People watching??

Going for a stroll on Kreshatik Boulevard is always an interesting experience. Languages from all over the world can be heard. English is spoken with many different accents and for us as English speakers that seems to be the language we hear the loudest. Are English speakers actually louder than speakers from other countries? It is hard to say. Americans seem to be the loudest to our ears. We can spot them in a crowd anywhere.

Yesterday Spencer and I decided to sit down on a park bench and rest. We got into watching the crowd as they milled by. People were eating icecream, smoking, laughing and talking. We sat down near three guys with monkeys on their shoulders. They were getting people to stop and have a photo taken with a monkey for a fee. One man seemed to be trying to pick up girls with his monkey. At one point we saw the monkey pat himself all over as if to look through his pockets and then pull a cigarette out of his diaper. Who would want a cigarette so bad that they would accept one from a monkey's diaper? Well this young lady did.

People watching.... interesting!

Postcards

We have several postcards addressed and today we need to go out and find a postoffice. Last year our trip to a Ukrainian post office was pleasant. Much nicer than our experiences in Russian post offices. This year the difference is that many of the official forms and offices around here have switched over from using Russian on all documents to using Ukrainian. Unfortunately, we cannot read Ukrainian.

As we listen to TV programs we are realizing that they are not using Russian words we have not learned yet. They are speaking in Ukrainian. We tried to watch a movie that was originally in English... you could hear it in the background. And then it was dubbed into Russian. And then it had subtitles in Ukrainian. We gave up because it was too confusing!

Yesterday, felt like such a somber day. Spencer and I went down to the conference room after everyone had cleared out and we figured out how to getthe big screen TV on CNN. We watched the memorial services that were held around the world. Then we tuned in to BBC to watch news.

Right now we are watching TV and we can see Oprah. Normally, this would excite me since this is a program I watched faithfully since it's inception. However, since it is dubbed into Ukrainian we cannot really enjoy it! Oprah speaking Ukrainian... I wonder what she thinks of someone else's voice coming out of her mouth!

9/11

Five years ago today was Nathan's first day studying at Biola in the homeschool coop program STAR. We arrived at school on time and a little harried from having to actually fight traffic for him to go to school.

Nathan still remembers being sent home to pray. They gathered all of the students in the auditorium and recounted the events that had taken place in America that morning. As we sat listening I was in disbelief that the Pentagon had been hit. As the daughter of a military serviceman I was taught that this was impossible.

We pause to pray again for the families and people affected by this tragedy. It is strange not to be in America watching the memorials on the news with millions of others. Or perhaps participate in one. We can only read online and remember.

Orange Revolution

We had a very busy day yesterday. We went out sightseeing again with Igor (sounds like eager). We saw St. Sofia's and St. Michael's churches. spencer and I have many pictures to post when we get home on Sunday. We also went to the site of the Orange Revolution. It was awesome and overwhelming to be in this square where this incredible stand against the injustice of a "stolen" election took place.

Igor told us he was there during those days. Last night at dinner we found out that everyone at the table had been there too. Lena, Igor (different man) and his wife Olya were also been there. They had no idea what the outcome might be at the time. They didn't know if tanks would come to send them all away or if they would be arrested. But, it was important to each of them to take part in this revolt. Many people around the world were praying for the people of Ukraine back in 2004. Tom and I were part of that group.

Tom has vivid memories of watching the news while we were still in America. He knew where we were yesterday when he saw the angel on top of the column. He remembered from the news reports that this was that same historic spot.

We never expected to ever be standing in that square. We will never forget yesterday and we will always be grateful to God for the places we have been allowed to travel to.

What do you have for sale?

Riding the subway is an adventure. Today there was a guy selling band-aids. Yesterday there was a man selling magazines. I have never ridden the subway in America but I am sure this must be a common sight. After all you have a captive audience and if it is a good deal why not?!

I didn't want to open my wallet in public otherwise I would have bought the band-aids... he was selling them for a great price... 1 greeven, which is basically 20 cents for a package of 20!

Last night we saw the graduation of the DTS students from YWAM. Discipleship Training School last 6 months. These young people had done the complete course and then they went out for practical in the field training. One group went to Moldova and the other group went to Armenia. I have never been a geography whiz so I didn't realize that Mount Ararat is in Armenia. Seeing people atop the sight of Noah's ark was awesome. And so was hearing the testimonies of the students. The did youth camps, went to an HIV clinic and to a nursing home.

The did skits for us and led worship. It was a great evening. It was fun to sit at the back of the room and yell out the English words the translator was searching for. He did great translating from English into Russian. But,when he had to go Russian into English it was much harder!

Motion sickness

The motion of the boat is finally getting to Spencer and I. Last night the water was choppy and we both woke up not feeling well. Spencer has had problems with motion sickness since he was little, bless his heart, and he is really not feeling well right now.

Nathan, Spencer and I are spending the day out sightseeing and shopping for postcards and gifts. We are taking a break from the rolling and rocking of the boat. Right now we are at http://www.kiev.info/shopping/metrograd.htm in an underground mall about three stories down in an internet cafe. Nathan is happy that he finally got to have a strawberry shake at McDonalds on the way over here. And we may end our time downtown with a stop at 31 Flavors... it is conveniently located right next to this cafe!

Last night Tom and I had dinner with the ladies instead of the guys. The guys went out to the soccer game. We enjoyed the evening with: Sauleah from Kazakstan, Jillian from America, Larissa from Ukraine and Nina from Russia. They laughingly call their apartment "IHOP". "International House of Prayer"! Sauleah speaks English, Russian and Kazak. Larissa speaks Russian and English. Nina speaks Russian and understands some English if you speak slowly. Jillian only speaks English. There were times when I translated for Jillian and times when Sauleah translated for Nina. The ladies are looking forward to going back to their respective countries and are seeking God's guidance on what to do when school is over.

This actually applies to all the students. They have invested six months learning about Addiction Behaviour Counseling. When school is over they have to put what they have learned into practice. Please keep them in your prayers.

Finally...

Success!

We went in, the man checked over our paperwork and then gave us a reciept to take to the cashier. Spencer and I got excited when the man mistakenly told us it would be 500 dollars cheaper than the price he quoted yesterday. Both of us did well not reacting in his presence. The eagle eyed cashier caught the guys mistake and called him to come in and show us the correct price. He apologised; we paid and left. Nothing eventful to report.

Tonight we are scheduled to have dinner with the "boys" of the school here. There is a group of young men rooming together and they are going to prepare food for us. Tom and I are betting on pizza but we don't know for sure. On Monday we had dinner with Sharon from South Korea, Miga & her husband Bayassa from Mongolia. We had a Korean meal that Sharon cooked for us. It was wonderful. The conversation was fascinating mostly because South Korea and Mongolia don't speak the same language. Sharon speaks English and Korean. Miga speaks English, Mongolian and Russian. Bayassa only speaks Russian. You see during communist times there were some areas of Mongolia that were not allowed to speak their own language only Russian. If Sharon told us a story in English then Miga would translate for her husband into Russian. When Bayassa spoke to us then it had to be translated for Sharon by me or Miga.

After dinner on Monday Tom and I went for a walk by the river. We talked about the evening and he said the comment that really struck him that night was Sharon saying that she "didn't feel any cultural barrier with us" she felt "accepted and at at peace". Sharon has been a missionary for the past 12 years and has worked in Sri Lanka, Sweden, Australia, Switzerland, India and a few other counries I am most likely forgetting! She mentioned the need to continue to pray for North Korea and the spiritual oppression there. We talked about how amazing it was that Bayassa had three years of sobriety and found God through AA. He met Miga at his first Bible study... she showed him where the verses were because he had no idea how to look them up. They have been married for two years. In Mongolia there is a need for Al-Anon and Miga desires to see Al-Anon be as active in Mongolia as AA is. Please pray for all these dear people and the countries they represent. They are here in school specifically to learn about their own issues and how to help addicts/alcoholics and their families.

New words in Russian:

kachat= to rock
Loadka= boat
Sorit= to litter

New Words in Ukrainian:
sneezhnee= sale!
ploasha= square

Let's try this again!

We went back over to the Consult today and were not successful in our quest. Yesterday we were told that we need photos, copies of our passports, bring dollars and to fill out the proper forms for each one of us.

I was not told how much to bring so I tried first thing this morning to go and get what I thought would be the correct amount. After three crowded marzhutkas passed us... the fourth one stopped and Spencer and I fought our way on. We got to the ATM that normally has dollars and it was out of money. We came back to meet Lena who was going to show us how to get back to the Consult and went with her. We tried 5 different ATM's in that part of the city and none of them had dollars either. At each bank we found we asked for dollars and because I was using my debit card and not a credit card no bank would give me a cash advance. Lena made some phone calls and we were advised to try an ATM downtown. So ATM number 6 works. But I don't have enough in my account so I need an internet cafe so I can make a transfer. I finally get all the funds that the first guy told us we needed and we went back to the consult. We were told to wait in line for a different office. Once in there we find out that our documents are in order but it will cost 200 dollars more than what I was originally told. So of course I need more dollars!!!

We came home and have to go back again tomorrow. Hopefully, our visas will get processed in time so that we will be able to make our train connection on the 15th.


We found dollars here in this mall:
http://www.mandarin.kiev.ua/eng/


oh and my cellphone was stolen. What a wonderful day!

sightseeing

We went out sightseeing yesterday. The wireless internet connection was not working so I could not post about it. Here are some links to where we were:

http://www.kiev.info/culture/lavra.htm

http://www.microart.kiev.ua/

Of course we have photos and we can post those in two weeks when we get home.

Spencer and I went over to the Russian Consult to get the Visa process started. We were all made to wait outside the building and only two or three people were let in at a time. We saw them interrogate a woman and then refuse to give her entry beyond the entrance to the building. She had a backpack on and they searched it and looked at all her documents. We were trying to listen through a double paned glass door and could not hear what was being said. When they brought her outside she would not stop interupting the man who was trying to explain to her where she needed to go. She left very angry. We went in and came out with no problems. We are grateful for all the prayers that are helping us make it through this process without incident.

peaceful view

Staying on a boat is one of the most peaceful things we have ever done.

The guys and I are all enjoying just watching the activity out on the river. We have seen fishermen in boats and fishermen standing on the shore across from us, boat tours, people on jet skis and other house boats.

We ventured out briefly today to get griven... Ukrainian currency. We did a bit of shopping at the market and then came home. We had a celebrity sighting. But our guide was so excited about seeing him that she could not remember his name. He is a famous Russian singer. When she remembers who he is I will write more about him!

We found one of the 17 McDonalds in the city. Spencer was excited to see it. I am sure we will frequent it while we are here.

There is a great view of a church across the river. The Monastary of the Caves is underneath it. We will visit that site when we get a chance. We also hope to see the place where they did all the forced baptisms many years ago. There are museums and botannical gardens as well as a zoological garden to see. Tomorrow we have a student coming to pick us up who will show us the city. Spencer and I will have our cameras ready!

We know tomorrow is a Sunday and we had every intention of going to visit a Calvary Chapel until we found out how long the serivce lasts.... 3 hours! Maybe next week???

we are here!

The train trip went well.

We are here in Kiev and have already had dinner and gotten settled in our rooms.

Our time on the train was a close quartered journey... we had one coupe that the four of us shared. There was just enough room for each of us on our beds and for us to stand up and leave the room. Not really enough room to turn around!

Our accomodations here in Kiev are on a boat anchored on the Dniepe River. Tom and I have a beautiful room and the view is stunning.

I will write more when we get a chance.

Preparing to leave

Paying utility bills for next month
Confirming Slavic staying in our house
Saying goodbye to friends
Cleaning the house
Packing our suitcases
Finding Spencer's Medical Records
Calling to congratulate Olya on the birth of her second daughter, Yahna.

and so on!

We are just about ready to go. We are going to take the bus to the train station. This will be our first time getting on the bus with suitcases. But, we see this every Friday as the university students go home for the weekend.

This is where Tom will be teaching: http://www.ywamkyiv.org/content/view/28/5/lang,en/

Please pray for our safety as we travel.

Pray that we will be able to purchase return tickets for the 16th so that we can get back here in time to attend Marilyn Murray's Seminar on the 18th. (Russia does not sell roundtrip tickets)

Pray for Tom as he teaches; that the students are blessed and enriched by what he shares.

Clothes make the man... Free?

I was talking with Lena yesterday about how people dress in America. She mentioned that they went to visit some friends in Alexei's home town. This couple was surprised that Alexei was dressed like an American. Lena asked them how they knew that and they said they have American friends and that they have seen pictures.

The observation on how Americans dress is that Americans don't ALWAYS tuck in their shirts. Most Russians do. Americans just wear what they want and a lot of Russians dress identical to one another. Same type of shirt, pants and shoes. The thinking is that the American style of dress is 'svobodnayeh' or "free".

Interesting... when you think about how long America has been a "free" society in comparison to how long communism and it effects have lasted here in Russia.

Alexei didn't just see one state in America with Tom he saw four... and this was his overall impression of what he saw in reference to clothing. Americans are free!

The Picasso of Indian Art

I got an incredible gift from my inlaws today. Mom and Dad sent me a muscial dvd featuring the art of R.C. Gorman.










you can see a sample of what is on the dvd here:

http://rcgormangallery.com/publications/index.php
My favorite painting is of a woman looking at a butterfly on sunflowers.

I hope that you take the time to look at his work. A gifted artist deserves to be taken note of.






















You can purchase prints here:
http://rcgormangallery.com/index.php


Thanks Mom and Dad for the dvd. It was a great way to relax before going off to school and the first thing I turned when I got back home!

Getting laundry done

Here is Tom taking his turn. Most of the time Spencer does the laundry and Nathan does the dishes.

In the summertime laundry can be seen hanging off balconies all over the city. During the winter many people hang things on the radiator to get things dried quickly. I miss having a dryer each time I pick up a towel. Most of the time our house helper irons them to soften them up. But, when she doesn't... OUCH! They are hard and crunchy. I would also like the dryer to get the dog hair and lint off of things too.

Tom wanted to get a dryer when we were looking at washing machines but dryers are hard to find here. Maybe next year... or maybe we will just get used to hard,crunchy and hairy towels.

St. Petersburg's Cathedral Destroyed

St Petersburg’s Landmark Cathedral Destroyed by Fire
Created: 25.08.2006 20:57 MSK (GMT +3), Updated: 11:58 MSK
document.write(get_ago(1156579139));
, 19 seconds ago
MosNews


A fire raged in a 19th Century cathedral in St. Petersburg Friday evening, bringing down the main cupola on top of the stately church in Russia’s former Imperial capital.The fire erupted in the early evening and burned through scaffolding beneath the soaring blue central dome of Trinity Cathedral, a duty officer at the Russian Emergency Situations Ministry said.The central dome collapsed and one of five smaller cupolas surrounding it was also destroyed by the fire, St. Petersburg emergency department spokeswoman Lyudmila Rubasova said.Firefighters were trying to save the other three domes as emergency workers and church employees removed icons and other religious articles from the Russian Orthodox cathedral, which was built in 1835 and is considered an architectural monument. The fire was contained after 20-00 Moscow time, the Russian news agency RIA-Novosti reported. Hundreds of people gathered at the landmark site, which recently underwent restoration.An Emergency Situations Ministry Mi-8 helicopter was called in to tackle the flames, emergency services said earlier.

What a nightmare!

After a dinner of bar-b-que, cheese biscuits, veggies and rice ... (again with the food!) Tom and I went over to a meeting for the Axtirka rehab center team. It was good to see everyone again.

We heard tonight about a young bride, 19 years old, who had a miscarriage and had to have 2 d&c's because the first one was not done properly. However, both of the procedures were done without anesthesia. She is concerned about how the procedure was done and if she is able to have children in the future.

This is not an isolated incident.

We have friends who just recently had a miscarriage and she also had a d&c with nothing given for pain during the procedure or following the procedure. Her husband called this "a barbaric act" and could not believe that something like this could happen in 2006! She apparently begged for medication and said that she could pay. She was told that the anesthesiologist was busy and could not tend to her.

Heaven knows how many other women this has happened to in the smaller villages around the country. We have not heard of things like this here in Krasnodar. These stories are from a small village hospital. A nurse here in town gave the hospital wing where these women are staying some ibuprofen... at least they will get some pain relief tomorrow.

why does she talk about food?

Okay for those of you who have noticed all the food posts lately... I fell into a trap of posting while I was cooking or when I was hungry. And now Spencer is betting that I cannot go for ten straight posts talking about food. I did make a great salad for dinner. I found an Olive Oil Mayonaise at the market. I mixed it with some pasta, ham and peas. It was simple and quick and every last bit of it is gone!

Look at the sidebar and notice that I have a new blog listed. It is called Pray and Crochet. I didn't want to bore any of you with my crafts so there is a separate place to read about what I am doing and see the latest photos. I hope you take the time to visit if you can. I don't think that I have talked about food there yet!

Today at school Arina's bracelet broke. I just held out my hand and she handed it over. All the teachers know that Tom not only creates jewelry he also repairs it. He did a great job on it and will give it to her at school.

I have to let you in on a secret... I think our sons actually like each other. It is probably not cool to admit to liking your brother. Tonight Spencer was in Nathan's room getting some of Nathan's music downloaded onto his MP3 player. Nathan had a few songs that Spencer really liked. They were in the room being silly and Tom was in the hall on the computer. It was great to hear all three of them laughing and goofing off together. Just ask Tom to sing "panther of the opera" for you.

I am amazed at how God has drawn our family closer over the past year and 4 months. We had to learn to like being together all the time or kill each other. We chose not to kill each other. We would hate for anyone to have to bury all the bodies!

What gender is your watermelon?

Arina ( our teacher for August) was telling Judi and I that here in Russia watermelon was considered a berry because it has many seeds inside.

Judi told us about a woman who taught her how to pick out a sweet watermelon. She said that watermelons are either boys or girls.

Girls are sweet and boys are not. The sweet ones usually have a spot on the opposite side of where the vine was attached that is bigger than one that is not sweet. I personally haven't looked at a watermelon's bottom to see what gender it is!

However, Arina says this does not always work because she purchased a girl watermelon and it was not a sweet girl!

why can't I find cheddar anymore?

Just one brick of plain cheddar would make me happy. For some reason since returning from Rome my supermarket does not have plain cheddar cheese anymore. Yes, I could go to Metro. Or I could go over to the big market in City Center. But, this market is close to my house. I can walk over or send one of the guys...

The cheese in the photo is from Ukraine, my supermarket is well stocked with this kind. One side looks like cheddar but has a slightly different taste. All it says is "cheese duplet Ukraine". We do use it with crackers and sausage. Or on tacos if we have too.

We don't suffer here as some might think... but from time to time we do feel the need to whine about a thing or two. Otherwise, we wouldn't be honest about daily life here in Russia would we?

I am not lobbying for anyone to send us cheddar cheese. Spencer and I will just take a trip to the mall or I can go over to Metro (our Costco) with Joy or Olya.

***********************
Spencer medicine update: I got emails from an opthamologist in Moscow and Spencer's own doctor from California. They both suggest the same replacement medication so we feel comfortable making the switch. We are still going to have him seen and tested in Kiev.

Thanks for your prayers!