Class Outing to the Historical Museum!

(Brighid, Sveta, Nik, Elena, Lena)

B and I and A russian Winter Sasha and I at church

It's Santa, me and Natasha:)

(the sign asks not to touch...oops.)

As you can see, our weekend was pretty full (and if you can't see it was also....cold). I also got to spend time with Sveta, and Stasey, go to a jazz concert with Ann, do another load of laundry by hand...(yes we have the washer...noone has been able to get it to work...), and still have time to lesson plan.

I cannot believe that we only have two more weeks of school left before our 6 week break. The time has gone by so quickly and I have been incredibly blessed by my time here.

It is strange not being home around the Christmas season...or studying for finals...but, the spirit of Christmas is definitely ever-present.

Love. xo.

Moscow and Thanksgiving

Snow in Vologda! I had my first snow ball fight today after church with the Sunday school kids. Nikitia threw one (on accident) right at my face. I ducked...but it still got stuck in my ear. Hilarious. I definitely got him back though:)

I also got to see my first Russian football game today with Dana, and got together with Sveta for another interesting conversation. She told me about how she feels like her soul is still searching for something...we talked about reincarnation, and the different ideas about how the world came to be...and I just threw out the question. Can something come from nothing? She talked about how people may go through cycles like trees. Trees have their leaves, shed them, and then regrow leaves. Maybe people are like leaves....one spirit, and our body comes back as different leaves. She said that we may have to do that until we become perfect. So we discussed perfection and the possibilities of that here on earth. Oh, how I love Sveta.

It was so good to be out and about today. Yesterday I slept most of the day, trying to get over a cold, and because my overnight train ride was horrid-to the point where I hardly slept at all.

And although the train ride was pretty bad this time around (snoring...and the heat), I am so thankful for the train!

Here is why....we literally almost missed the train. And we didnt. By mere minutes. So although I barely slept, at least I made the train. Whew.

So Friday night was our last night in Moscow, and we had called a taxi well ahead of time to come pick us up at 630. It had taken us maybe 20-25 minutes to get to our apartment from the train station earlier in the week, but we were driving at 6am and there was very little traffic.

Thus, although our train didnt leave until 819pm, we wanted to be early because of the traffic we anticipated. I am always aware of time, and so I was very happy that others were taking the traffic into consideration as well. I was glad we were leaving 2 hours early, even if that meant sitting in the station.

Well, we were in the taxi for about 45 minutes, and I was so thankful that we had left early. I kept thinking to myself. Wow, its only 715...I cant imagine if we had left at 7...and it was 745...I would be freaking out. But its only 715.

30 minutes later, we are dead stopped in traffic. We had gone down so many side streets, turned around so many times, driven on the side walk, back tracked, driven on the wrong side of the road....and we were still undeniably stuck. I could see bumper to bumper traffic for what looked like miles. Our driver was talking to the other driver( who was driving the other 4 girls), and kept jumping out of the car in the middle of the street. To run to the other car. Why? I have no idea...it looked to me that their walkie talkies were working fine. But whatever.

Anyway...by this point I am freaking. I am no longer on schedule...and my train isnt going to wait for me. Omg, I dont want to be here another day...the next train didnt leave until the next night. So anyway, Amanda (can speak Russian) asked our cabbie about the metro....could he just drop us off so we could try to make the train? Its 748...

He knew we wouldnt make it in the car, so he stopped again, in the middle of the road, popped the trunk and wished us luck. Brighid Amanda (because she can read Russian too) and I started for the metro. We rushed past everyone, and actually met some really helpful people along the way, pointing us to which metro to take and which way to turn. Its 802.

After we run up the steps we see the station, its 805...Now this place is a heck of a lot bigger than Vologda's two tracks.... We need to read which track our train is on. We ask these two guys who definitely point us in the wrong direction....We keep running...and see a sign, we keep going...Oh, there it is...its 811. We are car number 9. The cars start at 1...we start running faster. We get to the car, and out of breath, thrust our passports and tickets at the woman standing there. Its 814...we are on the train.

5 minutes later...the train is rolling....

Relaxing....

That is what yesterday and today are all about.

We have a week off from classes to have a retreat with all the other TeachOverseas teachers in Russia and Ukraine. We are meeting in Moscow, and leave tomorrow night! Another fun adventure on the train....this one is a bit shorter of a ride (9hrs instead of 13), and we get to Moscow Monday morning before 6 am.

We will be celebrating Thanksgiving together....

and I just wanted to say some of the things/people that I am very thankful for.

*that my students participate, and seem to enjoy their classes
*the friendships that I have been building...my friends here are great
*that Brighid and I are learning to cook more and more...this was much needed for me (and Im thankful for Brighid herself!)
*that Kostya opens up his family's house to us so we can do our laundry in a real washing machine, and the our school admin Diana is buying us (and future teachers) a washing machine for the Profolactory.
*the church family I have here; they have been so welcoming
*my church family in Brighton that supports me so much even though we are 8000 miles away; I appreciate your emails and prayers more than you know
*jaime b for calling me in Russia. seriously.
*my sister...who might be coming to see me
*my parents who are most definitely the best parents ever.
*my entire family who has supported me in everything Ive ever done, my whole life. I am so blessed.
*russ, who is an amazing friend and boyfriend
*all my girls who mean so much to my heart and soul, (my girls know who they are)
*my ipod works again
*My Fairway Trails family, and second family
*I have the opportunity to be in Russia teaching students, and learning about others and myself in the process
*The packages that I have gotten here
*The things I am being taught
*The love in my life
*God in my life
Oh my gosh, I could go on and on...

and I will in my own personal journal...but its getting long here folks.

Happy Thanksgiving week:)

Brighid Deb and I in front of the University (and Lenin)

So... what a fun weekend we had! You knew that Deb and Joel were coming...and since their train came in on Friday at 9 am...I haven't stopped moving.

Friday Brighid and I got to be the tour guides around Vologda and show them our favorite places...to eat and the sites to see. We met with our school administrator Diana, and then Deb and I went over to the Russian Banya, with Yelena from the American Corner.

Oh, the Banya was quite the cultural experience...but I am sure not all of you want to hear about it, so if you do...you know where to find me.

Saturday we went to the monastery with them...and luckily Joel didnt stay. He is strongly considering becoming a monk, and told us there was a possibility he might not leave with us! We were happy Joel came home with us, because I would have missed his amazing karoke skills at the wedding that we went to.

The Russian wedding of Brad and Natasha was so much fun! The wedding itself only lasted 10 minutes. They just signed some papers...and then every one that was there, presented them with flowers and well wishes. Pictures took some time, and then we went around to all of the monuments in the city, and drove over the bridges which is one of the Russian traditions. The reception was quite different from one's I have been to in America. There were a lot more games and customary things that went on. It was also a bit smaller than most, making it more intimate. I got to try Russian vodka for the first time...and I didnt realize that the first course was just the appetizer...so I definitely was surprised (and full by the time) that other dishes kept being served.

The weekend was amazingly refreshing and we laughed the majority of the time. Thanks for coming guys:)

Tomorrow Deb and Joel will be in Vologda! For those of you who don't know these names...they are Brighid and my directors from Teach Overseas. They left California a day or so ago, arrived in St. Petersburg today, and will be in Vologda bright and early tomorrow morning.

And to make this an even more exciting weekend, Joel and Deb are staying in the Profolactory with us. In our very rooms! The rest of the rooms were taken in the Profolac, so instead of staying in one of the hotels...we will be having a big slumber party. Joel in my room...and Deb me and B in Brighids room.

Good times....that are sure to bring us all that much closer.

Now...Brig and I just have to get to that cleaning we've been putting off for such an occassion.

Now its dark by 430. And it was rainy all day. Perfect day for homemade chili. Oh my gosh, was it good. That is all I wanted to tell you really. B and I are becoming quite the chefs over here in Russia. I must say this is a vast improvement from the college days of frozen food and cereal.

Friday Brighid and I went over to our friends Kostya and Gilya's house to babysit their 9 month old daughter. When Kostya came to pick Brig and I up at the Profolactory (home sweet home), I asked him where he and his wife were going. He seemed confused so I rephrased the question and asked if he and Gilya were going out for a night on the town. I thought this was a normal question for a babysitter...however we soon came to find out that the definition for babysitter seems to be quite different. Because our night consisted of the four of us adults playing on the floor with the baby for a couple of hours, while they did our laundry. (Machine washed--first time that has happened since we have been here.) I think the whole idea of parents leaving while others watch the child was lost in translation, but the night was great nonetheless and it was great to be around a family.

Asya and Stasey came over to our place Saturday night for dinner and a movie. It was B and my first time hostessing Russians. We would have had friends over earlier, but our home has a number of restricitions and curfews and thus only a week or so ago were we allowed to invite people in. So anyway, we had slippers out for them to put on, and I offered them chai as soon as they were in our flat. Then we watched, The Notebook, in English of course...and made them quesadillas.

I tell you this, so that if you are ever in the neighborhood and want to stop over...I am pretty sure my hostessing skills will be near perfect and thus, please come over when ever you have a chance. I would love any and all visitors:)

Hope all is well on your side of the world. Love and peace.

It has been too long. I know. So instead of writing a book...to explain all that has been going on. I will just leave you with some highlights.

*I went horseback riding in a village about 10km away from Vologda with my friend Asya. She gave me a lesson on walking and trotting and then she rode for a while too. While she was riding, she fell off her horse once! I have always been afraid of falling off a horse, but she got right back on that thing. After she was done, I asked if she was okay..and she calmly replied, "I was just a little tired, I am fine." ...What I learned...~Falling off a horse doesnt seem to hurt.~

*On Saturday we carved pumpkins (I think it was more like a squash) with our friend Ann. She helped us make a pumpkin porridge, and we also made and decorated some sugar cookies. We took everything with us to the American Corner at the library for a Halloween celebration, where Brighid and I led the English Club. We played games, ate food, read Halloween jokes, and learned about the history of the Jack o'Lantern.

*On Sunday we had another Halloween party at church. The kids were so cute and had an amazing time, and I will get some pictures up soon. Because, picutres really are worth a thousand words in this case.

*Tonight was another party...it was Brighid's surprise party! Now, B doesnt really like surprises...but I thought about it, and decided to plan one anyway. I told her students to act like nothing was out of the ordinary. While my students and I were in the other classroom decorating, setting up the food (and five cakes), blowing up balloons, finding the right music...

So after we had set up, I ran next door to ask Brighid if I could borrow her camera. Now. To me, I thought this would give away the surprise, because it is kind of odd for me to interupt her class. And then I asked her and her class just to come next door so that I could take a Halloween picture of everyone.

She came over and my class had the lights turned out, and the candles on the cake all set. They yelled surprise and sang her happy birthday. She said to me she had no idea til she literally walked into the room.

So we sang, ate, danced, and celebrated Brighid's 24th.

Let it snow....

And I suggest reading 2 Corinthians 1:3-11....to everyone today. We all could use some comforting.

Russian Movies

Tonight I went to see a movie. All in Russian, no subtitles. It was called the 9th Road, and it was about the war in Afganistan in 1988. Although I could understand nothing from the words that were said....I could understand so much of the film. I experienced different emotions, felt the struggles, laughed, and became connected to the characters. It was a great movie, and I defintely would see it again. I would prefer English subtitles next time....but its not a necessity.

I can make an analogy about this movie to my life here....I dont understand everything that is said to me ever. Yet, things dont even have to be verbally expressed, for meaning to be conveyed. People can understand so much just by spending time with someone else....even if one cannot understand the other perfectly. And like the movie...it would be nice if I could understand everyone all the time...but its not necessary.

Winter is coming....And since the weather has decided to make a drastic change, I cannotput off buying a winter jacket any longer. Today Stasey and I went toseveral stores and looked at many different winter coats. Someleather, some fur, some sporty, some dressy. I wanted the first one Isaw, which probably doesnt surprise most people who know me well. Itend to be pretty impulsive...but Stasey made me wait, and look at allthe coats, and told me I should take a day or two to think about it.My mom would like Stasey's influence a lot. So, although it took a lotof discipline....I am waiting and thinking, although I know I am goingto get the first one anyway!This weekend was really great. Friday night we were invited to one ofour student's homes for dinner. And on Saturday I went to a countryschool about an hour and a half away from here.My friend Ilya, who manages the coffee shop I frequent, teachesEnglish to 5th, 8th, and 11th grades on Saturdays. He asked if I wouldcome and talk to his students, and this past weekend was the day. Iwoke up before 6 and was out the door around 630. Ilya, a couple otherguys who teach English like Ilya, Sveta, and I drove out to thecountry. In the first class one of the young girls was a writer forher school newspaper and did a small interview with me after class. Bylunch time the paper was out and the interview and our classdiscussion was on the front page. There is a much different feel outin the country. Part of that was the grayness and rain of the changingseason, and part was the economic status of the community. Idefinitely hope to go back again.One of the best parts of my time out in the country was getting totalk more to Sveta. She and I had a really good conversation thatrevolved around relationships, the need to love, the power and purposeof love, and we even got into some spiritual conversation. I am reallyexcited about the beginnings of this friendship.

St. Petersburg Weekend with the Wonderful St.Petes Ladies!













So in less than three days Brighid and I took two 13 hour train rides, walked, bused, and metroed around St. Petersburg, and got a lot of talking and fun in with some of our teach overeas friends.

I now realize why all of my students are surprised to hear that I think of Vologda as a big city! In comparison with St. Petes its a tiny village. And I like it like that.

Long weekend means...I am tired, and I haven't done enough lesson planning yet. So, I'll talk to you all later.

Just for a quick laugh.

My last assignment to my class was to write a newspaper article on Hurricane Rita.

One of my students titled his article: The Hourgain Ritha.

close, close but no cigar. And the best part about this assingment is that I wrote it out on the board.

The national holiday celebrating teachers is October 5th which is tomorrow. However, our classes started early, and yesterday my morning class presented me with roses. If students gave their teachers roses in America like they do here in Russia, I would be a teacher for the rest of my life. Because obviously I just do this for the gifts:)

Teaching has been going so well and I really do love it (even without the flowers). The lessons seem to be challenging enough and on most days the majority of my students participate. My students are great people, and I am continuing to form more and more relationships. On the weekend I met with three students to hang out, and about five other Russian friends that I have met in the coffee shop and at the American corner. Thanks for all of your prayers regarding relationships. I definitely can see God working in all of them. Including my roommate and teammate Brighid, my family, and my friends from home.

I tend to read the specific Proverb for whatever the day of the month is...but even though its the fourth...I have been rereading Proverbs 3 and I think I will continue for a while. I have been especially meditating on the part where it talks about leaning not on my own understanding. Our perspective is so small, but his isnt. There is so much going on that I do not understand, or cannot control, or overwhelm me. But we all just need to give it on over. Everyday.

This weekend the plan is to visit St. Petersburg. I cannot wait to update you with that adventure and more pictures! Love to you. xo.

Our time at the monastery in Vologda. We couldnt take any pictures inside, but we got some group pictures outside.

For more pictures: photos.yahoo.com/lindsayestewart

So many things are blog worthy...I just don't have enough time to write it all...and you don't have enough time to read it all. Trust me. This is a little bit of what's gone on in the last few days.Friday night Brighid and I went to a concert of our friend Vera. We were anticipating a small venue where she and her father would play their repertoire and we assumed it would last a half hour or hour at most. Yet, it was a concert of different performers from Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Vologda, in a very large venue...and it lasted....a long time. It was actually a really good cultural experience and we got to listen to different singers and musical artists. One really funny part to B and I was that the only people who were cheered back on stage by the audience happened to be the accordion players. People loved them. Other performers could come and go with little clapping, but once the accordion players came on...they never wanted them to leave. My image of the accordion is Steve Urkel...the nerdy goofy guy from Family Matters.

This weekend Brig and I also did our laundry for the first time in over three weeks. It was about time...but since we have to do it by hand, we put it off as long as possible. It took about 2.5 days for things to be washed in shifts, hung, and air dry on hangers all around my room. But now, everything is clean...especially the basin in my shower where I did it all.

Church yesterday was amazing. I put some pictures up of the little church on my photo site. We arrived with Stasey and met Tolik there (his second week in a row!) Our pastor's son translates the sermon for us in English by sitting behind us and "whispering" the interpretation. But the rest of the service and all of the songs are done in Russian. I really enjoy worshipping there, despite any language barrier. We have been so welcomed at feel right at home. After service we stayed to have some chai, and hung out with the five girls who were in Sunday school. These girls are around 12 years old and all but one were new this week. One girl, Alona, brought all of her friends along. One of Alona's friends was from the orphanage in the town. It was so nice to meet them, and they were so excited to meet us. We made houses out of construction paper and boxes for their stuffed animals. Every thing we picked up we would exchange Russian and English words. Like...pink, frog, cat, scissors, paper. Then they asked if I would write some English words for them to practice speaking. Some of the girls are studying English already. I just wish I knew Russian already so I could talk with them more....but our smiles and laughter were enough for now. They have to be enough.

After church I met with Asya...the girl I told you about from my class who offered to be my tutor. She is so amazing...and her major is cultural studies. She definitely has a passion for culture in its many forms. We talked about her interests of literature, art, and Russian history. She showed me all around Vologda and told me so much of its history. Who knew that Ivan the Terrible was going to make Vologda the capital of Russia, until he entered one of the churches here and a brick fell on his head....and he said Vologda would NEVER be the capital after that episode. We also had our first lesson on some Russian vocabulary...and she picked out two books for me to read by Russian authors. The first being Crime and Punishment...heavy, but doable. Plus, she loves it, and we can talk about it after I finish. We are meeting on Tuesdays and Saturdays...so I better get to that studying of Russian.

I am happy and healthy and loving this life. I am praying for God to work in and through me everyday... and I know he\'s working it all out. For you and me.

Another day of beautiful 60 degree weather here in Vologda and great classes at VSTU. One new thing that happened today was that I actually had to 'lay down the law' in class. I was just saying yesterday that my classes are so good...and they are all so polite to each other, and I must not have knocked on wood...because the students in my night class couldnt seem to stop talking while their classmates were giving presentations. At first I just gave them the stare and shhh. When that didnt seem to be doing much, I stopped the whole class and gave them a lecture on how impolite and rude talking was, and how they are all adults and need to act that way, and how I felt frustrated and like their mother and should not have to tell people to stop talking. They havent seen me stern yet, so that definitely got their attention and quieted them down. I hope that scared them so that I can go back to smiling...

In other news, tonight was Brighid and my first guitar lesson from Vera. But as you may remember from previous blog entries...everything in Russia takes longer. Just keep that in mind for the coming story.

So at 8 o'clock, right after class, Brighid and Vera and I headed to Vera's home for our guitar lesson. However, Vera wanted to have us try her favorite Finnish coffee, and since we were going to have coffee she told us we must go buy some little snack to go with the it. Naturally. So we ended up walking about a mile or so to several different stores because Vera kept getting different ideas of different Russian snacks for us to try. So we picked up some famous Vologda icecream, some crepe cherry apricot type thing, some dried pineapple and mango slices, and some other Russian chocolate cheese thing. Small snack I was thinking to myself....

Anyway we finally reached her flat where she lives with her parents. As soon as I walked in the door, I missed my home... this was the first time I had been in a real home in quite some time, and there is just something special about a home no matter where you are. We took off our shoes, enjoyed the aroma coming from the kitchen, and were introduced to her parents who do not speak any English. In their living area were several, I want to say around six, guitars haning up around the room. Before the lesson began Vera and her father played a couple of songs for us on their guitars. Tomorrow the two of them have a concert in town, so we got a preview....and it was amazing. The way the two of them played off each other was beautiful. The music was moving, but their relationship that I saw...was even more so.

By now it was a quarter after nine, and Vera invited us into the kitchen for some coffee and snacks. She is such a wonderful hostess....she first gave us some egg plant (which was the aroma we smelled when we first entered the house), then ice cream, then the crepes, (at this point as Vera is cooking, Brighid and I were mouthing to each other how we are so stuffed we can't take another bite), then the pineapple and mango slices, and a chocolate cheese thing was tossed in there, and then the coffee (which was really the thing she wanted us to have in the first place). I am so thankful I had only had breakfast...because I wanted to be polite and eat everything in front of me that she was working so hard to give. But it took every ounce of will to stuff the stuff in my mouth with a smile. Anyway...it was getting closer and closer to 10..(are we gonna get to the lesson I kept thinking)...and Brighid and my dorm closes at 11. So we needed to leave by 10:20, for fear of being locked out. So we chatted, and talked, and then Vera said we should just do the lesson tomorrow.

Great plan. I told you things take longer here. Then Brighid and I said our goodbyes, and literally ran (I in heels) the half mile to the bus stop with our heavy bags. We just made the last bus that would get us to the dorm on time, talk about a close call. So, full stomach, crazy running, rocky bus ride....not a good combination.

And although I feel slightly ill...it was really worth it. All in all, it was a fabulous day. No guitar lesson, but there's always tomorrow, or Friday, or Saturday.... I am actaully starting to like that schedules and plans don't mean as much here. It is nice to just see where the day takes you....

I get to hold hands as much as I want.

Now, let me explain that to you. In Vologda, and I am guessing Russia in general, best girl friends hold hands with each other all of the time. So, since I have become close with a number of girls~we get to hold hands. I've made the cut! I am their friend. At first it was a little uncomfortable to be doing so, because in America...we girls don't do that as much (or ever). But here, it is more than acceptable. It's expected.

I thought I would be missing all the physical affection from home...but its not the case. It is just a different form. Instead of hugs, we hold hands here. I love it. And I love my new friends.

Today after class, Nastya, asked if I wanted her to tutor me in Russian. She also asked if I wanted to go horse back riding with her at the stable where she keeps her horse. Another friend...and a new tutor. Perfect. Brighid and I ended our day with coffee and a great conversation about life and traveling and relationships with Vera...my student and new guitar teacher.

Another wonderful day in Vologda. I am so thankful.

Bridges of Vologda/ Tolik, Romon, Brighid, and Stasey on turtle day...the day Brighid got her pet:)

I woke up this morning thinking about how wonderful God truly is. He doesn't need to provide for me, or bless me in tangible ways and yet does constantly. I know I am being used here and although I cannot see the big picture, I can certainly see him moving. I am learning to trust and depend so much more than I have before. I believe with all of my heart, a lot of that has to do with you. Your thoughts, and prayers, and love are carrying me through. I know I have said it in previous blogs, but thank you again for remaining with me and encouraging me and supporting me. I cannot do this on my own. I like how close this technology makes us. I do think about each one of you...family, friends, church.

The days fly by here, but we are making and building relationships everyday. Yesterday Brighid and I spent most of the day with one of our students Vera. Today I plan to spend the majority of my day lesson planning for the up-coming week. Then tonight we're meeting another student to go to Klootch...the place I wrote about before.

So, I'm trying to keep you posted on my life, the lives of the people here, fun stories, and my feelings....I hope you are getting a taste of life here. (If this isnt good enough, you could always visit me!)

Story Time…..6 stories all told in seven sentences or less

Ice Cream Story: When you come to Russia next time…remember to eat ice cream on the coldest day possible. Because that’s what the Russians do. When in Russia.

Banana Story: I got a banana from a Babushka at church. She didn’t speak any English and I don’t really know Russian all that well. But she asked me if I wanted a banana. After I told her for the third time that I don’t speak Russian…she understood and just opened up her purse and offered me a banana. I like bananas, and I didn’t want to reject her gift, so I took the banana, smiled and said thank you in Russian. We stood there with very little to say…me just holding my new soft brown banana…and she holding her bag with one less banana...

Almost dying Story: It happens everyday when I cross the street. Everyday, every street.

Email Story: So there’s this boy. I was ‘warned’ about him by my school administrator. She told me that he might flirt with me and just to ‘watch out’ for that. So of course I was on look out. (whatever that means….) I guess I was assuming that this flirting would happen in person…but I just got an email from him. He said he wants to be my pan-pal. How sweet…more like…how hilarious!

Drunk man Story: So the worst thing you can say to a drunk man is that you don’t speak Russian. Because then they ask what you speak and you say English and then they just want to keep talking to you. If only I knew that key factor before I used my famous line, “ya ne gavaro pa rooskie.” I even followed the lead of my Russian friend and just ignored him….but he only got louder and closer. We got on the bus, and luckily he got kicked off. Welp, now I know.

Public Urination Story: It’s not a big deal here. Enough said.

and for all of you who have been asking me about more pictures...they are on their way.

The first week of classes….

I must start off by saying that this has been a wonderful week. I began teaching this past Monday which was Labor Day in America. Before my first class I was feeling quite nervous, but I needn’t have been. Class went smoothly and it was actually really exciting to be standing up in front of my students. After the night class, Brighid and I were asked out to coffee by a couple of our students. We were thrilled that they would feel comfortable enough to invite their teachers out on the first day of class, so of course we accompanied them. On the bus ride to Klootch, the coffee place/billiard hall/bowling alley/night club, one of my students Elena asked me, “Ms. Stewart, is it okay for me to call you Lindsay?” I laughed, despite myself, and said, “of course. I am only Ms. Stewart in class.” I don’t think that I will be getting used to being called that for some time, if ever. Our coffee date was fun even if we didn’t and couldn’t understand each other all of the time. The girls were great and we will definitely be going out together again. My other students have been amazing as well. And as much as I know I shouldn’t have favorites, I already do. I just can’t help it that I love getting feedback from students. When they nod and smile and seem to be getting into what I am saying….I just like them more. Shoot.

My class schedule looks different every other week. Each class has between 12-20 students. And even though Russian last names are impossible for me to say, I have already memorized all of my students’ first names….its kind of easy when in one class I have five Nastias. Monday and Wednesday I have class from 930-11, and 6-8. Tuesday I have class from 3-430, and English Club from 6-8. Then Thursday I have class from 3-430 and 6-8. My morning and afternoon classes switch days next week and then will go back to this schedule the following week. You may wonder what I do with all the hours of my week that I am not teaching. Please don’t worry that I have too much time on my hands. Because when I am not in class, I am lesson planning (which is a ton of work!), meeting with students, reading, taking a walk around this beautiful town, emailing you, spending time with God, and soon enough I will have a membership at a gym and be there too. Once I get the hang of my schedule in the next few weeks, I will start looking into the orphanage and begin volunteering there as well.

There is one orphanage very close in proximity to the Russian Methodist church that I went to this past Sunday. Brighid and I had quite the experience at church but I will save those stories for another blog entry.

I tried writing this blog entry earlier today but I lost it twice because I forgot to save it…and long story short, I gave up and went for a walk, which is actually much more fun than sitting in the library. I have been walking around as much as possible because I want to soak in these last few days of warmth. I know that the bitter cold is coming….I know that soon the flowers will be gone, and the trees will be white instead of green, and the days will be short. Vologda is such a beautiful town with wonderful architecture, beautiful churches, large park areas, and a gorgeous river flowing through the middle of the city. I know it will be beautiful in the winter too, but I feel lucky that I get to see it in its summer glory.

new friends

Today Brighid and I went to the American Corner at the library in Vologda. They have an English club that several people come to every week. The woman in the picture with Brighid is Yelena. She is in charge of the Corner. These three other people are Sergey, Vera, and Anna. Everyone has been so welcoming, and I really enjoyed getting to know them today. Vera said that she wants to teach me how to play the guitar. I haven't played in years, but I would love to learn from Vera. I also made a coffee date with another girl who was at the Club today.

It's so exciting to see these relationships starting to develop. I feel so blessed to be in this city and be meeting these people. One other quick story, is that this evening I was making dinner and needed to open this jar. However, they are not the screw off cans that I am used to. So I went downstairs in hopes that my hand gestures and the jar itself would explain what I needed. I expected to see my Babushka, but it was some younger kids. Luckily one of the guys spoke some English. After he watched me unsuccessfully ask for help from the girl sitting behind the desk, he came over and showed me how the Russians open the jars. (His words not mine). He pulled out his jack knife, and cut the whole thing up. Thanks Sasha. He then invited me out with some of his friends. So of course I went out with them for a while and they showed me how to play a Russian card game. His friends didn't know much English, but I could still say somethings to them. They live in my building and take classes at the school where I will be teaching.

I know that this has nothing to do with where I am, but it has so much to do with where I have been. Today is the first Michigan Home game, at 3:30 against Northern Illinois. This is my first year that I haven't been at school and tailgaiting with friends.


I don't think the Vologda has a football team, and although I will be very supportive of my students activities.... I will never have the same connection as I do with U of M.

GO BLUE!

We finished testing students today...and classes start Monday morning. Yeah VSTU. Just not the same ring.....

(This blog goes out to all my Michigan friends and Michigan sister...miss you guys!)

The closest I have ever been to an explosion was yesterday. In my room. My light switch is a little stubborn and thus sometimes I must flip it on and off repeatedly. Yesterday in the midst of my flipping, a little spark shot through (but I kept flipping), and then what seemed to be fire and a huge puff of smoke came right at my face. So, now I am without light in my room. But it is okay....I asked Diana at school about it and she said she would send someone over in the "morning". I knew I wouldn't get a specific time and I didn't...so I am up early 'waiting' for the guy who may or may not come in the next 4 hours or so.

Brighid and I met some more Russians yesterday. We are making a laundry list of names, and trying to keep them straight. One guy came to our office, because he wanted to talk with the American teachers. He spoke English very well and told us of his times in the States, and how he spent 42 days in jail in Jefferson City MO, for an expired VISA. (Who stays in Jefferson City? My cousin lived there for a few months, but only because of a job.) We met four other people at the American Corner in the library. Thursday evenings at five, there is always a movie playing in English with Russian subtitles. Last night it was As Good As It Gets. We chatted afterward and answered questions about the movie and about ourselves. Most of the questions were the usual sort, but as we were standing up to go...this one gentleman asked if he could ask me a political question. (We are told prior to coming to Russia not to voice any political opinion whatsoever.) He asked what I thought of previous leaders (one in particular) in the Middle East. To which I replied, I don't really know much about that. Although I really do know about that, and I could say some things on the subject. But I am afraid that conversation would have been a worse 'explosion' than the one in my room earlier that day.

The Million Dollar Question

(Vologda State Technical University)

The University will start classes on Monday the 5th and that is the day I will officially be Ms. Stewart the American English Teacher at the very fine establishment. Brighid and I have been testing students for the last couple days, and we have one more day of testing to go to see what students will be in our classes. It would make sense to me that tomorrow would be the last day, but our school administrator said she needs some time off, so Friday is the day. I was a little concerned about this because, how are we supposed to place people into classes for Monday if we aren't testing until Friday? To this my administrator explained patiently to me. "Lindsay this is Russia, and we don't plan until the last minute. And even then, things change". I want to be that flexible, but every ounce of me wants a concerte plan and to understand the whole schedule, and to line up my days and know what to expect. But my Russian admin. Diana said, "It is like when I say I will be there at 2 and I am there at 3:30." And I thought to myself--It is exactly like that, and hopefully I will begin to adapt soo to this cultural difference and grow in flexibility. Here's hoping.

Anyway, back to the test. The test includes a written and an oral section. Brighid has been leading the written part and I have been running the interviews. The whole process has been really exciting for me. For the Russian students however, it has been quite intimidating. They are so nervous when they come into my office and they all look very uncomfortable. I try to be as warm as possible, but for most of them just speaking English to a native speaker is scary, and I really cannot make that any easier for them...being that I cannot change the fact, I am indeed a native English speaker. I have loved hearing their responses and getting to know a little bit about each one of them. One of the questions that I posed aimed at getting at their hobbies. I had a lot in common with many of the girls, and we got to talk about dancing and aerobics and reading. I look forward to building relationships with these girls through some of our common interests. Some of the questions were a benefit to me two fold. For instance, I asked them what were good places in Vologda to visit. I could gauge their English by their answers, and also got to hear about great museums, restuarants, parks, etc. What was most fascinating to me about the interview however, was my last question. I asked it to every student that I interviewed and I can honestly say that 9 out of 10 students had the same response (and we tested around 35). I will give you the question first. You think about how you would answer it, and then read on to see what the Russian students said. (Students ages ~ 16-30).

Question: What would you do if someone gave you a million dollars?

You answer:

Their answers: (I literally started writing this down after I got the same answer three times in a row...) "That's too much," "I have all that I need," "That wouldn't happen," "I wouldn't want it," "I don't need that money," and "I already have what I need."

Others said they would buy a flat, or a house for their parents, a couple said they would travel, and one said he would buy a car. However even these answers were not extravagent.

It just made me think. I know exactly what I would do with a million dollars. Why is that? And I think that is the question that I want to leave you with.

So it isnt starbucks, and I am not even sad about it. I found a new coffee shop. And I can order in Russian. One vanilla latte please. 35 rubles, perfect. The two guys who usually take my order (well at least my last three orders..) will only talk to me in broken English however. Do I really come across that non-Russian? Yeah, I guess I do. But I am learning more and more words every day. This morning I wrote down all the words that I know and it came out to 60. Today I have 10 new words in my list that I will be working on. I try to use my Russian as much as I can, and when Brighid and I are out in public we try to speak as little English as possible. Like yesterday when we rode the bus for the first time... we watched how other people got on and paid, and just followed suit. I think we blended in the best we could (no one talks or smiles so we didnt either), and we didnt even get lost.

The weather has been beautiful since we have gotten here. Last night I looked outside into the clear night sky and thought like I have every night since I left Michigan...same moon, same stars. It is so comforting to look up and know that He is in control of everything. God made this whole earth and it seems so huge. But we all look at the same moon and that makes me feel close to you and to Him.

Traveling Part 2

(if the pictures dont make sense, read on)

yes, thats me at 4am, with no knife. dont judge.

So Russian customs went surprisingly fast. They let me through in no time. But remember an entry or so ago when I asked for something crazy to happened on my trip so I would have a story to tell. I guess I should have made that a little more specific. I got out to claim my luggage. And welp. Only one bag was there. Shoot! This was a little overwhelming for me, especially because they were not very helpful. So it took me about an hour and a half to go through the process of getting my information to them at Lost and Found. They also told me that I may have problems with customs because I was bringing to much weight into the country. WHAT? Too much weight?? Then why did the airline let me bring in that much. Luckily at this point Brighid and our driver (who came to pick us up) came to my rescue and the Russian driver talked the lost and found lady into something. But whatever it was was good, because I no longer should have any trouble with customs. Whatever. I thought to myself….don’t you dare let this ruin your first hours in Russia….so I just went with it.

So B and I jumped into the Mashrootka (its like a van), and the three Russians who picked us up could literally speak as much English as we could Russian. B and I assumed that the 300 mile ride would take about 7 hours-ish. But, we really shouldn’t think like that. The rule is everything takes forever….and the ride to Vologda was no different. We took so many pit stops it’s not even funny. For things like chocolate, or ice cream, or cigarettes, and of course the bathroom breaks on the side of the road. We had a great time teaching Michelle how to play gin and we used our Russian language books to ask them easy questions. The car ride was a little crazy. I am not going to lie. They don’t wear seat belts, and I swear they have no driving laws….that’s all I will say on the subject however. so ask more later if you want to know.

Anyway we got to our dorm about 330a (safe and sound). We started to unpack right away, and at 4a our school administrator stopped by to say hello and give us some food. We had some sausage, cheese, and bread as soon as she left. I went to bed before B around 5….because I had less to unpack! Dang.

So now I have spent two full days in Russia. There are many more stories to tell but this is really long enough for now. I will write more soon however. All in all, I am having a great time…..and I think my bag should be here tomorrow. At least, I hope…..J But you know how long things take here….or at least I do.

Traveling Part 1

So where do I start? For real. I feel like it has been an amazingly long time since I last wrote in this or talked to anyone from America. However, it literally has only been four days.

I guess the beginning is a good place to start from. Well, I left Pasadena a couple hours after I wrote and I said my goodbyes to the group. Brighid and I got in the car and on the way to the airport we were completely silent. I just stared out the window thinking….this is the last time I will see American cars, American road signs, American words…. I don’t know what Brighid was thinking, but it is extremely unusual for her to be quiet for that long.

We got to the airport and were informed that British Airways was still on strike so we would not be getting any food on our 11 hour journey. However they did give us 20 dollar vouchers, so B and I just stocked up on sandwiches, ice cream, and drinks. The plane ride was fine….we sat in row 53, the very last row and watched movies, and I stretched as much as I could for fear of leg clots that my family told me to worry about.

London came sooner than expected and we went through customs quickly. We waited for the shuttle bus for a couple minutes, and then B went inside to exchange our money. By the time she ran in and came back out, the bus had come and gone. No problem we thought. It comes every 20 minutes, we don’t mind the wait. Over an hour and a half later…….

Well that was a learning experience. We learned at training we would do a lot of waiting in Russia, and we started early. Good practice for me, being that I always like to be right on time. We got to our hotel about 6 and left for central London on the tube by 615p. It was raining and gray but we were so happy. After being in sunny California for 5 weeks I missed the rain like nobodies business. So we walked in the rain without any rain gear what-so-ever. We met a number of people on the tube and they all had advice about where to go and what to see. We had some good talks with a few guys that we named, ‘therapy man’ (he wanted to be a counselor), ‘travel man’ (he traveled…), and ‘tattoo man’ (I think you get where this is going.)

We ran around London, almost saw Jessica Simpson because her new movie was premiering there, but I was way more excited to see all the buildings, and streets, and double decker buses. We saw Parliament and Big Ben and took our picture with some guards. It was great fun, and we never did get lost. Maybe it was because I could read all of the maps and signs…..here comes Russia.

But before I can leave London I must say…. It is so expensive! I spent 32 dollars on transportation alone. And that’s all the money I spent there. At the airport they gave us 5 pounds for our voucher (that’s roughly 10 dollars) and my porridge with a smidge of golden syrup for breakfast was 3.75 pounds (about 7 or so dollars!) and when they say smidge, oh you better believe they mean it.

We left London at 10a and arrived in St Petes at 4p…and here is where the story gets a bit more interesting.

Heading overseas

Bye, Au revoir, Pa ka!

My last day state-side. Last night was our last big group dinner at the CheeseCake Factory. I wasn't that hungry but I did have a Newcastle and a piece of chocolate peanut butter cookie dough cheesecake to tide me over until I return from my year abroad. ( I am assuming they dont have a Cheesecake Factory in Russia.) It was great to be with everyone all together before we split up to go to different countries. It was also great to talk with so many friends and fam from home yesterday too.
The whole team woke up at 330am this morning to say our first goodbyes. Cat and Haley were the first to leave.... Brighid and I are next to go at 5:20pm. I will be traveling for the next few days but as soon as I get there I will write about my exciting travels. Please think/pray for safe travels, but also that this would be really fun. I would love something crazy to happen so I can have a cool travel story to tell.

We 'graduated' tonight! It was our TEFL certificate ceremony, and I along with everyone else....PASSED:) Thats me with my regional director Deb-getting the certificate (and yes I really was that excited). Our CIS group shot, and then Hillary and I snapping a photo before the show.

Three days and counting....

This morning I went to Starbucks with Jamie (suprising I know...:) ) and I was carrying my Russia bag that Brighid made for me. While I was standing in line this gentleman started speaking to me in a foreign language. I just stood there and looked at him with a very confused look on my face~I am sure. It took me a minute but I realized that he had just asked me if I spoke Russian. I was so thrown off that I couldnt even remember how to say no in Russian. I mean, nyet-how you say no-is not an extrememly difficult word or anything but I was taken off guard none the less. I can only hope that once I am in Russia that I will be ready for people to be speaking Russian and will be able to respond accordingly. Its just the beginning.....

Today I also got the final travel arrangements for my trip. Some of the women going to Russia didnt get their Visas for the correct dates and thus have to delay their trip by a few days. Fortunately Brighid and I are still leaving this Sunday. We will be flying out of LA to London where we will stay overnight. On Tuesday morning we will leave London and fly to St. Petersburg. At the airport our school administrator will be waiting for us and will drive us 300 miles to Vologda. Hence, I will be arriving at my final destination Tuesday night....Tuesday day your time. (There is an 8 hour difference for those of you EST time zoners.) Gosh, its really happening.

I just cannot seem to grasp that I am actually leaving. It probably wont hit me until sometime next week when I am unpacking in Russia. I still feel like I should be heading back to Michigan to go to school and watch Michigan football and see all my friends and family. However, life is changing and my friends are all starting their new lives too, and I am really going to be in Russia. I dont feel old enough to do this, but I guess I am. Do you ever actually feel 'old enough' to do any of these adult things in life? I think its probably supposed to feel this way. It makes me have to trust God more. I have to have faith that he will pull me through. And I do, but I need practice. One step at a time.

Its easier to take these steps when I have all of you behind me. Thanks again for your love and encouragement, for your notes and packages, for your prayers and financial blessings. I have been so blessed to have family like you, friends like you, a church like you. I dont take any of you for granted. You are constantly in my heart. Always.

On our hike in the mountains, we stopped to take a dip....

Today my group and I went out to eat at an authentic Russian restaurant in Hollywood. The wait staff only talked to us in Russian, and with the small amount of Russian that I now know, all I could really say was: yes, no, may I have, and this. It worked well enough and it defintely gave me a taste of what I'll be experiencing. But this time, unlike my coming year abroad I had 18 other english speakers who could help me out.

Tonight we had our last English class. We taught the past 4 weeks at the local Armenian church here. It was so neat to see the students progress in their speaking skills, and it was so valuable for me to have the opportunity to teach students before I go abroad.

Speaking of going abroad.... I wanted to let you all know when I will be leaving.... August 21st at 9:20pm. It is coming up so soon and so fast!

Me and my teammate Brighid, Above: Girls Night out!

Hello from sunny southern California.


I have been here for two and a half weeks now, and I have been busy from the moment I set foot in Pasadena. Busy can be bad at times, but in my case it has been great! I am learning so much and feel that I am really being equipped well to teach and minister overseas. I thought you might be interested in seeing a piece of my schedule, a day in the life of a Teach Overseas teacher during training, so here is what I did yesterday.

6am- Wake up for a walk with my roomie Jamie from Arkansas.
7am- Breakfast
8am- Team devotionals
9-1030 TEFL (teaching english as a foreign language) training in large group.
**Large group consists of all the new teachers of Teach Overseas going to China, Vietnam, Morroco, Hungary, Czeche Republic, and the CIS.**
1030-12 TEFL, small group-just my team going to the CIS, which includes, Russia, Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan, and the Ukraine.
12- Lunch
130-3- Group Dynamics "Handling Culture Shock, Depression, and Grief"
3-415- Language and Culture
430- Prepare for teaching
530-Dinner
7-830- Teach English at a local church
9- Prayer and debriefing

Some classes change from day to day. So, luckily I don't have to learn about culture shock and depression daily. There are many more up lifting cultural classes that I have had. In one such class we learned what is considered to be rude and acceptable in Russia and the rest of the CIS, and also different cultural myths. For example, putting the sole of your shoe on a chair is very offensive. You should not blow your nose in public for it is seen as rude. Bread is seen as sacred in the CIS and should not be thrown away. Also, you should NOT shake hands in a doorway. Some myths include: If a woman sits on a cold stone she might not be able to have children, and you'll have a good trip if its raining when you are leaving.

I usually have part of the weekends off and I have gotten to explore Old Pasadena and Santa Monica with friends. Last Saturday was my first time ever seeing the Pacific ocean. It was a really fun experience, and the pictures on this site include pics from both mini trips.

I hope to write on this site often so that I can keep you all updated on what is going on. It means so much to me that all of you have supported me in so many ways. This trip that God is preparing me for includes all of you have given to me your love, your prayers, and your finances. I literally could not do this with out all of you. Thanks for blessing me with your kindness. I am praying for you.