We now believe that this is what sent him to the emergency room last year in Russia. We just found out that we will not have insurance with East-West until late June. So we are looking at other options to cover the cost of surgery.
Tom is doing much better. He does not at this time have any gallstones. He was diagnosed with gallbladder disease. He has been faithfully following a low fat diet that was recommended for him. He also needs to stay away from acidic foods. He is not having fun with this new diet but he is being a trooper!
Tom is doing much better. He does not at this time have any gallstones. He was diagnosed with gallbladder disease. He has been faithfully following a low fat diet that was recommended for him. He also needs to stay away from acidic foods. He is not having fun with this new diet but he is being a trooper!
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Happy Birthday to Me!
I was tagged by Crickl and by Young Pastor's Wife to do a meme of 7 random things about me. Since it is my birthday today I will give it a try!
1) I was born in Chiseldon, England on an Air Force base. My mother was 7 months pregnant when she flew across the pond with my two older brothers in tow!
2) As a child the name Alida was different and rarely pronounced correctly, in Russia I have been told that my name is Russian and easy to remember!
3) My husband Tom and I, my brothers John and Kevin and their wives Karen and Shari have all been married 25 years!
4) On my mother's side of the family I have 7 cousins and only 1 female cousin, Hilary, and we are 14 years apart in age. On my father's side of the family I am one of 50 first cousins!
5) Not knowing that I would ever go to Russia one day it just so happens that I actually learned some Russian in 4th grade at Isely Elementary School in Wichita, Ks.
6) I love to knit and crochet... that is not news to anyone who knows me. However, I am left handed and I was taught by my mother's cousin Sharon, who is also left handed!
7) My favorite dessert is Key Lime pie and my gracious mother-in-law is making me one today for my birthday!
1) I was born in Chiseldon, England on an Air Force base. My mother was 7 months pregnant when she flew across the pond with my two older brothers in tow!
2) As a child the name Alida was different and rarely pronounced correctly, in Russia I have been told that my name is Russian and easy to remember!
3) My husband Tom and I, my brothers John and Kevin and their wives Karen and Shari have all been married 25 years!
4) On my mother's side of the family I have 7 cousins and only 1 female cousin, Hilary, and we are 14 years apart in age. On my father's side of the family I am one of 50 first cousins!
5) Not knowing that I would ever go to Russia one day it just so happens that I actually learned some Russian in 4th grade at Isely Elementary School in Wichita, Ks.
6) I love to knit and crochet... that is not news to anyone who knows me. However, I am left handed and I was taught by my mother's cousin Sharon, who is also left handed!
7) My favorite dessert is Key Lime pie and my gracious mother-in-law is making me one today for my birthday!
***If you are a blogger and would like to do a 7 things meme then jump right in!
Monday, May 14, 2007
Back in New Mexico
Since I did most of the driving I am pretty wiped out! I will be sure to do a better update tomorrow after I get some rest. We need to get Tom in to see a doctor as soon as possible. He is feeling better but we don't want him to have another gallbladder attack. They are extremely painful and no fun at all!
Saturday, May 12, 2007
Friday, May 11, 2007
Tribute to GreatMom
I will miss Velda. She was very kind and gracious to me. I am just the wife of one of her grandsons... and yet she took the time to write, send me a birthday card and a gift every year since I married Tom 25 years ago. Tom and I are grateful that our sons ages 19 and 16 have many wonderful memories of their GreatMom! We will especially remember her at Christmas time. Her Christmas cookies were always fought over when the package arrived from Newton to our home in California.
May she always be remembered for her devotion to her family.
NEWTON
Velda Sharp, 93, died May 6, 2007, at Newton Medical Center, Newton.
She was born Oct. 13, 1913, in Castleton, the daughter of John and MaryAnn Hyson DeNoon.
A resident of Newton, she was a homemaker. She was a Auxiliary member of the Veteran of Foreign Wars and she attended a neighborhood Bible study.
On Oct. 3, 1931, she married Charles Sharp in Hutchinson. He preceded her in death.
Survivors include: a son, Norman, Albuquerque, N.M.; two daughters, Charlotte Sharp Stephens, Newton, and Shirlee Larson, Blue Springs, Mo.; 8 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren; and a great-great-grandchild.
She was preceded in death by a brother, six sisters and a grandson.
Funeral will be at 1 p.m. Saturday at Petersen Funeral Home Chapel, Newton, with Chaplain Bill Regier presiding. Visitation will be from 1 to 9 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.
Memorials may be sent to the American Heart Association, in care of the funeral home, 215 North Main, Newton, KS 67114.
May she always be remembered for her devotion to her family.
NEWTON
Velda Sharp, 93, died May 6, 2007, at Newton Medical Center, Newton.
She was born Oct. 13, 1913, in Castleton, the daughter of John and MaryAnn Hyson DeNoon.
A resident of Newton, she was a homemaker. She was a Auxiliary member of the Veteran of Foreign Wars and she attended a neighborhood Bible study.
On Oct. 3, 1931, she married Charles Sharp in Hutchinson. He preceded her in death.
Survivors include: a son, Norman, Albuquerque, N.M.; two daughters, Charlotte Sharp Stephens, Newton, and Shirlee Larson, Blue Springs, Mo.; 8 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren; and a great-great-grandchild.
She was preceded in death by a brother, six sisters and a grandson.
Funeral will be at 1 p.m. Saturday at Petersen Funeral Home Chapel, Newton, with Chaplain Bill Regier presiding. Visitation will be from 1 to 9 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.
Memorials may be sent to the American Heart Association, in care of the funeral home, 215 North Main, Newton, KS 67114.
meetings, meetings!
Yesterday we drove down to Edmond, Oklahoma to meet with a missions pastor. We braved all the rain we had to drive through and it was well worth it!
We got a chance to meet with a man who is doing Recovery Ministry there and were able to sit and plan for a short term mission trip by some members of the Recovery Ministry. Thanks Pastor Mike for asking us to come to Edmond!
We will be going back to Edmund on Sunday. We'll have dinner with a group from the church and then we will be sharing our testimonies at the Celebrate Recovery Service on Monday night!
We got a chance to meet with a man who is doing Recovery Ministry there and were able to sit and plan for a short term mission trip by some members of the Recovery Ministry. Thanks Pastor Mike for asking us to come to Edmond!
We will be going back to Edmund on Sunday. We'll have dinner with a group from the church and then we will be sharing our testimonies at the Celebrate Recovery Service on Monday night!
Wednesday, May 09, 2007
Victory
May 9th is Victory Day in Russia. You can click here to learn about the song "Den Pobedy". Spencer had to remind me this morning what the date was. I think he just wanted to get out of school. It is great to go to school in Russia there are lots of holidays!
** a side note for those who may not know: if there are highlighted words within the text of my blog you can click on them and it will take you to a website that is connected to the topic that I am writing about.
Monday, May 07, 2007
New to us!
On Sunday after one of the services at Hope, Tom was speaking with Mel who was asking if we had gotten a laptop yet. Tom was telling Mel that we had not gotten the funds yet. Jeff overheard and stepped up to say that he had a laptop that was not being used and that if we could use it he would clean his information off of it and bring it over.
True to his word, on Monday night Jeff brought over a Hewlett Packard laptop and we are so excited. This donation provides us with a computer that we can travel with. Tom often uses power point when he speaks. As I type this, using Paul and Cathy's PC, Tom is sitting with our new laptop typing up a summary of book he read.
What a blessing... the kindness of people within the body of believers never ceases to amaze me!
True to his word, on Monday night Jeff brought over a Hewlett Packard laptop and we are so excited. This donation provides us with a computer that we can travel with. Tom often uses power point when he speaks. As I type this, using Paul and Cathy's PC, Tom is sitting with our new laptop typing up a summary of book he read.
What a blessing... the kindness of people within the body of believers never ceases to amaze me!
Sunday, May 06, 2007
what can I say?
Tom's grandmother passed away last night. It looks as if the funeral will be on Saturday.
We are in mourning over the loss of the this kind and gentle woman. And we are grateful that we are here in the states and can actually participate in the funeral.
Please pray for the entire Sharp family during this time of loss.
We are in mourning over the loss of the this kind and gentle woman. And we are grateful that we are here in the states and can actually participate in the funeral.
Please pray for the entire Sharp family during this time of loss.
out of the mouths of babes!
Tom spoke at the service last night and again this morning. The third service got cancelled due to the weather.
Spencer and I worked with the younger kids. He had the 1st and 2nd graders and I had the 3rd-5th graders. It was a blast to see their reactions to to our talks.
One little girl asked me if there was any food in Russia that I did not like. I told her that was a good question. Then I asked the kids if they liked jello. Every hand in the room went up. I told them to imagine that their jello had chicken or roast beef in it. There was a collective "EWWW!" that rose up in the room. I explained that meat jello is called "holidelnik" and so far it is the only dish that I didn't really like!
Marilyn M. was leading the class and she explained to the kids that 75% of Russians are alcoholic. Since we had 25 kids in the room she asked 5 kids to stand up... then she told the kids that the 5 people standing were the only ones in the room who were not alcoholic. One little girl put her hands on the sides of her face and said:
"But, I don't wanna be an alcoholic!"
Spencer asked his group if they had any questions and one little girl raised her hand and said:
"I like to eat the white part out of the Oreos"!
We truly enjoyed spending time speaking with the kids. We showed off Spencer's Marvel Comic Books that are in Russian. And we shared with them about living in a different country. We shared what our frustrations are and what our successes are. We talked little bit about the economy and compared Krasnodar to Andover.
Spencer and I were both disappointed that the last service was cancelled. He was asked to speak to the kindergarten as well as the 1st and 2nd grades. We were each looking forward to what the next classes would have to say!
Spencer and I worked with the younger kids. He had the 1st and 2nd graders and I had the 3rd-5th graders. It was a blast to see their reactions to to our talks.
One little girl asked me if there was any food in Russia that I did not like. I told her that was a good question. Then I asked the kids if they liked jello. Every hand in the room went up. I told them to imagine that their jello had chicken or roast beef in it. There was a collective "EWWW!" that rose up in the room. I explained that meat jello is called "holidelnik" and so far it is the only dish that I didn't really like!
Marilyn M. was leading the class and she explained to the kids that 75% of Russians are alcoholic. Since we had 25 kids in the room she asked 5 kids to stand up... then she told the kids that the 5 people standing were the only ones in the room who were not alcoholic. One little girl put her hands on the sides of her face and said:
"But, I don't wanna be an alcoholic!"
Spencer asked his group if they had any questions and one little girl raised her hand and said:
"I like to eat the white part out of the Oreos"!
We truly enjoyed spending time speaking with the kids. We showed off Spencer's Marvel Comic Books that are in Russian. And we shared with them about living in a different country. We shared what our frustrations are and what our successes are. We talked little bit about the economy and compared Krasnodar to Andover.
Spencer and I were both disappointed that the last service was cancelled. He was asked to speak to the kindergarten as well as the 1st and 2nd grades. We were each looking forward to what the next classes would have to say!
Saturday, May 05, 2007
tornado damage
Street sign pointing toward the World's Largest Hand Dug Well
Spencer standing in front of the gift shop and museum
As we traveled from Dalhart, Texas to Andover, Kansas we took the 54 highway. Greensburg is the site of the World's Largest Hand-Dug Well and since we had to drive through Greensburg I decided we should stop and go see it.
I had chatted with the woman working in the gift shop about the weather. She was concerned about getting some bad weather later that day. She was right. Greensburg was devastated by a tornado.
Many of the buildings along the highway 54 were destroyed. According to the weather channel the path of the tornado was a mile wide. The building that Spencer is standing in front of in the photograph above no longer exists.
As we drove through Greensburg we talked about what a quaint little city it is. And how peaceful and beautiful it is. Now it is a disaster area and martial law has been declared in the city. You can read about it here: http://abclocal.go.com/wjrt/story?section=nation_world&id=5276741
Our hearts and our prayers go out to the people in the city and in Kiowa county.
Wednesday, May 02, 2007
Tom and one of our faithful supporters!
Before we left two years ago we made everyone we visited watch Napoleon Dynamite. We didn't get to watch it with Ed and Noel but they love Napoleon as much as we do!
Vote for Pedro!
one wrong letter
I sent an email in Russian to my friend Olya to tell her that I found a book by a Russian author. I tried to type "he wrote The Turkish Gambit" but, what I typed was "he urinated The Turkish Gambit".... typing one wrong letter can make or break you. Hopefully, she will get a good laugh and understand what I was trying to say!
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
getting ready
Spencer and I shopped for yarn for an afghan for him. It was a job that I could not be trusted to do alone... he does not want me to choose any color that might be remotely girlie! He chose 3 shades of burgundy with black for an accent. I started it tonight and will work on it as we travel. I finished one for Nathan on our last road trip.
Tom tried to get pictures of his jewelry taken today and for some reason my camera didn't cooperate for him. We need to find a camera shop and see what the problem is. Tom pointed out to me that my camera has literally taken thousands of pictures since we purchased it two years ago!
Right now I am putting all the photos that have already been taken on Photobucket. Maybe if I can get the memory card cleaned it will function better!
Monday, April 30, 2007
the week in review
Tom's parents are back with us... they traveled last week and left us alone in the house. Fortunately, we were all good and nothing got broken while they were away.
We did have an issue trying to make microwave popcorn. I teased Tom for burning a bag and then I did the same thing. At least the burned popcorn smell was gone before they got back home!
We had a quiet week. Most of the time we were not even in the same room with one another. Tom watched Basketball in one room, Spencer was on the computer, I watched TV in another room and Nathan was either at work or in his room on the computer.
Yesterday, we went to New Beginnings Church of God as a family. Nathan didn't have to go to work until 3:30 so we were able to enjoy the service and then lunch afterward. Spencer and I had gone the week before and I had dropped one of our prayer cards in the offering plate and asked them to pray for us. This week when we greeted the pastor after the service he recognised us and said that he had been praying for us!
After lunch we came back to the house and Tom's folks were here. They had just gotten off the road. Tom watched a basketball game and then took a nap. Nathan had to go to work and Spencer and I took off to check out a new Borders.
As Spencer was buying a Russian history book the cashier, Esther, told him about an author who is very popular in Russia right now. Boris Akunin is a mystery writer. She didn't know if it had been translated into English or not. She had read the book in German. After chatting with her a bit we thanked her, left Border's and went over to Barnes and Noble and found several books by Akunin. We came home with only two. The Turkish Gambit and Sister Pelagia & the White Bulldog.
As Spencer and I talked about The Turkish Gambit we realised that we have already seen the movie. We have also seen another movie based on a novel of his called The State Councilor. Both of these movies broke box office records in Russia.
We did have an issue trying to make microwave popcorn. I teased Tom for burning a bag and then I did the same thing. At least the burned popcorn smell was gone before they got back home!
We had a quiet week. Most of the time we were not even in the same room with one another. Tom watched Basketball in one room, Spencer was on the computer, I watched TV in another room and Nathan was either at work or in his room on the computer.
Yesterday, we went to New Beginnings Church of God as a family. Nathan didn't have to go to work until 3:30 so we were able to enjoy the service and then lunch afterward. Spencer and I had gone the week before and I had dropped one of our prayer cards in the offering plate and asked them to pray for us. This week when we greeted the pastor after the service he recognised us and said that he had been praying for us!
After lunch we came back to the house and Tom's folks were here. They had just gotten off the road. Tom watched a basketball game and then took a nap. Nathan had to go to work and Spencer and I took off to check out a new Borders.
As Spencer was buying a Russian history book the cashier, Esther, told him about an author who is very popular in Russia right now. Boris Akunin is a mystery writer. She didn't know if it had been translated into English or not. She had read the book in German. After chatting with her a bit we thanked her, left Border's and went over to Barnes and Noble and found several books by Akunin. We came home with only two. The Turkish Gambit and Sister Pelagia & the White Bulldog.
As Spencer and I talked about The Turkish Gambit we realised that we have already seen the movie. We have also seen another movie based on a novel of his called The State Councilor. Both of these movies broke box office records in Russia.
Saturday, April 28, 2007
Sudoku
Have you heard about this game?
Do you play it?
Tom got hooked on Sudoku and he kept trying to explain it to me but I was not getting it. Then two nights ago he tried again...I finally got it! I did so many out of his book that he had to go out and buy me one of my own.
I prefer using a printed copy than playing online. You can even find good explanations online if you don't have Tom around to explain it for you!
Give it a try... if I can do it anyone can!
Do you play it?
Tom got hooked on Sudoku and he kept trying to explain it to me but I was not getting it. Then two nights ago he tried again...I finally got it! I did so many out of his book that he had to go out and buy me one of my own.
I prefer using a printed copy than playing online. You can even find good explanations online if you don't have Tom around to explain it for you!
Give it a try... if I can do it anyone can!
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
a few days off
I apologize for not doing daily updates!
As we traveled the Southwest we were in places where I did not have internet access. And this week we are trying to get some much needed rest. We will be back on the road in May.
Nathan has a few days off and we are spending sometime with him. He and Tom enjoyed watching Borat together last night and today Nathan and I watched the Lemony Snicket movie A Series of Unfortunate Events.
Thanks for understanding the need for some down time. If anything exciting happens I will sit down and blog about it!
As we traveled the Southwest we were in places where I did not have internet access. And this week we are trying to get some much needed rest. We will be back on the road in May.
Nathan has a few days off and we are spending sometime with him. He and Tom enjoyed watching Borat together last night and today Nathan and I watched the Lemony Snicket movie A Series of Unfortunate Events.
Thanks for understanding the need for some down time. If anything exciting happens I will sit down and blog about it!
Saturday, April 21, 2007
glamorous life
While we were in Redding this is where we stayed. Spencer and I joked about our glamorous life of traveling!
Thank goodness the motel was clean and quiet. We even felt safe enough to walk around in the area.
Thursday, April 19, 2007
off roading
We are back in New Mexico.
We are tired.
My arms are sore from driving during the heavy winds yesterday.
Spencer is tired, he didn't sleep well last night.
Tom is still having back pain.
We are evaluating how much more traveling we can do. The price of gas is high and we want to be good stewards of our energy and our resources.
We know that we need to go to Dallas again and we need to be in Kansas in May. At least we get a short break until then!
We are tired.
My arms are sore from driving during the heavy winds yesterday.
Spencer is tired, he didn't sleep well last night.
Tom is still having back pain.
We are evaluating how much more traveling we can do. The price of gas is high and we want to be good stewards of our energy and our resources.
We know that we need to go to Dallas again and we need to be in Kansas in May. At least we get a short break until then!
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
traveling with a trailer
We will pull out of California today pulling a trailer. I am not sure how I feel about this. At least I won't have to drive it on the kind of mountains that we drove on the way to Oregon.
We have about twenty boxes... the last of our belongings that connected us to California. It feels like we are officially leaving our home state of 17 years. Tom, Spencer and I are all looking forward to getting back to Albuquerque. Being there means not being off the highway for a bit and getting some rest!
We have about twenty boxes... the last of our belongings that connected us to California. It feels like we are officially leaving our home state of 17 years. Tom, Spencer and I are all looking forward to getting back to Albuquerque. Being there means not being off the highway for a bit and getting some rest!
Sunday, April 15, 2007
road weary
Tom, Spencer and I are all feeling wiped out. We are tired of being in the car. We want our own beds and our own pillows...How is that for whining!
We had a great time meeting the people at the church in Eugene. We enjoyed lunch in Brownsville with Randy and Roger. We laughed our heads off with Ashley, Nicole, Diane and Ivey in Modesto. We were excited to have dinner in Castaic with Joann and her kids.
Each time we meet with someone new the experience is priceless. The cost of all this is mostly physical. Tom is having a lot of back pain. And my muscles are feeling tight and achy. Last night Tom was in so much pain he wanted me to take him to the doctor. I had taken two Tylenol PM's and was not fit to drive so he had to ask the couple we are staying with to take him. He got a shot and some pain meds. We will start trading off more frequently when we leave for New Mexico on Tuesday.
Please pray for our health and our travel. Pray that we raise the funds needed to make the transition to career. We are grateful that God called us to work in Russia and we are eager to get back to work on language, relationships with Russian nationals and service in the community.
We had a great time meeting the people at the church in Eugene. We enjoyed lunch in Brownsville with Randy and Roger. We laughed our heads off with Ashley, Nicole, Diane and Ivey in Modesto. We were excited to have dinner in Castaic with Joann and her kids.
Each time we meet with someone new the experience is priceless. The cost of all this is mostly physical. Tom is having a lot of back pain. And my muscles are feeling tight and achy. Last night Tom was in so much pain he wanted me to take him to the doctor. I had taken two Tylenol PM's and was not fit to drive so he had to ask the couple we are staying with to take him. He got a shot and some pain meds. We will start trading off more frequently when we leave for New Mexico on Tuesday.
Please pray for our health and our travel. Pray that we raise the funds needed to make the transition to career. We are grateful that God called us to work in Russia and we are eager to get back to work on language, relationships with Russian nationals and service in the community.
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Beautiful place for back spasms!!
We are currently in beautiful Oregon! None of us have ever been here before & we are blown away by God's majestic beauty. Tuesday we had a meeting with the Missions Board from a local church. Some of the Board members had been to Krasnodar last year to do some building at the BLTC & Axtirka Rehab Center, so it was very good to see familiar faces again.
We have been in 5 States in 6 weeks and are very tired! Tom has been having back spasms due to so much driving, etc. He was down Saturday night & Sunday. (Please pray for his healing.) Alida & Spencer were mobile on Easter Sunday & attended their first Easter Service IN ENGLISH! in two years. We were in Redding, CA at the time.
We have another meeting tomorrow & then will be headed back to California. Friday we will see friends in Modesto. Saturday we will drive to Orange County. Sunday we will be back at our home church in Capo Beach & are excited about seeing so many friends & supporters!
Talk to you soon!
We have been in 5 States in 6 weeks and are very tired! Tom has been having back spasms due to so much driving, etc. He was down Saturday night & Sunday. (Please pray for his healing.) Alida & Spencer were mobile on Easter Sunday & attended their first Easter Service IN ENGLISH! in two years. We were in Redding, CA at the time.
We have another meeting tomorrow & then will be headed back to California. Friday we will see friends in Modesto. Saturday we will drive to Orange County. Sunday we will be back at our home church in Capo Beach & are excited about seeing so many friends & supporters!
Talk to you soon!
Monday, April 09, 2007
Oregon!
We left our friends up near Yosemite on Saturday and drove to Redding. Today is Monday and we just got into Eugene, Oregon. It is lush and green here. We don't have much time here in the internet cafe... we arrived too close to closing time!
We spent Easter in Redding, California. We attended Redding Christian Fellowship. After the service we let the pastor there know how much we enjoyed the message and how blessed we were. Spencer and I enjoyed it a lot. Tom was back at the hotel. His back has been hurting and he had not gotten much sleep the night before so I did not want to wake him up.
We have meetings here in Eugene and in a few surrounding cities and then we head back to California on Friday.
We are staying in a very comfortable and lovely looking cottage. We have enough room for each one of the three of us to have a separate place to retreat to for some alone time. We have had a lot of family togetherness over the past 6 weeks!
We spent Easter in Redding, California. We attended Redding Christian Fellowship. After the service we let the pastor there know how much we enjoyed the message and how blessed we were. Spencer and I enjoyed it a lot. Tom was back at the hotel. His back has been hurting and he had not gotten much sleep the night before so I did not want to wake him up.
We have meetings here in Eugene and in a few surrounding cities and then we head back to California on Friday.
We are staying in a very comfortable and lovely looking cottage. We have enough room for each one of the three of us to have a separate place to retreat to for some alone time. We have had a lot of family togetherness over the past 6 weeks!
Friday, April 06, 2007
driving!
We left Orange County and are in the mountains now!
We are in the Sierra Forest and the drive up here was gorgeous. We are enjoying the time here with Bill and Judy. Judy and Tom worked together with Overcomers Outreach. Judy and Bill moved up here about five years ago.
As we were driving up here Tom was remarking on how he could live here in the area. It is a peaceful.
We have no idea where God will lead us when our time working in Russia is finished!
We are in the Sierra Forest and the drive up here was gorgeous. We are enjoying the time here with Bill and Judy. Judy and Tom worked together with Overcomers Outreach. Judy and Bill moved up here about five years ago.
As we were driving up here Tom was remarking on how he could live here in the area. It is a peaceful.
We have no idea where God will lead us when our time working in Russia is finished!
Monday, April 02, 2007
today's update
It is time to pack up the suitcases and head out. We go to San Clemente today and will be there until Friday.
We have dinners and lunches scheduled with various people until we leave for Oregon on Friday.
Thursday we have doctor appointments scheduled. We have not seen our family doctor since our move to Russia two years ago. Tom, Spencer and I are all looking forward to seeing her again. No one is having any major problems it is just time for a check up.
How often do you hear about people looking forward to sitting in a doctor's waiting room? I guess we are still adjusting to being here in America!
We have dinners and lunches scheduled with various people until we leave for Oregon on Friday.
Thursday we have doctor appointments scheduled. We have not seen our family doctor since our move to Russia two years ago. Tom, Spencer and I are all looking forward to seeing her again. No one is having any major problems it is just time for a check up.
How often do you hear about people looking forward to sitting in a doctor's waiting room? I guess we are still adjusting to being here in America!
Saturday, March 31, 2007
still kickin it in Cali
We are still here in California for a little while longer. We have to go to another city to have internet access as the home we are staying in does not have internet. That feels weird but it is nice to take an online break.
Right now we are in a cafe down in Costa Mesa. Each country we have have visited has had some type of internet cafe where you can play online computer games or use the internet. Along with that come the highschool or college age crowd that swears. It is interesting to be in Russia or Ukraine and still hear the "F" word in English. Here in Costa Mesa is no different. It seems to be so ingrained in the speech of these young people they cannot seem to put together a sentence without saying it.
We plan to be down in the San Clemente area next week and after that we will head for Oregon. Right now we are not sure where we will be for Easter Sunday. This will be our first Easter in America in two years. I for one am looking forward to it!
Right now we are in a cafe down in Costa Mesa. Each country we have have visited has had some type of internet cafe where you can play online computer games or use the internet. Along with that come the highschool or college age crowd that swears. It is interesting to be in Russia or Ukraine and still hear the "F" word in English. Here in Costa Mesa is no different. It seems to be so ingrained in the speech of these young people they cannot seem to put together a sentence without saying it.
We plan to be down in the San Clemente area next week and after that we will head for Oregon. Right now we are not sure where we will be for Easter Sunday. This will be our first Easter in America in two years. I for one am looking forward to it!
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
the last of the boxes
Spencer, Tom and I went down to Aliso Viejo to get the last of our belongings out of storage. We will be taking them back with us after we leave Oregon and go back to New Mexico. It was a little sad to move the boxes... part of us was still connected here through our things.
We had lunch with Mark. He had just returned from a short term missions trip in Uganda. It was fascinating to hear his tales. He is interested in coming to see us in Russia. We are looking forward to that!
Last night we went down to Capo Beach to The Bridge. It was the perfect night to attend. They celebrated sobriety birthdays and also did communion. One of the men there has 21 years of sobriety. He is now 77 years old. His testimony was amazing. There were over a 100 people there and we were so glad to be a part of such a special night!
We had lunch with Mark. He had just returned from a short term missions trip in Uganda. It was fascinating to hear his tales. He is interested in coming to see us in Russia. We are looking forward to that!
Last night we went down to Capo Beach to The Bridge. It was the perfect night to attend. They celebrated sobriety birthdays and also did communion. One of the men there has 21 years of sobriety. He is now 77 years old. His testimony was amazing. There were over a 100 people there and we were so glad to be a part of such a special night!
Monday, March 26, 2007
check this out!
I took Spencer over to visit his friend Kaz in our old neighborhood. While he was at Kaz's house I checked out the Family Christian Bookstore in the area. When another woman behind the counter heard me tell the girl who was waiting on me that I didn't want to fill out a club card application "because I live in Russia", it led to her asking me questions in Russian. I got to practice there in the store! She has been to Moscow for short term trips. She took one of our prayer cards and then prayed with me right there in the store. That is the first time that has ever happened. Usually people will say that they are going to pray for you and then you smile and leave. She grabbed my hand and said "let's pray right now!" Thanks so much Jodi for encouraging my soul today!
We found an internet cafe not far from where we used to live. I saw a comment from Michelle on on my blog and decided to check out a post she wrote in honor of Spencer: click here She has listed ways to know if you are a missionary kid. The list is priceless. I love the one about spelling... Spencer spells better in Russian than he does in English!
We found an internet cafe not far from where we used to live. I saw a comment from Michelle on on my blog and decided to check out a post she wrote in honor of Spencer: click here She has listed ways to know if you are a missionary kid. The list is priceless. I love the one about spelling... Spencer spells better in Russian than he does in English!
Celebrity sightings and an update
When Tom was in California last he saw the guy who plays Hurley on Lost... yesterday I was at church in LA and I saw Loretta Devine. I love her work and it was exciting to see her! Since it was church I didn't take my camera... and I don't think it would have been right to bother her when she is trying to connect with God!
I am visiting with Erin today and she let me get online... I am sure she could see that I was going through withdrawal! I don't know how often I will be able to check in since we don't always know whether the people we stay with will have internet access.
I talked with Nathan the other day and he has started his new job. We are so proud and excited for him.
Spencer is wishing that we would be in one spot long enough for him to learn how to drive. But, we have a lot of ground to cover before we go back to Russia.
Tom is going to see about getting our things out of storage and we need to get in to our family doctor for check ups while we are here in California.
The drive from New Mexico to Arizona was beautiful. Our next road trip will take us from California to Oregon. Hopefully, we will get a vacation in among all the work we are doing!
I am visiting with Erin today and she let me get online... I am sure she could see that I was going through withdrawal! I don't know how often I will be able to check in since we don't always know whether the people we stay with will have internet access.
I talked with Nathan the other day and he has started his new job. We are so proud and excited for him.
Spencer is wishing that we would be in one spot long enough for him to learn how to drive. But, we have a lot of ground to cover before we go back to Russia.
Tom is going to see about getting our things out of storage and we need to get in to our family doctor for check ups while we are here in California.
The drive from New Mexico to Arizona was beautiful. Our next road trip will take us from California to Oregon. Hopefully, we will get a vacation in among all the work we are doing!
Sunday, March 25, 2007
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Arizona
I just got back from a meeting with an on line friend. This was the first time I have met someone from a message board. We went to Starbucks and chatted for over an hour!
The drive here from Albuquerque was wonderful. It was so beautiful to see the terrain along the way. We leave for California in the morning. And I can hardly wait!
The drive here from Albuquerque was wonderful. It was so beautiful to see the terrain along the way. We leave for California in the morning. And I can hardly wait!
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
new stuff
don't take a family picture with the sun beating down on your faces!
Move to the backyard where the shade is!
This is the photo that will grace our new prayer cards. No, it is not centered and that is on purpose... now there is room for text. Tom is working on the prayer cards and we will give those out during our travels!
Our current prayer concerns:
raising support to career level to provide for long term needs
not to lose any of our language skills while in the States
safety as we travel
If you would like a copy of our newsletter please email us at: Sharps4RussianRecovery@juno.com
Please click here for the new information on where to send gifts and monthly support.
what do you do?
I finally got a chance to put my pictures on photobucket.com so I could post some photos from the road trip we just finished.
This is a photo of the first thing Spencer did after getting to the hotel in Amarillo a few days ago. The car was unloaded and he decided to relax. I like taking a photo in the room or of the front of the hotel to remember where we stayed.
What do you do after getting into your hotel room?
Monday, March 19, 2007
Sleep Issues!
Fibromyalgia is something that I struggle with on a daily basis. Sleep is an issue for me so when I got this newsletter today I decided to share this article!
Vol. 7, No. 3
Get a Better Night’s Sleep
We all know that sleeping troubles go hand-in-hand with fibromyalgia. But did you know there are some simple ways you can help yourself ease those troubles? Try these tips, straight from the FM patients who have benefited from following them.
Check your sleeping surface. At a friend’s suggestion, Susan Kuske of Eagan, Minn., replaced her 20-year-old mattress with a new one that had extra padding. It has “helped significantly for morning stiffness.” Mattress pads have proven helpful for some patients, too. Heated pads are also available.
Consider a sleep study. Maybe your difficulty sleeping is simply part of your FM symptoms—but maybe the trouble stems from a different disorder altogether, like sleep apnea. Pinpointing the exact cause of your sleep troubles, and the ways they manifest themselves, will make it easier for you to manage them.
Talk with your doctor about medications that may help—and try doing some homework beforehand. For instance, Paula Reid takes melatonin, a naturally-occurring hormone that regulates the wake-sleep cycle. “I do not only take the melatonin during the evening for retiring, but also during the daytime,” she says, “and find that it is helpful to some extent with the pain.”
Set up the bedroom for sleep success. Make sure to eliminate sources of light—not just lamps, but also television screens—that may be cuing your brain to stay awake. Try an eye-mask, earplugs, or a sound machine that plays ocean waves or birdsong for extra assistance in blocking out disturbances. Lila Peck sprays her bedding with a linen spray she makes herself, scenting the sheets with lavender and sandalwood to help her fall asleep.
Pay attention to what you’re paying attention to! Does the nightly news make you feel anxious or sad? Consider getting your news from a different source earlier in the day. Do crime dramas tense you up? Try eliminating them for a while.
Exercise. FM patients are used to hearing about the benefits of exercise—but you may not realize it can also help your sleeping patterns. Studies indicate that moderate exercise helps improve quality of sleep. “I walk at least 30 minutes a day and feel that it is an important factor overall, but also for sleep,” says Kuske. “I often use my break at work to walk. Clears my head and helps my body!”
Maintain a consistent sleep schedule. Try to go to sleep at the same time every night, and to wake up at the same time every morning (even on weekends!). This will get your body into the habit of resting during those same hours each day.
Eliminate caffeine, alcohol, and other stimulants including tobacco.
Develop a bedtime routine. Kuske likes to read the Bible or another book with a positive message before she goes to sleep. Other patients may play relaxing music or make lists of things they are grateful for. Using a self-massage machine, or getting a massage from a loved one, can also make it easier to relax and fall asleep.
Margaret McGing recommends keeping a “sleep journal.” “Include the times you go to sleep, wake up, what you ate/drank that day, when you ate/drank, when/what forms of exercise [you did], and record how often and what times you might wake up during the night,” she suggests. Yes, it’s tedious—“but very helpful to a neurologist if one should continue to have problems and seek help,” she says.
Restrict your daytime napping. Even if you feel tired, try to nap for only 20 minutes or so—otherwise when it’s time to hit the hay that night, you may have trouble falling asleep.
*************
My husband does not seem to have a problem with the last item... he rarely misses his daily nap and can still go right to sleep at night. Tom reminded me the other night about a time when Spencer was little and he announced to his Dad how easy it is to get to sleep.
Spencer's wisdom... lay down, close your eyes and wait!
Vol. 7, No. 3
Get a Better Night’s Sleep
We all know that sleeping troubles go hand-in-hand with fibromyalgia. But did you know there are some simple ways you can help yourself ease those troubles? Try these tips, straight from the FM patients who have benefited from following them.
Check your sleeping surface. At a friend’s suggestion, Susan Kuske of Eagan, Minn., replaced her 20-year-old mattress with a new one that had extra padding. It has “helped significantly for morning stiffness.” Mattress pads have proven helpful for some patients, too. Heated pads are also available.
Consider a sleep study. Maybe your difficulty sleeping is simply part of your FM symptoms—but maybe the trouble stems from a different disorder altogether, like sleep apnea. Pinpointing the exact cause of your sleep troubles, and the ways they manifest themselves, will make it easier for you to manage them.
Talk with your doctor about medications that may help—and try doing some homework beforehand. For instance, Paula Reid takes melatonin, a naturally-occurring hormone that regulates the wake-sleep cycle. “I do not only take the melatonin during the evening for retiring, but also during the daytime,” she says, “and find that it is helpful to some extent with the pain.”
Set up the bedroom for sleep success. Make sure to eliminate sources of light—not just lamps, but also television screens—that may be cuing your brain to stay awake. Try an eye-mask, earplugs, or a sound machine that plays ocean waves or birdsong for extra assistance in blocking out disturbances. Lila Peck sprays her bedding with a linen spray she makes herself, scenting the sheets with lavender and sandalwood to help her fall asleep.
Pay attention to what you’re paying attention to! Does the nightly news make you feel anxious or sad? Consider getting your news from a different source earlier in the day. Do crime dramas tense you up? Try eliminating them for a while.
Exercise. FM patients are used to hearing about the benefits of exercise—but you may not realize it can also help your sleeping patterns. Studies indicate that moderate exercise helps improve quality of sleep. “I walk at least 30 minutes a day and feel that it is an important factor overall, but also for sleep,” says Kuske. “I often use my break at work to walk. Clears my head and helps my body!”
Maintain a consistent sleep schedule. Try to go to sleep at the same time every night, and to wake up at the same time every morning (even on weekends!). This will get your body into the habit of resting during those same hours each day.
Eliminate caffeine, alcohol, and other stimulants including tobacco.
Develop a bedtime routine. Kuske likes to read the Bible or another book with a positive message before she goes to sleep. Other patients may play relaxing music or make lists of things they are grateful for. Using a self-massage machine, or getting a massage from a loved one, can also make it easier to relax and fall asleep.
Margaret McGing recommends keeping a “sleep journal.” “Include the times you go to sleep, wake up, what you ate/drank that day, when you ate/drank, when/what forms of exercise [you did], and record how often and what times you might wake up during the night,” she suggests. Yes, it’s tedious—“but very helpful to a neurologist if one should continue to have problems and seek help,” she says.
Restrict your daytime napping. Even if you feel tired, try to nap for only 20 minutes or so—otherwise when it’s time to hit the hay that night, you may have trouble falling asleep.
*************
My husband does not seem to have a problem with the last item... he rarely misses his daily nap and can still go right to sleep at night. Tom reminded me the other night about a time when Spencer was little and he announced to his Dad how easy it is to get to sleep.
Spencer's wisdom... lay down, close your eyes and wait!
Sunday, March 18, 2007
New Mexico
It is Sunday afternoon and we are back in New Mexico. Tom drove yesterday and part of today. I drove the last 2 1/2 hours into Albuquerque. It is so good to be off the road! I can write more tomorrow after I have had some rest.
Friday, March 16, 2007
How Russian Are you?
You are 100% Russian!
Great job!!!!! You did WONDERFULY!!!! Nice try!!! Were you born in Russia? How do you know so much about it??? Well, good job anyway!!!
How Russian are you?
Quizzes for MySpace
This is my test result and I am happy that after two years of living in Russia I was able to answer all the questions correctly! Spencer took it and he was 92 percent Russian... how Russian are you?
CookBook Search
I found this one in New Mexico
and I found this one here in Texas at Sams for a great price!
Before we left New Mexico I spent time with Mom looking through her cookbooks and the Betty Crocker one looked very good to me so when I came upon it at Sams I decided to go for it!
The More-With-Less Cookbook was recommended by Debbie P. in Russia. I don't think I need to look for anymore cookbooks. Especially since there are other things on the list of "things to buy in America" and Tom says that most of our purchases will need to be mailed home so our suitcases are not overweight!
and I found this one here in Texas at Sams for a great price!
Before we left New Mexico I spent time with Mom looking through her cookbooks and the Betty Crocker one looked very good to me so when I came upon it at Sams I decided to go for it!
The More-With-Less Cookbook was recommended by Debbie P. in Russia. I don't think I need to look for anymore cookbooks. Especially since there are other things on the list of "things to buy in America" and Tom says that most of our purchases will need to be mailed home so our suitcases are not overweight!
Thursday, March 15, 2007
pursuing happyness
Ok, so I remember when a friend posted to her blog back in January using the title "The Pursuit of Happiness" it made me want to go see the movie "The Pursuit of Happyness". At the time we were still in Russia so I thought I would have to wait for the DVD.
I even sat through the Oscars with our family after we got back to the states and had those thoughts again after seeing Will Smith and his son Jaden. On Wednesday Spencer, Hailey, Tyler, Kim, Paul and I went out to actually see it! Tom stayed home to watch the basketball game on TV.
I enjoyed the movie... I teared up several times. It was inspiring to me that Rich Gardner was able to make his dreams a reality. I am a sucker for a rags to riches story!
Tomorrow is the big reward day in Dallas for the boys... they are going to a mall and to the movies. I am proud of Spencer for working so hard even though he didn't have too. He's on vacation!
I had a short chat with our oldest son Nathan tonight via email, he has actually done some driving and it went well. I am sure he will be happy for us to return the car so he can get in more driving time. We are heading back on Saturday. And of course I am proud of him too!
I even sat through the Oscars with our family after we got back to the states and had those thoughts again after seeing Will Smith and his son Jaden. On Wednesday Spencer, Hailey, Tyler, Kim, Paul and I went out to actually see it! Tom stayed home to watch the basketball game on TV.
I enjoyed the movie... I teared up several times. It was inspiring to me that Rich Gardner was able to make his dreams a reality. I am a sucker for a rags to riches story!
Tomorrow is the big reward day in Dallas for the boys... they are going to a mall and to the movies. I am proud of Spencer for working so hard even though he didn't have too. He's on vacation!
I had a short chat with our oldest son Nathan tonight via email, he has actually done some driving and it went well. I am sure he will be happy for us to return the car so he can get in more driving time. We are heading back on Saturday. And of course I am proud of him too!
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
new walking shoes
Spencer and I purchased new walking shoes when we first arrived a few weeks ago... did I pack them to bring with me to Texas? No!
Spencer, Tyler and Luke are out doing community service for the city. Apparently, if you work two days doing city clean up you can win a trip to Dallas for a day of fun. Today is the second day for the guys to work... Dallas, get ready!
Monday, March 12, 2007
the joy of email!
Tom calls this her Austin Powers look!
Yanna has the remote!
The top picture is Eera and the second is her little sister Yanna. I got this in an email from their mom, my friend Olya. I am sure they were taken with her husband Vova's cell phone. Isn't technology wonderful?! I cannot imagine how much Yanna will have grown by the time we get back home to Russia in June.
Sunday, March 11, 2007
I got this idea from Laughing Through The Tears and decided I had to see what my visual DNA would look like. Enjoy!
Blini
Yesterday, Spencer and I made blini (Russian pancakes). He had looked up a recipe on the internet. He and Luke followed the recipe carefully, while Kim and I watched. But, the Russian friends we have don't actually use a recipe and I had my suspicions about how authentic the internet source was... the initial batter was too runny and the pancakes came out gummy. They should be more like a crepe. Spencer asked for help so I made a few adjustments. After adding more flour and some baking soda, baking powder, and more vegetable oil... we finally had a recipe that worked. I think Lena would have been proud!
Our modified recipe is this:
2 eggs
1 tablespoon white sugar
1/3 teaspoon salt
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 1/2 cups milk
3 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
DIRECTIONS
In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, and salt. Sift the flour, baking soda and baking powder into the bowl, and stir in along with the milk. Mix until smooth and well blended. The batter should be thinner than pancake batter but not runny like water.
Heat a griddle or skillet over medium high heat. Lightly oil the pan. My friend Lena coats the pan with bacon fat and that gives it a unique flavor... but, vegetable oil works too! Pour about 2 tablespoons of the batter, or as much as desired, into the pan. Tilt the pan in a circular motion to spread the batter out evenly and thinly. When bubbles appear, slide a spatula carefully under the blini. Flip, and cook for about 1 minute on the other side, or until lightly browned.
Remove blini to a plate. Put a little butter on top, and continue to stack the blini on top of each other. To serve, spread with desired filling, then fold in half, and in half again to form a triangle...or you can roll it up and enjoy.
Our modified recipe is this:
2 eggs
1 tablespoon white sugar
1/3 teaspoon salt
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 1/2 cups milk
3 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
DIRECTIONS
In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, and salt. Sift the flour, baking soda and baking powder into the bowl, and stir in along with the milk. Mix until smooth and well blended. The batter should be thinner than pancake batter but not runny like water.
Heat a griddle or skillet over medium high heat. Lightly oil the pan. My friend Lena coats the pan with bacon fat and that gives it a unique flavor... but, vegetable oil works too! Pour about 2 tablespoons of the batter, or as much as desired, into the pan. Tilt the pan in a circular motion to spread the batter out evenly and thinly. When bubbles appear, slide a spatula carefully under the blini. Flip, and cook for about 1 minute on the other side, or until lightly browned.
Remove blini to a plate. Put a little butter on top, and continue to stack the blini on top of each other. To serve, spread with desired filling, then fold in half, and in half again to form a triangle...or you can roll it up and enjoy.
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