Uhhhh???

I only have a few minutes to write this but I wanted to tell you guys briefly of my experience with the Russian medical system.

I started the process of applying for the 3 yr temporary residency status. Well, before you can send in any paperwork you much get 4 tests done: HIV, drug, STD and TB. All of these are at different places and you don't have to make an appointment. Every place we were able to walk in and get it done right then. Walking up to the buildings was a little creepy. They looked so run down and sketchy and of course, the first place we go to is the HIV place. As soon as I saw the building, I started praying. It looked so dirty and they were going to take my blood! Whoa!! So, we get in there and the hall is lined with people waiting. Luckily they kinda pushed up to the front of the line. I go to the window and she tells me the price. 245 rubles and that comes to around 7 American dollars and they told me to come back in the next day around 2. Can you believe that?! 7 bucks for an HIV test and there was not even a line and I got my results the very next day. It may be a shady building but it beats the American system in cost and speed! The next place was the drug test. We had to go to a different part of town. There was a little bit of a wait there and of course, I really don't know what exactly is going on. I just do what Olya tells me to do. We go into an office and then follow a woman down the hall to another room. Well, this room was the toilet and I had to pee in a cup, WHILE Olya and the woman were in the room waiting for me. Just a wee bit awkward. hahahaha. And again, right then I got my results. Didn't have to wait or anything. Paid my bill, which was a little more than the HIV. It was 300 rubles. The next stop was the STD place. Apparently this was the building for all communicable diseases. Olya was very uncomfortable in there. She is one of those germy fobes. :-) This place we had to wait an hour and when we finally get into the room, they told us we were in the wrong room. The correct room there was no wait. Got my finger pricked and in 15 min, I found out I was STD free. Not that I was really worried. :-) Lastly, the TB test. This was probably the most awkward of all the tests. In the states, they just give you a shot. Well, in Russia, you have to get a picture taken of your insides and this meant undressing. So, Olya was standing at the door with her hand over her eyes translating for me. It was kinda funny. I would randomly see Olya's hand sticking out pointing. She reassured me I still had my dignity..... I could not imagine having that job and seeing everyone. YUCK! Anyways. That only cost me 60 rubles. I mean really. WOW. Just under 2 bucks. This is crazy stuff.

Yet, after all this I decided not to apply. I am not 100 percent sure this is where God wants me to be and I do not want to hurt my chances of ever coming back at all.

:-)