What the heck does that mean?! Well, I shall tell you; it is probably the phrase that I've used the most since being here in Russia. It means "No Russian!" I am thoroughly surprised by the number of Russians that try to speak to me, because I've been told by a Russian that I definitely do not look like I belong here! And I thought practicing my Russian scowl was helping me blend in, I guess not. (: We always have to try to tell everyone that we don't speak their language in our broken/non-existent Russian. Although language is often a barrier, it has not stopped me from meeting some truly amazing people. Most of my preconceived Russian stereotypes have been absolutely shattered!
But, first, think of the children! I have now completed two full weeks of teaching, meaning that I'm pretty much a pro now. Actually not at all, but I think I might be getting there. My roommates and I teach at a Kindergarden school, meaning we teach kids between the ages of 3-6. The older kids that are about 6, just started the basic reading program, while all the other kids that are all young are in the trusted hands of Shelley and I! We have a couple older one's in our group, but for the most part we have very young kids. It's a good thing that these kids are absolutely adorable cause they make me want to pull out my hair! But in a good way (: If that's even possible. As I mentioned earlier, we teach in a very rich area, therefore we have the little angels of the wealthy who get EVERYTHING they want. They are catered to at home and by most of the Russian teachers; they will do about anything to make them stop crying. So that makes my job a little difficult because we have rules and when broken, the students receive consequences; something that I don't think they're very familiar with! Must be nice, huh?!
These are the twins in our classes; they are cutest, and most mischief children you will ever meet! Their names are Paulina (blue) and Alisa (pink); I can finally tell them apart!
Yesterday, Sunday, I got to work with kids as well! Just can't get enough of the little buggers. I go to church every Sunday here in Moscow. It's an International Latter-Day Saint church that takes 2 hours to get there and then 2 hours back, making it a 4 hour round trip (just in case your math skills need a little help); it has definitely made me appreciate the states and the availability of wards that are so close by! I already have a calling in the church and it's to be a Nursery teacher. In other words, I just play toys with people's children while the parents attend the 2nd and 3rd hour of church! And I have to say, that I love it! They are so stinkin' cute.
The kids of the Nursery; they LOVE bubbles! I seriously blew bubbles for a total of 30 minutes!
The only day I was not surrounded by little munchkins was Saturday and it was such a fun day! I can say that I've gone to a soccer game in Europe and that it was crazy. There was this little section of the stadium were devout fans were either chanting or clapping the ENTIRE time! It was nuts! I couldn't believe how much energy they had. It was such a blast though and fun to attend a sporting event.
It looks like they are hailing the soccer team, but actually they were just doing this fist pump sort of thing! They are a dedicated people! Red, Green, and White all the way!
After the soccer game we met up with a new friend named Vlad! One of my roommates had a Seminary teacher who is currently serving a mission in Russia, Vlad was one of the missionaries that served in the same area. So her teacher gave Vlad our local cell phone number here and he is such a great guy! He showed us around The Old Russian Exhibition Center; it was built when Stalin was the leader, after the war. It contains buildings with the names of the different countries that allied them in the war. It is also centered around this fountain called the friendship fountain.
All the statues represent different countries; it was a beautiful area and fountain.
I think probably one of my favorite parts about this week was hearing Vlad's conversion story to the Mormon church! I have to tell you about it; When Vlad was 18 he left his home that was very far away from Moscow, on the northern tip of Russia. While in Moscow he got into the party scene and woke up one day with a hangover and thought to himself, "What am I doing with my life?" That same day, he was watching South Park and the episode about the Mormons came on! He thought to himself that it was very interesting and wanted to know more and that's how he found the missionaries was through his research. He found many bad articles about the church but wanted to really find out, which lead him to inviting the missionaries over. Vlad told us that he was really excited for the missionaries to come over because he thought they were gonna do some sort of cool hypnosis on him! Haha, but he was in for something different; he said that he thought the lesson was so boring and the Elder's Russian was absolutely terrible. Then, the Elder began to talk about the first vision of Joseph Smith and Vlad said that he felt something really strange inside of him, as if his insides were melting and he looked all around him trying to figure out if he was finally being hypnotized. He came to learn and realize that it was the promptings of the spirit that were melting his insides (; just kidding, I mean allowing him to feel the Lord's love. Three months later he was baptized and all because of South Park! Makes me laugh! Who would've thought?!
It was so nice of him to share all his stories and time with us! Here's a picture of all of us in front of the fountain. (From left to right; Shelley, Ally, Vlad, Jillian, Me!)
There is so much more to say, but not enough time! I wish I could tell you more, but don't worry, you got all the highlights of my trip thus far (: I would like to acknowledge all the people who have supported me in my endeavor! This literally wouldn't have been impossible without you. I get to enjoy this amazing experience because of the generosity of others. пасиба! Look it up (;
If you would like to see more pictures you can visit my facebook!
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