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

Thanks grandma!

Uncle Ilya just got back from a trip that included a swing by grandma's place. In America, when we visit our grandmas, sometimes they sends us home with leftovers or cookies, and we feel pretty lucky. That's cute, America. In Russia, when you visit grandma, she sends you home with liters and liters of pickled vegetables, jams, apples from her tree, and a pallet of flowers for the garden (though I must say, not even a whole pallet of canned tomatoes could make up for a pan of Lois' hot fruit compote or one of Patty's pecan pies!)

Pickles, pickled tomatoes, and pickled peppers (a whole peck!)

Pickled veggies, jam in the small bottles, big bottles of homemade juice

Apples and flowers

Aunt Tanya was excited because Ilya was bringing her flowers; I thought she meant a bouquet!

As exciting as getting canned food from grandma is, even more exciting are some upcoming visits from none other than mom and dad! We spent a few hours on Skype going through the long visa application process, and God-willing we'll meet up in a month in Prague then head over to Russia together! I have to leave to renew my visa, so it was a perfect opportunity for a trip.

No strangers to adventure, these two

I can't tell you how excited I am that they're coming! I'm already ticking down the days. They've never been abroad together, so this will be a whole new adventure for them, but after the blast I had with Wyatt here I'm confident that everything will go great.

Canned goods and good people, that's the life!

In closing, here's my cat chillin' in my shower. What a dummy.

 

 

Cat's hate water, did you miss the memo?

Пока ребята, Russian Jane

Thanks from Pastor Ilya

Hello everyone!

As many of you know, I live with a pastor and his family. Back in July, I asked if you would be willing to help raise some funds to replace a car the Ivanyenko family lost in the flood. Well, if I go to my window and look into the driveway, there stands our new (used) Nissan Qashqai, an economical little SUV that is perfect for Russia's roads and Ilya's travel demands.

To those of you who participated, thank you so much; you can't imagine what it means to have a reliable car once again, and what a hindrance it was not to have one.

Ilya has written a thank you letter to our church, though his thanks extends to everyone who participated.  So once again, here's a letter from Pastor Ilya:

  

Novorossyisk Bible Center

 Russia, Krasnodar Region, Novorossyisk

                  360923  Lenin Prospect 71a. Tel. 8909 4500 321

                        sobor@list.ru ……………………………………………………………………………

To the pastor of MAC

Missoula, Montana 

From Minister I. V.Ivanyenko

Novorossyisk

           

Dear brother Jeff and all the children of God at MAC:  I sincerely thank you, your elders and your members for your tenderness and readiness to meet the needs of the saints. On July 06, 2012, there was a flood in our house in Novowossyisk. Praise God that everyone is alive and well, but there was a little property damage, and our car was totaled by the floodwater. You responded to the needs of our church and did some fundraising to help us buy a new car, raising $8000 total.  It's an immense blessing for us; in my ministry I'm responsible for the missionary activities of our denomination, ECMS, and my works involves lots of travel to visit our missionaries and ministries.  All of your fundraising enabled us to buy a 2008 Nissan Qashqai. It's economical, reliable, and comfortable on our roads.

We sincerely thank the Lord for you and your participation in our ministry. We pray for you and hope that the Lord will abundantly meet your needs in your personal lives, and in ministry. 

We invite you as to come to the field in Krasnodar region as workers of the Lord, and to relax on the Black Sea.

ECMS Director of Missions, 

Ilya Ivanyenko

  January 2013

There you have it guys, a warm thanks from Pastor Ilya. And I want to thank you personally for helping these people who have become family to me. God is good!

Пока ребята,
Russian Jane

The Business of Life

I've been feeling very adult lately.  I'm working, managing my documents, baking up a storm, and experiencing what everyone in college referred to with longing as "real life".  A year ago I was beginning my final semester of college, and I could not have imagined where I would be in a years time. God is so good, isn't he?

So, what have I been up to lately? Well firstly, my bathroom is slowly but surely reaching completion. It's been a long process getting my room built, because the Ivanyenko boys and their friends did all of the work themselves to economize.  I don't mind the wait however, and looking back it's amazing how many people have helped with this building project. Even yours truly! I've been in the bathroom the last couple days grouting tiles and cleaning walls. Not without help, of course!

I've also been working at Mountain Springs.  The month of February is devoted to minor repair jobs at the campground, and as you can see from the photo above, I'm as ready as ever to grout tiles or paint walls.  Not without the occasional mishap, however.  I was taking all of the photos and paintings down from the walls in the office so we can paint, and I managed to break our big mirror. Not only did I break the mirror, but I cut my fingers in the cleanup process.  If I'm honest, my pride was hurt a lot more than my fingers!  Every assured me, however, that since it was my first day, they'd let it slide.

My final bit of grown-up real-life has been getting my documents figured out. By far, my documentation is the hardest part of my life in Russia. Hard, but not impossible! Fortunately, I have the solid advice of some people who've been here for years to guide me, but needless to say it's been getting a lot of my attention lately. 

Whenever things don't go according to plan, or when life here seems impossible for any reason, I try to remember to ask myself, "Who got you here? Who is on the throne? Who is in control and has always been in control?" It's been a crazy journey, at times stressful, but God has not and will not let me down. 

And now, because you know how much I love to cook, here's a recipe for you. A good friend of mine from Krasnodar came to visit this weekend, so I decided to bake a pineapple upside-down cake for the occasion. I used brown sugar that I brought myself, but all the other ingredients were available in Russia! Oh, no maraschino cherries, but aside from that all the other ingredients were a hit. Even if I run out of brown sugar, the cake itself was really fluffy and delicious.  So here you go!

Pineapple Upside-down Cake

Ingredients

For the topping:

5 tbsp butter

3/4 cup brown sugar

8 slices canned pineapple slices

pecan halves, for decorating

maraschino cherries, for decorating

 

For the cake:

10 tbsp butter

1 1/2 cups granulated sugar

2 large eggs

2 cups all-purpose flour

3 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup buttermilk

1/4 cup syrup from pineapple can

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions: 

1. Line a 10-inch cast-iron skillt with aluminum foil, completely covering the bottom and sides and extending extra foil over edges of pan. Preheat oven to 350F. 
2. Make the topping: Place butter in skillet, place skillet in oven and melt butter. As soon as butter is melted, remove and stir in brown sugar, carefully mixing well with a rubber spatula so as not to tear foil.
3. Arrange pineapple slices over butter/sugar spread. Place cherries in center of pineapple and pecans between the slices.
4. In the bowl of an electric mixer, cream butter, adding sugar gradually, and then add eggs and beat well. Stir flour, baking powder and salt together in a small bowl.
5. Combine buttermilk, syrup and vanilla in a small measuring cup. Add flour mixture alternately with buttermilk/syrup mixture, beating well after each addition. Spread batter evently across mixture in skillet.
6. Bake for approximately 45-50 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center of cake comes out clean. Place a large cake plate over pan, and invert to remove. Peel off aluminum foil, pressing back any pineapple that may be stuck to the foil.

Пока ребята, Russian Jane

Wheels at last

It’s a happy day in the Ivanyenko household, because finally, finally their new car is here from Germany!

I’m sure you remember the flood this summer, which wiped out one of their vehicles and numerous appliances. Pastor Ilya’s work in the region was totally crippled by his lack of a reliable car.

Here's the old car, which was eventually totally submerged

The ruined interior

Thanks to all of you who donated, we were able to help get the Ivanyenko family a new car. They got a used Nissan SUV from Germany (you can see the German plate still on it!) that is ready to handle the rough Russian roads, and will hopefully last the family a long time.

Here she be, ready for the road!

Notice the German plate

It already proved itself on a long trip back from the town where they bought it

Thank you again to all of you who contributed!

As for myself, I’m still getting used to the fact that my brother is gone and camp is over. What an amazing time it was having him here! Myself and my friends were so sad to see him go, and they’re already asking when he’ll be coming back. It was such a joy to have him with us!

Do you have an interest in volunteering at one of our English camps? All native English speakers of all ages are welcome! The next camp begins June 13^th, and it’s not too soon to start preparing. If you are interested, please email me at j_blevins_mt@yahoo.com and I’ll get you the details. We’d love to have you there!

Пока ребята,

Russian Jane

My brother in Novorossyisk!

What a crazy few weeks its been! I can hardly believe all that's happened since I went back to America mid-December.  Here's a quick recap!

My time in America was very good, but very busy.  I had trouble getting my visa, and Wyatt had trouble with his, so we were biting our nails until the last second waiting for them to arrive. But thank God, they arrived and we were able to leave on time.  This visa drama did not, however, spoil a wonderful Christmas with my family.

My grandmas Patty (Mom's mom, right) and Lois (Dad's mom, left)

My dear family, and no, we didn't plan to coordinate

My beautiful mama

Papa and I

Not too long after Christmas, on the 29th, Mom and Dad took Wyatt and I to the airport and we began our journey to Novorossyisk.  Sitting here now, with Wyatt a few feet away from me snoozing on the couch, I can still hardly believe that it happened. But it did happen; Wyatt went to Russia with me!

Our flight to Novorossyisk was without any problems.  We were met at the airport by Masha and Ilya, who drove us from the airport in Krasnodar back to Novorossyisk. It was about a 2 hour drive, and Wyatt had the pleasure of sitting in the front seat of the vehicle, which happens to be right-hand drive, meaning that Wyatt was the one facing oncoming traffic. It was dark, the road is full of potholes, and Russian driving is not what I would describe as "gentle". Wyatt thought that after that experience, nothing would scare him.

We spent a day with the Ivanyenko family (I'm so happy to be reunited with them, by the way) before packing up and heading to camp.

What to say about camp? There's so much to tell! In short, it was phenomenal. It couldn't have gone better.  The children were enchanted by our Narnia theme, the team of Americans I had with me (8 in all) were a fantastic help and great addition to the camp, and there were no unhappy incidences with the kids.

Photo by Anya Pinkova, taken in the conference hall

Wyatt was the star of camp. He was the only American on our team not currently living in Russia, so he not only spoke the least Russia but was the most foreign of them all, and he loved it. Everywhere he went he would scream "America!", so that the kids started referring to him simply as America.  I was proud of him though, he handled the language barrier very well and was great with the kids. He was able to have full conversations with people who spoke very little English and has picked up not a few Russian words.

Everyone rushed in front of the camera! Photo by Anya Pinkova

He's definitely caught the camp bug, and is already planning to return this summer for our 10-day camp. Unfortunately, he's literally caught some kind of camp bug, and he's not feeling too hot, but hopefully he'll perk up tomorrow. We have plans to go fishing in the Black Sea, tour the former Soviet flagship that sits in the bay, and tour the marketplace. 

I can't put into words how well camp went, and how happy I am to have my brother with me. He really means the world to me, and I know we're going to remember this trip for the rest of our lives.

When my brother leaves, I'll be sure to update you on all our adventures! Goodbye until then!

Пока ребята, Russian Jane