Dreams come true

I find myself back in Moscow right now, sitting in the apartment/office that I stayed in back in June when my adventure had first begun.  I'm on my way to Prague to get a new visa (my fifth one!) and to do something I could have only dreamed about: bring my parents to Russia.

It's almost been a year already, can you believe it?

I'm spending a couple days in Moscow to make a stop at the American embassy for some passport matters, and on Saturday I'll scurry over the the Czech Republic where my sweet parents will be waiting for me. I don't think that "excitement" quite covers it. I'll get a new visa in Prague (I have to leave Russia to do this) and see the sights with my parents, then we'll come back to Moscow for more touring, then finally to the Black Sea.

Both returning to this apartment and bringing my parents here have given me cause for reflection.  When I look back on where my life has gone since June, I'm amazed.  I came to Russia just one month after graduating college, unsure of where my trip would lead me. I wound up at camp where I found both an amazing group of friends and a family (remember, I met Masha at English camp).  I was then offered a permanent position at Mountain Springs. I've been through three camps, survived a flood and an earthquake, brought my brother here, and am now preparing to introduce the two most important people in my life to this "Russian life" I have.  All I can say is, all glory to God, because even my best plans could not have turned out like this.

In our unfinished kitchen, watching the boys stand on the ceiling using homemade gymnastics rings.  Living the dream.

Tomorrow, after my visit to the embassy, I plan to do some "pre-touring" and make a plan for the parents.  The next couple of days will be so hard, waiting to see them!  I know we're going to have a wonderful time together, I know that they'll love my Russian family and friends, and I know that I'll cry tears of joy when I see them at the gate of the airport in Prague.

My Russian life has been a dream come true so far, and it's only getting better.

Пока ребята, Russian Jane

International Women's Day

Yesterday was International Women's Day, which is a big enough holiday here in the Russian Federation that school is cancelled. Every other woman walking down the street with a hint of a smile, carrying a little bouquet of spring flowers. Every other man is frantically scrambling to get those same bouquets of spring flowers, and scouring the town to get gifts for the important women in his life.

In America, International Women's Day is sometimes printed on calendars, occasionally mentioned, but for the most part it goes unnoticed. But not here. This is the one day a year set aside to appreciate the important women in your life, and the men really do a nice job, I have to say.  My boys certainly made me feel special yesterday.

       Uncle Ilya gave me the table, it's the neatest thing! It folds up. The tulips and tea-pot are from Senya and the rose is from Tima (the Ivanyenko's oldest son).

Even though it's traditionally the men who celebrate the women, I thought I'd take this time to celebrate some of the most important women in my life.

First of all is, for course, my mother.  In American pop culture, there seems to be the idea that becoming like your mother is something almost repulsive. To say "I sound like my mother!" is usually not a compliment to oneself.  Call me square, but I pray to God that I grow up to become like my mother. She is the kindest, most patient, most loving person I know.  She's a wonderful cook and an excellent homemaker, so much so that my friends often compare her to Martha Stewart. And she's been a wonderful and supportive mother, even supporting me as I move across the world. She's been a blessing to my life and I only hope that the older I get, the more like her I become.

My grandmothers have also had a profound impact on me. I've grown up knowing that I am dearly loved and treasured because of them. Lois has inspired me with her lifelong love of learning and her own adventures overseas, and Patty has shown me what Paul talks about in 1 Corinthians 13, to always see the best in everyone.  Their loving kindness and godliness have been examples to me all of my life.

And where would a girl be without her friends? Eli has been there for me through trials and triumphs, thick and thin, tears and laughter. She's suffered through my burnt popcorn, my broken Spanish, and my study-induced meltdowns.  Eli is as true a friend as anyone could ask for.

And lastly, the two newest ladies in my life, Masha and Aunt Tanya. I thank God constantly that he has put me in their home. I could not have survived this Russian life without them! Masha is my best friend here; she knows all my business and I know all of hers, we pray for each other, laugh and cry with each other, and understand each other at a glance. Tanya looks on me as one of her own, cares for me like a mother, and gives me great encouragement and comfort as I'm so far away from my own mama.

Ladies, I love you all so dearly, and can't thank you enough for the impact you've all had on my life. I wouldn't be where I am today without you. I think of you often, and look forward to the next time I see you. Happy International Women's Day, I love you all!

С любовю (with love), 
Russian Jane