Back to school...

and I feel like I never left. It was great to see my students again after the long holiday. I asked them what they've done in the last several weeks to keep up with their English. They did give me an honest answer at least, which was "nothing". Some said that they watched American movies....but, I guess that is what I expected. I wouldn't have practiced much if I was in their position either!

This past week has been a little hard with readjusting to life here, but now I am getting back into the swing of things. I got to spend some time with Sveta and Dana last week, and Vera this weekend. I went to English Club at the library on Saturday where they asked me to bring in pictures and talk about my European trip. And Sunday Vera came with me to church. The church had its 10th anniversary...and so we sang happy birthday and had a party after the service. It was so good for me to see everyone. I felt reconnected as soon as I stepped in the doors. My good friend Stasey has moved to Moscow, but her sister and mom were there and even though Stasey wasnt there to translate, Vera was...and I got to tell her family about my trip. Her mom also invited me over this week to have chai, which I am looking forward to, but it will be very different not having Stasey to help us communicate! Oh well...'they' say most communication is done non-verbally...so here's to that!

Brighid comes home tomorrow morning from Vietnam...and I am looking forward to ending my week of being alone at the Profolactory. And maybe having two bodies in the place will warm it up! I can use all the body heat and shower steam I can get. When the temperature is consistently -20, -25....warmth can be hard to come by even inside. Except....my office at school is an oven! So...whatever...its Russia. I like it.