Did you know that you can go to this website and get a FREE 8 x 10 canvas? All you have to pay for is shipping. I did it. And of course, I got a picture of Avery put on it. And it's adorable.
So, I suggest you do the same. Although, it'd be kinda weird if all of you got an 8 x 10 of Avery...
9 week post on Avery to come later...providing I have time!
Showing posts with label internet. Show all posts
Showing posts with label internet. Show all posts
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Lookin' for some Cookin?...
I've been meaning to post this link for a few weeks now, but am now just getting the chance.
One of the websites I love to read, The Pioneer Woman, has launched another site, called Tasty Kitchen.
If you like to use allrecipes or the foodnetwork, you'll probably really like this website, too. It is organized and easy to use.
Just thought I'd share!
One of the websites I love to read, The Pioneer Woman, has launched another site, called Tasty Kitchen.
If you like to use allrecipes or the foodnetwork, you'll probably really like this website, too. It is organized and easy to use.
Just thought I'd share!
Monday, February 23, 2009
Internet, Schminternet...
We have been having some problems with our internet in our apartment. It doesn't like to work between 7-10 pm. Our best guess is the infrastructure cannot support the volume of internet users each evening, but we wanted to make sure there was nothing else interfering with our ability to use Skype.
So, Gulnara came over the other night and was going to bring an internet guy with her. She came and immediately realized that the cordless phone doesn't work. We knew this and had told them, but whatever... We were pretty sure this wasn't effecting the internet capabilities, since the cable runs through a splitter.
Gulnara called her mom (landlady) to tell her the phone doesn't work and we could tell they were arguing about that. Saida called back to tell Gulnara that the phone DOES work, even though it doesn't. Really.
The next part got Stephen and I chuckling because as Gulnara was on the phone with her mom, her speaking slowed down and her voice got loud and firm as she said, "Mom, eta telefon nee ra-bo-ta-yet!" She pronounced each syllable deliberately, much as I would if I were trying to make a point. The exact translation of what Gulnara said is, "Mom, the telephone does not work!"
We have told this story to our parents on skype and they didn't really laugh. We think it's hilarious! You are probably thinking, "Yeah, that's not that funny." I guess you had to be there.
Sometimes, we just find comfort in knowing that there are similar cultural things that happen, even if you're on the other side of the world. A daughter making a point to a stubborn mother can be handled with pro-nounc-ing each syl-la-ble, care-ful-ly, and loud-ly.
Just thought it was funny.
So, Gulnara came over the other night and was going to bring an internet guy with her. She came and immediately realized that the cordless phone doesn't work. We knew this and had told them, but whatever... We were pretty sure this wasn't effecting the internet capabilities, since the cable runs through a splitter.
Gulnara called her mom (landlady) to tell her the phone doesn't work and we could tell they were arguing about that. Saida called back to tell Gulnara that the phone DOES work, even though it doesn't. Really.
The next part got Stephen and I chuckling because as Gulnara was on the phone with her mom, her speaking slowed down and her voice got loud and firm as she said, "Mom, eta telefon nee ra-bo-ta-yet!" She pronounced each syllable deliberately, much as I would if I were trying to make a point. The exact translation of what Gulnara said is, "Mom, the telephone does not work!"
We have told this story to our parents on skype and they didn't really laugh. We think it's hilarious! You are probably thinking, "Yeah, that's not that funny." I guess you had to be there.
Sometimes, we just find comfort in knowing that there are similar cultural things that happen, even if you're on the other side of the world. A daughter making a point to a stubborn mother can be handled with pro-nounc-ing each syl-la-ble, care-ful-ly, and loud-ly.
Just thought it was funny.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Another Big Move...
Although, they are getting smaller each time. This is because every time I go to pack my clothes, I get more and more picky with what I put in the suitcases. I am so tired of moving all this STUFF!
But, we really don't have a lot of STUFF. We moved on Saturday, and it only took 3 trips in a Honda CR-V (not the largest SUV) and both of us and our driver still rode in the car. That's not that bad, right?
One reason I hate moving is that I feel judged throughout the whole process. While we're packing things, Huzz seems to comment a lot on how many clothes I have. It is taking him a while to realize that girls have tons more clothes than boys. It's just nature.
Then, I feel judged on moving day because whoever is helping us, and inevitably SOMEONE help us, which I am extremely grateful for, but that person/people always comment on how much stuff there is.
It makes me feel about this big.
Anyway, I was able to clear away two huge piles of clothes that I don't wear anymore -- thankfully, most of it is from my REALLY fat days, so it's too big. We are trying to figure out what to do with said clothes, as they are perfectly fine for wearing still, but there is no such thing as a "Salvation Army" or a place where you can donate clothes. Our church doesn't have a working program to do that, either. Our best idea is to give the clothes to the workers at the orphanage we have helped at. Now, getting them there is a new task.
We got all moved in to our Soviet apartment! It's very cozy and homey...and HOT. The heating runs on a government-controlled system and it is flippin' hot in the evenings. We are opening the windows!
It's pretty funny because when we were living in the first apartment last summer, when the electricity and internet and hot water would go out, we would look down on the Soviet block apartments below us and say, "At least we don't have to live there!"
Hello, reality check.
Ironically enough, I like the Soviet apartment more than that first one!
I was a little grumpy yesterday because I was finding that the apartment is just so dirty, I can't do anything until I clean it. Dishes, counters, floors, shower, furniture...you name it, I cleaned it.
Oh well. Patience.
Also, we are pretty sure the pipes under the bathtub are leaking, as the floor is sopping wet after each shower.
And we went to buy a drying rack for our clothes yesterday, but the cheapest one at the store was about FORTY DOLLARS, or 4,000 tenge. Um, no.
But I can't do laundry until we get one.
Sigh.
On the brightest side of everything, we finally have high speed internet at home!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It has only taken us seven months, but we had it within 15 minutes of moving in on Saturday. Such relief.
And, we started watching the Lost DVD's yesterday. Kelsi got us seasons 1-3 for Christmas and we are HOOKED.
Do you watch Lost? Don't tell me what happens!
But, we really don't have a lot of STUFF. We moved on Saturday, and it only took 3 trips in a Honda CR-V (not the largest SUV) and both of us and our driver still rode in the car. That's not that bad, right?
One reason I hate moving is that I feel judged throughout the whole process. While we're packing things, Huzz seems to comment a lot on how many clothes I have. It is taking him a while to realize that girls have tons more clothes than boys. It's just nature.
Then, I feel judged on moving day because whoever is helping us, and inevitably SOMEONE help us, which I am extremely grateful for, but that person/people always comment on how much stuff there is.
It makes me feel about this big.
Anyway, I was able to clear away two huge piles of clothes that I don't wear anymore -- thankfully, most of it is from my REALLY fat days, so it's too big. We are trying to figure out what to do with said clothes, as they are perfectly fine for wearing still, but there is no such thing as a "Salvation Army" or a place where you can donate clothes. Our church doesn't have a working program to do that, either. Our best idea is to give the clothes to the workers at the orphanage we have helped at. Now, getting them there is a new task.
We got all moved in to our Soviet apartment! It's very cozy and homey...and HOT. The heating runs on a government-controlled system and it is flippin' hot in the evenings. We are opening the windows!
It's pretty funny because when we were living in the first apartment last summer, when the electricity and internet and hot water would go out, we would look down on the Soviet block apartments below us and say, "At least we don't have to live there!"
Hello, reality check.
Ironically enough, I like the Soviet apartment more than that first one!
I was a little grumpy yesterday because I was finding that the apartment is just so dirty, I can't do anything until I clean it. Dishes, counters, floors, shower, furniture...you name it, I cleaned it.
Oh well. Patience.
Also, we are pretty sure the pipes under the bathtub are leaking, as the floor is sopping wet after each shower.
And we went to buy a drying rack for our clothes yesterday, but the cheapest one at the store was about FORTY DOLLARS, or 4,000 tenge. Um, no.
But I can't do laundry until we get one.
Sigh.
On the brightest side of everything, we finally have high speed internet at home!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It has only taken us seven months, but we had it within 15 minutes of moving in on Saturday. Such relief.
And, we started watching the Lost DVD's yesterday. Kelsi got us seasons 1-3 for Christmas and we are HOOKED.
Do you watch Lost? Don't tell me what happens!
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Frustrations...
Hello faithful readers! This blog entry is a facade. It is a facade, in that I cannot post pictures. We had beautiful snow fall this weekend and I just wanted to post some pictures of that today. However, the big K is making this difficult on me. From now on, it looks as though I may only be able to post pictures to the blog when I can get into Stephen's office and have a good sit-down at the internet there.
The school decided to block pretty much anything and everything when using the internet and has deemed blogger.com as "unsuitable content."
The internet access we have at our house is dial-up. The computer says it's 56k, but it's definitely not that fast. It is impossible to upload pictures. It takes a good 5 minutes to tell me that it's just not going to happen.
Am I upset? Ha! If you know me at all, you know the answer to that question.
I will tell you that I am having an incredibly difficult time right now. I'll blog more about it when I have more time on the internet. Right now, my momma is supposed to call me soon tonight and I want her to be able to get through the phone line. I miss my mom. Although we get to talk on the phone more than I thought we would, we haven't been able to do video Skype in a loooooong time. Hopefully we can make it to Stephen's office this weekend and set up Skype dates.
If you think of it, say a little prayer for little 'ol me. I feel like I'm at the end of my rope, so they say. Just ask Stephen. He would probably agree with that statement with gusto. On second thought, say a little prayer for him, as he is the one who has to deal with me each day!
The school decided to block pretty much anything and everything when using the internet and has deemed blogger.com as "unsuitable content."
The internet access we have at our house is dial-up. The computer says it's 56k, but it's definitely not that fast. It is impossible to upload pictures. It takes a good 5 minutes to tell me that it's just not going to happen.
Am I upset? Ha! If you know me at all, you know the answer to that question.
I will tell you that I am having an incredibly difficult time right now. I'll blog more about it when I have more time on the internet. Right now, my momma is supposed to call me soon tonight and I want her to be able to get through the phone line. I miss my mom. Although we get to talk on the phone more than I thought we would, we haven't been able to do video Skype in a loooooong time. Hopefully we can make it to Stephen's office this weekend and set up Skype dates.
If you think of it, say a little prayer for little 'ol me. I feel like I'm at the end of my rope, so they say. Just ask Stephen. He would probably agree with that statement with gusto. On second thought, say a little prayer for him, as he is the one who has to deal with me each day!
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Internet Launched
By my title, you must be thinking to yourself, "Beth must be so happy!"
You would be more than correct.
I had an interesting day yesterday (Tuesday) here at the apartment. The first thing that happened was at around 11 am, I was just stepping out of the shower and I heard the doorbell ringing...continuously. Stephen was at work. I was not expecting anyone. I am dripping wet.
Well, I went towards the door and (thank goodness) we have a neat contraption of which uses a video camera to show who is outside. I know this can be accomplished with a simple peephole, but we live in a technological world these days. The peephole has graduated to a tiny video camera.
There were a couple of ladies' faces on the screen, of which I did not recognize.
Now, let me interject my own thought process on this little scenario: 1) I am alone. 2) I am in a foreign country. 3) I have read that if you don't know who is at your door, don't answer it. 4) I shouldn't open the door.
But I did. In my towel.
The younger chick said she was here to show the apartment and the landlord said she could. Fury rose inside me like you wouldn't believe. I just couldn't believe the audacity of the landlord to A: assume I'm home, B: assume I'd open the door, C: assume that it's alright with me to let complete strangers in. That's a lot of assuming. And you know what happens when you ASSUME.
Anyway, I made them stand in the hallway while I threw some clothes on. Now, I had big plans of taking my time getting ready. I was going to put lotion on, pluck my eyebrows, do all that girly stuff that seems to take time, so you don't do it every day. You gals know what I mean. But, I threw on some clothes and chucked my 4 pairs of shoes that were in the middle of the bedroom floor into one of the suitcases. I let the people in.
The couple looking at the place were very nice and she was very apologetic to me. The realtor was not. I was very honest with the lady about the fact that the internet hadn't worked for the last 3 weeks and the bedroom A/C unit doesn't work. So, they left. It just threw my day off.
Then, at about noon, the landlord called, and I was able to make out enough of her Russian to believe she was telling me the "Master" was coming over soon. Four hours later, he did show up.
And yes, there was Russian yelling at me.
After about 1/2 hour, he called the landlord and figured out that she had given me the wrong user name and password a couple of weeks ago. So, he felt the need to yell and scream and tear up the old password and throw it on the table and tell me I wasted his time. I told him to get out. "Das Vadanya!" I yelled back, and pointed to the door. By the way, there is no swearing in Das Vadanya...just means good-bye!
Can you believe I kicked him out? Sometimes, I surprise even myself!
However, the moral of the story is this: the internet now works at the apartment. I am once again connected to the rest of the world. At least, it works now. If you lose track of me, it will mean that I lost all connectivity again and you can bet that I'm sad.
Igor, our driver, is coming to get me at 2:30 this afternoon and I am going shopping at Pamctop by myself, for the first time! I'm a little scared, but I should be fine.
It is good to be back.
You would be more than correct.
I had an interesting day yesterday (Tuesday) here at the apartment. The first thing that happened was at around 11 am, I was just stepping out of the shower and I heard the doorbell ringing...continuously. Stephen was at work. I was not expecting anyone. I am dripping wet.
Well, I went towards the door and (thank goodness) we have a neat contraption of which uses a video camera to show who is outside. I know this can be accomplished with a simple peephole, but we live in a technological world these days. The peephole has graduated to a tiny video camera.
There were a couple of ladies' faces on the screen, of which I did not recognize.
Now, let me interject my own thought process on this little scenario: 1) I am alone. 2) I am in a foreign country. 3) I have read that if you don't know who is at your door, don't answer it. 4) I shouldn't open the door.
But I did. In my towel.
The younger chick said she was here to show the apartment and the landlord said she could. Fury rose inside me like you wouldn't believe. I just couldn't believe the audacity of the landlord to A: assume I'm home, B: assume I'd open the door, C: assume that it's alright with me to let complete strangers in. That's a lot of assuming. And you know what happens when you ASSUME.
Anyway, I made them stand in the hallway while I threw some clothes on. Now, I had big plans of taking my time getting ready. I was going to put lotion on, pluck my eyebrows, do all that girly stuff that seems to take time, so you don't do it every day. You gals know what I mean. But, I threw on some clothes and chucked my 4 pairs of shoes that were in the middle of the bedroom floor into one of the suitcases. I let the people in.
The couple looking at the place were very nice and she was very apologetic to me. The realtor was not. I was very honest with the lady about the fact that the internet hadn't worked for the last 3 weeks and the bedroom A/C unit doesn't work. So, they left. It just threw my day off.
Then, at about noon, the landlord called, and I was able to make out enough of her Russian to believe she was telling me the "Master" was coming over soon. Four hours later, he did show up.
And yes, there was Russian yelling at me.
After about 1/2 hour, he called the landlord and figured out that she had given me the wrong user name and password a couple of weeks ago. So, he felt the need to yell and scream and tear up the old password and throw it on the table and tell me I wasted his time. I told him to get out. "Das Vadanya!" I yelled back, and pointed to the door. By the way, there is no swearing in Das Vadanya...just means good-bye!
Can you believe I kicked him out? Sometimes, I surprise even myself!
However, the moral of the story is this: the internet now works at the apartment. I am once again connected to the rest of the world. At least, it works now. If you lose track of me, it will mean that I lost all connectivity again and you can bet that I'm sad.
Igor, our driver, is coming to get me at 2:30 this afternoon and I am going shopping at Pamctop by myself, for the first time! I'm a little scared, but I should be fine.
It is good to be back.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
I'm Sorry!
Okay, I know we've been in the Big K for over two weeks and I haven't updated the blog. I'm sorry. However, it has been out of my control.
You know my last post, when I mentioned that we would have internet in our apartment?
We don't.
It did work the first night we got into town. We had it, just long enough to call my mom really quick on Skype to tell them we had made it. When we woke up the next morning, no internet. And we haven't had it since.
The landlord came over to see if it would work, made some phone calls that involved angry-sounding Russian. Still no internet.
They came over every day, with a "Master" (of computers?) and still no internet. This went on for several days. Oh, it also involved them yelling at me, as if I was purposefully willing it not to work, in Russian. And no matter how much I informed them that I don't speak Russian (yet), they continued to think that if they said whatever they were saying LOUDER, I would magically start to understand. I really didn't like the "Master."
The last time I saw the Master, he finally figured out that the landlord hadn't paid the bill for the internet, so it had been cut off. Ha! Supposedly, they paid it.
Still, no internet. And we haven't heard from them since. We are not banking on having internet at this apartment...ever.
So, my exposure to this lovely, amazing thing that we all take for granted, the Internet, has been limited to weekend-only usage at Stephen's office. And today has been my only chance to really spend more time on here than just checking my email real quick, once we talk to Moms and Dads on Skype.
Okay, enough griping about the lack of internet. Well, one more thought on that. While laying in bed for several nights of crying myself to sleep (due to exponential amounts of boredom during the day, loneliness, and isolation -- all because of no internet, of course), I am convinced that He is trying to get me to learn the all too valued fruit of the spirit: patience. I am learning I don't have much of this and I am going to have to learn to get it while we live here. So, my current prayer, for myself, is that I get me some of that.
Anyway, now I will talk about what Stephen and I have been up to since we got here 17 days ago. We have actually been busy, mostly on the weekends, since Stephen has been working, pretty much since we got here.
We met one of my future co-workers, John, and his wife, Vanera. We like hanging out with them. They are very interesting and fun. You'll learn more about them, as I blog what we're up to. But, last weekend, they took us hiking in the mountains that are so close! We went to an area called "Madeo." I'm not sure on that spelling, but I'm sure it's close. It was really fun, except that it reminded me that I am far from being in shape. Although, I wasn't as sore the next day as I expected to be. It was the first time, for me, of hiking with cows. Yes, there were cows wandering the trails with us. Oh! And, I recognized this plant that we learned about when we were on our Alaskan cruise, called Skunk Cabbage. It grows like crazy here! In case you didn't know, some animals use Skunk Cabbage like we use Tums or Pepto Bismol when we are feeling "not quite right." I saw some cows eating it. Must've had some stale grass.
We also met up last weekend with some new friends, Matt & Jonna. They are neat people, teaching English here. Jonna grew up in Woodland Park (just outside of Colorado Springs)! Isn't that crazy? They have an adorable baby, Caleb. You will also learn more about them later. They took us to a local restaurant and we had an Uzbek dish, called Logmon. It had homemade, thick, spaghetti-type noodles, lamb, and veggies with a kicky sauce. Loved it. Stephen liked it, too, but we are starting to question if he has a slight allergy to cabbage, as his lips got a little puffy and he felt weird for the rest of the night. Apparently, this has happened before with him. I'm thinking that as his wife, I need to know these things.
Sidenote, Stephen has only had one bout with accidentally eating nuts, so far. Those crazy sauces with their ground up nuts. It's a little difficult here, when you can't speak the language and you're eating unfamiliar foods.
We have been going to the Ramstore a lot. In Russian, it's spelled Pamctop. Neat, huh? Pamctop is where we have been doing our grocery shopping because we can get a lot of American products. Plus, it's only a couple of blocks from our place right now, so it's convenient. Once we get into our permanent home, I hope to do more serious shopping at the local level.
Our apartment will now be ready on 8 August. [That is me, attempting to write the date the way they write it, outside of the US.] I will start work on 3 August, with teacher orientation. I am very excited for this to start, as I am quite bored during the day. Did I mention that? I have some pictures of our apartment to show you, but my computer won't connect to the internet at the office. You'll have to wait. However, in all my boredom, I managed to open all 10 boxes that we brought and basically have strewn their contents all about the flat. [That's me, attempting to speak British, whilst I type.] Anyway, I came across my collection of knitting needles, my knitting books, and one skein of pink yarn. I chose the most challenging baby sweater to knit and I'm already halfway done! However, I don't think the one skein will be enough, of course. I am hoping I can find some neat yarn at the Market, one day, when I'm not scared of it. The yarn, not the Market.
I am happiest when I get out of the apartment, even if it's just for a meal, but mostly when I get to use the internet and talk to our parents. Stephen has been so supportive and understanding of all my crying. And trust me, there has been crying. Mostly of frustration, so nothing a little crying can't handle. Although, if you think of it, I can use some healing prayer. I am experiencing shooting pains in my stomach, about 30 minutes after I eat, every time I eat. We bought that Dannon Activia yogurt and a bunch of green vegetables at the store yesterday and I'm hoping I just need to get regulated. I know it's also partly due to stress, as when I am even a little stressed, my stomach usually bothers me. We have noticed that they don't serve vegetables a whole lot with their meals here. I am a person who will crave a nice bowl of peas, broccoli, or green beans every few days.
We hired a driver this week. His name is Igor. He is very nice and his English is better than our Russian, so I think we'll survive.
I know that we are supposed to be here and He will carry us through our difficulties. Sometimes, it is hard to remember that when the power goes out, right when you've reached your parents on Skype. Or when you wake up in the middle of the night with stomach pains. Or when you just want to call your sister and tell her you love her because you know she needs to hear it, but you can't.
We are doing great. We are taken care of. We are learning about ourselves and this world we live in. We are growing closer together and closer to our Father each day. Although I'm sure that is partly why we are here, I know that there is so much more to come that cannot be expected or assumed. I am grateful for all that we have and I am learning that He is enough for me.
Until who knows when...
Love,
Me
You know my last post, when I mentioned that we would have internet in our apartment?
We don't.
It did work the first night we got into town. We had it, just long enough to call my mom really quick on Skype to tell them we had made it. When we woke up the next morning, no internet. And we haven't had it since.
The landlord came over to see if it would work, made some phone calls that involved angry-sounding Russian. Still no internet.
They came over every day, with a "Master" (of computers?) and still no internet. This went on for several days. Oh, it also involved them yelling at me, as if I was purposefully willing it not to work, in Russian. And no matter how much I informed them that I don't speak Russian (yet), they continued to think that if they said whatever they were saying LOUDER, I would magically start to understand. I really didn't like the "Master."
The last time I saw the Master, he finally figured out that the landlord hadn't paid the bill for the internet, so it had been cut off. Ha! Supposedly, they paid it.
Still, no internet. And we haven't heard from them since. We are not banking on having internet at this apartment...ever.
So, my exposure to this lovely, amazing thing that we all take for granted, the Internet, has been limited to weekend-only usage at Stephen's office. And today has been my only chance to really spend more time on here than just checking my email real quick, once we talk to Moms and Dads on Skype.
Okay, enough griping about the lack of internet. Well, one more thought on that. While laying in bed for several nights of crying myself to sleep (due to exponential amounts of boredom during the day, loneliness, and isolation -- all because of no internet, of course), I am convinced that He is trying to get me to learn the all too valued fruit of the spirit: patience. I am learning I don't have much of this and I am going to have to learn to get it while we live here. So, my current prayer, for myself, is that I get me some of that.
Anyway, now I will talk about what Stephen and I have been up to since we got here 17 days ago. We have actually been busy, mostly on the weekends, since Stephen has been working, pretty much since we got here.
We met one of my future co-workers, John, and his wife, Vanera. We like hanging out with them. They are very interesting and fun. You'll learn more about them, as I blog what we're up to. But, last weekend, they took us hiking in the mountains that are so close! We went to an area called "Madeo." I'm not sure on that spelling, but I'm sure it's close. It was really fun, except that it reminded me that I am far from being in shape. Although, I wasn't as sore the next day as I expected to be. It was the first time, for me, of hiking with cows. Yes, there were cows wandering the trails with us. Oh! And, I recognized this plant that we learned about when we were on our Alaskan cruise, called Skunk Cabbage. It grows like crazy here! In case you didn't know, some animals use Skunk Cabbage like we use Tums or Pepto Bismol when we are feeling "not quite right." I saw some cows eating it. Must've had some stale grass.
We also met up last weekend with some new friends, Matt & Jonna. They are neat people, teaching English here. Jonna grew up in Woodland Park (just outside of Colorado Springs)! Isn't that crazy? They have an adorable baby, Caleb. You will also learn more about them later. They took us to a local restaurant and we had an Uzbek dish, called Logmon. It had homemade, thick, spaghetti-type noodles, lamb, and veggies with a kicky sauce. Loved it. Stephen liked it, too, but we are starting to question if he has a slight allergy to cabbage, as his lips got a little puffy and he felt weird for the rest of the night. Apparently, this has happened before with him. I'm thinking that as his wife, I need to know these things.
Sidenote, Stephen has only had one bout with accidentally eating nuts, so far. Those crazy sauces with their ground up nuts. It's a little difficult here, when you can't speak the language and you're eating unfamiliar foods.
We have been going to the Ramstore a lot. In Russian, it's spelled Pamctop. Neat, huh? Pamctop is where we have been doing our grocery shopping because we can get a lot of American products. Plus, it's only a couple of blocks from our place right now, so it's convenient. Once we get into our permanent home, I hope to do more serious shopping at the local level.
Our apartment will now be ready on 8 August. [That is me, attempting to write the date the way they write it, outside of the US.] I will start work on 3 August, with teacher orientation. I am very excited for this to start, as I am quite bored during the day. Did I mention that? I have some pictures of our apartment to show you, but my computer won't connect to the internet at the office. You'll have to wait. However, in all my boredom, I managed to open all 10 boxes that we brought and basically have strewn their contents all about the flat. [That's me, attempting to speak British, whilst I type.] Anyway, I came across my collection of knitting needles, my knitting books, and one skein of pink yarn. I chose the most challenging baby sweater to knit and I'm already halfway done! However, I don't think the one skein will be enough, of course. I am hoping I can find some neat yarn at the Market, one day, when I'm not scared of it. The yarn, not the Market.
I am happiest when I get out of the apartment, even if it's just for a meal, but mostly when I get to use the internet and talk to our parents. Stephen has been so supportive and understanding of all my crying. And trust me, there has been crying. Mostly of frustration, so nothing a little crying can't handle. Although, if you think of it, I can use some healing prayer. I am experiencing shooting pains in my stomach, about 30 minutes after I eat, every time I eat. We bought that Dannon Activia yogurt and a bunch of green vegetables at the store yesterday and I'm hoping I just need to get regulated. I know it's also partly due to stress, as when I am even a little stressed, my stomach usually bothers me. We have noticed that they don't serve vegetables a whole lot with their meals here. I am a person who will crave a nice bowl of peas, broccoli, or green beans every few days.
We hired a driver this week. His name is Igor. He is very nice and his English is better than our Russian, so I think we'll survive.
I know that we are supposed to be here and He will carry us through our difficulties. Sometimes, it is hard to remember that when the power goes out, right when you've reached your parents on Skype. Or when you wake up in the middle of the night with stomach pains. Or when you just want to call your sister and tell her you love her because you know she needs to hear it, but you can't.
We are doing great. We are taken care of. We are learning about ourselves and this world we live in. We are growing closer together and closer to our Father each day. Although I'm sure that is partly why we are here, I know that there is so much more to come that cannot be expected or assumed. I am grateful for all that we have and I am learning that He is enough for me.
Until who knows when...
Love,
Me
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)