Moscow

A childhood friend was in Moscow for a month. I had invited her out here to see us, but she couldn't come, so yesterday we went to see her, her brother, and the Sullivans. It was a very long, cold day, and we're tired now, but it was also a very relaxing refreshing change of pace.

With Evelyn and Tim
Originally uploaded by fylliska.

Evelyn and Raia
Originally uploaded by fylliska.

Probably the most interesting part of the day wasn't even during our visit. As we got on to the late night commuter train from Vladimir to Kovrov with Jaan throwing a full-blown tantrum and Raia crying, I noticed all the babushki scrambling to go through their purses. The usual babushka treatment for a tantrum is a handful of candy. One woman brought over a whole bag of treats and told us "Merry Christmas!" We thought that was unusual, because most people would still be wishing us a happy New Year. She came back a few minutes later with a pack of tvorog. Then, once we had gotten our babies to sleep (no, Jaan did NOT get any of the treats), she came back again, this time to slide a gift of money into my pocket. We tried not to take it, but she insisted, so it will be going into the offering tomorrow.

She sat and talked to us the whole way to Kovrov. Apparently she had traveled with us in the morning, too. We got to share quite a bit with her, and then we mostly just sat and listened. She works in the "baby house" here. (Sorry for the literal translation. I'm referring to the orphanage just for babies.) Just because of that, I was very excited to meet her. The baby house here is not very open to help, but she did tell us what they do and don't need. I left slightly hopeful that we could be allowed in for a visit if we brought some of the things she mentioned, even though that's not officially allowed. We exchanged phone numbers and invited her to our Christmas service tomorrow. Pray that we'll have further contact with Babushka Tanya!

Also, you can pray for the children's Christmas program at church today. We didn't go, because it was for older, unsaved children, but Will's there. Please pray that there will be a good turnout and response. Our landlord and his daughter were supposed to come. Will, Pavel and a visiting group will also be doing the Christmas program in Sannikovo tonight.