New friends - unique memories

One of the true bright spots of my Russian journey was volunteering side by side with some amazing people with ages ranging six decades! From the staff at Cross Cultural Solutions who work so hard for GOOD to all the volunteers across the US that Traveled for GOOD. I am truly blessed that Travelocity gave me this opportunity to travel out of my comfort zone and share love with hurting women and kids. I leave with beautiful memories and new friends back here in the good old USA.

Bye until my next journey...

Blessings to all, jonna

Final walk in Yaroslavl

A rainy Saturday walk through the city was a perfect last day to reflect upon my stay here in this very interesting city. I certainly stand out as a foreigner with my Gator baseball cap and my Chuck converse! I believe it is a law here that women cannot wear shoes with less than a six inch heal. It is a true talent they exhibit while walking in these uncomfortable shoes on the rough roads and sidewalks. And yet, I managed to fall on butt in the mud. Oh well, not a successful trip until I tumble down at least once!

This is truly a remarkable city to have experienced my cultural immersion. The architecture, the people, markets, pubs and gorgeous fountains have made this an unforgettable Russian adventure.

The girl/women also have the art of posing for photos down to a science! It is also enduring that girl friends hold hands as they stroll down the street. This is so dramatically different from the stereotype of them being a cold society. They laugh a lot and of course party in the streets. Just don't expect them to smile at an American!

Impact to the heart

I will never drink tea the same again.

What an amazing last day with "my" women. It was a very special visit for me, Heather and Larissa were able to serve hot tea and cookies, a very special infrequent treat. Serving 50+ eager women in their tattered robes savoring the caffeine was a sight to behold. It was such a simple task and something I do everyday.

I could not hold back the tears which resulted in lots of waterworks from the women, one tiny women sobbing in my embrace crying mama. All they want is to be loved. Leaving them and looking back at the building to see some of my favorites waving out the window was a sad departure but also the memory of a very happy moment. I am so honored to have met these women, I wish I knew every story of theirs lives.

A lecture that hurts to the core

Today our afternoon session was listening to Nadia speak about the orphanage and the elderly system. It was not an uplifting talk and left my heart burdened. The majority of the kids in the system are there because the parental rights have been revoked due to alcohol abuse. It is so frustrating to know these beautiful kids have a slim chance growing up in a positive happy environment or will enter into adulthood with any level of success. Babies are being adopted but not the older kids, I know that we have the same issues here in the States, its the overall environment at the Yaroslavl facilities that make it so difficult to accept.

The stereotype of the vodka drinking Russian is no laughing matter. Everywhere you go you see Russians with a drink (mostly beer) in hand. On the tram, walking down the street...beer tap stands line the sidewalks like the availability of hot dogs seen in NYC. It is quite surreal.

There is no funded rehab or AA to help support the high level of alcoholism in Russia. The cycle just continues. It is heartbreaking that this translates to children without parents, just existing without a loving and nurturing family.

My beautiful Masha

I wish I could post the exquisite photo I have of Masha. I spoke of this wonderful girl in a post earlier. Today as I sadly left the children's hospital for the last time she hugged me so tight. I prayed for God's protection over her life and that she will have a future beyond what the confines of this place seem to dictate. After two weeks of being making crafts, playing Sorry and cards (a game she tried to teach me that I still can't grasp) with her she finally opened up to me and spoke English! I could tell she was so nervous but happy...I could tell she felt "safe" with me...I love this girl. Being with her and the others helped me deal with all the sad emotions revolving around with the fact that my favorite little guy was not allowed to come outside today, most likely for bad behavior. I cried hard and felt sick as we drove back to the hotel.

Ugh, a stomach virus in Russia is no fun

18 hours on my back and in the bathroom, I missed the afternoon excursion to a traditional Russian village which was quite disappointing to me. However, it was so important for me NOT to miss my morning at the Women's hospital and the following day to back at the Kid's Hospital which I was able to make thankfully.

I am so grateful for Bob, a fellow volunteer that remembered my fascination of cemeteries and shot these amazing photos for me while I was out cold (or blazing hot) in the hotel room.

A trip to the cobbler..."Wolf"

Tatoos, the univeral language. Great guy, did not charge me to fix my shoe! Finding his "storefront" window was a challenge :)

What is up with all the Brides??

Train travel Russian style!

What an experience to spend 11 hours on a train. Had a hilarious time in the dining car with some Russian fellows who insisted we join them in toasting our journey back to Yaroslavl with a teapot(s) of vodka. The countryside is peaceful to watch out the window. Witnessed a stunning sunset.

I am in love with St. Petersburg!

What a fabulous weekend in a beautiful city! We were so fortunate to have booked at a great (apartment) hotel with all the luxuries such as a shower, quality toilet paper and a friendly and professional staff! It took an hour of tromping around trying to read street signs to find our place but we persevered! Right on the Moika canal which is right behind the Hermitage and the Neva River. We booked ourselves on a river cruise with an English speaking Russian to see the sights and play tourists, I am really glad we did that to learn all about Catherine the Great and company. I was in awe of the architecture, gardens, fountains and religious icons. After the cruise we ventured to the Idiot Cafe for a fine vegetarian dinner and I finally was able to enjoy a nice glass of wine, which was greatly enjoyed after my "dry" week back at homebase.

Sunday morning I headed out in the rain to attend a church service. I thought I was going to an English service but was surprised by all Russians who were very welcoming, albeit a bit curious that I was there! It was a beautiful way to spend my Sunday morning and to get "centered" there was about 40 there and a guitar. A young woman Victoria spoke great English and translated throughout the service. We had a nice walk afterward, she is a beautiful person with a kind spirit.

I spent the afternoon solo and enjoyed walking and walking and walking some more. It is a fantastic city to photograph and so much fun to people watch. I treated myself to a nice lunch and dinner. And slept really well. Unfortunately my roommate Larissa became quite ill so that put a bummer on the end of a great weekend.

Monday morning I enjoyed a walk in the Summer Gardens and read and wrote. I really felt I was on vacation! I also took time to count my blessings to have been given this experience.