The Start of the Second Half

So, it has been forever since I have written. I apologize to those of you who actually haven't given up checking for updates!

A lot has happened in the past 2 months... Two months, that seems unreal that I have been in Russia long enough for that to seem like a short amount of time. So, I wish I had lots of pictures to put up, but unfortunately I haven't taken many lately.. promise I'll put some up soon.

So, I have been working at the preschool for the last 2 months, minus the 3 weeks I had of break for Christmas, and I really like it so far. I do miss the kindergarten, but I am really falling in love with my new kids and enjoying the change of pace. The preschool is a class of 24 students, but I only teach half of them. I teach 6 lessons a week, and when I am not teaching, I take the kids around to their other classes such as dance, swimming, pe, music, and art; I help with meals; and I stay in the room with them during nap time. There are also classes in the classroom of course with the two Russian teachers that I teach with. Jeff, another American teacher, and I split the responsibility as English assistants. Really, my only complaint about working at the Zaitsevo campus is the hour commute there and hour back. It makes for a long day with little view of sunlight. Fortunately, the days ARE getting longer than what they have been though. Now, we just have to get through March, and the weather will stop being cold!

So, a little bit about Christmas break... I left for home on the 19th of December, but unfortunately due to the weather, i did not arrive in Tulsa till December 21. It was not ideal, but I guess one thing out of it was I now feel like a professional traveler, and I got over jetlag easier since I was exhausted by the time I was done with JFK airport.

Once I arrived in Tulsa, I was greeted by my parents, niece, aunt, and uncle. Unfortunately, I was not greeted by my bags. They in fact did not greet me until 11 days later after a lot of insistence and not much assistance from Delta. However, this wasn't as stressful as it could have been, because I was home, and that was sooo wonderful.

During my time home, I spent a lot of time traveling in Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Texas seeing most of the people that I love. I also got to eat most of the foods that I miss, run, not wear tights under my jeans, relax, and much more! It really was a perfect bit of time to get refreshed for the last half of my time here in Moscow.

When I arrived back to Moscow, a day late because of more complications with weather and flights, Russia actually felt like home to me in some ways. It was weird to come back to a foreign country and for things to be familiar. I took the metro to our stop on the purple line. I went to our grocery store. I slept in my bed. Then, I went to work and have been working for two weeks now.

Some new things since I've been back... I'm attempting to work out a little more, because it is something that I enjoy way too much not to do. It's just difficult with the very cold weather and lack of sunlight. Also, Leah and I got a big variety of food at the grocery store the other day, and now we wonder why we hadn't done that before! :) No more palmini every other night... Then, Leah and I have been watching Lost (just got done with season 2), and I love it! Still, I have a few visits planned with some Russian friends in which I am really looking forward to. Finally, we have a new building for our church to meet at, and it really is great! We can even see one of the seven sisters right out of the window. From what I understand, it really is a blessing for us to have this place to meet.

So, it's not much but I at least saved it from being 2 whole months since updating last!