Welcome to the zoo.

I never thought of how an elephant feels as you sit and watch every move it makes. Whether it is doing something as simple as eating or walking back and forth. Now I do. No matter where we are or what we are doing it seems I have a sign that says, "Hello, I'm American" written on my back.

Oh boy, adventures come in every direction. I have always taken for granted churches being on every corner of the street. Always in walking distance. I remember, one summer, visiting my Aunt Marcie in california and we had to drive thirty minutes to go to church. I was shocked. Now we must leave our apartments at ten to reach our church house by noon. Riding the metro is never boring, however. There are interesting people in every direction. For instance, yesterday I sat and watched in complete awe as this fine gentleman stood in front of the sliding doors and had a complete conversation with his reflection. Not all people are crazy though, no no no. On the contrary actually. Contrary to popular belief the people here are quite normal. Yes, you get your few cranksters here and there that yell at you for this and that, but luckily the yelling sounds just like the talking so you smile and walk away.

Church was really fun. We went to the international ward so everything was in English. It was quite strange at first, because I am so used to trying to speak any words possible in Russian and not being able to understand a thing. Here everyone spoke English and it felt like I brought a little piece of home with me. The missionary couple came to meet us at the metro stop and we all headed toward our church. Never thought I would be so cold in my life. It's a nice little walk passed a lot of old red brick buildings that use to be hospitals in the time of the Soviet Union. Every building here has a story and I love it. Our bishop is from Germany and is so funny. For some reason he can take the simplest thing and make you laugh. I wasn't even upset when he was still talking and I saw the big hand pass the 12 saying that it was time to go home. We journeyed back to our deserted school that would be filled with children running to where ever we were going in the morning.

We woke up the next morning in the dark of course (the sun doesn't come up until about 9:30 in the morning). We went down to breakfast and were starving. Our cooks actually leave, along with everyone else during the weekend. So we are left with food from the school's owner's farm. Surprisingly this has been delicious. They leave us lots of fresh fruit, homemade pasta and all sorts of other things. But this morning, it was different. We walked down the four flights of floors to the main level, down the hallway to the front. Said доброе утро to Peter (our guard that never seems to sleep) and ran down the next two flights of stairs to the cafeteria. Everything was pitch black, which we learned is typical for our school. Lights are never turned on unless you can absolutely not see. Lucky for me I brought my handy dandy head lamp. 

There on the table in front us, was the cutest little breakfast I had ever seen. Our cute chef Leena brought in a fancy porcelain pot filled with delicious porridge/ oatmeal/ yumminess. We sat down to eat our mini french toast like patties topped with jam or something that tasted like condensed sweetened milk. We ate everything on our plates. It was divine. 

After breakfast we gathered our supplies we brought for the school and began the layering process. My pants felt a bit tighter, but I blamed that on the two layers of leggings I was wearing underneath. Definitely had nothing to do with the pastries we had been eating two at a time. Looking like we were headed for a week long trip through the tundra, we set off for the journey to our school. On the way we stood and waited for the other girls to catch up. Mindy turned to look at me and suddenly broke out in laughter. Thinking I had a frozen booger now resembling an icicle coming out of my nose or something I began to brush my face off. She finally got enough composer to tell me my hair was a lovely shade of white. It had frozen. That is how cold it was outside. My hair was not even wet. With a quick picture and some more giggles we hurried to our school. 

We put on our little booties that are in the front of every building and trekked through the building to our little supply room. We spent the next few hours discussing school supplies and planning our activities. I can't believe we begin teaching tomorrow! After that we ran back to the cafeteria fearing that us being late would be extremely offensive. We ran down stairs in a fluster and got some more delicious food. This time we were not alone in the cafeteria. We finally were able to see all the students and teachers. It was so interesting. The boys were dressed to impress with what looked like top $ suits and the girls in stilettos. 

After lunch we were off to the mini bus once more. We were meeting the other groups in the metro to find the university where we will be teaching once a week. Scary right? I was scared enough to teach six year olds, lets just times that by 4 and add a whole bunch of smartness to it. The director at the university was so kind. We learned a lot about the city and places to shop! After a long, and I mean long wait at the store that sold hair dryers and straighteners, we were on our way home. What can you expect from a group of over sixteen girls? We finally made it back to our metro stop and made a quick stop at the grocery store. We found it easy enough and found some treats for the journey home. We began to walk to our bus stop and after a few minutes realized we had no idea where it was. Sarah tried asking a babushka while we sat and froze in the icy night air. After lots of walking back and forth and tracing our steps we finally arrived. Seeing our school had never been such a pleasant sight. 

Today is our first day that we will actually be staying at our school all night. Gulia is coming to show us our classrooms and then we are planning, planning , planning. Tomorrow I become an official teacher! Wahoo.

Здравствуйте!

Privyet!


I made it! One day, three planes, and thousands of miles. I can't believe it was only two days ago that I said farewell to my mom and Dave in the airport. The excitement rose as we boarded the plane with six other girls all destined for Moscow. The plane ride was long and dreary. It felt like it was night for 24 hours since with the time difference we basically lost a day. The last plane was the longest. We sat in the back with other ILP volunteers surrounding us. There were three boys that sat right in front of us that were from Russia. We spent a good chunk of time asking the endless questions of "how do you say...?" and "Is this true....". They couldn't stop laughing at the silly American girls. 

 As I stepped off the plane I couldn't believe it. All signs of America, English, or anything familiar were gone. The words suddenly looked like someone accidentally drew pictures in the middle of them. The straight faced, perma mad look we had practiced on the plane was useless. You could point out the Americans from a mile away. As we followed the crowed through the airport we luckily landed in the right spot. We stood in line at customs for what felt like hours. As I approached the service man he asked for my passport with a grunt. I handed it over quickly and couldn't help but smile. He put his hand on his forehead and with concern I asked if he had a headache. He let out a noise that did necessarily sound like a laugh, but since he was smiling it must have been. We collected our baggage and headed for the exit. 

At the exit we met our regional coordinator names Gulia. She is the cutest little lady that always wears a bright red coat. She sent us on our way quickly with Ksesha and our driver. It took us three different elevator rides to get all of us and our luggage trolleys down to the first floor. The first step outside was breath taking, literally. The air was a bit frozen so we had to take a few deep breaths to get use to it. There was ice everywhere. We slipped and slid to our "bus" which was a mini van that was indeed bright yellow. After a mini game of tetris to fit our luggage and all of us in. We were on our way. 

As we drove through the outskirts of Moscow we tried to see through the iced over, foggy windows. All of the sudden we took a quick stop on the side of the highway, like right off the highway. No exit just stop and park. We walked into a Middle Eastern, Asian, European mix of a restaurant. Everyone stared as we walked into the back room. There were tall huka stands on every single table. We walked through the beads hanging from the doorway and sat down on a big roundish table. Ksuscha sat next to me and watched with amusement as our mouths dropped when we saw the food come. They served us these huge, long burrito wrap type things filled to the brim. We took them with a bit skepticism and took a big bite. It was delicious. I could barely finish half of it. Ksuscha looked at us very seriously and asked us to keep it a secret that we went to eat before going to the school. We nodded our heads while looking at each other with question in our eyes. Then we were off to the school. 

Soon we turned off of the highway and began to drive through a little town. There were fences up everywhere and every so often we would see a huge mansion hidden by the trees. We saw cute neighborhoods with unique houses, each of them different from the ones surrounding it. Then we were finally here. We pulled into what almost looked like apartments you would see in Salt lake. Very new and quite modern. We hopped out of the mini bus and took a look around. This was definitely a very rich area. As we stepped inside we said hello to the security guards as the watched with amusement from our curiosity. We were immediately met by one of the head staff named Sveta and shown to the cafeteria. On our way we couldn't help but notice the mini miniature golf located in the basement along with the ping pong tables. With full stomachs we humbly accepted the food the chef had prepared for us and sat next to the rest of the staff that was enjoying tea time. We tried to finish as much as we could as we guiltily looked down at our plates filled with homemade pasta topped with delicious sauce and a hot dog set on the side. As we finally finished and were excused to go to our rooms Sveta tols us dinner is promptly at six. It was already four-thirty. 

Our rooms were quite nice. We have three people in each and lots of storage space. Our toilet is normal, and the water is not brown. Whew. However, the shower is a bit of a joke. It's like a box that is raised above the ground just in the middle of the bathroom and it has no shower curtain so the water just pours everywhere. So besides the swimming pool that is constantly on our floor, it's not too bad. We took our little break to unpack and get situated then we were back to the cafeteria for dinner. We sat there in desperation so full, but not wanting to offend our chef. She put in front of us ravioli typed pasta filled with sausage. We slowly consumed it and celebrated when it was gone. As we made it back up to our rooms, we were asleep within the next twenty minutes.

                                     Throughout the night I kept waking up. Finally at 4:30 I just couldn't sleep anymore. I snuck into the other room and began watching a movie. I could hear noises outside my door and was so confused. Then I thought I heard the girls next door talking. Mindy and I wanted to see what time it was and went to go see if they were awake. Kris opened the door fully dressed and ready to go. The other girls were the same way behind her. In shock I asked what time it was, thinking it was strange they were ready at 4:30 in the morning. She replied it was almost 8:30 which is the time we were supposed to be leaving. I rushed back to my room flipped on the lights and awoke Sarah. We rushed to get ready as quickly as possible. Throwing on as many layers as we could. Sasha and the other girls stood in the doorway ready to go. As we stepped outside Sasha gave us the typical Russian look and we took it as "really you are late and it is the first day? What are we going to do with these Americans". Conveniently he doesn't speak very much English. We briskly walked to the bus stop and waited. The bus was long gone. It was freezing! Four layers on every part of my body stood no chance during the Russian winter. Not too mention the sun doesn't rise until 10 in the morning. We stood shivering. 

After getting on what we call the "mini" bus, we road it into the next town with a metro station. We met Gulia and said farewell to Sasha although he lives right next to us. We went down underground for our first experience in the metro. It was just like people had described it. Hustle and bustle in every direction. Nobody was smiling, but nobody was really frowning either. Just expressionless. We got off on the next stop which is where the other shool's head teacher lives. We met with some of the girls from the Captain school and did our money exchange and took our mug shots, which are actually our visa pictures. Then we were off to meet Moscow 1. Our big ILP family traveled back to the metro with our next destination to be Red Square. 

I couldn't believe I was standing in the middle of Red Square. One day I am in Sandy, UT 48 hours later I am standing next to Lenin's tomb. It was amazing. Every building was so beautiful and had so much history. I was amazed. We explored and took so many photographs. Then there were weddings all over. I saw four brides within thirty minutes. All dressed in poofy white dresses with endless fabric covering them from head to toe. There is even an ice skating rink right in the middle. Oh and contrary to popular belief, Russian men are not ugly. 

It was such an exciting day filled with so many things. After a long journey we made it back to our school. We were introduced to where we would be teaching next week. You have to walk out of the part of the school where we live and through the cutest little neighborhood. Filled with houses that are bright yellow gingerbread type houses to pure wood box style. Then around the corner you find the sport center. A.K.A. the gym. The kindergarten, where we will teach, is right across the street. We didn't get to see it because it was all locked up, so Gulia showed us our supply room which is located inside of the gym. Like every place around here there is a guard standing by the door. Don't let the smell of a vegas hotel get you down. As we walked our eyes kept getting bigger every turn we took. Gulia showed us to the pool that has two huge slides that twist and turn all the way down. Then we went downstairs passed the bowling alley. Then we went through five other windy, turny hallways, up stairs, down some other ones, around some corners, and then we were finally to the room. It was filled with all sorts of things we could teach with. 

After awhile of Gulia explaining things it was hard to hide our exhaustion. She finally said we could go back to our rooms and we gladly began the journey. We had a quick team meeting and were set free. It was such an eventful two days, however, I am ready for some sleep. We have yet another adventure to try and find our church tomorrow. Two hour journey? Sure why not. 

Goodbye to Goodbyes

Nuh nuh nuh nuuuuuhhh.....
Four hours till I will be stepping out of my car into the airport. I've spent the last few days (mostly the last few hours) packing everything I could think of and plenty more. I think. I hope. I can't believe the day is finally here. I have laughed cried and now I am just excited. I am going to miss everyone so much, but I can't wait to explore the world.

Checked the whether and found out it's going to be a solid 3 degrees when we get there. Saddest news is that I found out below freezing is below 32 degrees and not 0. Good news though, if they don't have ice cream near by we can take some milk with a little flavor, set it outside and wallah we have a homemade treat.

Here are just a few things that will be missed!

Well here I go....           

I haven't even left to Russia yet and I am already getting behind on the journey in 2012. Two days after Hawaii I found myself, co-pilot of a little white jeep type car packed full of bags and people. Mario sat pilot while Madi, Cees, Jake, and Cole squished in the back trying to look as comfy as possible. It reminded me of the first time I got pulled over in my little blue bug; barely sixteen, four people squished in the back with only two seat belts, going fifteen miles over. Luckily, the cop let me go after relating my car to a can of sardines.... Within fifteen minutes everyone in the car was hungry. Being typical boys, we set out on the hunt for a rancheritos a.k.a. classy mexi. We finally found something close to, maybe even a little more high class. It was located in a small corner of an upscale gas station with plenty of onlookers that seemed to find a good Friday night to be one that consist of hanging out at the local phillip's 66 with a couple of ciggies. Although, who doesn't want a ginormous flour tortilla filled to the brim with onions, peppers, never ending amount of cheese, carne asada (questionable), and topped with a life time supply of grease dripping from every side. Mmm yumm. Can't wait to drive another hour and a half in a space 6x4 with charming young males that devoured the whole creation within ten minutes. I crossed my fingers hoping their digestive systems were running slow.


Finally the surroundings began to look familiar. I was so excited to see Carly I couldn't wait  a moment longer. As soon as the car stopped we jumped out and ran inside. There she was. Cute little Carl. Then came Paula. One of the cutest mom's I know above my own of course. I never knew anyone could have such a big heart. She would give the socks of her feet if you needed them. I had heard stories about her famous milkshakes many a times and there was no let down. Definitely an inspiring woman.


Madi had one request the whole weekend: to go to Zion's park. I spent my whole life thinking that I had been there before, but surprise, it was a whole new world. I must have confused Bryce Park with it. The red rocks mixed with the trees were amazing. Blue skies were in every direction as we travelled up the long stretch to Angel's Landing. I couldn't help but notice the stream of people surrounding us, with their heavy hiking attire. Then there was us. T-shirts, leggings and a good collection of tom's. The hike was beautiful. It had all sorts of terrain with switch backs, rocky roads and parts you were so scared of falling you couldn't help but clutch onto the metal chains connected to the mountains. Mario and Jake sat terrified when they saw the drop offs on each side, but with a little persuasion they continued on with us. The view at the top was breath taking. We sat and talked while we enjoyed a little sack lunch made by Paula.


2 a.m. we walk in the door to Paula still cooking for tomorrow's feast. Carly begins to get a little nervous for her big moment. She works on her talk while Madi and I talk to, Courtney, her friend from highschool. She is hilarious. Couldn't love talking to a stranger more. We finally were asleep by four.


Carly, well sister Vanderhorst, is going to be an amazing missionary. She did awesome on her talk and let her shining personality come right out. It was bittersweet. Of course, me being the cryer that I am began to tear up. I can't wait to hear all about her adventures. Later we went to the park and played woofleball and volleyball. Carly's family is great. It was such fun afternoon.


Later that night the boys wanted to go off roading so we borrowed a ranger and headed out to sand hollow. I was a little nervous at first, going out into the middle of no where in the dark... doesn't seem like such a smart idea. It definitely was though. We made a huge bonfire while driving all around this red rock with sand. Call us rebels. We sat by the fire thinking it was a good time to begin some scary stories. By this time there were ten of us because Kyle, Spencer and another friend joined us. We sat and talked for a long while after watching the boys jump over the fire. Mario ended up frying his hair which was pretty sad, but kind of hilarious. It was completely singed and smelt just awful. As we were telling our stories, we saw this bright light in the distance. I immediately got the heeby jeebies, but tried to hide it. It kept getting closer and closer. We rushed to put out the fire in case it was a cop, however, I don't know what cop would come out to the middle of no where and climb up the hilll that we were on top of. As it got closer we realized it wasn't a cop and got even more nervous. As we debated maybe doing a quick run away, it made it up the hill. A middle aged man hopped out of the car with his dog. Creepy right? He said he was just seeing if he needed to put out the fire. How he found us or even saw us I have no idea. My thoughts were he is either seeing if we are doing/ have some drugs to share, or he wanted to murder us. Either way we were out of there.


The trip came to a sad ending while saying goodbye to Carl. I do get to see her once more right before she goes into the MTC. So weird. It will be such an amazing experience though.