Thursday, July 15, 2010
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Closing Thoughts
We had a wonderful visit. This trip was different in several ways from my first visit to Perm in September 2007. First, Johanna couldn't go this time and was missed by all. But, because she wasn't there playing with Caleb and Abi like young aunts like to do, I spent more time playing with them, instead of just cleaning and helping with David. I'm so glad I did. We made so many happy memories. Last trip, I kind of felt like Caleb preferred playing with Johanna instead of me. It's hard to compete with a fun teen-aged girl!
Last time was exciting, because it was our first trip overseas, and we were able to go to Ekaterinburg and Moscow for some sight seeing. It didn't work out to be able to leave Perm this trip, and Carrie was especially disappointed. It would have been nice to spend more time in Ekaterinburg, but it just was not to be. And that was OK.
Our first trip, everything was new and therefore unfamiliar, and we had to depend on Jon and Carrie for many things. Jon withdrew our money from the bank, kept it and spent it as I asked. This trip, I kept up with my expenses, after Jon withdrew my money for me, and helped with groceries, etc. and paid for the souvenirs I picked out, all by myself! I was comfortable using all the necessary keys to get in and out of the building, and took Caleb and Abi outside to play one day while Jon and Carrie were gone. All by myself! Thankfully I was not required to communicate with any Russians, or I would have been up a creek without a paddle!
Last time, we spent many wonderful times at the YWAM Perm base when most or all of the staff members were there. This time, due to sickness, I was unable to attend the staff retreat, which I mentioned in an earlier post, and a meeting and meal that was held the day before I was to leave. That was disappointing, but could not be helped.
This trip, I was able to experience snow in Perm. Last time, it snowed a day or two after Johanna and I left.
I enjoyed both visits immensely because I was able to be a part of Carrie and her family's daily lives. I miss that when we are apart. When we left in 2007, I had no hope that I would ever be able to come back. I rejoice that I was able to return to Perm this time. And, Lord willing, since I know I can make the journey successfully alone, I look forward to the next time I return to Perm.
Last time was exciting, because it was our first trip overseas, and we were able to go to Ekaterinburg and Moscow for some sight seeing. It didn't work out to be able to leave Perm this trip, and Carrie was especially disappointed. It would have been nice to spend more time in Ekaterinburg, but it just was not to be. And that was OK.
Our first trip, everything was new and therefore unfamiliar, and we had to depend on Jon and Carrie for many things. Jon withdrew our money from the bank, kept it and spent it as I asked. This trip, I kept up with my expenses, after Jon withdrew my money for me, and helped with groceries, etc. and paid for the souvenirs I picked out, all by myself! I was comfortable using all the necessary keys to get in and out of the building, and took Caleb and Abi outside to play one day while Jon and Carrie were gone. All by myself! Thankfully I was not required to communicate with any Russians, or I would have been up a creek without a paddle!
Last time, we spent many wonderful times at the YWAM Perm base when most or all of the staff members were there. This time, due to sickness, I was unable to attend the staff retreat, which I mentioned in an earlier post, and a meeting and meal that was held the day before I was to leave. That was disappointing, but could not be helped.
This trip, I was able to experience snow in Perm. Last time, it snowed a day or two after Johanna and I left.
I enjoyed both visits immensely because I was able to be a part of Carrie and her family's daily lives. I miss that when we are apart. When we left in 2007, I had no hope that I would ever be able to come back. I rejoice that I was able to return to Perm this time. And, Lord willing, since I know I can make the journey successfully alone, I look forward to the next time I return to Perm.
Sunday, June 06, 2010
Abi's Pots and Pans
May 5, 2010
Ballet Comments
I forgot to mention that as we were leaving for the ballet, Jon and Pasha were making fun of male ballet dancers wearing skirts. I commented that we should be glad they were wearing skirts!
Friday, May 28, 2010
Bowling for Fun!
I bought a little bowling set for Caleb and Abi to play with and gave it to them on Tuesday, May 4th, when Jon took Carrie and David for his doctor's appointment. We had so much fun bowling that day, and I hope they will enjoy playing for many years. Caleb and Abi took turns rolling the ball, and I set up the pins each time. I'll bet I set up 50 times at least! Here are videos of them bowling that day.
Dasha
On Saturday, May 1st, I mentioned that we ran into some friends of Jon and Carrie. One of them, Dasha, was in the States when Johanna and I were in Perm in 2007. She came over to the apartment on Monday afternoon to cook two of her specialties, borscht and potato pancakes. Dasha enjoys photography and took many photos on Saturday and Monday. It was great to get to met and spend time with her, and eat her good food. She enjoys the children, too, as you can see here..
March 30th, from Moscow to Perm
I told you on my post entitled Travel Day, posted Friday, April 02, 2010, that I would tell you about the rest of my flight to Perm. Well, here's the scoop. Better late than never!
The Siberian Airlines (S7) flight from Moscow to Perm took about 2 hours. I was almost there! The flight attendants spoke Russian, but must have at least been exposed to some English. As they were moving down the aisle with dinner, I heard them asking each person, in Russian, which entree they wanted. When it was my turn, I said, "I don't understand." The man then said, "Chicken or meat?" "What kind of meat?" I asked. So, he gave me meat! It was a tasty meat, probably pork. Afterward, the attendants pushed a cart of beautiful pots of hot water and tea bags for tea. I figured they were serving black tea, which I enjoy, but is high in caffeine, which I was avoiding, so I declined.
Approaching Perm, there was a thick white cloud cover so that I was unable to see the ground. I then saw for myself why Perm seldom sees the sun, especially in winter.
Jon met me at the very small Perm airport, which has one small baggage carousel. As we were leaving the airport, around 7:30 pm, the sun was breaking through the clouds and shined on us the entire hour long trip to Jon and Carrie's apartment. It remained sunny for weeks after I arrived, so I told them I brought the sun with me!
When we arrived at the familiar apartment and I saw Carrie and the children, I let out a cry of joy! What a happy reunion! We hadn't seen each other for 1 1/2 years. It was the beginning of what seemed that day to be a long time together.
The Siberian Airlines (S7) flight from Moscow to Perm took about 2 hours. I was almost there! The flight attendants spoke Russian, but must have at least been exposed to some English. As they were moving down the aisle with dinner, I heard them asking each person, in Russian, which entree they wanted. When it was my turn, I said, "I don't understand." The man then said, "Chicken or meat?" "What kind of meat?" I asked. So, he gave me meat! It was a tasty meat, probably pork. Afterward, the attendants pushed a cart of beautiful pots of hot water and tea bags for tea. I figured they were serving black tea, which I enjoy, but is high in caffeine, which I was avoiding, so I declined.
Approaching Perm, there was a thick white cloud cover so that I was unable to see the ground. I then saw for myself why Perm seldom sees the sun, especially in winter.
Jon met me at the very small Perm airport, which has one small baggage carousel. As we were leaving the airport, around 7:30 pm, the sun was breaking through the clouds and shined on us the entire hour long trip to Jon and Carrie's apartment. It remained sunny for weeks after I arrived, so I told them I brought the sun with me!
When we arrived at the familiar apartment and I saw Carrie and the children, I let out a cry of joy! What a happy reunion! We hadn't seen each other for 1 1/2 years. It was the beginning of what seemed that day to be a long time together.
Leaving the Ballet
Here we are, walking away from the ballet house at 10 pm. It was still quite light out. Pasha is saying, "It's the Perm city. Ballet. Lots of Russian people love ballet." The statue we are walking towards is one of Lenin. It was too dark to get a good picture.
It was a special evening that we spent together.
At the Perm Opera and Ballet House
Jon drove Pasha, Galya and me downtown to the ballet. After finding our seats we waited for Swan Lake to begin. I took some pictures of the room.
Both the music and the dancing were magnificent! The ballet had two rather long intermissions, each complete with sets of three bells rung so that all could know when to return to the hall. During the first intermission, Galya and I had plenty of time to walk around and then wait in line and use the restroom. Galya bought a program, and then she and Pasha read it so we could know the story of Swan Lake. We were all disappointed that it had an unhappy ending. During the second intermission, the three of us headed downstairs to a room where many refreshments were for sale. The crowd was much lighter than during the first intermission. The hall was very warm, so we gratefully chose ice cream and enjoyed it leisurely.
On my next post, I'll post some short videos of the opera and our time there.
On my next post, I'll post some short videos of the opera and our time there.
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