I’m enjoying a long morning with the kids still asleep. The ongoing jet-lag question, “Should I wake them?” All told, last night –the fifth- was the best yet. Each child woke only once, and briefly. Yesterday was the first day I didn’t take a nap, and I barely made it to 9:00. So I awoke at 6 this morning, very refreshed!
We have no internet yet, so I am trying to focus on what to do on the computer in order to download later. I must say, the Huddlestons are amazing! Every day, we go to their flat to get our email… and shower! That’s right, we were welcomed back to Russia with three weeks of no hot water. But our teammates have an electric water heater, so we can get hot showers there. Although we’ve realized how our years in Russia have taught us how to heat water on the stove pretty well. At this point, I’m also glad for our dishwasher, which heats it’s own water. That takes a little of the heating-water burden off of my shoulders.
We finally have everything unpacked, and today we get to pack again! We leave on Thursday for 10 days at two conferences just outside of St Pete. I’m really enjoying the fact that it’s close—we’ll ride there in a bus instead of a plane, which makes the trip so much easier… and it’s fun to be able to help those flying in with things like playpens and diapers!
The kids are adjusting well to being back in Russia. Danya has been a real trooper with the getting-ready-for-school tasks. After rising at 4am the first morning, he then spent half the day with Eric, going to the medical clinic, and then the tailor. Eric has truly been playing the hero. At the local clinic, the doctor advised him to take Danya to a private clinic instead of jumping through all the complicated hoops at the public one. So Eric made the calls, and scheduled an appointment for the next morning. Danya prayed beforehand that nothing would hurt, and Eric cringed, because he knew that was impossible. Danya had to have a blood test, and another very uncomfortable swab. But at this private clinic the doctor was kind, and he got a toy as a gift. The blood test was a painless finger prick, and the swab was replaced with a piece of scotch tape. We were all amazed, and very grateful! We still need to take in some body-function samples, but his medical certificate should be ready by the time we return from the conference.
After the clinic, Eric drug Danya to the tailor to measure for his uniform. He came home with black trousers, and a green blazer. The white shirt and vest are out of stock, but we should be able to pick them up before school starts. We'll need to buy his sports clothes, and some black shoes, but other than that, we're all set! I am so amazed, since I assumed I would start the medical and uniform processes this past Monday. I've be free to do some of the follow up things with the clinic, but won't be burdened with doing it all myself!
Tima has had the most emotional adjustment, complete with a lot of nighttime wailing, begging to sleep in our bed. I reintroduced his ‘burpie’ which he stopped using this summer. When he first saw it, it made him cry harder, I guess out of joy! But it seems to help him a little go to sleep! But, last night he didn't cry at all.
The first day, Tima commented at the playground, "That boy speaks Russian!" He really sounded surprised. When he saw the TV in our living room, he exclaimed, "This is where we watch Lazy Town!" (We haven't been able to find it, and don't know how to find a tv schedule.
Ella walks around and as she discovers things, says, "This pink ____ for me?"
Insert -boots, -backpack, -doll, -potty.
Since she wasn't aware of colors when we left, now it's incredible for her to find all these pink toys and clothes. She is in accessory heaven, with her cowboy boots, slippers, and the hats and scarves and mittens in her drawer. It was a mistake to not store her cold-weather clothes, as she's always begging to wear them outside.
Every time Ella goes to the bathroom, she asks, “We in Russia, Momma?” It’s possible she thinks that room is ‘Russia.’ (When he was 3, Tima thought that the church building we first stayed in was ‘Ukraine’.) But I think it’s the natural result of my telling her all summer that she had a pink potty in Russia.
Our former babysitter, Renata, has babysat each morning this week. She is staying with us since Eric left. The kids were so excited to see her, although Ella clung to me for the first 30 minutes. But when it was time for me to go, there were no tears! The kids love the playgrounds just outside our building, and throughout the neighborhood. I couldn’t convince them to cross the big road to the woods, but Renata took them wading in the pond there. We went to a bigger lake with the Huddlestons yesterday evening. It’s about 30 minutes walk away, with a big beach and a sign that says, No Swimming! We decided to follow the cultural rules (all the people in the water) instead of the written ones… IT was pretty dirty, so we took a bath at home.
I enjoyed walking in the woods the other day, and had a little cry. (I seem to express my grief only when walking surrounded by Colorado grasslands or Russian forests). I found raspberries and a tiny snail. The paths were full of people walking, cycling, and near the lake, sunbathing. I wish I could have photographed the two young men playing badminton, wearing jeans and no shirts. Classic.
Favorite Memories of the Summer
When I look back on the summer, the highlight had to be our extended-family trip to Glenwood Springs. My parents generously brought my sister and her family, and us, for a weekend at the hot springs pool in the mountains. Though they had desires to do some hiking and other activities, the kids were so in love with the pool that we ended up going every day.
Adi relaxing with Dani.
Dave with Mae
Last Week
One last week in Colorado.
We're spending three days with my parents, then three with Eric's. And suddenly, the reality of our departure to Russia is hitting home. In happy and sad ways...
Listening to my sister tell about her garden, I'm so sad that we can't share in the harvest. I'm trying to soak up the sunshine, relish in the green grass, and capture the impossible beauty of the Colorado sky. When I watch my parents with my kids, I'm so sad that they won't see each other for over a year. Playing with my nieces, I am overwhelmed at the pain of separation. When we see them next, they'll probably be three!
But I've been also looking forward to unpacking for good. We've moved 8 times through this summer, and it's getting really old. And I'm looking forward to using the kids' toy shelves, bunk beds, and a even a real bed for Ella! She's been on a mattress on the floor almost everywhere we've stayed. Though I'll miss the huge American washers and dryers, there's something to the rhythm of doing our laundry at home.
The boys can't wait to get back to Russia. They just spent their allowance, and bought mostly Star Wars toys. And they are upset we won't be able to play with Nate and Nick for another week. I'm glad they're not upset about leaving, but am trying to help them appreciate the things we enjoy here alone.
We fly to St. Petersburg on August 5th, arriving the 6th. After a week at home, we will go just outside of the city for a few weeks of staff conferences and theological classes. So, I'm trying not to get too concerned with how that's going to feel!
We're spending three days with my parents, then three with Eric's. And suddenly, the reality of our departure to Russia is hitting home. In happy and sad ways...
Listening to my sister tell about her garden, I'm so sad that we can't share in the harvest. I'm trying to soak up the sunshine, relish in the green grass, and capture the impossible beauty of the Colorado sky. When I watch my parents with my kids, I'm so sad that they won't see each other for over a year. Playing with my nieces, I am overwhelmed at the pain of separation. When we see them next, they'll probably be three!
But I've been also looking forward to unpacking for good. We've moved 8 times through this summer, and it's getting really old. And I'm looking forward to using the kids' toy shelves, bunk beds, and a even a real bed for Ella! She's been on a mattress on the floor almost everywhere we've stayed. Though I'll miss the huge American washers and dryers, there's something to the rhythm of doing our laundry at home.
The boys can't wait to get back to Russia. They just spent their allowance, and bought mostly Star Wars toys. And they are upset we won't be able to play with Nate and Nick for another week. I'm glad they're not upset about leaving, but am trying to help them appreciate the things we enjoy here alone.
We fly to St. Petersburg on August 5th, arriving the 6th. After a week at home, we will go just outside of the city for a few weeks of staff conferences and theological classes. So, I'm trying not to get too concerned with how that's going to feel!
The Girly Girl
Ella has really developed her girliness in the last few months.
When we arrived in May, she didn't even know her colors. Now she tells me every day, "My fav-rit color pink.... I like pink... I like pu-pul, I like geen." We have tears every day she doesn't get to wear a dress. And among the growing number of dresses, she has her favorites--mostly the pink ones! In fact, she won't wear my favorite, which is a beautiful deep blue covered in tiny stars.
When she's in a dress, she tells me, "I look p'etty!" And sometimes she follows by saying, "Danya Tima not look petty." At times, she walks around singing, "I look pet-ty, I look petty."
Today, she was decked out in her pink-flowered swimsuit, pink polka-dot dress, and even pink hairbands. I must be honest, most of the pink items are purchased by Eric. I'm still learning to like the color. But my little girl is teaching me to embrace my feminity!
When we arrived in May, she didn't even know her colors. Now she tells me every day, "My fav-rit color pink.... I like pink... I like pu-pul, I like geen." We have tears every day she doesn't get to wear a dress. And among the growing number of dresses, she has her favorites--mostly the pink ones! In fact, she won't wear my favorite, which is a beautiful deep blue covered in tiny stars.
When she's in a dress, she tells me, "I look p'etty!" And sometimes she follows by saying, "Danya Tima not look petty." At times, she walks around singing, "I look pet-ty, I look petty."
Today, she was decked out in her pink-flowered swimsuit, pink polka-dot dress, and even pink hairbands. I must be honest, most of the pink items are purchased by Eric. I'm still learning to like the color. But my little girl is teaching me to embrace my feminity!
4th of July
Who knew I could decide spontaneously to take three children out to see fireworks, at 9pm, in their pajamas?
Who knew we could find the public display by just weaving around the roads till we saw a bunch of parked cars?
Who knew the kids would be fussy in the car, and I would lead us along the dark path to sit outside with the crowd ... still in our pajamas?
Who knew that momma's lap would just be too small for two squirmy children who want to stretch out and cuddle simultaneously?
Who knew the little girl wouldn't be scared of the booming noise?
Everybody knew the seven-year-old would love every minute!
Who knew a five-year-old could fall asleep while watching fireworks?
Who knew I could carry the two-year-old while pushing the five-year-old in the stroller?
Who knew that there would be a lot of crying when she had to walk up the stairs because her brother was completely asleep?
Who knew that it would be worth it anyway?
Who knew we could find the public display by just weaving around the roads till we saw a bunch of parked cars?
Who knew the kids would be fussy in the car, and I would lead us along the dark path to sit outside with the crowd ... still in our pajamas?
Who knew that momma's lap would just be too small for two squirmy children who want to stretch out and cuddle simultaneously?
Who knew the little girl wouldn't be scared of the booming noise?
Everybody knew the seven-year-old would love every minute!
Who knew a five-year-old could fall asleep while watching fireworks?
Who knew I could carry the two-year-old while pushing the five-year-old in the stroller?
Who knew that there would be a lot of crying when she had to walk up the stairs because her brother was completely asleep?
Who knew that it would be worth it anyway?
Tima is FIVE!!
For Tima's fifth birthday, we had a small gathering... since three of the families we would have invited are out of town, I was worried it would be too small. But we ended up with 11 kids and 12 adults! Pictured from left to right are Tony (arm) and Addie Dormish, Danya and Tima, Clyde and Tess Kertzer.
Tima was absolutely hyper from receiving so many gifts. Since I'm the person who remembers that it's appropriate to bring gifts to birthday parties once I'm there, I was surprised that everyone brought him something! And it's a good thing his big brother is well-practiced in assemblying toys. Bionicles, Legos, Transformers... we have enough spatial manipulation to make engineers proud. Maybe this is why it's such a male-dominated field!
Just a note to say that Tima started acting like a five-year-old a few months ago. He has become very helpful, especially with Ella. Often, if she's upset, he'll hug her, or run and get the object she's throwing a tantrum over. He's started to really be interested in how things work, and imagining solutions to problems (the solutions are usually quite fantastic). It's official, too, that he knows all of his letters, though N and Y are still sticky.
Tomorrow we're going to participate in a kids' fun-run in Erie, CO. At bedtime, Tima said that he would win because, "I'm going to use my super powers and you won't even be able to see my legs!"
From the Black Hole
In case you wondered, we have been swallowed up in a black hole. This transmission is reaching you with the greatest effort!
To catch up: In May, we traveled separately back to Colorado. The kids and I flew early, and every thing went as good as could be expected... for traveling alone with three kids... and the international flight being canceled! Seriously, I just had to focus on not getting anxious, since everything looked terrible, but worked out just fine. We arrived in Colorado one hour later (and the flight time was two hours shorter!) than planned. We went through the usual jet-lag stage, which is never fun. But my parents really helped and I got a two-hour nap each day! Eric arrived 10 days later, and experienced no jet lag at all. We spent wonderful time with both of our sets of parents, my sister and her family, and friends. After about 5 weeks of new-week-new-home living, we were very ready to settle into Dani and Daves' home. They are graciously letting us stay for a month, and it felt good to unpack! Although we also are experiencing the burden and stress of how much space our family of five takes up. But we are so thankful that God has provided a comfortable place to live through them, and also a wonderful car.
Now, we are in a pretty busy rhythm. Hence, the black hole of email communication! We are spending time in swimming lessons, doctors and dentist appointments, spending time with dear friends and family, keeping up with our responsibilities with the Russian campus ministry, and, oh, trying to raise support!
It is a challenge to trust God to provide for our needs, but we know that He will enable us to do that, to which He has called us. And, we are also learning how we can live on less like so many people in this economic downturn.
We have only the month of June in the Boulder area, as July will see a trip to Texas, Colorado Springs, and then two weeks of conferences. We leave for Russia on August 5th in time to go to our conferences there! How can two months be so short?
Overall, we are learning to be grateful for what we have. (I've had to apply this phrase to myself after repeating it hundreds of times to my kids!) And that applies to time, as well. We look forward to spending as much time as possible with our friends and family here, and be grateful that God has given us so many communities around the world which are dear to our hearts.
To catch up: In May, we traveled separately back to Colorado. The kids and I flew early, and every thing went as good as could be expected... for traveling alone with three kids... and the international flight being canceled! Seriously, I just had to focus on not getting anxious, since everything looked terrible, but worked out just fine. We arrived in Colorado one hour later (and the flight time was two hours shorter!) than planned. We went through the usual jet-lag stage, which is never fun. But my parents really helped and I got a two-hour nap each day! Eric arrived 10 days later, and experienced no jet lag at all. We spent wonderful time with both of our sets of parents, my sister and her family, and friends. After about 5 weeks of new-week-new-home living, we were very ready to settle into Dani and Daves' home. They are graciously letting us stay for a month, and it felt good to unpack! Although we also are experiencing the burden and stress of how much space our family of five takes up. But we are so thankful that God has provided a comfortable place to live through them, and also a wonderful car.
Now, we are in a pretty busy rhythm. Hence, the black hole of email communication! We are spending time in swimming lessons, doctors and dentist appointments, spending time with dear friends and family, keeping up with our responsibilities with the Russian campus ministry, and, oh, trying to raise support!
It is a challenge to trust God to provide for our needs, but we know that He will enable us to do that, to which He has called us. And, we are also learning how we can live on less like so many people in this economic downturn.
We have only the month of June in the Boulder area, as July will see a trip to Texas, Colorado Springs, and then two weeks of conferences. We leave for Russia on August 5th in time to go to our conferences there! How can two months be so short?
Overall, we are learning to be grateful for what we have. (I've had to apply this phrase to myself after repeating it hundreds of times to my kids!) And that applies to time, as well. We look forward to spending as much time as possible with our friends and family here, and be grateful that God has given us so many communities around the world which are dear to our hearts.
I eat dog
When leaving our friends' house last night, a teenage boy told our kids a joke:
"I saw a skunk that was dead on the road. I won it. ... You say, "I two it."
Danya replied, "I two it.'
"I three it."
"I four it."
"I five it."
"I six it."
"I seven it."
"I eight it."
"You ate the skunk!"
Our kids thought it was hilarious. And all the way home, they attempted to recreate the joke. But, not content to just repeat it, they tried to make up new endings. So we had all kinds of dog 'jokes' with punch lines like, "I elves it."
Then Ella spoke up, "My turn."
And she told her first joke. "I eat dog."
"I saw a skunk that was dead on the road. I won it. ... You say, "I two it."
Danya replied, "I two it.'
"I three it."
"I four it."
"I five it."
"I six it."
"I seven it."
"I eight it."
"You ate the skunk!"
Our kids thought it was hilarious. And all the way home, they attempted to recreate the joke. But, not content to just repeat it, they tried to make up new endings. So we had all kinds of dog 'jokes' with punch lines like, "I elves it."
Then Ella spoke up, "My turn."
And she told her first joke. "I eat dog."
Fun with Cousins
Aunt Dani and Tima, trying to fly a kite without wind.
My parents beautiful yard, complete with sandbox and improvised climbing device!
My sister, Dani, getting the three cousins ready for the pool.
Ella, Mae, and Adi, having more fun than it looks like!
Colorado and family
The kids and I are loving being surrounded by family, soaking in the Colorado sunshine, and enjoying the perks of life in the States--like rec centers, bikes and town fairs. Last night Dani and Dave hosted their annual bbq, and I got to see many old friends, plus my grandmother and aunt and uncle. Today we went to my parents' church in Erie, and relished the small town feel of the community, plus the beauty of the old steepled building.
Last night, everyone slept six hours straight for the first time. Ella is having a hard time going to sleep unless I stay with her, and she wakes up crying most of the time. (That's been happening since all the construction noise in our St Pete apartment, and all the new places aren't helping!) But the last two days, she's fallen asleep at naptime with my mother there instead of me. So I'm hopeful!
Eric really enjoyed his time in Budapest with our new local leaders. Now he has two more days in Moscow, then a day of travel. We'll see him Wednesday night!
On Friday, we'll go to Eric's parents for a few days, so if you're local and want to see us this week, give me a call! If you don't know the number, just comment on this or email me:
kara.coe@promail.ru
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