Wow! Thirty hours later and I’m half-way across the globe, but it seems like home. I can’t explain that, but it’s true…as if I had been here last week instead of last year. Tanya met me at the airport with “Snow drops” – the first flowers of spring. Something new already. I have never seen them before. Since arriving at my final destination – the home of Natasha and Volodya, I’ve had breakfast, a nap, a shower, played games with her grandchildren, lunch, a trip to the grocery store…and at some point I hope to unpack. After dinner we will toast “my arrival.” I hope to stay awake until at least 10 p.m. so I can adjust to the 12-hour time change.
I did have an “incident” at the Munich airport. Apparently the Gestapo tradition of thorough inspection is alive and well in ever-so-effecient Germany. It seems there was a certain tool kit in the package of gifts that a certain person gave me to take along–and this package ended up in my carry-on bag. Oops. What to do? Throw it away? Send it back to America for 15 Euros? And why did my cloth-and-plastic money belt set off the alarms and necessitate a “strip search.” Ahh…I’ll have to share the rest of the story later. Right now, I feel like munching some tasty Samara chocolate.
Chocolate and flowers sounds like someone was truly waiting for your arrival. I thank God that your arrival was a safe one. Strip search doesn’t sound like much fun, but since I have seen you in your underwear at Mt. Hermon, I guess someone thought you were cute enough to want to check you out. LOL My warped sense of humor once again shines through.
I forgot to mention that the flowers are beautiful. You should dry them out so you can bring them home. I still have my dried flowers from the Mt. of Beatitudes. Love ya lots,
Denise
The flowers are gorgeous! You have quite the adventure just getting there don’t you. Last year was not without some craziness too yet you rise above and carry on. When I think of you and pray I see many many smiling faces looking back at you as you speak and give them hope. Can’t wait to hear more!
Love, Kathy
You are rich by dear…. And blessed to be in Samara once again. I will go with you some day and I can’t wait!! Enjoy every minute. And when needed: “Breath” once again; just as you did as you closed down your laptop prior to departing Atascadero.
my love comes with,
XOXOXOOOOXOOOO
Cathi
i love the tradition of flowers to welcome you off the plane!!! i was the recipient of a bouquet from you and now it makes my heart glow to see it!! missing you. glad you are safely there and we’ll have to make you a “cloth” money belt for next year….heh? unless , of course you…..ohm bever mind…i read your crazy mt hermon friend’s comments….teehee
lots going on here…..so we will skype asap…..love to you and all the rusiian family!!!!!
peace reigning in your heart,
nanci
We are so happy to have Jeanette here! We’ve had a great celebration of her birthday today, it looked like a family reunion.