Saturday, January 03, 2009
Documents again
I have some changes to make on our documents – only a few things, nothing major. Should only take me about a week to gather everything – funny thing, most of the changes are mistakes other people made…not stuff I did. People. Please – FOLLOW DIRECTIONS! One of the errors is from our HS agency, they put someone else’s passport number on a document (what the…..??????).
IN CASE YOU WERE WONDERING
I am in Russia, therefore I do as the Russians do – I went to the market, and didn’t unbutton my coat and remove my hat. I did my shopping, came home – and yes, was sweating to death – as if I had been in a sauna wearing long underwear and a fur coat – oh wait, I was!
today's fashion
I finally got Anya out of those brown and blue polka dot pants today...and into a cute pink velour track suit thing. Of course, it was way too short on her, but who cares when you're wearing ruffle socks?
Yes, this is Anya's new winter coat - sassy, huh?MY HEART IS BROKEN
The last 15 minutes of my visits is always the hardest for me. That is when I have “the conversation” with Anya, and tell her that I am not coming back the next day. Each visit, she take this news differently. This time, she got very quiet, and said she didn’t understand. So – between me and the interpreter – we tried several ways to tell her I was going home on an airplane – and I would come back again…and when I came back, I would bring Papa with me.
I know this is harder on me than it is on her. Although she is older now, and does understand more and more about what is going on…she still really doesn’t understand. Her life remains the same – her world isn’t changed, when I leave, everything goes back to a norm that she is comfortable with – happy with. And, that is OK for now.
When I leave, it means that I fret everyday wondering how she is, if a Russian family is interested in her, what the status is of our documents and why everything is taking so long. I spend emotional, physical and financial energy into doing everything I can to have my ducks in a row, our documents perfect and our life ready. …and at the end of the day, I am exha
usted, and I question if I can do it – all of it, any of it. And just when I think I’ve done everything I can, given all that we have…something else is required – and it starts all over again.
My heart breaks for Anya – I know what she has missed (and is missing). I know the plans we have for her. I know how scared she is going to be when everything falls into place. I know how much we love her, and how hard we have fought for her. …and it hurts.
I know this is harder on me than it is on her. Although she is older now, and does understand more and more about what is going on…she still really doesn’t understand. Her life remains the same – her world isn’t changed, when I leave, everything goes back to a norm that she is comfortable with – happy with. And, that is OK for now.
When I leave, it means that I fret everyday wondering how she is, if a Russian family is interested in her, what the status is of our documents and why everything is taking so long. I spend emotional, physical and financial energy into doing everything I can to have my ducks in a row, our documents perfect and our life ready. …and at the end of the day, I am exha
usted, and I question if I can do it – all of it, any of it. And just when I think I’ve done everything I can, given all that we have…something else is required – and it starts all over again.My heart breaks for Anya – I know what she has missed (and is missing). I know the plans we have for her. I know how scared she is going to be when everything falls into place. I know how much we love her, and how hard we have fought for her. …and it hurts.
The big party - it was a hit!
Well, we pulled it off. The Jackson’s met me this afternoon to help me get the remaining things I needed for the party. THANK YOU TAMI AND STEVE! I could not have done it without you.
The children were so excited. The party started with a cookie on a stick (kind of looked like a popsicle, but it was a cookie dipped in icing) and a juice box. After the snack, we had an activity – we painted t-shirts. The caregivers were very confused about this paint and the tees. How did it work, can the paint be used for other things, how long does it take to dry, can it be washed. The kids had great fun. The painted everything from boats to houses to flowers and
even a bunny.
Then Anya got to play Santa Clause…or Father Christmas. Each child got a coloring book, set of markers (crayons are not easily found in Irkutsk), a journal (they are all learning to write), a page of stickers and candy. The boys got a ball and a car (or a boat) that is like a llego thing, and the girls got Barbie dolls, and a little purse filled with hair bows. Anya then made a snap together rubber bracelet for each of the children. She chose a character (lion, tiger, monkey, butterfly) for each child to decorate the rubber bracelet.
The children all yelled “Spaseeba!” over and over again (that is Thank You).
Unfortunately, I was unable to get photos of all of the children at the party – something about taking pictures of other kids being illegal – so as to not upset Russian Law, the party photos are all of Anya.
Anya then presented each of the caregivers with a gift. They received a small perfume, cosmetic bag (small and large), and a shoe bag.
The head caregiver gave me a gift for the girls who sent the Barbie dolls (thanks Wegner girls). She is sending little Russian dolls and Russian candy.
She was very touched by this – and by the fact my friends and family would care for all of the children, and give them a party and gifts. She was visibly moved, and asked over and over again ‘who are these gifts from?’ and I would say “from my friends, their children and my family”.
I always gift gifts to the orphanage’s doctor, director and social worker. This time, I decided to also include the 2 security guards (kind of a last minute thing). I couldn’t find either one of them as I was leaving…but ran into my favorite security man on my way to the car. He reminds me of Nick Ambrose (probably why I like him so much). We told him there was a gift for him in the doctor’s office, and you should have seen the look on his face. He said “a gift for me? But why?” I said, “no reason, I just wanted to give you a gift”. He got tears in his eyes, grabbed my hand and kissed my cheek. So sweet!
I also got our driver a gift. Nice kid…23 years old! Very good driver. At the last minute, I decided to add a $20 to his gift. As I was getting out of the car tonight, I gave him the gift, and said “this is a thank you gift”, he said “oh, thank you so much, my baby will be born in 3 weeks – this is very nice, thank you”. Who knew?
Sometimes God moves you to do things, and you don’t know why. I have felt prompted several times on this trip to do something or give something that is outside of what I would normally do. It seems that God knows the whole picture and what that small token from me would mean to someone else.
The children were so excited. The party started with a cookie on a stick (kind of looked like a popsicle, but it was a cookie dipped in icing) and a juice box. After the snack, we had an activity – we painted t-shirts. The caregivers were very confused about this paint and the tees. How did it work, can the paint be used for other things, how long does it take to dry, can it be washed. The kids had great fun. The painted everything from boats to houses to flowers and
even a bunny.Then Anya got to play Santa Clause…or Father Christmas. Each child got a coloring book, set of markers (crayons are not easily found in Irkutsk), a journal (they are all learning to write), a page of stickers and candy. The boys got a ball and a car (or a boat) that is like a llego thing, and the girls got Barbie dolls, and a little purse filled with hair bows. Anya then made a snap together rubber bracelet for each of the children. She chose a character (lion, tiger, monkey, butterfly) for each child to decorate the rubber bracelet.
The children all yelled “Spaseeba!” over and over again (that is Thank You).
Unfortunately, I was unable to get photos of all of the children at the party – something about taking pictures of other kids being illegal – so as to not upset Russian Law, the party photos are all of Anya.
Anya then presented each of the caregivers with a gift. They received a small perfume, cosmetic bag (small and large), and a shoe bag.
The head caregiver gave me a gift for the girls who sent the Barbie dolls (thanks Wegner girls). She is sending little Russian dolls and Russian candy.
She was very touched by this – and by the fact my friends and family would care for all of the children, and give them a party and gifts. She was visibly moved, and asked over and over again ‘who are these gifts from?’ and I would say “from my friends, their children and my family”.
I always gift gifts to the orphanage’s doctor, director and social worker. This time, I decided to also include the 2 security guards (kind of a last minute thing). I couldn’t find either one of them as I was leaving…but ran into my favorite security man on my way to the car. He reminds me of Nick Ambrose (probably why I like him so much). We told him there was a gift for him in the doctor’s office, and you should have seen the look on his face. He said “a gift for me? But why?” I said, “no reason, I just wanted to give you a gift”. He got tears in his eyes, grabbed my hand and kissed my cheek. So sweet!
I also got our driver a gift. Nice kid…23 years old! Very good driver. At the last minute, I decided to add a $20 to his gift. As I was getting out of the car tonight, I gave him the gift, and said “this is a thank you gift”, he said “oh, thank you so much, my baby will be born in 3 weeks – this is very nice, thank you”. Who knew?
Sometimes God moves you to do things, and you don’t know why. I have felt prompted several times on this trip to do something or give something that is outside of what I would normally do. It seems that God knows the whole picture and what that small token from me would mean to someone else.
planning on visiting Irkutsk?
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Helpful tips
- Wear fur – as long as you can stand it. It is really cold outside, I have a fake full length one you are welcome to borrow, I can ship it out next week if you need it.
Don’t forget washcloths, for some reason they don’t use them here (and I’ve lft at least a dozen over the years, have no idea where they went) - Lotion – the most moisturizing you can find. It is VERY dry here, my hair feels like straw, and I am using the mega night cream all day, 2x a day PLUS at night.
- Those little travel size things of deodorant, contact solution etc., they last about a week (this is more to remind me)
- Anything you can’t replace here (i.e. glasses etc.) carry on. There are several things that are missing from my luggage (kids toys/games, and one thing of Peanut Butter – ODD)
- Laptop – if you’re not bringing one, I HIGHLY suggest getting one, not only can you get online from wherever you are, but you will be able to off load the photos from your camera, watch DVDs etc. I took my laptop to see Anya one day – and it was a GREAT source of entertainment (looking at the movies and photos of herself).
Friday, January 02, 2009
The Big Party
Well, we've spoken to all the caregivers, gotten permission from the head caregiver, and the pans are in motion for the big party tomorrow. It kind-of (ok, it A LOT) stinks that everything is closed. I couldn't do any party supply shopping Wednesday, Thursday, Friday - which is when I had planned to get it done. I thought I would scope out a few places, get some ideas etc. Now, I am only going to have time to grab and go.
So far, I have the food and activities done. Got cakes (the are individual on a popsicle stick), juice boxes for everyone (huge hit from Anya), candy (hard candy and chocolate), and t-shirts.
I will need to get 12 coloring books, crayons, balls for the boys - any anything else I see that the kids would like.
My intreperter doesn't seem too excited to help me get this stuff, so I might need to call in back up. I will only have about 2 hours to get it done tomorrow...and if things are closed, I am going to have a problem.
There is a huge market here - I wonder if they have toys there. The markets seems to be open.
Also need to get a few gifts for men...3 men, and I am at a loss - any ideas? One is the security guard at the orphanage - he is so nice, always says "hello Katherine!". The other 2 are for younger men.
So far, I have the food and activities done. Got cakes (the are individual on a popsicle stick), juice boxes for everyone (huge hit from Anya), candy (hard candy and chocolate), and t-shirts.
I will need to get 12 coloring books, crayons, balls for the boys - any anything else I see that the kids would like.
My intreperter doesn't seem too excited to help me get this stuff, so I might need to call in back up. I will only have about 2 hours to get it done tomorrow...and if things are closed, I am going to have a problem.
There is a huge market here - I wonder if they have toys there. The markets seems to be open.
Also need to get a few gifts for men...3 men, and I am at a loss - any ideas? One is the security guard at the orphanage - he is so nice, always says "hello Katherine!". The other 2 are for younger men.
The afternoon visit was much different. I am starting to think she doesn’t like our interpreter – Anya acts much different when Julia is around. Much quieter. With me, I feel like she is being the ‘real’ Anya. Maybe it is a language thing – who knows.
Notice the pretty red bows in her hair. Thank you Mrs. Amy! Anya loves them. I got her a blue and white polka dot bow, and a pink one. Anya decided she wanted to wear ALL the bows in her hair...so that is why she is wearing quite the assortment. A little Punky Brewster - but cute none the less.
We colored the entire time this afternoon. I also brought an apple for her as a snack. We spent a little time talking about the big party tomorrow. I am asking Anya to help me plan it so she feels a part of the event. She said the boys would like balls…so I will try to find 9 balls tomorrow.
Everything is still closed here. Amazingly enough – at about 3pm, things started to open. No one can tell me when anything will be open again – seriously, does NO ONE know when the mall will be open again? If anyone is reading this, and if you know – can you please tell me? I think it would be best if I went to the yellow mall rather than going downtown…just for time’s sake and the ease of finding things. Although, I would REALLY like to go downtown and visit my 2 favorite shoe places. There is this one shoe mall I went to years ago. I’ve been looking for it now for 2 years…we drove by it the other day! It is on th
e same street as the big mall/market downtown, close to Mapata street (as if you know where that is!).
We colored the entire time this afternoon. I also brought an apple for her as a snack. We spent a little time talking about the big party tomorrow. I am asking Anya to help me plan it so she feels a part of the event. She said the boys would like balls…so I will try to find 9 balls tomorrow.
Everything is still closed here. Amazingly enough – at about 3pm, things started to open. No one can tell me when anything will be open again – seriously, does NO ONE know when the mall will be open again? If anyone is reading this, and if you know – can you please tell me? I think it would be best if I went to the yellow mall rather than going downtown…just for time’s sake and the ease of finding things. Although, I would REALLY like to go downtown and visit my 2 favorite shoe places. There is this one shoe mall I went to years ago. I’ve been looking for it now for 2 years…we drove by it the other day! It is on th
e same street as the big mall/market downtown, close to Mapata street (as if you know where that is!).I am including a photo of me and Anya – both standing with no shoes on. Seriously, she is as tall as a 9 year old!
Friday morning
Today, I got to the orphanage an hour late. Andre, my driver, wasn’t able to pick me up until 9:30. When I finally got to the orphanage, Anya was in a class. The caregivers that were with her group weren’t the most helpful bunch (new ones, I don’t know them) – but we found her.
It seems every trip, there is one day that Anya is very clingy, very quiet, very close. This morning was that day. It took her an hour and 45 minutes to say a word. The whole time, she sat on my lap, curled up in a little ball – almost asleep.
Julia (interpreter) was trying to help me figure out what was wrong. She felt a little warm, so maybe she didn’t feel well. A few times, she opened her eyes, and looked at me with such a sad look in her eyes. Borderline tears.
I tried to put her down, let her lay on the sofa…she was like a rag doll, wouldn’t stand on her own, hold her arm up – nothing. She just wanted me to hold her. I really think she wasn’t feeling well.
I wonder what goes on in that pretty little head. What she must think about all of this, what does she wonder about. What does she understand, more importantly – what doesn’t she understand, and what has she filled in the gaps with.
It seems every trip, there is one day that Anya is very clingy, very quiet, very close. This morning was that day. It took her an hour and 45 minutes to say a word. The whole time, she sat on my lap, curled up in a little ball – almost asleep.
Julia (interpreter) was trying to help me figure out what was wrong. She felt a little warm, so maybe she didn’t feel well. A few times, she opened her eyes, and looked at me with such a sad look in her eyes. Borderline tears.
I tried to put her down, let her lay on the sofa…she was like a rag doll, wouldn’t stand on her own, hold her arm up – nothing. She just wanted me to hold her. I really think she wasn’t feeling well.
I wonder what goes on in that pretty little head. What she must think about all of this, what does she wonder about. What does she understand, more importantly – what doesn’t she understand, and what has she filled in the gaps with.
Thursday, January 01, 2009
Thursday with the Jackson family
I thoroughly enjoyed my time with the Jackson family yesterday. They are from Illinois – and have been living here in Irkutsk for 8 years. They have 3 beautiful children (who I just wanted to scoop up!), and a great home near the airport. The kids are 12, 9 and 4 (I hope I have remembered that right).
I am horrible with remembering names (Tami, if this is was off base, let me know):
Ashley – the 12 year old, is a very grown up, smart little girl. Loves horses.
Andrew – 9 year old – pretty sure he is going to be an engineer
Melissa – 4 year old, loves Disney princesses, singing. Adorable! (Michelle - Belle and Melissa would have so much fun playing together!)
Steve and came to pick me up around 11 yesterday morning. They took me to their home, where Tami and the girls met me at the door. Ya know, I don’t know what it is about seeing a friendly smile and hearing English – but it was just what I needed!
The kids eagerly showed me their home and things they got for Christmas. We had lunch, then Tami and I talked for hours! She is so sweet! I wish all of you could meet her – to those in my Panera Bible Study – you’d LOVE her! It was great to ruminate about all the distinctively Russian things that we Americans don’t get. Things like:
I am horrible with remembering names (Tami, if this is was off base, let me know):
Ashley – the 12 year old, is a very grown up, smart little girl. Loves horses.
Andrew – 9 year old – pretty sure he is going to be an engineer
Melissa – 4 year old, loves Disney princesses, singing. Adorable! (Michelle - Belle and Melissa would have so much fun playing together!)
Steve and came to pick me up around 11 yesterday morning. They took me to their home, where Tami and the girls met me at the door. Ya know, I don’t know what it is about seeing a friendly smile and hearing English – but it was just what I needed!
The kids eagerly showed me their home and things they got for Christmas. We had lunch, then Tami and I talked for hours! She is so sweet! I wish all of you could meet her – to those in my Panera Bible Study – you’d LOVE her! It was great to ruminate about all the distinctively Russian things that we Americans don’t get. Things like:
- Needing the exact change to purchase something
- The notion of what ‘matches’ in outfits here
- How Russian people eat
- The things that is the norm for children
- What we think are crazy medical cures
- The Russian need for fresh air – especially for kids – regardless of the temperature (did you know that it isn’t uncommon for babies to be set out on porches to take naps? Bundled up in a million blankets – but outside nonetheless.)
I am glad to know that the things that have always made me raise an eyebrow and say ‘huh?’ are things all Americans question.
And I can't believe I forgot to take a picture of them! I had my camera, and just forgot.
To other PAPs – the Jackson family would love to meet all of you, and help you in any way they can when you are here. They have graciously offered to open their home if you need a place to stay – or offer any assistance you might need. They are truly the nicest most welcoming people ever! They helped me exchange some money (kind of traded Steve American dollars for rubles), and Steve gave me a longer phone cord (don’t know if I mentioned, but the phone cord is about 1ft. long – and the phone jack is by the front door in the boot room of the apartment. So, to be online I have been sitting on the floor- the longer cord is super helpful – now I can sit in a chair and be online – yahooey!).
Heading to see Anya this a.m., and then hopefully go downtown to get some shopping done for the party. I hope Julia will be able to go with me and help – if for no other reason, than to help me carry stuff – that would be awesome! I don’t think I am going to be able to do the party today – I will need a little time to prepare everything – so tomorrow. Going to have Julia get all the permissions today for that.
To other PAPs – the Jackson family would love to meet all of you, and help you in any way they can when you are here. They have graciously offered to open their home if you need a place to stay – or offer any assistance you might need. They are truly the nicest most welcoming people ever! They helped me exchange some money (kind of traded Steve American dollars for rubles), and Steve gave me a longer phone cord (don’t know if I mentioned, but the phone cord is about 1ft. long – and the phone jack is by the front door in the boot room of the apartment. So, to be online I have been sitting on the floor- the longer cord is super helpful – now I can sit in a chair and be online – yahooey!).
Heading to see Anya this a.m., and then hopefully go downtown to get some shopping done for the party. I hope Julia will be able to go with me and help – if for no other reason, than to help me carry stuff – that would be awesome! I don’t think I am going to be able to do the party today – I will need a little time to prepare everything – so tomorrow. Going to have Julia get all the permissions today for that.
I'm working on about hour 5 of my 100 minute prepaid internet access card. Don't you love the small blessings in life?
Happy New Year!
Happy New Year!
Anya
It bothers me the things Anya is allowed to do – which is stupid. She is a smart, responsible little girl. It bothers me that she is allowed to run hither and yon throughout the orphanage. She is allowed to unlock doors at will, she is allowed to turn on and off, plug in and unplug TVs etc. Maybe this all b others me because I have not been the one to set those boundaries with her. I did tell her that she should never touch the plugs – it will hurt her hand (well, I think that is what I told her). I don’t know if she understood me. It also bothers me when she does something wrong, and I get stern and say ‘no, that is not OK’ – she laughs. But – through the giggles, she does stop whatever she was doing I didn’t think was OK.
I should be clear – Anya’s idea of not behaving is standing on the sofa with her shoes on…or jumping on a chair (ya I know, she is a real rebel!) – Basically, her ‘misbehaving’ is more my over-protective mother ways trying to save her from herself.
I know I am going to be overprotective. I know I am going to be one of those Moms who wants to do it all for her little girl. I know I can’t…but I want to. I was never able to rock her to sleep as a baby, put a band aid on her knee when she fell as a toddler, babied her when she had chicken pox, calmed her fears when she went to the eye doctor or got shots. Part of me thinks I am due to baby her a bit. And I know I shouldn’t…I don’t want to be one of those Moms who turns her child into a demanding brat. I want to be one of those Moms who shows her child the right things to do, who thinks of others, who is courteous, who is thoughtful, who loved God, who loves her friends…and of course who respects and loves her mama and papa.
I should be clear – Anya’s idea of not behaving is standing on the sofa with her shoes on…or jumping on a chair (ya I know, she is a real rebel!) – Basically, her ‘misbehaving’ is more my over-protective mother ways trying to save her from herself.
I know I am going to be overprotective. I know I am going to be one of those Moms who wants to do it all for her little girl. I know I can’t…but I want to. I was never able to rock her to sleep as a baby, put a band aid on her knee when she fell as a toddler, babied her when she had chicken pox, calmed her fears when she went to the eye doctor or got shots. Part of me thinks I am due to baby her a bit. And I know I shouldn’t…I don’t want to be one of those Moms who turns her child into a demanding brat. I want to be one of those Moms who shows her child the right things to do, who thinks of others, who is courteous, who is thoughtful, who loved God, who loves her friends…and of course who respects and loves her mama and papa.
travel question
Why is it when you fly, you get bloated? Any scientific types out there have the answer?
seeing God's hand
It just occurred to me (maybe not ‘just’ – but I was reminded) about God’s hand in this trip. I think back to a few weeks ago – and how God provided amazing resources, energy and help to pull this trip together without much headache. I know it wasn't me...I don't have it in me to do what all needed to get done.
Quick note to Kelley – thanks for the pictures! I took a copy of them to Anya to have, and the caregivers were having a wonderful time looking at them. Anya folded them up (ouch, folded photo paper! Oh well, she’s 6!), and put them with her “special stuff”.
Quick note to Kelley – thanks for the pictures! I took a copy of them to Anya to have, and the caregivers were having a wonderful time looking at them. Anya folded them up (ouch, folded photo paper! Oh well, she’s 6!), and put them with her “special stuff”.
thoughts on my trip here...
So, what do you do when you are on a 10 hour flight to Moscow? First, you try to take a nap. After that, you look at the other passengers, and try to figure out what their stories are. Of course, there is the snacking, book reading, Sky Mall shopping…
And you’ve only got 8 hours to go.
Then you go through the podcasts and rebroadcasts you have on your IPod, listen to some tunes (trying not to sing TOO loud).
What is the deal with everyone sitting around me (ya, back to that one). The guy sitting nest to me, I would guess him to be about 25. Clearly Russian, looks like some kind of mod hit man (note to self: DO NOT make him mad or accidentally step on his foot while crawling over him to use the restroom).
Back to the IPod…and a little David Crowder – and air drumming with my ink pen and Vogue. Oh ya, did I mention that I might have accidentally been singing too – ya know how you can’t hear yourself singing when you have headphones on? Um, ya – I think I did – but I am looking at it this way – I was spreading the Word of God…I mean, it was David Crowder (and a little Hillsong).
And you’ve only got 8 hours to go.
Then you go through the podcasts and rebroadcasts you have on your IPod, listen to some tunes (trying not to sing TOO loud).
What is the deal with everyone sitting around me (ya, back to that one). The guy sitting nest to me, I would guess him to be about 25. Clearly Russian, looks like some kind of mod hit man (note to self: DO NOT make him mad or accidentally step on his foot while crawling over him to use the restroom).
Back to the IPod…and a little David Crowder – and air drumming with my ink pen and Vogue. Oh ya, did I mention that I might have accidentally been singing too – ya know how you can’t hear yourself singing when you have headphones on? Um, ya – I think I did – but I am looking at it this way – I was spreading the Word of God…I mean, it was David Crowder (and a little Hillsong).
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Party for the Kids
I think I am going to have the party for the kids at the orphanage on Friday afternoon. I try not to do anything grand for the kids at the beginning of my trip. I’ve learned if I do that, every day when I get there, I am mobbed – they think I am bringing them gifts or candy every day.
This will also give me some time tomorrow to purchase what I need for the party – and get “official” permission with my translator. I wanted to do this party thing yesterday (i.e. Wednesday) – but I was without interpreter – and I can’t imagine what it would take for me to try to get them to understand what I was asking. Ugh!
This will also give me some time tomorrow to purchase what I need for the party – and get “official” permission with my translator. I wanted to do this party thing yesterday (i.e. Wednesday) – but I was without interpreter – and I can’t imagine what it would take for me to try to get them to understand what I was asking. Ugh!
Good morning all...
Good Morning,
Since I can’t go see Anya today, I thought I might figure out how to get to downtown, and shoe shop – er, I mean check out the local retail offerings as fodder for an upcoming article (haha!). Well, nothing is open tomorrow.
The missionary family that lives here (Jackson’s), called me tonight and invited me to their home for lunch tomorrow. So excited! I love meeting people here that I have been corresponding with or following online. I am very excited to learn about their time here (have been living here for 8 years!). They are from Illinois originally. Can't wait to post the exciting story I am sure they will share!
Since I can’t go see Anya today, I thought I might figure out how to get to downtown, and shoe shop – er, I mean check out the local retail offerings as fodder for an upcoming article (haha!). Well, nothing is open tomorrow.
The missionary family that lives here (Jackson’s), called me tonight and invited me to their home for lunch tomorrow. So excited! I love meeting people here that I have been corresponding with or following online. I am very excited to learn about their time here (have been living here for 8 years!). They are from Illinois originally. Can't wait to post the exciting story I am sure they will share!
Where am I?
Thanks to the Jackson’s, I have figured out where I am! I am near the large university – by the new bridge. Well of course! That is exactly what I thought!
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