The consensus at "snack" time (which is 11pm tea time) from our team is that today was our best day yet. We wrapped up "USA games" with the kids and it seemed to be a resounding success. We were told that many of the kids loved the games and were sad that the competitions were over. I ended up rounding up some of the boys, went outside in the icy parking lot of the church, and taught them Americal Football and the game "500". The boys had absolutely no clue about how to even hold the ball. I got a lot of questions about why it is shaped the way it is. We got some interesting stares from a group of soldiers walking by on the street. Even at 100 yards it was a bit intimidating....I guess I watched Red Dawn too many times when I was a kid.
We all walked to the open air market this afternoon as well. It was good to leave the church grounds, if only for an hour. The market was interesting to say the least. The ladies bought fresh fruit, chocolate, and items for our games today. There was some pretty rough looking food items and people. A man named Alexandre approached us wanting to speak english. Let's just say his english wasn't much better than my Russian and even the intrepreter said something was wrong with the guy. I was actually surprised when the ladies came back from the fruit stand with some nice looking stuff. I'm going to have an apple and orange for breakfast along with our mystery meat, cheese, pickles, sardines, cabbage, and whatever else may appear.
Lastly, I have made a new little friend named Daniel who has declared that he will be my "Little Teacher" and that I will be his "Big Pupil" for Russian language lessons. He and Anya say that I have a good ear for the language and I'm picking it up quickly. I'm going to try and keep studying as hard as I can while I'm here.
I was the first to get back to the room so... guess who got a nice HOT shower! Ahhhh! So Nice...
Dobry Vyechir (Good Night).
-Rader
Well, Randee just called me to see if I had read the latest posts. I said "yes" so she gave me "Homework" again. This time it is to reply with comments for all of us. First, I would like to say that you all have kept me laughing and we feel as if we are there with you with all the funny things that have happened and the wonderful fellowship shared by all. Hadley memorized all the books of the Bible in order and called and recited them to Poppa. He was almost overcome. Like I told you Rader, it's hard to believe that Hadley will be six this year. She is such a tiny little mite. Tell Jen she has no excuse to go bunk-climbing on the train ride back. We all know now how she operates. I think she is jogging every morning to keep in shape for when the train conductor chases her out of someone else' room. We love you all and are praying that all goes well, and you all return safely. And to you Rader, all I can say is 'WOLVERINE"!!!!!!!! Love, Judy
ReplyDelete