No need for expensive gyms or even my Wii Fit here in Samara. I have a personal trainer all my own–otherwise known as: four flights of stairs, a 20-minute walk to the nearest bus/tram stop, a few cases of misdirection and even more walking, and quite a bit of shivering now that the thermometer suddenly dropped to 35F. Yes, that’s the high today. BRRRRRR!!!! My regime is called “Buns and nerves of steel.” LOL!
So…don’t be quick (Cathi…Kasey…Sue) toward envy of any kind. This life is not easy. Getting from here to there and back again takes up at least a third of every day. The reward is always waiting, however, when I reach my destination: smiling faces, hot tea, some kind of tasty food, and the joy of being with the people I love.
Yesterday I had a MOST delightful experience at boarding school #113 (picture to follow…I promise!) One of the CrossRoads instructors, Lena V., is the deputy director (aka vice principal) there. This school is for special needs kids – mostly with physical disabilities or impairments of some kind. I had such fun yesterday answering their questions about life in California…handing out CA quarters…and listening to THEIR presentation about Samara…for me…in English. Adorable. Memorable. And…because they begged…I hope to return with Kasey and show them some American-style love.
I’m at Alla’s house today…happily using her computer. Tanya will be here soon for lunch and to help us communicate. Also…some big schedule changes are in the works because we planned one of our big meetings on Election Day. Oops.
Tomorrow is my first Bible study – here at Alla’s place. Thanks for all your prayers. I so want this to be God’s time.
Oh yeah Jeanette, I can relate! Love the great photo at the top of your blog. Interesting perception, that *getting from here to there and back* takes about a third of the day. That makes me feel better already, realizing all the time it takes to use transport or walk places. Enjoyed your post. Wishing you good things in Samara. And great idea – the California quarters! I give out US quarters in general but I like your idea of honoring your home state. Keep on keeping us *posted* as they say. 😉
Haha…I like your workout title :-). And I love hearing about all you’re doing over there. Sounds physically exhausting, but relationally refreshing. And how did your first Bible study go???
Didn’t you pack any long johns? Flannel line blue jeans and lots of layers are a must. Please keep your hands warm. Extremities are the first things to fall off. We need you to keep us posted on how things are going.
The school trip sounded so awesome. Being around kids brings out the kid in all of us.
My prayers are with all of you.
Yes, I have long johns (silk…) and flannel-lined jeans, scarves, gloves and wool sweaters. Hanging in there, trying not to think about California sunshine.
I know, it is sick to laugh (because it is not funny at all to me when I come to stay in Samara after I became lazy in Canada!), but you cracked me up with your “buns and nerves of steel regimen” phrase! LOL I can imagine all the walking you do – just to get some food, to buy a newspaper (well, in my case, I needed all sorts of commercial numbers afresh weekly-daily), even to empty my garbage bin I had to walk about 7 minutes daily…lol There is an old movie you once watched on CD, “Moscow does not believe in tears”…meaning your “buns and nerves of steel” regimen will take you far!!! Eventually you will be amazed how much stronger you will feel, physically! And not only:)
go drink something!!! maybe something hot! Missing you…loving you. Ran into Kelly from our old wroship team days (kelly adn theresa). He wanted me to be sure adn pass his regrds to you. They are all fine adn happy. Said you were in Russia…again.
my father had some words of wisdom that really do work about being in the cold, “Relax against the cold” adn then you don’t shiver/suffer as much. XOXOXOXOXOXOX L PS Kiss Tanya, Alla adn Natasha 4 me.
Love you all – even the sicko one who knows! It’s all good.