If you have been keeping up with my ever-changing itinerary, you will know that the phrase “expect the unexpected” appears there as a sort of mantra for traveling in Russia. Confirming a meeting or appointment more than 3 days in advance is a waste of time (“they will forget about it for sure…”). Imagine my surprise when I learned that “we haven’t started calling people yet” for the follow up meeting scheduled for the 16th of October. As for me, I’d be busy already if I wasn’t one of the presenters! HAHAHA!
But this post is about a different kind of unexpected surprise. Last week when I visited boarding school #113, a small but interested group of kids with disabilities came to visit with me after lunch – to ask questions about America and to get up close and personal with a foreigner. Normally, kids ask questions such as: what do you think of your President Obama? or – do you have any pets? or – how do you like Samara? I was glad to give a California quarter to anyone brave enough to ask me a question of any kind. One sweet little girl could only utter: spasiba. (Thank you in Russian). Imagine, then, my surprise when one of the teenagers looked me right in the eyes and asked, “What are your moral and ethical values?” Open door. Walk in. A real God moment.
She’s in the back row – white blouse, red jumper. I hope to speak with her again soon . . .

What an adventure! I never knew quarters could yield so much. I’m praying for you unexpected moments and ability to be flexable. You seem real good at that. Blessings on you and all those who walk with you over there.
How precious. Love, love, love the work you’re doing over there. Blessings on you my dear friend :-).
LOL There you go, Jeanette, tell her about your moral and ethical values! You will make American fellow citizens proud:):) If serious, these are sorts of questions that kids learn to ask AND ANSWER at school. History, social studies, literature, etc classes usually end up in a certain generalized bottom line point of view one is supposed to express. Like, “what morals did that story bring up?”, “What ethical values do you think the author was introducing?”, etc. So, to me it is quite a normal question of a school girl!:) Don’t be afraid of her:) It simply means she is a good learner and applies that knowledge when she communicates:)
And I am indignant, too….what do they mean, “They will forget for sure”???!!! Yes, the rhythm of life is so intense there and hectic at times, it might be true; it’s hard to plan on anything more than 3 days in advance. But I feel for you, Jeanette; lucky for you, you were morally ready for “surprises” like that!
I love to hear these stories. You never know how God will use these opportunities. I’m sure you were a blessing to these kids.