you've been in Russia too long when...

You know you've been in Russia too long when:

• people at church ask if you've decided to move to Irkutsk
• your facebook status updates are about what is on Russian TV
• the girls at the Russian-Sephora recognize you when you walk in and say, "oh yes, English"
• the security guard at the grocery store stops following you around (if you aren't familiar, or are clearly a foreigner - the security guard will follow you around everywhere!)
• you seriously consider taking a bus to your friends house that is in a village...far far away
• people stop you on the street to ask for directions...and you could probably help them if they'd ask you in away that you would understand
• you begin to wonder how much extra cash you could make as a guest lecturer at the language University
• you begin to wonder how much extra cash you could make playing RIFF on your IPod on Walking Street
• you've seen -40 degrees....and +50 degrees
  

The Story about The Place Across The Street

When we got to this apartment in Irkutsk, Russia, a month ago, we wondered what the place was across the street. At the time there were no signs. All we could see were people (wealthy people) coming and going. At night, we could see beautiful chandeliers and what looked to be ornate high back chairs.

I will admit, we made up a pretty good tale about what was going on across the street.

I finally broke down and asked. Apparently this is a new fancy restaurant. This restaurant’s tale reminds me of our adoption process…took over 5 years to complete. The progress was halted because of government intervention. After making numerous changes to the original plan, the restaurant was granted the petition to open.

The story behind the story is that a very famous Russian playwright lives above this restaurant; well, he owns an apartment there. He now lives in Moscow. This playwright, Valentin Grigoriyevich Rasputin, is so famous that his plays are studies in Russian schools.
Anyway, when Rasputin got wind that there was a restaurant going in below his apartment in Irkutsk, he wasn’t happy. He called his very good friend, former president Putin, and halted the project.

Well, after many years – the restaurant opened…about the same time we came to town.

We haven’t been there – apparently it is a European type restaurant (that is called Cafe Soho??). We’ve heard it is very nice, rather pricey – but a nice place to go. Something tells me this is going to be the new “after court” restaurant venue.

For those that have been to Irkutsk, you'll appreciate this:

yes, but it is a dry cold

I can't believe we're getting down to the wire - down to the time when we leave for Russia...for about 2 months.

Everything that we have to think about is overwhelming...but right now - this is what is overwhelming me. This photo was taken TODAY at our friends home (who we're staying with).

Yes, that says about 50 BELOW ZERO! As I told Tami (the owner of this photo)...I - I - I can't even talk about this!

Train of Hope...or MISERY!

I got a note today from our friend who is in Irkutsk...the family who is there battling with the court.

Apparently, there is a 'Train of Hope' that will be coming to the region from the 9-11th. The "Train of Hope" - organized by the Russian government - will be in the Irkutsk Region from 9 through 11 October seeking children to adopt. There are 45 families that are coming. The Train has never been to the Irkutsk region before.

Do I think this is coincidence? Now that an American family is there fighting the court? Now that another American family has submitted documents and are waiting for a court date? Now that at least 3 other families are 90% done with the document prep?

From what I understand, the group will only visit the adoption center, and look through the database for children they want to meet in person.

I am praying that God keep all of our children safe during this time. I don't even know what else to pray about...I am at a loss.

weather in Irkutsk

I always check the weather in Irkutsk - odd, I know. Just to let you in on a little snippet of my day -tomorrow, it is supposed to rain - high in the 50's, low in the 30's. Weekend weather will be partly cloudy with high in the 60's, low's in the high 30's - ahh yes, late summer in Siberia!

Siberian city built on gold and hydro-power

This is a story about the region where Anya is.

Siberian city built on gold and hydro-power

The world's largest and deepest lake Baikal is situated in the Irkutsk region in eastern Siberia, home to some of Russia's most breathtaking natural wonders. Russia's main gold-producing sites also lie along its shores.

The Siberian region is abundant with many other precious metals, as well as having hydro-electric power.“We’d start our shift at 8 am. If you were 20 minutes late, you could get six months in prison!” recalled Efim Veshchev, a gold-digging veteran, now in his 90s.

The hunt for Siberian gold started on the shores of Baikal more than a century ago. The Irkutsk region still remains one of Russia’s main gold-producing sites.Working in the goldmines was tough and risky and few wanted to take such chances. So the job was often done by prisoners and there were plenty of them here.Since Tsarist times, the city of Irkutsk has been known as a place of exile.

By the end of the 19th century, every second man here was a deported convict, many of them nobles. Over the years, the city’s turned into a real melting pot.

During the Communist years the region’s vast natural resources became a magnet for ambitious projects. In 1954 the construction of the Bratskaya hydroelectric plant started and it now provides power to hundreds of homes and factories.

from: http://www.russiatoday.ru

Earthquake hits Irkutsk

MOSCOW, May 21 (Xinhua) -- Russia's East Siberia was shocked by an earthquake on Wednesday, causing no damage or casualty, local media reported.

The quake, measuring from five to six points on the 12-point Mercalli intensity scale, occurred at 03:43 local time (2043 GMT Tuesday) in the Irkutsk region, near Lake Baikal, Itar-Tass said.

The epicenter was located under the Lake Baikal, local seismic station said.