Russia is warmer than Michigan. Now, that is something to write home about!

It was 29 degrees today...and I didn't wear my huge Russian coat or a hat and I was very comfortable out there.

Of course I am not bragging that I had it warmer...Because you and I both know that when the snow is melting mid March, I will still have a full month of it to go.

Enough about the weather...This week was great...Full of surprises, birthdays, and Valentines day, of course. The best thing about the week is that Stasey is back! We had no idea she was coming home and when her mom invited us over...via a letter, because she does not speak English...She said that she had an interpreter there for us. Little did we know that interpreter would be Stasey! If you remember Stas is Brighid and my friend who goes to church with us and is one of the first friends we made here. In January she was offered a great opportunity to spend the semester in Moscow and long story short, she went. Getting her email while I was in Europe was really hard because although I was so excited for her, I was selfishly sad and knew Vologda wouldn't be the same without her. Anyway, the program did not end up being what she hoped and she is back. She is really happy with her decision though, and is looking forward to returning to Moscow in the fall for University.

As for birthday's this Friday was our school administrator Diana's birthday and Amanda from the St. Petes team!

And lastly Valentines was wonderful. Brighid and I took our friend Dana out to the one and only Mexican restaurant in town. It was fabulous! I haven't had that good of salsa in a long time. I had forgotten how much I love it. We also gave our students Valentine cards and candy (that was so thoughtfully provided for by my parents' package they sent for the occasion.)

Classes started with a John Steinbeck quote, "I believe love cannot be bought except with love." and a question, "Do you believe there is one perfect mate for every person?" The theme of love, and discussions on American Culture and dating were very interesting this week. Students had a lot to say. And that's the point after all....getting them to talk. In English that is.