Camp? by Mama Irene

What a day! It started out simple enough Linda and I (the two grandmas) got up, ate breakfast and read until about 10am. Then we called the kids and went over. Anneka just finished a nap, so we got a little “baby (lya-lya)” time before we had to leave. Leif and I were headed off to camp help with a children's day camp in Zakamensk, a town about 6-7 hours from Ulan-Ude. Jami, Linda and Anneka walked us down to the bus which came right away. We got to the marshrutka that would take us to Zakamensk and waited about an hour and took off. We made a few stops on they way including here by a lake.

After about 6 hours on the road we came to the check point. We all got off and they took Leif and my passports. It was taking so long the marshrutka took off to a café about a quarter mile down the road. We waited and finally the guards came and told us we could not enter the next region without some papers we could only get in Ulan Ude. Just a few days earlier Leif and Shannon (another missionary from their team) called to see what we needed to do to go into this region and through the check point and were told we would just need to fill out papers at the check point. The soldiers insisted we needed to go back. Our marshrutka driver brought back our backpack and duffle bag and we sat on the bench praying for a kind person to bring us home. There were no marshrutkas going back to Ulan Ude until the next morning and it was after 7pm. It was miles to the next settlement or any homes. All we could see was farm fields and rolling hills. Leif’s phone was in a “dead zone” so we couldn’t let the other campers or Jami and Linda know what was happening. The bugs were beginning to swarm us. We got out bug spray and some snacks and waited about 10 minutes. A spirited Buryat man and his extended family drove up to us in a Honda step wagon. He told us to get in and he’d take us to the café, but the soldiers were not allowing that. Then he said he’d go back and get documents and take us to Ulan Ude as they were headed for a wedding there anyway. About 15 minutes later he drove back and they rearranged themselves in the wagon so we could fit in. There were two sisters and I in the middle seats. In back was one of the sister’s husband, three little granddaughters and another older lady. Leif and the other husband, Sergei our driver were in front. Sergei and Leif talked for hours as we rode. They included us sometimes and I found out that his wife Dora who sat by me was also an elementary teacher and had taught over thirty years, too. We stopped for gas and I was happy to help. We also stopped for spring water and I thanked God I had my bottle with the filter. Then we made a stopped at Gusinozyorsk which was about 100 km before Ulan Ude. They said come meet our son and his family for tea. There we met the son, his wife, their 9 month old, Erdeni, plus the wife’s mother and some sisters (I think). They were so gracious. We shared a small meal of fried fish, sausage, veggie salad, bread with butter and fresh raspberry sauce, chocolates and of course the tea-a nice green tea cooked with milk. We took pictures and I talked with the daughter in laws mom who knew a little English from college.

We got back into the car and stopped at a house just before Ulan Ude. Everyone got out with bags and packages except Sergei and Dora. We suggested we could call a taxi and get home, but they insisted on driving us right to the door of the apartment which was another 20-30 minute drive for them. We were all very tired from our long day. As I got back into the apartment that Inka and Elizabeth so graciously allow us to stay in for our visit I was struck with the parallel of the story Jesus tells about the good Samaritan. Sergei and Dora and their family (by all signs Buddists) were surely our good Samaritans, and I thank God for delivering us from such an adventure that could have turned out much differently. I know He just has different plans for us this week.

Sharing Our Lives With The Mamas/Babushkas

It's been fun introducing our moms to friends here and showing them around Ulan Ude. Today we had friends over after church and our moms made lunch. It was really nice to be able to sit and relax and talk with guests. Also, today was the first time that I've been able to sit through the whole church service since Anneka was born. My mom sat with her outside while she slept, which was SO nice. She's recently taken a liking to her stroller and will fall asleep in it. The only problem is that since camp, she doesn't fall asleep (on her own) very well in her bed. Sigh. It'll take 3-10 days of training to get her back on track. I'm hoping it's closer to three!

The picture above is from church today. One of the ladies gathered some of us together and posed us. Tomorrow Leif and Irene will go to a small city 6 hours away to be a part of a week-long day camp. Mom and I won't have a lack of things to do, I'm sure!!

Anneka has two little Russian kercheifs that she wears now that it's summer. I love them. You can't see it too well in this picture, but it's super-cute!

English Camp

We had a busy/fun/cold/tiring/exciting week at camp. This was our little "home" while we were there. The students stayed in yurts (traditional nomadic homes).



I found that being at camp with Anneka was busier than I'd anticipated. She was my only "responsibility", but with a crawling baby and no place to put her except on the sand or dirt, I found myself carrying her a lot, and this gang (and more!) of children followed me around wherever I went. There were times when I was SO ready to have my space, but overall I enjoyed the kids. I also connected with some of the workers and students in ways that I wouldn't have if I'd been tied up with other responsibilities.



Every evening, a Russian speaker shared about the "key to life" and got the students thinking about important questions, such as why we are here. Here, some Americans are leading a worship song in English. Most of the songs were in Russian, but as an "English Camp", we sang English songs, too.



Anneka LOVED the sand and loved to eat it. She was so quick!



This is one of the kitchen workers, feeding Anneka. The camp is owned by the deaf church, and the staff was SO WONDERFUL in welcoming us and serving without complaint. There was a mixup and the staff didn't know we were coming this week. They were so gracious and flexible- it was amazing. Such a reminder of how we really do shine like "stars in the universe" when we don't grumble or complain.



Leif was SO busy at the camp. He was the sports instructor, and this included leading exercises in the morning, pre-planned games in the mid-day, lifeguarding at free time (or leading other sports when it was cold), and leading organized games in the evening. Many students said that this was their favorite part of the camp.



During the English lessons, Leif often helped in the kitchen. Here he is with Zhenya and Sveta, peeling carrots with sharpened table knives.



a picture of our little family



On the second-to-last evening of camp, the speaker shared about the hope that we can have in Christ and gave the students opportunities to give their lives to Jesus. Eight of them publically decided this is what they wanted to do. (these are two of them). Others of us lit candles as a declaration that we want God to shine through us.

For many weeks before the camp, there were only 6 students signed up. At the very end (the last two days!) many more signed up (maybe 40? I don't even know how many). Things seemed so scattered and overwhelming. It was amazing how God was the one who put the camp together. We are so thankful for the prayers of many and for a wonderful week!

Baby Swap and Welcome Moms!

Both Leif's and my moms arrived this morning to visit us for a few weeks. We thought it would be funny to play a little joke on them at the airport and hold someone else's baby. Our friend, Adriana, met us at the airport and gave us baby Kristina and she took Anneka out of sight. I was a little worried that they wouldn't think it was funny, but my mom laughed and laughed as soon as she saw the baby. Irene said that she thought something seemed a little strange because the baby didn't smile, but she also said she's not very visual and didn't want to say anything. But quickly, they were reunited with their granddaughter. Adriana even dressed Kristina in some clothes that I'd given her of Anneka's. haha.

We look forward to a fun month together! We still will post a blog about camp. We have so many pictures that we need to sort through them first.

Jeannie Cross

Late yesterday we arrived back from a week on the shores of Lake Baikal where we saw God work amazingly in the hearts of people who joined us there for an English camp and we will share more details about that, but we were also greeted with some very sad news as we returned. Our dear friend Jeannie Cross has been taken home by our Lord. We are grieving from here with those who know her, and in particular our hearts are heavy for her husband Scott and daughter Malia (11). We have shared with many of you about the battle with a very unusual cancer that Jeannie has gone through. There were many emotional ups and downs as hope was repeatedly given and taken away regarding her physical well being. Even as she went through this struggle, she was able to love many people and touch lives of people on her way. A piece of scripture that God impressed upon me this last week was Galatians 1:24, “And they glorified God because of me.” This is regarding Christians who praised God because of how He worked through another person. This has been true for us with Jeannie. We praise God because of her and how He has worked through her. We love how she and Scott have always taken time with us and for us. She was so full of joy and loved life and those in her life. She prayed diligently, sought deep relationships, laughed sincerely, strove for honesty and cared with all of her heart. She has been such a blessing to us and we will miss her so much! We love her and ask that you would pray for her family.

We're Off To Camp!

We're leaving in the morning for English camp. So far, only 15 students have signed up for sure and we were hoping for at least 70. We know that it can still be an amazing time and that hearts are more important than numbers. We appreciate your prayers!

A team of four Americans from California came to help and teach English at the camp (pictured right). Also, Danae (far left) is here for the summer as an intern to help out and Justin (far back)is here for a year as an intern.

Yesterday was a briefing time for the team. I made dinner for everyone after the meeting. Leif was SO nice and made some spaghetti sauce the night before. It's funny because I was a little prideful and thought, "I can do this, you don't need to do this" and then before the meeting, he got fruits and veggies all washed and began cutting them and again I thought, "He doesn't need to do this". But let me tell you, with a very busy baby in someone else's kitchen, I was extremely grateful for his preparations!!

I'm better each day, and I've prayed and decided that going to camp is a better option than staying here. My biggest concern is not having drinking water, but I really feel that God wants me to trust that He'll provide this, so that's what I'm doing. We'll fill you in when we get back!!

Shashleek

We went to a BBQ at some friends' house the other night and had shashleek. This is like a big pork kabob, roasted over a fire. It's very delicious. The guys hung out and roasted the meat and shot a matchbox on a fence with something like a bee-bee gun (how do you spell that?) The girls hung out in the kitchen and cut up veggies and bread and cheese. It's funny because I've been really careful to give Anneka one new food every 3-4 days (so we'll know what she's allergic to if she has a reaction). Well, I'd just started her on eggs, which is one of the potentially more allergenic foods. And while we were there, a lady gave Anneka a big piece of bread to gnaw on. And then later another lady gave her a hunk of cheese. Eggs, wheat, and milk products all on the same day... oh well. What can you do but pray?

We got lab results back from Moscow and one of the cultures showed that I have haempohilus influenzae. I've still been achey and tired since we've been back, and the doc in Moscow wanted me to start on another antibiotic today. So, prayerfully I'll be at 100% soon! We have camp next week, and I really want to go. And I really want to be WELL and rested. I probably shouldn't have gone to the BBQ because Anneka and I didn't get home until 11:00 and Leif stayed to do a banya (a bath/sauna combo) and didn't get home until 2:00... and I couldn't sleep until he got home. So all I plan on doing the next couple of days is resting and drinking lots of water. This afternoon I watched a movie while Anneka slept on me. It was really nice. Leif is sharing at church on Sunday(so has been preparing a lot for that) and is planning tons for the camp... and taking on a lot more at home. He's a super star. He needs your prayers, too!

Train Pics and "Thankful Fors"

We returned today to Ulan Ude after our time in Moscow. My throat has healed and each day my body is less and less achey. God is so good! We didn't do any sight-seeing in Moscow. All I did was lay there and Leif took Anneka out a lot so that I could rest. We are so thankful for God's many blessings. We know that all of this is His doing.

We took the "fast train" back, and it took four days. It was a lot less expensive than buying plane tickets at the last minute, and we thought, "When else will we have the chance to ride this far on the trans-Siberian railroad?" Other than being really hot and Anneka starting to crawl all over, it was an enjoyable trip. The kids on the train loved Anneka and came by regularly to stare.

Here are a few of the many praises from these past 10 days:

* Shannon picking us up to go to the airport
* Yulia agreeing to stay in our place
* Anneka’s ears okay on plane- nursed well (little girl behind us kept her entertained while she nursed)
* Getting to pick out our seats on the plane- extra leg room
* The plane leaving UU after a rocky takeoff
* Ralph and Myrna’s friend, Lena, who called and hooked us up with a hotel and taxi
* Robertson’s friend Joel picking us up from the hotel and getting to stay at the school
* Not having to pay extra baggage weight
* Anneka being as sweet as can be!
* Escalator at airport not working and I was worried about the lady who’d sat next to us making her next flight (with our delay and her slow pace). I prayed in my heart that it would work and it started working immediately. Leif said it had a sensor, but I know it was God reminding me that He hears me.
* My throat miraculously getting way better!
* My flu getting better each day.
* Jesus’ peace
* Being moved to prayers for people and being reminded of Christ’s compassion… and realizing that I lack it and want it and need it.
* When I felt forsaken, I realized that God has NOT forsaken me, and the reason is because He forsook his son- in my place- by letting him die on the cross. Wow.
* My appetite coming back
* McDonalds in Moscow and high calories!
* Salad
* The prayers of many people
* Marty and Tom’s warmth and letting us use their phone
* Getting our bank cards activated again (these weren't working!)
* Washing machines and DRYERS! in Moscow to shrink all my clothes
* SMSes from Shannon and Juli- their encouragement
* The ENT in Moscow saying we could call him from Siberia
* God helping me to sleep
* A wonderful husband who takes such good care of me!
* Anneka getting her immunizations and well-baby checkup in Moscow
* Buying a stroller for 1/3 the price of Ulan Ude
* Meeting a lady at the clinic from Ulan Ude who gave us money to bring back for her mom
* James meeting us at the train platform in Krasniarsk and bringing us goodies
* meeting a lady on the train from Ulan Ude who has a two year old girl and wants to get together
* Coming home to a clean house
* Our neighbor rushing home with a key when we were locked out
* pizza for lunch from Shannon
* receiving many encouraging emails that I haven't even finished reading yet
* and many, many more!

Back to Ulan-Ude

We are on our way back to Ulan-Ude. This will be a short blog, but we wanted to let everyone know that Jami is feeling much better and her infection looks so good. We feel so blessed that God has brought this healing to her. We, especially Jami, will need to take some good rest time the next few weeks so we decided to start that on the train. We are taking the Trans-Siberian Railroad from Moscow to Ulan-Ude. Since we'll be on the fast train, it will only take 4 days. This is a picture of Anneka with a little friend that she made at the doctor's office. She was a bit rough as she wanted to pull his hair and ear, but they seemed to like each other. After we get back to Ulan-Ude we want to write a blog to share about all that God has done for us in relation to this infection that Jami and the trip to Moscow. Again, thank you to everyone for praying for us.

Time to heal in Moscow!

Praise God! Our time here in Moscow has gone really well! We arrived in Moscow on Thursday morning and went directly to the European Medical Clinic. We arrived early so they worked things out for us to get in to see the doctor early. He was very calming in his analysis, and took some blood and cultures to be run and set us up to see an ENT specialist on Monday. He also prescribed a local antiseptic spray and nasal spray to help in the meantime. Well, God is at work because the infection in Jami’s mouth is looking much better as of today. She is still pretty worn out, and not sleeping great but she is getting rest and feeling better than she did a couple of days ago. After Monday we should know better what is going on and what our next step is. We have been so blessed by other people as well. We were given the phone number of a lady here who knows our fellow SEND workers, the Alexanders, and she made some phone calls and found a hotel for us to stay at for our first two nights. She was so kind, and as soon as we mentioned the Alexanders, it seemed like she was ready to do just about anything to help us out. We feel like this is such a witness of the goodness of this sister of ours, and a testimony of the witness that the Alexanders have been with her. In a similar way, we have now been taken in to the facility that our fellow Ulan-Ude workers, the Robertsons, used to work at in Moscow. The Robertsons wrote ahead and gave us contacts and we will likely be able to stay here for the rest of our time in Moscow. This is such a blessing because it is so much less expensive than a hotel here. It is again a testimony of the Robertsons witness that we are able to stay here. I should also mention that through all of this, Anneka has been such a wonderful baby! She is so well behaved and gives us such joy. It is fun to see how everyone loves her too. It seemed that she was particularly popular at the hotel where people from all over the world were staying. There was constantly someone or another smiling at her, waving at her, or coming over and tickling her feet and telling her how adorable she is. We took this picture with a member of a dance group that performs in a hall connected to the hotel.

Biopsy Results

Good news: my "thing" isn't cancer. Hooray! Our doctor in the States even has a lead on what this could be.

Oh, I forgot to mention that the doctor from the hospital yesterday gave us his personal cell number to call him and get the results right away. Isn't that incredible?!?!

Waiting and Praying

Well, if you haven't already heard, I'm still sick, and things have gotten a little crazy the last few days. I sent a picture of a growth in my throat to a doc in the States, who showed it to two ENT colleagues. They were all quite concerned about it, as it's abnormal. So I went to an ENT here on Friday. He hacked of a piece of the growth (very painful!) and did a blood test. What we found out from that is that I don't have mono or dyptheria. Then yesterday, I went to the oncology hospital (there's concern that this could be a tumor)and another ENT took a sample for a biopsy. Thankfully, this guy used numbing spray!! We should know basic results from that today. I'm on my third antibiotic and none have worked so far. It's hard not knowing what this is, and I'm so ready to be better! It's both disconcerting and humorous how every medical professional makes a baffled face when they look at my throat. I feel like some sort of freak!

I know that God's hand is with us, though. Every antibiotic I've taken has been safe for breastfeeding Anneka. And yesterday's visit to the hospital was really miraculous how we got in! We couldn't make an appointment- we just had to wait in a line. We waited 2 1/2 hours, not knowing if the doctor would even see us because we didn't have a referral or any paperwork (which someone had told us was necessary). Then right before it was our turn, a mystery nurse appeared out of NOWHERE and handed us some papers to fill out. Then she was our advocate in the room with the doctor and he easily agreed to see us! The craziest part is that they didn't even charge us a penny!

I need to be reminded of things like this when I worry. I feel desperate for people's prayers and really weak right now. If things don't start to improve soon, we'll need to go back to the States for treatment. Obviously, this would be tiring, stressful, and expensive. So thanks for praying!

Oh, the pics are of Anneka on Leif as we waited for the bus yesterday. And the other is of our friend, Shannon, Leif and Anneka as we waited in the hallway of the hospital to see the doctor. Thankfully, there was a bench to sit on! Anneka was SO good the entire time.

Here, piggy, piggy!

On the other side of the outhouse at church are some pigs. I always think it's funny to go to the bathroom to the sound of oinks and grunts. I wanted to take a picture of the pigs today, but it was impossible to catch them on camera through the fence. So I took a picture of the outhouse instead. Whenever Americans come to Siberia, they take pictures of the outhouses. I'm not sure why, but this made me realize that perhaps you would want to see inside an outhouse. This is a very nice (well-kempt) one. There are two holes- one on either side of the divider... so you can take a friend with you if you want. I'm sure it'll be a challenge when Anneka is at the age where she's out of diapers but toddling. I may just have to hold her over the hole. Leif wouldn't let me post a picture of the outhouse from the college we helped at last year. He said it was just too gross. I think he's probably right. He's pretty wise.

Speaking of my husband, he's been taking such good care of me this last week. I've had a cold for seven weeks now! For the first few weeks it wasn't a big deal and I had energy. And then Anneka was sick and I was worried about her. But then I got pretty miserable. I've been on antibiotics for a week now. I think I'm getting better because my fever is gone and instead of feeling fatigued, I just feel normal-tired. My cough is still very strong and I have a really sore throat. But I do think I'm on the road to health. I pray. I appreciate your prayers, too. I'm sick of being sick.

The picture of Leif through the little window is often the view I have at church. I always start out in the main room with everyone, but usually Anneka starts making very loud squeals and gets really active after 30 minutes or so. So then we move into the kitchen that has this window, where I can see and hear through.

Testing

Today we got unlimited internet! This is the first time it's come to Ulan Ude. I'm so excited because it means we can use the video cam with our families and post video clips on the blog. It's Anneka's bedtime, but I was so excited that I had Leif make her laugh so that we could get a little clip to try and post. This is an experiment. Yesterday we wanted to buy a gift certificate to a pizza place for the guy who invited us here for our guest visas. Leif went down the the restaurant and they didn't know how to do it. But they wanted it to work out, so they said they could call our friend and tell him about the "gift certificate" and then he could come and claim it. Great, we thought. But on the phone, the lady working told him that he had to come that day while she was working. And then after she got off the phone, she made Leif order the pizzas, beverages and types of salads for him and his wife! How embarrassing! So much for letting them have a nice dinner of whatever they wanted! They seemed thankful, but we feel a little bad about it. Okay, I'll close the post and see if this video clip works!

Little Tidbits

I just got a text message from Leif that says "I just saw a guy with a big beauty queen type ribbon, you gotta love Russia!". Pageants are very popular here in the spring- for everyone, guys and girls.

We went to a children’s choir concert to see our friends’ kids last weekend, and it was SO GOOD! It was kind of humorous how professional it was and how the kids opened their mouths funny-wide, but they sounded really good. It was neat because they sang “Silent Night” and “Joy to the World”. Of course, it’s not the Christmas season, but the words to these songs are being instilled into the childrens’ minds. A difference between American and Russian culture that we've noticed is that American kids are typically encouraged to participate in many activities- sports, dance, music, etc. If Russian kids do something, it is one thing and it is taken very seriously. We talked with a high school Canadian exchange student last night who's here. He wrestled in Canada and thought it would be fun to do it in Russia, too. He made it until January and then he stopped because he was exhausted. It took up every evening and he never saw his host family because wrestling became his life. He said he could hardly lift his arms anymore, they were so weary!

Something here that I sometimes think is nice and sometimes is frustrating is that most places sell things individually. If you only want to buy one battery, they open the package and just give you one. If you only want 5 thumb-tacks, your wish is granted. But it can be annoying when you want to buy a whole package. I wanted to buy a package of straws, but it had already been opened. The lady put her fingers on every single straw (there were 95!) to count them. Also, a store near us sells disposable diapers, but they sell them individually. I would feel funny asking for 30!!

Anneka is very fascinated with her teeth. She has five now. (well, the fifth is poking through). She grinds her teeth together and it drives me crazy! Any ideas on how to get her to stop? Also, she ATE part of her book the other day! She took a big chunk out of it right in front of my eyes. Oh, dear.

Yippee!!!

Yesterday morning, I was feeling stressed because we needed to leave tomorrow for Mongolia to renew our visas and were preparing to be gone up to a month. We hadn't bought train tickets yet because you're not allowed to until the day before, our plans to stay at a Christian guest house had fallen through, and every time Leif tryed to pay for a hotel for us to stay in for the first few nights, the travel agent was busy or out of the office and he wasn't able to. Besides that, Anneka still has a little bit of a cough and I'm still sick and my energy is just LOW. I hadn't packed a thing (other than throwing a bunch of Anneka's clothes on her bed) and it just seemed looming to try to remember everything that we wouldn't have access to for a few weeks. So when Anneka was down for her morning nap, I took a few minutes to just sit and read my Bible. And this really stuck out to me in Jeremiah 32:17, "Ah, Sovereign LORD, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you." I knew that God was telling me that He is way bigger than any visas or paperwork or government officials. And that if He wanted to, He could make it so that we wouldn't have to go to Mongolia. But even as this crossed my mind, I seriously doubted. For that to happen, it would mean that we would obtain our temporary residency in less than two months after turning in our paperwork- and I've never HEARD of that happening! It is supposed to take 6 months. (and in my experience here, everything always comes right down to the wire) But I confessed my doubt and acknowledged that if God wanted, He could definitely make things work so that we wouldn't have to leave the country. And if He didn't, I could trust that He wanted us in Mongolia for some reason and would give us the strength we needed.

Well, Leif went down to the immigration office today and they are giving us our temporary residency NOW and we don't have to go to Mongolia!!! This truly is a miracle. What's even more amazing is that our letters of invitation aren't finished (we would have needed these to take with us to Mongolia tomorrow to get our visas)... and they're going to give us our money back for the paperwork process on those. If we didn't have our residency, we'd have to wait for our letters of invitation to be sent to us in Mongolia and THEN wait another 2-4 weeks for our visa processing. We could've been there a couple of months!! And the only money we spent was on photos for our visas, but I think it was worth it because Anneka's is so cute- she's grinning from ear-to-ear in it. Some of our friends from Ulan Ude are trapped in Mongolia now and were declined visas. What's worse is that they can only stay in Mongolia for 30 days, and after that they have to go on to China or Thailand. They joke that they're banished from Siberia- the place that criminals used to be banished TO. They have five kids. Pray for them!

So, this has turned out to be kind of long, but I know that this was God showing His power and reminding us that He's in control of everything. I'm so thankful that we're in His loving hands!

Oh, and by the way, our balcony is the one right "under" Leif's hand.

Happy Birthday, Inka!

Yesterday was Inka's birthday, and she had a nice party at her apartment in the evening. It was SO great because Anneka was sleeping peacefully before the party, and I thought, "I wish we had a baby moniter so that we could hear from Inka's place when she wakes up". With her being sick, especially, I want her to get all the rest she needs... and I didn't want either Leif or me to miss the party. Well, a few minutes later, Leif came home with a package from my parents and grandparents... and there was a moniter inside!! It was so great. They also sent cute clothes for Anneka, including bigger socks and pajamas. She's growing so fast that the other day I realized she's almost grown out of her pajamas!

Once Anneka awoke and joined the party, she was immediately accosted by everyone. She liked the attention. I hardly saw her all evening, but when I did see her, she was happy. I loved the variety of people at the party- young, old, from different countries, ex-drug addicts, etc. It was great. And they were all there to celebrate Inka.

Guess what?! There is now a Mexican restaurant here!! Yes, we can hardly believe it ourselves. Inka and I were going to try it out for a birthday lunch, but the restaurant's phone was temporarily out of service, so we didn't want to go all the way there and find it closed. But we are very excited to see if it's any good!

A Happy First Mother's Day

I had a lovely Mother's Day. (In Russia, people celebrate Women's Day in March, but they don't have a Mother's Day.) Leif made me breakfast and dinner, Anneka made me a sweet card, and we had a nice lunch of cabbage soup with people from church. I'm so thankful for such a beautiful daughter and loving husband!

Anneka has had a cough for 3 weeks now. I started freaking out yesterday after reading in a couple of medical books and wrote to a doctor in the States. Then last night we had our friend, Ksusha (who is a doctor) come over and listen to Anneka's lungs. They sound good. I think her cough is getting better, but we appreciate your prayers! Thankfully, Anneka is still happy and has energy. She cut two new teeth in the last week, too... so now she has four! She's such a joy.

We Love You, Nellie!

It was both sad and sweet to hear the news recently that Nellie Long left this earth to be with Jesus. Nellie has been a part of Leif's life since he was a boy, and she and her husband, Shorty, were always such an encouragement to him growing up. Every time we traveled to Darrington, Leif and I both looked forward to seeing Nellie, and each time wondered if it would be our last time with her on this earth, as she was in her nineties.

Nellie told us that she prayed for us daily. She prayed for several people daily, starting geographically with those close to her and moving outward to other parts of the world. One day we'll know all of the ways that God answered her prayers. Nellie reminds us of the importance and power of prayer. We want to live a prayerful, faith-filled life like her.

The picture above is from our last time to see Nellie at her birthday party in August. This sweet, beautiful person will be missed by so many. We love to think of her dancing around up in heaven.

Busy Girl

Anneka loves her walker and has gotten quite proficient at using it. She loves to use it to get into things- watching her while she's in her walker is a full time job! She's very fast and likes to ram into your legs if you're not careful. She also has a special interest in the garbage can. We're thankful it has a cover.

Before we left for the States, last summer, we commissioned some guys from a Christian rehabilitation center to make these shelves for us. When we came back, the shelves were all made and standing in our hallway! Living in a small apartment, you have to find creative ways to make more space. I love these shelves, and think they're great for Anneka's toys and books.

A lot of times after men are in prison and/or have histories of a lot of drug and alcohol use, it's really difficult for them to find jobs. This rehabilitation center is so neat in that it provides jobs for these men through carpentry... and it's a great deal for us! The shelves were about $45. What is even cooler, I think, about this center, is that the guys spend months just reading their Bibles. That's it. Sometimes they do it in groups and sometimes alone, but that's the main part of the "rehabilitation". And you know what? These guys' lives are changed for forever. At first they hate it and think it's so boring/stupid/pointless to read the Bible so much. But then God's words penetrate into their hearts, and they are changed. It's really evident in meeting these guys that they are new men.

We've been sick this week and are still in the process of getting better. It's so silly, but I feel like it's my fault if Anneka has a cold because people here will tell me it's because I didn't dress her warm enough or I went outside with her when it was windy... and I start to kind of believe it. The last three days I've just kept her home, letting her sleep a lot. Today she was barreling around in her walker between coughs, so I think she's on the road back to health.