Leaving on a Jet Plane!

Hey Y'all.
I leave the 5th of June! I can't wait. Please keep me in your prayers as it will take me 2 days to get home. I miss you all, and can't wait to see you!

pete

Nine Months of Pure Bliss

Its 23:07. I sit here in a friends apartment. I just finished eating a big chocolate bar. I need some milk to satisfy that sugar high that I am experiencing. I drink some milk. It goes down my throat as satisfying as it ever could be. Milk, I love it. I read an interesting story today by Turgenev called "A Living Relic". I highly recomend it. It will take you about 15 minutes to read. 

As you all know, I have decided to come back next year. However with the current situation with incoming teachers, and housing issues, I will be moved to another city. I will be living in the quiet little city of Vologda. I have already begun to move my stuff there. I will greatly miss all the friends that I have grown to love here in St. Pete, and hope to visit them on numerous occasions throughout the year. My stay here in St. Pete has been fantastic. For those of you who might ask my apartment and living situation was great. More than I ever needed. Rarely too cold - usually too hot. Cozy bed with a big bedroom. A good kitchen in which I always entertained myself trying to make new creations. The water system has a mind of its own, with a personal vendetta to burn you or freeze you. You must always watch for the ocasional mosquito coming out of the toilet as you might be itching your butt the rest of the night. The fascinating fights, bands, and traffic jams out your window always provide the perfect amount of laughter and a good view for those sleepless nights. I loved living there. The center of the city - not to far - not to close. I wish you all could have visited. I must now hand the fort over to new teachers. I have visited Vologda many times now, and I love it. It is a 12 hour train ride east of St. Petersburg with a total population of about 300,000 people. I really look forward to it! My students here have blessed me beyond belief! I hang out with them 90% percent of the time, and will miss them all so much! As far as eating here it has been an interesting experience. I receive about 8000 rubles a month from the school for food. As a bare minimum I need about 600 rubles a week for food. Plenty left over. However, I soon found out, that this wasn't very fun. I now live comfortably with a good balance of comfort and frugality. I pray that next year will be similiar. For those of you who I won't see this summer and want to know more, just shoot me an email or drop me a line. 

These last two months have truely been fantastic! I have had a chance to go to the Russian museum. WOW! That was great. I have never seen such beautful and perfectly painted pieces of art! So big and full of power and emotion. I highly recomend it!

As usual, the subway has the most interesting happenings. I have been stopped by the police now about 12 times, and never with many problems. Just a few laughs. 

Just a two weeks ago, a quite large man hit me across the face for not getting out of his way. haha. Life never without its excitment!

May 9th - Victory day for Russia over Germany. Similiar to our 4th of July in celebration. I watched the parades on tv, as they paraded their ballistic missles and tanks down the roads. Really cool! Why doesn't America do this? haha. It would never happen! Thats just a national security issue waiting to happen! :) But it was truely a beautiful parade! I have been walking around alot in the city as I have only a few weeks left! I have one more week left of school. I am so excited to see my family again! I miss them so much! I had the chance to teach and play baseball with my students last week! It was a great experience for not only them, but for me also. They all had doubts at first with fears of failure, but after about 10 minutes - they loved it! I was so happy! What a great day! Life is good! 

Most of the same students had a school conference today. It was all about American culture. It lasted about 3 hours and covered many interesting aspects of our life. It made me so proud of my country, and miss home! 

Oh! Just a few weeks ago I went to Vologda, and visited various monastaries and churches. These weren't just any monastary or church, they were built in the 14th century! The monastary was like a huge castle. And some churches in the mountains were made of wood, and were still standing as if they were made 30 years ago. Great engineering! I loved it! 

I love Russia! It has such a rich and deep culture with a fascinating people group. Their knowledge base is quite different than ours. However I am convinced, as any Russian might say the same, that they are very lazy. If it wasn't for this Achiles heel of a trait, Russia would, without a doubt, be the greatest nation the world has ever seen. They are a great nation now, but I pity them for being so lazy. Its a nation full of potential with no one at the reins. In spite of everything I am deeply in love with this country, and hope to spend many a years here in the future. I hope this summer to build more support for what I am doing, and that you may see the love I have for the Russian people. I leave here June 5, 2009 and return August 22, 2009 for the next year of teaching. I will probably write one more blog after this for this semester, and start a new one begining this summer. I thank you all for all your support and prayers. Hopefully we get to catch up on old times this summer! I love and miss you all!

petya

MARCH 30th

Yes, its still almost March. March 30th to be exact. I am looking forward to my trip home. I am making a mental list of everything I want to bring next year! I am also in the process of finalizing plans for the summer. I look forward to going back to Russia in August. I am realizing that I am fortunate enough to have a job to come home to as more and more people are complaining about the "crisis". I will be working as a rafting guide again. I love this job. Its good money, and very enjoyable. I have recently found a great donut place. I am addicted. These are the kind of donuts where you can eat 10 of them, and its barely touched $3 in your wallet. Truly yummy. Church on Sunday was great, we are studying Ephesians. I have recently been noticing that my clothes are approaching their last days. Holes and more holes. My theory of indefinitly wearing the same clothes as a path to a perfect wardrobe and never needing to buy clothes again is in danger. My shoes are dying, and my socks fading away. Either the clothes dryer is hungry for my clothes or I sleep in dirt, it never ceases to amaze me on the amount of lint that it produces. It takes about two hours to dry the clothes. They produce an overwhelming amount of lint. A HUGE handful. I am begining to wonder how my clothes still exist! Its ridiculus! With spring in the air, so is the rain. I bring an umbrella with me everywhere I go. Except yesterday. The one day that it rains heavily since the past three months - I don't bring my umbrella. I was soaked! Grrrrrr. I have been sleeping really bad lately as my physical activity is slowly declining. Its still cold outside. We just pushed our clocks forward, and the little extra sunlight is nice (when we actually can see the sun). Naps are the most wonderful thing in the day... as they began to creep back into my daily routines. I miss all of you! Very much. It would be much appreciated if you could email me, and update me on your life. I am feeling kinda left out with the rest of the world. Life is good, please keep in touch! I am going to go cook some meat tonight, with some cheese and rice! Yummy! I'm starving! God bless.

pete

Almost April

Hey! Life is good! The sun is shining and the weather is trying to get warmer. I look outside, and its blue sky and sun. I walk outside, and its windy, dusty, and freezing. haha. I still try to walk around alot with friends. We just like to walk and talk. Its a good time to reflect on life and the week. As I walk down the streets, I have witnessed many things. I once saw 4 car crashes within 5 minutes! I saw a lady get hit by a car at 40 mph. I have seen girls stop cars with just a wink! haha. Its interesting where you can always just get a ride from anybody. The Russian soul is showing itself more and more to me. I love it! I sometimes get frusterated in stores at the lack of efficiency on how things are done. Talking with my room mate we concluded that Russians are so commpasionate with the mentality of not communisim, but communalism, that efficiency and other western traits are non-exsistant. Very interesting. I have recently had interesting conversations with security guards. They are scary on the surface, but a big teddy bear inside. I have had a great time making some home made pizzas with some friends. Yummy! We can make a great pizza! In our Bible study, we just finished Corinthians and it always gives us, the teachers, a chance to reflect on the week, and pray. Its becoming harder and harder to live, as the Ruble is plumeting. Some food is twice as expensive. And my wages don't go as far. I am on my last pennies this month. I never really liked the idea of rationing food. If I want to eat dinner, I should be able to eat. I'm hungry. But thats ok! The joy of the Lord is all I need! :) I recently read an interesting article in the paper here. Here is a quote from it - "President Barak Obama will order martial law this year, the U.S. will split into six rump-states before 2011, and Russia and China will become the backbones of a new world order...there is a high probability that the collapse of the United States will occur by 2010...and Alaska will revert to Russian control" AHAHAHAHAHAHA. This was said by Igor Panarin. Many Russians believe this! If only they knew how unified we still are in this crisis! Crisis. I hate that word. If we stopped saying that word, maybe the crisis would stop! hahaha. Well, I miss you all! I hope you are all doing well back home! I'm praying for you! God Bless!

petinka

The best day of my life!

Hey y'all!

I am having a great day! I am doing fantastic! haha. Life is good here in Russia. Recently I gave a journal assignment about describing your best day. They asked me mine...I told them that today is my best day. WHY? Because every new day is new! God has blessed me with a beautiful day; a chance to live yet another day. Its cold and rainy outside, yet the flowers need the rain to bloom. I had a great sleep last night, and I look forward to a productive day! And guess what? Tomorrow will be even better! Every new day for me is the best day of my life. I think it should be yours also! Jeff, my roommate, heads a Bible study every other week. And the other weeks, I head a sports night. Recently we have had some trouble supporting sports night, as the church that was supporting us, pulled the funds. We have a chance to build relationships with the students, as we play floor hockey, basketball, and vollyball. After sports night, we usually try to get the students to come back to the flat, to drink tea, play games, and talk. I am making some close friendships with some of my students, as we have constantly hang out - walking, bowling, eating/drinking, movies, shopping, cooking, homework help, and exploring. They all give me a great chance to get to know them better and have the most interesting conversations. Without them, I would go crazy. I have had the chance to recently meet a Brit, the recent boyfriend of one of my friends. I had some great conversations with him! Interesting fellows those Brits are - yes indeed! :) I have started to make it a habit to try to talk to a fellow metro rider everyday. Yes, its dangerous business, but it yields some interesting results. I have had interesting converstations with authors, journalists, teachers, New Zealanders, police, homeless people, and mothers. As I walk to and fro through these monotonous crowds, I try to inject a bit of emotion. Whether it is a huge smile, jumping around, sitting on the floor, talking to strangers, singing, imitating the metro driver, and other oddities. The results are mindblowing. hahahaha. It just changes someones day so much, as everyone could almost be confused as half zombie, or traveling to a prison. SMILE PEOPLE - Its the best day of your life remember? Last week I recently got over a horrible horrible flu. I had temperatures ranging from 94-105 F. YIKES! I thought I was dead. But hey, life is good. The first day of spring in Russia is March 1st. According to tradition! However, I still argue with them that it is over March 20. It snowed today, thus I think I won. hahaha. Just a few more days! This coming weekend I am going to a birthday party and to visit some families in another city! It should be a great time! This semester I have many early morning classes, and I am always looking for ways to cheer my students up, and to wake them up in the morning. Whether it is homework/presentations, a quiz, or some physical activity, we always have fun. Yes, some of them hate me now! hahahaha

I have recently been praying about different ministry work that I want to do here in the future. I have plans to visit and help a family that helped me in Latvia, to fund various projects, and build relationships with people that I encounter as I plant seeds of light and curiosity. I have commited to coming back next year with Teach Overseas, and am already looking forward beyond that to other deeper ministry options here in Russia. My heart is here in Russia for the Russian people and culture. I have been SLOWLY studying Russian, and diving into the Russian culture for a better understanding, and in preparation for long term options here. I miss you all. I am in need of all your prayers for funds and guidance. Paka!

petya

MARCH!

Hey. Russia is crazy. I am discovering this more and more. I love it here, but some things are just weird. For example...On the metro. The metro is a curious thing. With every kind of person bumping into every other kind of person, anything and everything can happen. Whether its a random puddle of blood, dancing hippies, or the the drunks that are so happy they scare you, they all provide just the amount of needed entertainment for your short ride from here to there. Today, on my trip home the metro was taking extra long. With long waiting times at each stop, each car fills up like a sardine can. Innocent me - the stupid American that wears a backpack - is hated the entire time, because my big backpack seems to be in the way for each person. Now you must take in this whole situation. When people step onto this metro car, they do so like cattle with a fire behind them. Push, shove, scream, grab, claw, and climb. Anything and everything goes. I sometimes laugh, as people are just crazy. You have plenty of time to get on and off, there is no need to panic about it. When people are on the car, they stand in rows, facing the door that they want to get off at - for the next however many stops. Like cattle. They are funny. No matter how much room you might have, they will push up against you, to get closer to the door that will open in 10 min. 10 min people. 10 min. I just want to say calm down, relax. Back away slowly. Anyway, me and my backpack. Unfortunatly, as the fates would allow, my backpack was pressing up against the big grumpy ugly guy. Him, so prissy in his new suit, thought it was wrong for my backpack to touch him. EVERYONE IS SQUEEZED TOGETHER. I have no where to go. I can not even turn around! He was yelling at me the whole 30 min, and kept pushing me away. What a jerk. Furthermore, we both get off at the same stop. Now remember, when it stops people stampede off that car, as if a grenade was about to explode. WHY RUSH? I have no idea. Do you know where they rush to? They all run about 15 meters to the slow escalator. The escalator is packed - YOU CAN'T MOVE. You must now wait 5 min, to get to the top. What is the rush to get up higher 3 steps above the next person? Why? Anyway, this man was behind me again. I am walking at a brisk pace with a hoard of a crowd. As I am about to step onto the escalator, the man screams at me, takes both of his hands and shoves me onto the excalator. I scream at him, telling him to calm down and shut up - clearing making a fool of the man in front of the other 200 people in view. We calmly glared at each other the rest of the way up the escalator. hahaha.

As Spring is here now, the snow and ice is melting. However, that doesn't mean the ice is gone. Last week as I ran across the road, then jumped a small railing, I slipped. My back foot, as it was coming over, slipped on the ice. I didn't quite reach the full height that I wanted. I have never came down so hard. Me, at full speed, full backpack, straight into mud, and concrete. Yes, I was pissed. Onlookers, shrugged and snickered. hahaha

I went to a small town of Veborg a while back, and forgot some of my papers. Recently have been stopped more and more by the police. I guess I just look like trouble. However, on the other hand, I don't know what it is about my deminour, but almost twice a day I am asked for directions. Ok, there are 50 people standing and walking near me, they come through all of them, and straight to me. Um...why? Do I look like a tour guide? No. Most of the time, I am confused as a homeless person. But these situations everyday, sometimes makes me feel at home. Almost as if they can't tell that I am lost, and have no idea what they are saying. :) I helped a friend move some furniture around his house. hahaha. Silly Russians. When Russians move, they leave most everything in the house that you can't take in a taxi. Thus, the overall moving experience is fundamentally lost. They were amazed at the simple stories I told them about moving one big thing from one side of the city, to another, up the stairs, around the corner, over the banister, and so on. I felt like a master for one day, as I helped them move things around. Teaching is going very well. I have been teaching them how to do speeches. They still don't get it yet. If its the last thing I do, I will beat it into them! My usual diet is buckwheat, chicken, milk, mixed vegi's, and peanut butter. :) I miss the mountains, friends, video games, family, swimming, and free water. Yes, I still hate that I must pay for water anywhere I go to eat. I have so many stories, but I must save some for the ones I tell around the fire back home. I miss and love you all, and you all remain in my prayers. Paka.

petinka

Adventures overseas

Well, it has been a while.

I don't have much time as I need to make this short. I sometimes feel like in writing these, I am stuffing a pillow into a sandwhich baggie. Yes, I finally got home. I had to sleep with some homeless people for a night in Latvia (YES), but I safely took the bus back the next day. I just finished my first week of teaching. It has been great. Lots of the same students and a few new classes. Again, I teach english to business, engineering, and linguistic (new) students. I am getting back into the mode of teaching, and enjoying it. 

I knew I was back in Russia, when my faucet, for some unknown reason, had an electrical current running through it. hahaha. It hurt pretty bad. hahaha. I knew it was still cold here, when the police stopped me because I didn't have a coat on, and that I didn't belong. I am now heading the friday night event of "sports night." We get a lot of students together, and we play basketball, floor hockey, and vollyball. I will be starting english club again soon, as I will look for where it best fits into my scheduale. The Bible study will also begin again soon. Its all a good chance to get to know the students, and provide a good outreach. I would ask that you might consider helping me financially. As the Ruble is plumting. I am still over $3,000 dollars short, and I have commited to coming back a second year. I pray that you pray about this, as it can be harder and harder to survive here. I miss you all. Thank you for all your prayers.

pete

There and almost back

Well hello,
As I sit down to write this, I contemplate what I should write. Last time I talked to you was back in December, around Christmas. And now, its nearing the end of January. I almost hesitate in telling you everything that has happened in fear that I might miss the best parts. So much has happened and so many memories created. I don't know where to start. Well, my mom always taught me to start at the beginning, and I think that might be safe to do so. So, without further adu...
As I finished up teaching this last semester I thought alot. I thought about my mission here in Russia, and the great opportunity that I have here. As my two room mates left for the holidays, I was left alone. I had a very simple Christmas, and hung out with friends. For New Years, I took a 10 hour train ride east to the city of Vologda. I stayed there with some friends and their families for 1 week. That was great. I was able to truly experience the home of a Russian at New Years (their big holiday). I have never eaten so much in my life! They treated me so well! Champagne for breakfast, feasts for lunch, and even bigger meals for dinner. I can honestly say that I went out of 2008 with a bang. Vologda is a beautiful city, very small and homey.
I then took the long train back to St. Pete where I repacked, and did laundry. I left later that night on a taxi. This taxi took me over the boarder into Finland. We drove through Helsinki, and Tamperay. It took about 9 hours. Its cold in Finland! Burrrrr. I then jumped on an airplane in Tamperay and flew to Dublin, Ireland. I stayed there one night and flew out again. That one day in Dublin was great! It was a beautiful city! I then flew from there to Budapest, Hungary. My ultimate destination was here, as I would be substituting for another teacher. I would be teaching High school English for 2 weeks. However, my friends there, failed to read my email, on when to pick me up.... hahahahah. Traveling for those few days and this is what I came to. I was hungry, tired, and lost. Around 10pm I set out from the airport looking for food, shelter, and communication. I was so lost. After about 6 hours of walking and many hotels, i finally found one. And to make a long story short, I was teaching 2 days later. I taught 9Th - 13Th graders. It was very different than what I was used to. However, a very enriching experience. I hung out with some students and thoroughly walked the Budapest countryside, and city. Budapest is a beautiful city, and I was fortunate enough to see most every big site. Being in Europe with a once in a life time experience, I couldn't resist a 2 hour train ride to Bratislava, Slovakia. I stayed there for the weekend, and for one day took an additional train to Vienna, Austria. Vienna was the most beautiful city I have ever been in. Around every corner there was always something beautiful. I highly recommend visiting. Overall my 2 week experience was fantastic. After that I flew out of Budapest and back to Dublin. I have spent 5 days here in Dublin. And that is where I am now writing this. Its a gorgeous city. Its like a miniature St. Pete. I just stayed in a hostel, and walked the city everyday. On Sunday, I had a great day! I woke up about 6am, and walked about 7 hours south along the coast to various Irish cities and sites. Then I walked back. hahaha. It was great! Yesterday I received a grand tour of the Anglican Church of Ireland from a high bishop. I was ecstatic. These 5 days in Dublin have tested all 5 of my senses as I try to survive walking the city. Never have I felt so stupid crossing a street and almost getting run over ten thousand times. This country is backwards in the side of the car that they sit, and the side of the road that they drive. Its just ridiculous! Anyway, it has been a great experience also. I leave tomorrow for Riga, Latvia, where I need to find a bus back to St. Pete. I start teaching again the 16Th of Feb. I am sorry for going over everything so fast. I have had many life changing experiences and crazy stories in these last few weeks. I would be happy to tell you all of them some time. Maybe around a bon fire some day. haha. I hope all is going well with the rest of the world. I have said about 10% of what I wanted to say. I love and miss you all!

pete

Hello my fellow Homosapiens

Its that time of year again!

Merry Christmas!

I have had a time to reflect on everything that God has blessed me with, and am completly convinced that he is not only in control of everything, but also enjoys making these some of the best days of my life. Sometimes as I meander down the lonely streets of St. Pete, I have to stop and remind myself where I am. It suddenly becomes very surreal to me, and I am agast in amazement. It all started when I was a young kid, and God has carried me through it all, and has brought me here just like he said. I am completly in love with this country, its traditions, its people. Yes, I still stand out as the ugly American. Many have described me as dirty, rude, weird, and crazy. Many say I smile too much, or I have too many fantastic days. They say I am crazy for not owning a coat. I say they are all overdressed. Some say I am too honest when making friends, and that I should just keep to myself and ignore the problems around me. There is one problem with this. I have a joy in my heart that many do not have here. I have a joy that I can't hide nor keep to myself. I think of Christmas and all that it entails, and have to thank my Lord for what he has done. For without his birth, we would be alone. In some ways, I do not miss the glorified shopping season of Christmas in the United States. I am here in Russia, where most do not celebrate Christmas. I have a ten inch Christmas tree, some Christmas music, and friends. It seems that in missing Christmas, and my desperation to celebrate it some how, I have reached out and grasped the bare essentials. The true meanings of Christmas - the saviors birth, friends/family, and a joy filled heart. My heart breaks when I see the hopeless faces of the many people on the streets. I am spending this Christmas with good friends that I have been blessed with. I miss you all very much. I pray that you all have the most terrific Christmas that you have ever had. Please keep me in your prayers, I need everyone one of them. I love you all. Merry Christmas.

Peter

hello earthlings

hi everybody! I just wanted to wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! I will have a full update within the next week. 

bye bye now

pete

life is crazy

"Russians show their tears to the world, and save the smiles for their friends - Americans show smiles to the world, and save the tears for their friends."

I am thinking I need a change in my clothes. I never wear a jacket/coat and everyone thinks I am crazy. Because of it, people think I am homeless. Many scatter as if I have the plague. 

However....Life is good.

pete

A Full Update of All my Doings

Well, its that time of year again. Christmas! Its the 9th of December, and I look forward to a great Christmas break. I don't remember the last time I sent an update, but I can say its long overdue. So much has happened, and I've changed so much. To begin...

We had a great Thanksgiving dinner! We invite about 20 people over! Thanksgiving is not celebrated here, so we did our best to show it off. Putting tables together, gathering the chairs, we tryed to set the mood with everything we could. With our humble kitchen, we managed to cook two turkeys, green bean cassorole, mash potatos, muffins, cookies, apple pie, stuffing, gravy, and cranberry sauce. It was a marvelous time! The next day, we jumped on a bus for 7 hours and left the country! We went into Estonia! The capital of Estonia, Tallin. We spent 4 days there, making all of it again and having another wonderful dinner. This trip was with only my team mates. It was a good time to reflect, and reboot. Tallin is beautiful! I know like the back of my hand now. Jeff and I walked the streets many hours, exploring its many avenues, and alleys. The people there were completly different, and gave me a new perspective on the Russian soul. I must confess, as welcoming and safe Tallin was, I missed Russia. There is just something about the attitude in Russia, that my heart clings to. Now, I have school only until the 19th of December. I start back up again the second week of Febuarary. Very long break! Within that break I will be teaching in Hungary! Every week I still have English Club, and enjoying every second of it. We still have a bible study on Fridays combined with a sports night at the gym - which is very popular with the students. My team mates and I still have our own bible study every Friday morning. And Church is always a good learning experience on Sunday. The days here are becoming shorter and shorter. The sun doesn't seem to rise until about 10 am, and it sets at about 3 pm. I haven't really seen the sun for a month now, it always dark, raining, and gray. This crappy weather has really affected my students attitudes, in many negative ways. However! I am as cheerful as ever. I have come to the understanding of Gods great plans, as I see why he did some things as he did. I have a 4 year degree in Mechanical Engineering. Currently I am not using it-or so I thought. My mood has been higher than ever lately, because of the numerous resources God has given me. When the weather is horrible, or I seem more tired than ever. Walking through the streets, I can always  - always change my way of thinking....and become an Engineer for a few minutes. Since becoming an engineer, I have had this unique admiration for the world around me. For how the city is structured, why things are the way they are, or why people are the way they are. I always enjoy watching the world around me and absorbing it like a sponge. I love this majestic world, and I am lucky to be living in it! In everything I do, I give God the Glory. Furthermore, my relationships with my students have become stronger. I don't think I could be here without them either! I have also become very relaxed, and have never had so much patience in my life. I am looking at the world differently now. I am constantly trying to learn Russian! Its very hard. Recently I have been studying the grammar rules! BAH! I have taken many trips to the post office to pick up packages! It feels like Christmas everytime! I now have 6 jars of peanut butter in my room and two packages of oreos. I keep them under lock and key. hahahaha. I have told ESI, my teaching organization, that I feel I need to come back a second year, begining in August. I think God is leading me in that direction. As many of you know, I am still very short on funds. This is one of the most expensive cities to live in, and the small stipend I recieve for food and living, is hard. I am still $4,000 dollars short in paying for my plane tickets and various costs. Please, if you feel you can help me out, anything and everything will be appreciated. Well, thank you all for listening. Here is a bit of Russian for you... "YA VAS LYUBLYU" - I LOVE YOU ALL

With all my heart and my best wishes for Christmas,

your petey

You know you have been in Russia long when...

..you don't think things are that bad right now.
...you have to think twice about throwing away an empty instant coffee jar.
...you carry a plastic shopping bag with you 'just in case'.
...you say he/she is 'on the meeting' (instead of 'at the' or 'in a' meeting).
...you answer the phone by saying 'allo, allo, allo' before giving the caller a chance to respond.
...you save table scraps for the cats living in the courtyard.
…when crossing the street, you sprint.
…in winter, you choose your route by determining which icicles are least likely to impale you in the head.
...you are impressed with the new model Lada or Volga car.
...you let the telephone ring at least 4 times before you pick it up because it is probably a misconnection or electrical fault.
...you hear the radio say it is zero degrees outside and you think it is a nice day for a change.
...you argue with a taxi driver about a fare of 30 rubles ($2) to go 2 kilometres in a blizzard.
...you win a shoving match with an old babushka for a place in line and you are proud of it.
...you are pleasantly surprised when there is toilet paper in the WC at work.
...you look at people's shoes to determine where they are from.
...you are pleasantly surprised when there is real wine in the bottle of Georgian Kinzamaruli you bought in a kiosk.
...you notice that his/her cell phone is smaller than yours and you're jealous.
...your day seems brighter after seeing that goon's Mercedes broadsides by a pensioner's Moskvich.
...you are thrown off guard when the doorman at the nightclub is happy to see you.
...you're not sure what to do when the GAI (traffic cop) only asks you to pay the official fine.
...you wonder what the tax inspector really wants when she says everything is in order.
...you give a 10% tip only if the waiter has been really exceptional.
...you plan your vacation around those times of the year when the hot water is turned off.
...you are relieved when the guy standing next to you on the bus actually uses a handkerchief.
...you are envious because your expatriate friend has smaller door keys than you do.
...you ask for no ice in your drink.
...you go mushroom and berry picking out of necessity instead of recreation.
...you develop a liking for beetroot.
...you know what Dostoyevsky's favourite colour was.
...you change into tapki (slippers) and wash your hands as soon as you walk into ...your apartment.
...you take a trip to Budapest and think you've been to heaven.
...you start thinking of black bread as a good chaser for vodka.
...you drink the brine from empty pickle jars.
...you can read barcodes, and you start shopping for products by their country of production.  
...your coffee cups habitually smell of vodka.
...you know more than 60 Olgas.
...you wear a wool hat in the sauna.
...you put the empty bottle of wine on the floor in a restaurant.
...you are rude to people at the airport for no reason.
...you have to check your passport for an arrival-in-Russia date.
Remont (repair), pivo (beer) and nalivai (pour!) become integral parts of your vocabulary.
...you are curious as to when they might start exporting Baltika beer to your home country.
Cigarette smoke becomes 'tolerable'.
...you think metal doors are a necessity.
...you changed apartments 6 times in 6 months.
...you no longer feel like going to your 'home' country.
...you speak to other expats in your native language, but forget a few of the simplest words and throw in some Russian ones.
...you remember how many kilos you weigh - but forget how many pounds.
A gallon of gasoline or milk seems like a foreign concept.
...you no longer miss the foods you grew up with, and pass them up at foreign-owned supermarkets.
...you actually enjoy shopping at the rynok (market), and you think that Ramstore is the most advanced supermarket you've ever been to.
...you try to pay a traffic fine on the spot and get arrested for attempted bribery.
...you look for kvas and kefir in the supermarket, and ask to buy half a head of cabbage.
...you see a car behind you with flashing lights and think it's some politician.
...you don't feel guilty about not paying on the trolleybus.
...you can sleep through a hangover without curtains on your windows.
The elevator aroma seems reassuring somehow.
...you no longer think washing clothes in the bathtub is an inconvenience.
...you can heat water on the stove and shower with it in less than 10 minutes.
...you do not take off that silly sticker on the sunglasses that you just bought.
...your sister writes to you about the best prime rib she's ever had and you can't remember what it looks or tastes like.
The sellers at the rynok start calling you by your patronymic only.
...you have had your clothes ruined by all the so-called Western style dry cleaners and have to start the cycle over again.
...you bring your own scale and calculator to the market to make sure the amount you are charged is correct.
...you know the St. Peter Metro better than you know the subway system back home.
A weekend anywhere in the Baltics qualifies as a trip to the West.
...you start buying Russian toilet paper.
...you sit in silence with your eyes shut for a few moments before leaving on any long journey.
...you look in the mirror to turn away bad luck if you have to return home to pick up something you've forgotten.
...you catch yourself whistling indoors and feel guilty.
...you never smile in public when you're alone.
...you know the official at the metro station/airport/border post/post office/railway station etc. etc. is going to say nyet, but you argue anyway.
...you save tea bags of Yorkshire Tea brought over especially from home to use for a second cup later...
...you go back to England and notice how frosty, unemotional, unsentimental and cold the Brits are and long to return to the warm rush of the Russian dusha (soul).
…When that strange pungent mix of odours of stale sawdust, sweat and grime in the metro makes you feel safe and at home...
...you are in awe that after 3 days home your shoes are still clean.
...you get wildly offended when you are asked to pay at the coatcheck.
...you are afraid of offending someone by asking him or her what they do for a living.
…(For women) When you dress up in your best outfits for work and ride the metro.
When the word 'salad' ceases for you to have anything to do with lettuce.
When mayonnaise becomes your dressing of choice.
...you can recite in Russian all the words to all of tampon and chewing gum commercials.
…When you begin paying attention to peoples' floors and can distinguish the quality of linoleum and/or parquet, and thus determine social status, taste, and income e.g. embezzled, earned, pension, unpaid, etc.)
...you get excited when the dentist smiles and has all his own teeth.
...you can spark a debate by asking for a decent Mexican restaurant.
...you do all your shopping at kiosks.
...you voluntarily take a stroll in the park, Baltika beer in hand, on a sub-zero day.
...you pretend not to speak Russian when you walk in to a restaurant and ask to use their loo without buying anything.
...you are no longer surprised when your taxi driver tells you that before Perestroika he worked as a rocket scientist.
...you laugh at Russian jokes.
...you actually get these jokes.
...you actually spend time writing these jokes!
...you feel queasy when someone tries to shake ...your hand over a threshold.
...you continue to 'cross' the number 7 back at home.
...you think it's too hot, no matter what season ...you return home.
...you specify 'no gas' when asking for mineral water.
...you are dumbstruck back at home when high school or college students wait on ...you with a smile, reciting a 90 second spiel on the 'specials of the day' and display complete knowledge of the contents of each menu item...
...you realize that all the above is what you love about Russia, that you've been here long enough to feel at home, and wonder whether you'll ever able to fit back in the old country...

wazzzzzzzzzzz up!

PRIVYET!

I am as grand as usual! Peaunut butter in my tummy, awesome friends, and to infinity and beyond! The crowds in the metro station are getting crazy! Imagine 200 people trying to get through 2 small doors like Godzilla was coming or something. There are no manners, its every man for himself. People scratch, shove, and push just get an inch closer. The crowd became so crazy, that I almost lost my backpack, as it being ripped out of my hands by a crossing pressure line of people! I had a hard time breathing as the people squeezed tighter and tighter! I just started laughing as my feet lifted off the ground, and I was carried toward the door, without my feet on the ground! It was soooo funny. Anyway, as my school semester wraps up, I am going miss alot of my students. 

Funny quotes from students:

"I feel myself pleasurable"

"There aren't any bears in Russia"

"I was ill"

"Drink vodka, it will solve your illness"

"McDonalds - the only true hamburgers"

"America doesn't have a draft? Wow"

"You can ALWAYS just pay"

"I live at the club"

"What's peanut butter?"

"What are Oreos?"

My roomies

Joel - Joel is the typical Californian in every way, shape, and form. He is one of the laziest people I know. He doesn't cook, anything. Yes, that is a fact. He is a history major, and a very good one indeed. He is very non-confrontational, to the point of insanity. He is trying to grow a mullet, and finds the creepy mustache very fashionable. He enjoys making the house as hot as possible, as he has never seen more than an inch of snow. I wonder how he will survive the winter. He studies Russian everyday, and is very good at it. I wish I was that good. He loves teaching all kinds of history, but hates little kids. I am a "why not?" person, he is a "why?" person. He is a good friend, and a good roomie. 

Jeff - I will save for next time. :)

Good bye, I don't feel like writing anymore.

Hooray for mail!

Hey ya'll!

I am doing great over here! I just got a package in the mail from my mommy. She sent it the 19th of september, yes....it takes a long time! haha There was peanut butter in it! yepeeee! It was like Christmas day! I am still teaching as usual. I bought plane tickets to go teach in Budapest for 2 weeks in January. I can't wait! My plane flight over there, makes lots of stops....so I will be visiting Ireland, Finland, Hungary, and Latvia! The temperature is slowly dropping. It was 30 F the other day. Not too cold! It always rains here....yes...always. If anyone of you wants to talk to me....I have skype! My name is "spudnut180"

Drop me a line.....I have a 12 hour difference. Thanksgiving is fast aproaching, I we will go to Tallin, Estonia to celebrate. Later I will post some pictures! Love and miss you all!

Peter Samuelovich Robert Husmann

"LOVERS"

This is nothing special but an interesting observation.

 

Its 9am and the metro is packed.  We scurry around seeking our station, fighting for a spot in line. This is the St. Petersburg metro station.  Missions travel through here a day, including myself.  I ride the metro at 9am and 4pm, the times I finish teaching class. Rarely have I ever seen the same person.  With so many people it’s fun to people watch.  Every kind of person is here.  They all have their own identities but still seem like drones.  No one talks, smiles, or wonders.  They keep to themselves – why should they talk to a stranger? Smile?  What is there to smile about?  You must walk with a purpose, anything but that, and the militias have you in a headlock.  You may ask me what makes all this so special, it’s not this, but rather but what this produces. The one simple action that spawns from the anonymity of using the metro.  The kiss.  A kiss can be defined as when lips from two people touch in an affectionate way.  I stand there in amazement as I watch two lovers go at it as if it’s their last day together. Her arms around his waist.  With one hand he might hold on to a bar to stabilize himself on the shaking metro. With the other hand, he holds her tight, maybe even a little fondling.  Their eyes never part, locked together for all eternity.  Furthermore, this is no ordinary kiss.  This is the kiss, where you must take a break to breathe.  Pause…smooch, smooch some more, pause…take a deep breath, smooch some more. They might wiggle their noses and play around a bit.  He might start kissing her neck up and down, as she bites his ear. Why do they do this?  Because they can.  With such anonymity one can practically do anything, and no one will ever see you again or even remember. However, an interesting point that I must make is not about the lovers themselves, but rather the emotions that show themselves so clearly on each and every face around the lovers. I have found it fascinating to observe people’s reactions to such a kiss.  From what I have seen the average Russian will hide his/her emotions to the common stranger. When you inject a small piece of emotional passion and love, the human body cannot help but react. Let’s first take the middle aged women.  She seems to be unmarried yet very sophisticated.  A little overweight, but that’s understandable as one grows older.  From a few feet away her eyes bounce back and forth between her exit and the lovers.  She looks at them out of the corner of her eye.  Her eyes focus on their intimate love.  She almost seems jealous and full of hatred as she scowls at them. Her lip quivers as a fist is made and her teeth clench together. She has never had such a feeling.  What gives them the right to just flaunt their love?  Next to her stands a man with a silly grin on his face.  He just stares as his eyes dry out and he misses his stop.  His jaw slightly ajar, he is a sight to behold.  He simply stands there in appreciation as if he is watching some porno. A small boy sits on the bench nearby with his finger pointing at the lovers. His mother quickly tells him to shut up as he giggles and looks on in anticipation. The innocent anticipation for what might happen next.  Where might he kiss her next?  Will it be as gross as the last time?  He sits there completely immersed in fascination with the unknown. And then there is the young lady.  Not too far from where I am standing. She watches with a smile, yet sly smile.  She is thinking of her own lover.  She is going to him now.  She admires this love, and thinks of times when she has done the same. She simply watches in admiration of their love. Lastly is the older man.  I don’t know if he is married or not, it doesn’t really matter. He stands there with a solemn face almost as if he admires it.  His shoulders relaxed and his toes wiggling, he tries to remember when he did the same. He misses the passion.  Maybe his wife has died or that passionate flame has burnt out between them. Nevertheless, as a man, he still misses the touch of a woman’s love, and the invincibility of that relationship. He looks on – happy for the young couple, but at the same time yearning to be like them once more.  And then there is me.  I watch them kiss, and the reactions to it.  I follow people’s eyes, and how they position their body. Is that person really happy?  I try to smile, but the scowls are almost stifling.  Day by day I see this happen. And day by day I realize how different this culture really is.  This isn’t France, Australia, or Brazil, this is Russia.  Whatever may happen, just remember….you’re in Russia now. 

Privet!

Hi.

kok dyela? 

Life is good here in Russia. I am making lots of friends, and enjoying the beautiful culture of St. Pete. I seem to be getting more and more busy. I don't think I could survive without the students! They have been such an encouragment and blessing. I find it fascinating that Russians are afraid to get dirty. Granted, its a very dirty city, with millions of people touching that same spot, but come on, give me a break. A Russians knee will never touch the ground. To touch the ground with your hand is a sin. And they seem to think that they will melt in the rain. I have begun to give up trying to fit in, and am now just enjoying being myself. I love looking up at the beautiful buildings and architecture. I love getting on my hands and knees and admiring the beautiful artwork that is hundreds of years old. I love looking at the small details of life, that makes St. Pete...St. Pete. Constantly I seem to be a critic of the interesting and ever growing population of concrete buildings. I am spreading the love of hamburgers with more of my students. At English Club I made them all chocolate chip cookies. Nyum Nyum. I have Russian lessons twice a week - mondays and wednesdays. Yepeeee. I am learning lots! :) On my free time I like to take pictures, experiment in the kitchen baking, walk around, poetry, sleep, and hang out with students. It was a rude awaking here when I found out that the people here at McDonalds make more money than I do! Hahaha. Yes, I am not doing this for the money, I do it for the students. I am still trying to raise support! Maybe next week I'll put up pictures of students and my classroom. Tell me what you want pictures of! Many times I wish I had a video camera...if only you could see! Well, I am in an exceptionally great mood today. I wouldn't want to ruin it staying on the computer to long. So talk you later! Pokkaa!

pete

The week hummmm

I have gotten to the point where, on saturday morning...you really don't care anymore. Everyday seems like an ordeal to "prepare" to go outside. I feel like I am suiting up for a space walk. Umbrella - check. Papers - check. Emergency sweater - check. Phone - check. Keys - check. Metro pass - check. If I miss anyone one of these...life can get uncomfortable. Saturday morning I had no food. I didn't want to "suit up". So I went as I was...sweat pants, sandals, wife-beater, and some cash. It was only about 44 degrees out, and it was fun. It was relieving to just go as you are. However, the homeless man did acknowledge that I was "homeless" or in a worst situation than him, and didn't beg. hahaha, you should've been there. Hanging out with students in a pub on Saturday, and the Hermatage on Sunday, keeps my spirits up. For English Club, I introduced to them the wonderful world of Sienfeld. Sports night was fricken cool, as we played lots of Baseball. There are so many interesting things here, that I have started to write lots of poetry about it. I have been kinda sad lately as I have really been missing my family. I miss hugs, close friends, and good talks. Many of you said you sent packages...thank you so much, I will write you when I get them. For sad days like this, I think I might make some chocolate chip cookies. Nyum Nyum. 

Financial Update

Thanks for your generous support, in prayer and/or financial donations.  I do still need about $4278 in total support, and TeachOverseas has offered me a matching scholarship.  They will match any donation dollar for dollar up to $500 for all donations that I receive by December 15^th.  Please prayerfully consider giving to me and the ministry to my Russian students.    You can give securely online at http://www.teachoverseas.org/contribute.php or you can send your donation to TeachOverseas.org, 444 E. Huntington Dr. Ste. 200, Arcadia, CA 91006.  My account number is 208097.

Please keep me in your prayers...I need everyone of them. :)

petya

Another week at the office

Well, lets see...
Russia never seems to disappoint. Whether its the random drunks excited about Zenit, or the weird looks, Russia can always be unexpected. I made chocolate chip cookies for some of my students...first homemade chocolate chip cookies they had ever had...and with milk! Yes, it was fantastic. Furthermore, I also made them their first homemade hamburger. "Its so much bigger than McDonalds, are you sure you made it right?"....hahahaha....yes, this is a "true" hamburger. English Club was as interesting as usual, with about 16 people showing up. We all know that Russians can brave the cold like no one else, but when their winter coats come flying on in 40-50 F degree weather - sun shining - give me a break! They all seem to dress for 30 F degrees colder than it really is...jeeeez. I brought some of my students to a Mexican restaurant, for the first time...that was really fun! I might be starting some official Russian language lessons this week! Yepeee. We taught the students how to play baseball! They love it! Well, until next time...
Poka

petya

Weekly Ramble - yada yada yada

Well, Life is good.
The weather this week was really really warm, and seemed to cheer everyone up! I try to smile at everyone I can, with mixed results. Drunks on the midnight train can be exceptionally friendly, while random fights breakout on escalators. Simple chocolate in a nice package can be interesting, when your students then tell you that you bought them spiked candy. I have learned that lesson planning is 10% for the 90% of the class, and 90% for 10% of the class. Its amazing what you will eat when you are hungry, including 3 servings of peas. English Club is going great, with a variety of people interested. Sports night is awesome, however, students seem to be complaining about bruises the next day. Hanging out with students for hours on end, always makes me feel at home. I receive about a letter a week from my mommy, which always puts a smile on my face. The heat has turned on in the flat, and windows have flown open. Things I miss the most include Oreos, Mexican food, and my moms cooking. Oh, and macaroni and cheese. I am really starting to hate cigarette smoke, while almost 50% of my students smoke. My shower has a sense of humor as it likes to go from lukewarm to scalding hot within a tenth of a second, and then ice cold. I Feel naked and helpless outside, if somehow I forgot my "papers." To eat chocolate is like a little piece of heaven. I bought some raspberry jelly in anticipation of its counterpart. My English is slowly deteriorating as I always speak slow and simple to my students. I miss you all, as you all have a special place in my heart. With all my love, hugs and kisses.

pete