Happy Thanksgiving

The reason we like Thanksgiving is because it’s not centered around gifts and expectations, but is focused on ‘just’ being thankful for your family and friends all around you. What an interesting word ‘just’!! We’ve actually tried to take it out of our vocabulary (but it does slip out occasionally!). The word ‘just’ tends to downplay some very important matters. Our friend Alberta shared that insight while in Mercy Ships. It’s a HUGE deal to be surrounded by family and friends that you know love you (lest we forget that there are those around you who might not feel that they have that support). We are thankful that even though we won’t be by family this year, We have wonderful friends around us. We encourage you to reach out to those around you and never ‘assume’ that they have that kind of support system. If you have it, count yourself blessed!!

Our Thanksgiving started out this year going to the chocolate factory. Pat is all dressed up ready to enter the factory where we saw how they made two different kinds of candy. This candy factory will be closing this year and it's been open since 1851.

After the tour they gave us candy bars, a cd and tea.

Donna, a fellow worker, invited us over for Thanksgiving dinner. I think this is the first time, in along time that I haven't had to fix anything. It was a pleasant and relaxing afternoon.

Here is Terry relaxing with Dean Pryor and Terry White, other fellow embassy workers, as the final preparations are being made.

We took a tour of this church in the village of Angelovo in a northwest suburb of Moscow. We learned all about icons and the Russian Orthodox Church. Russian Orthodox Church buildings differ in design from many western-type churches. Firstly, their interiors are enriched with many sacramental objects including holy icons, which are hung on the walls. There are no pews. Most churches are lit with candles rather than electric light. Russians sometimes speak of an icon as having been "written," because in the Russian language the word pisat (Russian: писать), meaning "to write", can also be used to mean "to create paintings". Icons are considered to be the Gospel in paint and since many of the people couldn't read this was their Bible in picture form. While we were in the church the priest came in and our tour guide asked him if he wanted to say a few ords. And as a good minister of the word: he spoke to us giving us a sermon about Love. You can see all the beautiful icons behind him. There is a rich history and elaborate religious symbolism associated with icons.

ICA

Here is a group picture of the Diplomatic Fellowship. This is part of the ministry of the church, ICA, where we attend.

We won't starve

People told us that bad weather was coming and getting snow bound, we weren't taking chances on running out of food. So, we spent a weekend making: chicken mole, Italian chicken rice soup, brisket, tandoori chicken, BBQ chicken, lentils and sausage, stuffing, and a few things I don't remember. All together there were 21 dishes giving us about 150 servings.

Do you think we will starve?

Spaso Ball

We attended the annual Spaso Ball the last week of October. We danced all night to a live band playing big band music. The Spaso House was built in 1913 and has been the home of the US ambassador since 1933.

España

Dave & Sherri have a time share and invited us to Spain, so we took them up on their offer.

While we were in Spain, we visited Barcelona, Ronda, Seville, Granada, the Rock of Gibraltar, and a ferry boat to Morocco. It was a fast paced vacation with many places to see.

A beautiful reflection in the pool at Alhambra Palace.

A food market in the Souk in Tangier Morocco.

La Sagrada Familia by Antonio Gaudi-this
gave a new meaning to the word Gaudi.

The bull fighting ring in Ronda where the Spanish bullfighting was perfected.

Threading the needle through the streets of Ronda.

Magnificent bridge in Ronda.

The Rock of Gibraltor

On the top of Gibraltor, Pat's a bit scared of holding the monkey.
The link about the monkey is not our video, but they were that close and they did jump on my head, the one who was the most scared.

Our First Visitor

Donna from El Paso came to visit us in Moscow for three weeks.

Not only did we have fun, she helped us move, which was a BIG help.
Thanks Donna!

Donna standing above the Lower Gardens in Peterhof, the summer palace of Peter the Great.

Sherri teaching Donna how to make bread.

The finished product. Delicious tasting too.

Terry, Pat, Donna and Nadia went by train to St. Petersburg where we saw many palaces, gardens, and churches.

Even took a 1:00 am boat tour to see the city at night.

Of course you can't forget the food.
Everywhere we ate, the food was good,
whether we ate from a side walk vendor or

a fancy Russian restaurant, which happened to be where
President Putin chose to celebrate his 50th birthday.

Over all I think Donna enjoyed her
experience in Moscow & St. Petersburgh.

Moved Again !!!!!!

Yes, we moved again. This time to the embassy compound. The change in job's for Terry required that we move to the compound so he could be on 24 hour call rotation with other technicians.

There have been a few advantages of being here:
easier access to the city by metro, (the crowded metro)
our commute is 30 yards to the elevator to go into the building (compare to the 1 to 2 hour commute each way from Rosinka),
and having lunch at home periodically or every day if we desire.

The apartment is smaller than where we were, but well laid out. We have finally put up the last picture on the wall and can now call the moving complete.

Now it is time to enjoy our new home, Remember... we have a spare bedroom for guests.

ΚΟΤΟΡЫЙ ЧАС?

Russian for : What time is it?

It's time to repeat the class. Now we know why they called it Survival Russian. The idea was to learn enough Russian to grocery shop, order in a restaurant, and not get lost on the metro.

Anyway, we barely survived the class and then went on to Russian O class and found we were not able to keep up. So back to Survival in September and build a better foundation before going on.

We did receive diplomas but we're taking it again anyway.

ДО СВИДАНИЯ (da svee DAH nyah)

Russian for: Good bye

Onward to a New Future

We went to South Carolina to see Isaiah graduate from Army Basic Training. Afterwards, we were allowed to take Isaiah to his next training post, Fort Bragg, enjoying those extra few hours together.

Melissa, Andrew, and the kids were there to congratulate Isaiah.


Hanging out at the hotel room with Avery and Blake.