Almost a week ago, last Tuesday, I arrived at the Missoula International Airport after a 36 hour journey from Novorossyisk, for what will be the last time for a long long while. I still am not used to the idea that I'm home for good, and that in a month I won't be returning to Russia, back to camp, friends, and everything that has been my Russian life for the past two years.
The decision to leave Russia has been difficult and lengthy. Almost a year ago I began thinking and praying about my future in Russia. I had thought for a long time that I would be in Russia long term, ten years or so, but as time went by I began to see that perhaps God had other things in mind for me, and the more I prayed and sought God and the more I sought counsel from the wise people around me who love me, the more I saw my time in Russia drawing to an end. By May, I had already decided that I would leave in September, for good.
What I could not foresee, of course, was the rapidly escalating situation in Ukraine, a mere 400 miles from Novorossyisk. While I never felt any threat to my physical safety, the growing tension between Russia and the US and the increased scrutiny on American citizens was making it very uncomfortable to be an American in Russia. Since English camp was finished, I decided to leave early while I could go peacefully.
Of course, saying goodbye wasn't easy. I can't put into words what the last two years in Russia have been to me. I think that once the shock of hurrying home wears off, the sadness of leaving will begin to surface. All I can say is that my time in Russia has drastically changed my life for the better, and that I hope with all my heart that I will return one day. The friends I left there are friends I'll have a lifetime, and I can only imagine how happy our reunion will be when I finally make it back.
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| The hurried packing process | | | | |
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| My close girlfriends from English Club |
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| My going away party |
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| My beloved Ivanenkos |
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| Uncle Ilya and Aunt Tanya |
Thank you to all of you who have followed my adventure these last years; as soon as another adventure begins I'll be sure to let you know! Until then, goodbye to Russia, and goodbye from Russian Jane.
До свидание,
Russian Jane
