Anneka's Boyfriend

Our friends Chingis and Ksusha came over the other night with their 11-month old, Danya. He was crawling and walking... and he's so FAST! It's crazy that he's only 6 months older than Anneka! Both babies seemed fascinated with each other. It's been nice to reconnect with people between all of our medical tests, errands, and paperwork. We hope to be done with all that stuff by tomorrow and really be able to step into life again here.

Paperwork, Paperwork, and More Paperwork

Our sweet neighbor, Katia, just left after helping us fill out form after form for applying for temporary residency. We are so grateful for her help. It would've taken us ten times as long without her, and even as it was, it took a couple of hours. Katia stayed in our apartment while we were gone and took really good care of the place. It was so nice coming back to a clean apartment that was in order.

Today at our tiny church, there were two other babies there. The boy on the left is seven months old and the girl in the middle is nine months. All three of us moms had to go into the kitchen (really the only other room that there is) because of either wiggly, noisy, or crying babies. It was nice to be able to connect with them and to not feel isolated. I put leg warmers on Anneka so that her legs would look like warm Russian baby legs. Russians keep their babies nice and toasty.

Buryat Believers' Meeting

Today we went to the Buryat believers' meeting. People from different churches in Ulan Ude get together a couple of times a month to pray and talk about how to reach the Buryats with the news of Jesus. Today there was a speaker from Finland as well as a Buryat speaker. The Buryat speaker told us that they are building a Buryat center where all the churches in Buryatia can work together and have good communication- for example if one church is planting a new church in a new village, then it makes sense for another church to plant a new church in a different village. This center will help to be a "home base" for sharing that kind of information.
As soon as we walked in today, Anneka was accosted by all the Buryat ladies. She liked it. The lady pictured kept walking around with Anneka, saying, "she looks like me, don't you think?" hahaha.

Under Construction

Our church is undergoing construction to add a classroom, enlarge the sanctuary, and to do a bunch of other stuff as the funds and labor are available. Leif has been helping out this week between our running around doing medical tests. Anneka and I took the guys cookies and juice today as a little afternoon snack.

Yesterday we arrived at the clinic to get our STD tests, and there was a HUGE line. The entire hallway was crammed with people, waiting to be tested. I thought we'd NEVER get in. In Russia, you don't make appointments at clinics, you just show up and hope that you won't have to stand in too long of a line. We waited and waited and then a miracle happened. Anneka started squawking. Lately she squawks when she wants us to know her displeasure. She doesn't cry- she just is REALLY loud and kind of sounds like a pterodactyl. Well, the lady administering the tests poked her head out in the hallway, and said, "You have a baby, so you can cut in line". I couldn't believe it. I was so so happy. And then today at the narcotic center, we got to cut again! (the line wasn't so long today). Who knew that having a baby would be a benefit in so many ways?!

A Trip to the Hospital

Don't let the title concern you. Today we went to the hospital (pictured behind Anneka and me up the hill) to get our lungs x-rayed. We have to get a bunch of medical tests done before we apply for temporary residency here to show that we're not bringing a lot of diseases into the country. THANKFULLY, Anneka does not need these tests. Our friends in another Siberian city had to have all the tests done for their kids, too. But in Ulan Ude, they'll let Anneka go without the tests. Whew!
So we had our lungs x-rayed and then they handed us a picture of our lungs. Then we need to take that picture to the tuberculosis hospital for them to look at the picture and deem that we don't have TB. Then they'll give us a piece of paper with an official stamp on it. We also have to get AIDS tests, STD tests, a skin test, and drug tests (all at different locations). It's quite the process!

Back to the Land of the Living

Okay, so the cold that I mentioned in the last blog turned into probably the worst cold I've ever had in my life! I think it got so bad because I tried to stay up in the day to get adjusted to the new time zone and then I couldn't sleep at all at night. And then little Anneka couldn't breathe through her nose very well. We spent a lot of time sitting in the shower room with the hot water running and steaming up our airways. We also both had fevers. Thankfully Anneka's was just for a couple of days and never got too high. Mine lasted almost a full week and was up above 103F. Yuck, yuck, yuck. Thankfully, we're both feeling MUCH better. Today we entered the land of the living. I don't have any amazing to pictures to show because the lady at the store today was new and it would've been strange to take a picture of her (or of ourselves for that matter). And all of the decorations and organization that I'd hoped to do in our apartment this past week has been put on hold. We got bedding in Anneka's crib and our belongings put away, but that's about it.

Our excursion today was pretty successful. The store that has toothpaste and batteries and things like that was closed, but the store with food was open. I figure that's more important anyways. The clerk yelled at my for not having a second hat on Anneka, but I think she really liked us. She was okay with me not having the perfect change and she even put my groceries in the bag for me! This is the first time this has EVER happened to me. I think it's because she thought my hands were full with Anneka. I like this new clerk a lot and look forward to getting to know her. And next time I'll put Anneka in two hats.

It's not that cold here. It was only about 7F when we flew in a week ago. I don't know what it is now, but it doesn't seem that cold. And our apartment is so hot. Anneka's sleeping on our bed right now becuase her room is like a sauna. The heater is hottest in her room anyways and in midday, the sun shines in and makes it even hotter. I'll include a pic of her on our bed, too. That's all family wants to see anyways. =) The other two are of Leif putting Anneka in a cloth diaper and of Anneka saying hello while keeping me company in the kitchen.

Today Leif is hauling heavy stuff with a guy from the church. I'm not really sure what they're hauling or what it's for. We'll find out!

We're Home!

After five flights, sixteen time zones, and a day and a half of traveling, we made it home!! Thank you so much for your prayers. While it's not a trip we're aching to do anytime again soon, God helped us each step of the way. All of our bags came through unharmed and we caught all of our flights. When we got to the airport in Seattle, we learned that the e-ticket computers weren't accepting leap year and so everyone had to stand in line to check in. Amazingly, all of our flights were early- even one that started 40 minutes late... the tailwinds still got us to Moscow a little early. The flight attendants were so nice and changed our seats so that we could have a baby bed (for free!) for Anneka. This helped us to get a little more rest than if she'd been on our laps the whole time.

It's good to be back. It's always a weird feeling to change from one world to the other in a matter of a couple of days. Already more people are talking to us becuase of Anneka. She seems to like it here. She caught her first cold today and is really sleepy and lethargic, but she's still happy. I introduced her to the ladies in our local store today, and she smiled alot at them. Then a Russian man came in and she laughed a belly laugh when she heard his voice. Maybe she knows it's a different language? It was funny.

We're super tired. Today we got a lot done, but everything just takes longer here. Please pray for energy and strength. We love you!

Our Visas Came!!!

The doorbell rand today, and we were shocked and happily surprised to see the FedEx man at the door, delivering our visas! I would have hugged him had he not already been walking away. I'm sure FedEx workers meet a lot of either really happy or really angry people.

So now our biggest obstacle is packing. There's so much stuff you need for a baby- especially when you're factoring clothes for the next couple of years and she grows so fast! We found out today that even if there's an empty seat next to us on the plane we can't put a car seat there. And the car seat will cost $137 to check. Oh, brother. Basically we just need it for transporting between airports in Moscow, so we're looking into finding a taxi that comes with a car seat. I hope there is one because that'll be one less thing to carry.

Thank you for your prayers! We definitely feel surrounded!

It's So Hard To Say Goodbye

Today my Dad flew to Louisiana to visit my brother and so we had to say goodbye to him... for who knows how long. It's always so hard to say goodbye and to know we're taking Anneka away from her grandparents and so many others who love her so dearly. But I also am struck by the beauty and depth of time that we have with people simply because of this path we've chosen. I find that I'm much more intentional in getting time with family and sharing with them how much I love them. I'm thankful for this special gift. We also had a dessert time with other family members this evening. We are blessed with such a wonderful family!

Speaking of family, I realized that we've posted pictures of all the great grandparents except for Anneka's "Grandpa Great". So here they are together. =)

The Polar Plunge

Dad, Leif, Anneka, and I went on a walk today and at the other end of the lake came across a polar plunge. Different groups of people jumped from the ice into the freezing water as a fund raiser for the Special Olympics. We were happy to just be watching!

He Did It!!

Leif did it! He finished reading the Russian Bible before we head back next week. Hooray!! I am very proud of him, as this is a huge feat and is indicative of many, many hours of study.

Our letter of invitation came in the mail today at about 4:00. We just found out that Monday is a Russian holiday and the consulate will be closed... so we'll need to rush our visas to get them back by next Thursday. We're thankful that we found out about this holiday and would much rather pay a little more for rushed visas than a lot more for all new plane tickets. Please continue to pray for all of that!

Sew Fun

My mom and I have been in a Bible study on the book of Daniel since September. One of the blessings in our having to be in the States through February is that I get to be there until the last day of the study! Yesterday the women from the Bible study got together and made baby quilts for a crisis nursery in Spokane. It was really fun to have the time together. I'd never made a quilt before (except for one for my cat, Dorothy, when I was about 12). I felt quite proud of myself!

On another note, our letters of invitation are in route from Siberia to the States right now! If all goes smoothly, we should get them just in time to get our visas (hopefully with a day to spare!) We joke that no matter how much time you give, visas always come the day before (or the day of!) departure. Please pray that there will be no hangups with this. Also, as I write, Leif's mom is in the Seattle airport, waiting for her plane to be fixed before she comes to visit us one last time. I had forgotten about the reality of late flights until her call, and then I started thinking about how all 5 of our flights are back-to-back to get to Ulan Ude. So then I started worrying a little about that. I know, I'm not supposed to worry. But please pray, too, that we won't have any delays as we fly home. One delay could cause having to buy all new tickets and being stuck at any number of airports around the world for a day. No fun.

Our latest understanding of the visa situation

Acually the picture of the deer on the deck has nothing to do with this blog other than it has been fun to see these fearless deer around Medical Lake since we've been here.

Laws and rules can be tough to figure out some times. And it feels like we are often thinking that one thing will happen, and then realize that maybe it will be something else. Up until a couple of days ago we thought that we would be going to Russia on the 29th of February on a three month visitor visa and would begin the process of applying for residency. Actaully that part is still the same, but there is still new information. We thought that according to the rules we would need to return to the States for a full three months following that three months in Russia. Well as people have been visiting the registration office in Ulan-Ude for us to get our letter of invitation for that visa they found out that we would probably be able to get a second visa directly following the first without the three month wait and that we could probably process that in Mongolia (much closer to Ulan-Ude than the States). We may even be able to get our original visa extended because we will be in the process of getting our residency. That is good news as far as not having to endure that long travel and saving money, but it is a bit sad as we had thought we would see family and friends again soon and will miss some big events here in the States. We also have a bit more stuff (e.g. Anneka hand-me-downs for bigger sizes) that we will have to sort and pack that we thought we could put off until this summer. Of course this is the latest plan and understanding, and that is always subject to change. Please continue to pray for our visas to be processed and sent to us quickly and for the residency process in Ulan-Ude to go well when we arrive in Ulan-Ude.
-LG

She's not a criminal!

The other day my mom answered the phone, and I could tell the person on the other end was asking for Anneka because my mom started laughing and said, "Yes, she is, but she's a baby". The person calling was confused because she was running a criminal check on Anneka (for us to have to apply for temporary residency in Russia), and she thought the date of birth must be wrong. We've been in Russia long enough to know that when they have document requirements we need to have them- thus, a criminal record of our baby daughter. But the good news is that she came back clear! She's not a criminal!

Fun Pictures

When Anneka was a month old, our friend Angela took these pictures (and many more great ones) for us. She has such an eye for details and she set up a little studio here at our home. She has a website. You should check it out: www.stillpointphotography.net

Thanks, Angela!!!

Happy Birthday, Grandma, Mom, Leif, and Nora!

Yesterday we had a family birthday party to celebrate the birthdays of my grandma, mom, cousin Nora, and Leif. Their special days all fall within about a week of each other. We had a hotdog roast out in the snow, followed with s'mores later on. This is one of the things I miss most when we're in Siberia is celebrating times like this with the family. My family usually has some sort of "theme" for the parties (ex: ugly sweaters, dancing party, "whole hog", etc.). It's fun.

A Good Little Traveler

We're back from traveling all around western Washington. It was so good to see family and friends, and Anneka was such a good little traveler! Among all the people we saw, Anneka was able to meet four more of her great grandparents. Leif's grandma was in the hospital after having open heart surgery. Thankfully, she is doing exceptionally well.

People keep asking us when we're leaving for Siberia. The good news is that our letters of invitation are in progress! We did have to change our flights to the end of February, and we can only get 3 month visas this time. We will use the 3 months in Russia to apply for temporary residency, which lasts for 3 years. The thought of traveling all the way to Siberia and all the way back in a 3 month period (with a baby) seems so exhausting, but we also have peace that God knows what He's doing. And, of course, our parents aren't upset about having to see us again this summer! =)

Dedicating our daughter

We dedicated our beautiful little Anneka Dorothy today at church. Actually we have already dedicated her to the Lord, but this was a chance to do it publicly and to ask the church to help us in raising her up to knowing Jesus and to pray for her. That is one thing that we have come to realize over these 12 weeks of parenthood, we cannot do this alone. God has often helped us at different times as we have come to Him in prayer. Friends and family have also helped out, and it was great to have some of our family there with us in front of the church as we prayed for Anneka. We are so excited to be parents and to help her recognize who God has made her to be.

A shower and a monkey baby

Yesterday, my friends Rachel and Laurie threw Anneka (and me!) a baby shower. It was so nice. They sent out the CUTEST invitations that looked like a little international letter and had people bring items that they'll ship to us in Siberia. It was so so nice. Anneka slept through most of the presents, but she'll be surprised when the package comes in the mail and we open it up. =)

Two of the ladies at the shower got us a down snowsuit to tote our tot around in. It's perfect for cold Siberian winters (and springs). Erin (one of the ladies) said that it reminded her of the time Leif and I held a monkey in a snowsuit in Moscow. I'd totally forgotten about this, so I dug through our pictures this morning. And found it. Haha. It's so funny. Here's the original monkey and our own little monkey:

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year! We celebrated with some refugees from different African countries that are now living in Spokane. They prepared African dishes, played festive music, and danced for us in fun costumes.

The girls in my family (Grandma, Mom, Aunt, Cousin, and Sylvia- she's like family) all went to the spa for some time together before we head back to Russia and a celebration of the new year. I love my family!

Our visas are still on hold. It looks like we'll be getting a guest visa, which is only good for 90 days. During that time, we'll apply for a temporary residency, which is good for 3 years. All of the government offices are closed until the 10th, so after that, hopefully the ball will begin rolling with our letters of invitation and visa process (about 40-45 days total).

The other night we went to dinner at the house of a Russian family (friends of my parents). When we got there, we asked where their 7-month old baby was. "Oh, she's outside", they said. We totally thought they were joking, especially because our experience in Russia has always been that babies need to be very warm. Even if it's 90 degrees inside, people will not crack a window if a baby is in a room because of the draft. But pretty soon, we heard a cry on a moniter, and sure enough- they opened the slider to their back yard (in below freezing weather) and brought in the baby! She was very bundled. They said that Russians believe it's good for babies to sleep outside, as long as it's not colder than -20 degrees. They said that if you have a balcony that's safe, you should put the baby on the balcony. But if it's not safe, you need to walk with the baby in a stroller, up and down the street. I had noticed many people with strollers in the daytime walking around in Siberia... maybe this is what they were doing. Of course, much of the winter in Ulan Ude is below the safe -20 range!! hahaha.