Dec 18

If I have my days straight, it is Friday. :) when they pronounce that here they say "free-day". Although innocent, it's a nice concept to have a free day!

This morning I got up earlier and was ready by 8:30 to meet Ira and walk to the church. Daylight was just beginning and it was peaceful outside. Aseri is small enough that you do not need a car. You walk to school. You walk to the supermarket. You walk to your friend's house/apartment.

I like being here and staying in my own flat and walking places like the locals. Although I stick out like a sore thumb, I feel like I am participating in their lives somehow.

Anyway, we walked to the church to meet the guy who works for the telephone company that rents a part of the church building. I got to see that part of the church that I hadn't seen yet. It was neat to see and I appreciate the telephone guy for driving to Aseri to show me the building.

After Ira, a friend of hers (Natasha), and I prepared food for tomorrow's Christmas party for the children. I know how to make one of the salads now!! Ah-ha! I know what is in at least that one. :)

I also watched Ira make soup. Their soup is so good here. She fed it to at least 22 adults and children who came to the church! That's a record they said for the after school program. There is one girl at the after school program whose mom brings her and picks her up. I watch today as she dropped her daughter off, Ira was talking to the mom. The next thing I know the mom has her jacket and hat off and is eating a bowl of soup too. It was sweet to watch.

I know I talk a lot about the food - but it does seem that whenever I turn around we are eating again. And these people use it to fellowship! It's a grand excuse to hang out and enjoy each other's company. It reminds me of growing up and my parents having manditory meal times - it was our way of spending time as a family. How many of us get so busy that we forget the fellowship and just eat to make it through the day? Sure, I think Americans have parties and go out to eat together, but I still think it's a good reminder to us to fellowship with one-another and make time.

Christina, who will be 18 on Sunday, came and invited me to go sit in her music lesson. So we walked to the town music building and I sat in her private lesson. What a treat. Christina has a beautiful voice!

Then we went back to the church and hung out with the kids. They are sowing warming up to me and practicing their english and giggling at the same time. :)

For now I am resting. It is already dark outside and I will go to Ira and her husband, Damon's for dinner. Christina, Victoria, and Sasha will all eat too. After Christina suggested watching a movie - not sure what, when, or where. :) I'd be happy doing anything... Playing UNO again RUssian style is fun. :)

I've been thinking about the question that I posted from last Sunday: what can I bring to, or give, Jesus this Christmas. I think for me time is a big thing. What if I gave Jesus my time? I know I should already be doing this - but I am just as guilty as anyone for getting so busy - especially during the hustle and bustle of Christmas. What do we celebrate the season for anyway? He gave us life to enjoy - not get so busy we become numb to what He would have us see around us.

That's just my thoughts for now.

"But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in our transgressions - it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages He might show the incomparable riches of His grace, expressed in His kindness to us in Christ Jesus." - ephesians 2:4-7.