Re-cap of this week.
Sunday..... The locals at the drug-district are starting to get annoyed with us coming around every Sunday. But that's to be expected. People don't like being told they are dying. But it's the truth. There was one boy that did come to church and I watched him the whole time. He was so strung out. He could hardly keep his eyes open and his head up, yet he was still paying attention to what was being said. At the end was an alter call for anyone who wanted to draw closer to God and find out their purpose through Him. This boy went up there. He also raised his hand when asked who would like to know Jesus. I don't know what has happened to him this week but he is in my thoughts. So, if any of ya'll think about it on Saturday, remember me and the church reaching out to the addicts. Thanks!!!
Monday.... nothing.
Tuesday... went to Kultan (the main Teen Challenge center, over 100 people there) with the Canadian couple visiting. Kim and I started our first english class for the staff after lunch. Most of them have had a basic class but we went over the alphabet anyways. We also did a few random phrases and verbs. This is really hard. Trying to figure out where to start teaching people your own language. The guys are very excited about it. Hopefully, we will get something accomplished (other than finding me a husband). Yikes. I will be honest with all of you. I am slightly intimidated by all the single guys. The song Hungry Eyes came to my head as we were leaving. The boys that are single definitely have that "I am ready and looking for a wife" look in their eyes. PUH LEASE pray for me! :-)
Wednesday... started teaching the kids. I do really enjoy teaching! This is completely different and it's great! Luckily I get to help them with my favorite subjects. Janet does a couple of the subjects herself. Also, before we start they recite verses 5 times. They have a list that we check off every day. I am super excited about this be/c I get to learn so many more with the. And be/c I am my mother's child, I try and make sure they understanding what they are memorizing. I left a little early be/c we went to a hockey game. There is a Canadian guy here playing in a tournament. The locals are checking him out to see if they want to keep him here as a player. So, half way across the world, I go to my first live hockey game! Good times.. Good times... On a side note, I never thought I would be surrounded by Canadians in Russia. hahahahahaha
Thursday (today)....... it's starting to set in that I am going to teach every day. Again, your prayers are needed for patience and guidance. hahaha. Joseph is a great kid but a little on the hyper-not wanting to pay attention side. :-) It's still fun.
Now, I am off to church! Love y'all!!!!
oh yes, my dad has requested that I explain what kinds of food I am eating. This will come soon.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Saturday, August 23, 2008
My Big Fat Russian Belly
The food is sooooooooooooooooooooo good here. And the Russians love to feed their guests. Every home we visit or even Teen Challenge center, they fill the table with food. They sure do like carbs and sugar!! Almost everything homemade I have had, I have loved. It isn't spicy at all and some stuff kinda needs salt but it's not near as bland and bad as I was expecting. Though, I do miss the spicy stuff at home!!
Every night that we have been home, this week, we have sat in the kitchen and played uno or girl talked. It is amazing how well all 6 of us get along. Maybe I forgot to mention that there are 6 girls in the 3 bedroom apartment. Let me 'splain. Sveta is the "main" tenant but the apartment is funded by the church which is why guests get to stay there. Then there are 2 girls from the orphanage that are now too old to live there. Katrina, the New Yorker, is leaving tomorrow and she and I have been sharing a room. The Canadian girl Kim has a room of her own though I think she is about to move to mine be/c once Katrina leaves another girl is coming to stay be/c she is going to the university in the city. The two orphan girls sleep on fold out chairs in the living room. So, it's quite the houseful.
Well, it's Sunday, which means we are going back to the drug district to invite people to come to church. There was several last week that came. Though half of them were drunk and kinda fell asleep during the service. BUT they were at church. So, I am excited to see what happens today when we get there!
Until next time............
Every night that we have been home, this week, we have sat in the kitchen and played uno or girl talked. It is amazing how well all 6 of us get along. Maybe I forgot to mention that there are 6 girls in the 3 bedroom apartment. Let me 'splain. Sveta is the "main" tenant but the apartment is funded by the church which is why guests get to stay there. Then there are 2 girls from the orphanage that are now too old to live there. Katrina, the New Yorker, is leaving tomorrow and she and I have been sharing a room. The Canadian girl Kim has a room of her own though I think she is about to move to mine be/c once Katrina leaves another girl is coming to stay be/c she is going to the university in the city. The two orphan girls sleep on fold out chairs in the living room. So, it's quite the houseful.
Well, it's Sunday, which means we are going back to the drug district to invite people to come to church. There was several last week that came. Though half of them were drunk and kinda fell asleep during the service. BUT they were at church. So, I am excited to see what happens today when we get there!
Until next time............
Friday, August 22, 2008
woah man. woah maaan. wooooooo man.
Hey Hey Hey! So, I am sitting at an internet cafe right now at the big mall in town. There is a Canadian girl staying in the apartment with me for about a month and we decided to have a night out and took the bus to the city. We bowled for about 30 min. You wouldn't believe how many people look like they have never bowled before. It was great!
I am still in shock that I am waking up every day in Russia. This morning I walked around with a girl from New York and she just so happens to be black. We get soooooooooooooo many looks. She is the only black person most of them have seen in person. Luckily all my years of pink hair got me use to stares. We made a commotion in the bank this morning be/c this girl, who may have very well been a little drunk, was trying to take a picture with us. At first she couldn't get anyone to take it, then a guy, who also looked drunk tried to take it but couldn't figure out the phone. Her friend finished at the teller and was going to take it but couldn't figure out the phone either. I don't know how many of you know this but Russians in general seems like they are angry when they talk. So, there was a lot of loud instructions and finally the bank teller started yelling at the girl that she can't take photos in the bank. It was funny. I really only understand half of what was said. :-) Then we went to an open market which is right next to our apartment. We stopped at the sunglasses stand and were browsing, like most shoppers do and these old drunk homeless looking men were surrounding us. Again, Katrina is the first black AND I forgot to mention she has dreds so, people stare. And stare rudely sometimes. They talk about us thinking we can't understand them. But the drunks were trying to talk to us. It was slightly annoying but kinda funny at the same time.
I will start working with the kids next week. So, I have been on vacation my first 2 weeks here. Can't beat that!!!!! It's been nice getting to know the city some. I think I am going to teach english at one of the rehab centers and also to a group in a town about an hour away. Everyone wants to learn our language. And of course, now that I am thinking about teaching it, I have no idea where to begin. haha
I bought a cell phone here. For emergency, of course. But then I find out that I can text the states. hahahaha My roommates are discovering my one vice. Isn't that sad. Halfway across the world with no TV or internet or dryer but I can text. Oh technology!
I don't know why I was adviced not to have pink hair here. These ladies love the fake red hair. And the tacky fake red hair. Yikes....... Also, it is very popular for the women (of all shapes and sizes) to wear see through shirts. Everyone knows I am truly a hairstlyist here, they don't seem to notice all this stuff until I point it out.
I shall stop rambling now. I hope all of you are doing well!!!!
I am still in shock that I am waking up every day in Russia. This morning I walked around with a girl from New York and she just so happens to be black. We get soooooooooooooo many looks. She is the only black person most of them have seen in person. Luckily all my years of pink hair got me use to stares. We made a commotion in the bank this morning be/c this girl, who may have very well been a little drunk, was trying to take a picture with us. At first she couldn't get anyone to take it, then a guy, who also looked drunk tried to take it but couldn't figure out the phone. Her friend finished at the teller and was going to take it but couldn't figure out the phone either. I don't know how many of you know this but Russians in general seems like they are angry when they talk. So, there was a lot of loud instructions and finally the bank teller started yelling at the girl that she can't take photos in the bank. It was funny. I really only understand half of what was said. :-) Then we went to an open market which is right next to our apartment. We stopped at the sunglasses stand and were browsing, like most shoppers do and these old drunk homeless looking men were surrounding us. Again, Katrina is the first black AND I forgot to mention she has dreds so, people stare. And stare rudely sometimes. They talk about us thinking we can't understand them. But the drunks were trying to talk to us. It was slightly annoying but kinda funny at the same time.
I will start working with the kids next week. So, I have been on vacation my first 2 weeks here. Can't beat that!!!!! It's been nice getting to know the city some. I think I am going to teach english at one of the rehab centers and also to a group in a town about an hour away. Everyone wants to learn our language. And of course, now that I am thinking about teaching it, I have no idea where to begin. haha
I bought a cell phone here. For emergency, of course. But then I find out that I can text the states. hahahaha My roommates are discovering my one vice. Isn't that sad. Halfway across the world with no TV or internet or dryer but I can text. Oh technology!
I don't know why I was adviced not to have pink hair here. These ladies love the fake red hair. And the tacky fake red hair. Yikes....... Also, it is very popular for the women (of all shapes and sizes) to wear see through shirts. Everyone knows I am truly a hairstlyist here, they don't seem to notice all this stuff until I point it out.
I shall stop rambling now. I hope all of you are doing well!!!!
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Back again!
I finally remembered my password. The last time I logged in I didn't know how it happened. haha Typical.
HELLOOOOOOOOO everyone!! I am sorry the last one was short I will catch you up to date as best as possible.
The kids went to camp right after I got here, so, I worked with a missions team all week. We went to every Teen Challenge that the church supports! You guys wouldn't believe how many this one church supports! Teen Challenge is a drug rehad center that is centered around Christ, for those of you that don't know. We got to meet sooooo many people that have been free from herion addiction. There are also a couple of homes for the homeless. Most of those men are older and were alcoholics for years. My generation is the generation with the drug problem. HIV is spreading faster here than anywhere else. There are used needles almost everywhere. We have a problem in the states but it is not near the intensity that it is here. The city I am living in is pretty big. It is about 600,000! Novokuznetsk is the English spelling. We are about 250 miles or so north of Mongolia if anyone wants to look at a map.
There are so many things that are different. The toilet is in a seperate room from the shower. There is no air conditioning and a couple of days we actually needed it. It is kinda rainy and cool now. But nothing I can't handle. I have been mistaken for a Russian several times, which was my goal, to blend. But then I don't know what they are saying so, I look either rude or stupid. HAHAHA I can understand some of what is being said to me and of course, I can understand more than I can speak. Luckily there is a Canadian girl living here for about a month that took 3 years at a University and is helping me with grammar. There is no cinnamon gum here so, it was requested that I get some more..... The cars, depending on where they are from, have the steering wheel on the right and on the left but they drive on the same side of the road as us........ I live right next to a fruit market..... All the apartment buildings look exactly the same, communist style!...... It is absolutely beauitful scenery......... The elevators only hold 4 people and feel like they will break down at any minute....... Nothing is as it seems. The buildings on the outside look really old but on the inside are brand new stores and shops........Instead of open hot dog stands there are closed ice cream, beer & soda and little burger stands.......There is no dryer so, I am hanging my laundry all through the apartment and on the tiny balcony. I kinda like that. Everything just feels so different and cool. I am trying to think of all the little odd things that we don't have but I can't think........ Oh yeah, they serve instant coffee here everywhere. The food is soooo good. I kinda don't miss Mexican at all right now. Weird. That will probably change after a month or so here.
I was sitting in the kitchen the other day and it hit me. I am actually in Russia. How awesome!
Well, that is all I can think of at the moment. Next week I start with the kids. Also, today I am going to finally sit down with Ilya and talk about all of what I am going to be doing here. He mentioned me getting involved in one of the ministries which I think would be soooooo great!!!!!!
HELLOOOOOOOOO everyone!! I am sorry the last one was short I will catch you up to date as best as possible.
The kids went to camp right after I got here, so, I worked with a missions team all week. We went to every Teen Challenge that the church supports! You guys wouldn't believe how many this one church supports! Teen Challenge is a drug rehad center that is centered around Christ, for those of you that don't know. We got to meet sooooo many people that have been free from herion addiction. There are also a couple of homes for the homeless. Most of those men are older and were alcoholics for years. My generation is the generation with the drug problem. HIV is spreading faster here than anywhere else. There are used needles almost everywhere. We have a problem in the states but it is not near the intensity that it is here. The city I am living in is pretty big. It is about 600,000! Novokuznetsk is the English spelling. We are about 250 miles or so north of Mongolia if anyone wants to look at a map.
There are so many things that are different. The toilet is in a seperate room from the shower. There is no air conditioning and a couple of days we actually needed it. It is kinda rainy and cool now. But nothing I can't handle. I have been mistaken for a Russian several times, which was my goal, to blend. But then I don't know what they are saying so, I look either rude or stupid. HAHAHA I can understand some of what is being said to me and of course, I can understand more than I can speak. Luckily there is a Canadian girl living here for about a month that took 3 years at a University and is helping me with grammar. There is no cinnamon gum here so, it was requested that I get some more..... The cars, depending on where they are from, have the steering wheel on the right and on the left but they drive on the same side of the road as us........ I live right next to a fruit market..... All the apartment buildings look exactly the same, communist style!...... It is absolutely beauitful scenery......... The elevators only hold 4 people and feel like they will break down at any minute....... Nothing is as it seems. The buildings on the outside look really old but on the inside are brand new stores and shops........Instead of open hot dog stands there are closed ice cream, beer & soda and little burger stands.......There is no dryer so, I am hanging my laundry all through the apartment and on the tiny balcony. I kinda like that. Everything just feels so different and cool. I am trying to think of all the little odd things that we don't have but I can't think........ Oh yeah, they serve instant coffee here everywhere. The food is soooo good. I kinda don't miss Mexican at all right now. Weird. That will probably change after a month or so here.
I was sitting in the kitchen the other day and it hit me. I am actually in Russia. How awesome!
Well, that is all I can think of at the moment. Next week I start with the kids. Also, today I am going to finally sit down with Ilya and talk about all of what I am going to be doing here. He mentioned me getting involved in one of the ministries which I think would be soooooo great!!!!!!
Saturday, August 16, 2008
I just wrote something but the computer messed up. Sorry, guess I will write back when I can.
Today we are going to the largest drug district again. We are going to play soccer with the kids. I am so excited!!! You would not believe the conditions these children live in and what they are exposed to. Our trailor parks at home are mansions compareŠ² to this place. God is doing amazing things in the hearts of so many men who were on herion for years. We have gotten to visit several Teen Challenge centers. The light and life they have in their eyes is amazing. And you know it can only come from God. He has brought them out of some of the darkest pits that I will never understand but it is amazing!
I will write more when I can! Don't be mad but I love this place. I do miss y'all but my heart loves these people!
Today we are going to the largest drug district again. We are going to play soccer with the kids. I am so excited!!! You would not believe the conditions these children live in and what they are exposed to. Our trailor parks at home are mansions compareŠ² to this place. God is doing amazing things in the hearts of so many men who were on herion for years. We have gotten to visit several Teen Challenge centers. The light and life they have in their eyes is amazing. And you know it can only come from God. He has brought them out of some of the darkest pits that I will never understand but it is amazing!
I will write more when I can! Don't be mad but I love this place. I do miss y'all but my heart loves these people!
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