I hope everyone is doing well as you get ready for Christmas. I remember how busy Christmastime was with all of the fun events and parties. Things are just now starting to really ramp up here for Christmas. I think this is because, as a country, Ukraine celebrates Christmas according to the Orthodox calendar, on January 7. We have found all of the decorations and things that we wanted to have for our celebration on December 25. I even have a poinsettia in my windowsill!
We returned last week from a trip to Sevastopol in southern Ukraine on the Black Sea. It was so beautiful! The weather was much warmer than in Kiev, and there were still golden leaves on the trees. It was quite rainy while we were there, but we still had a great time there with the pastor and his family. The pastor and his wife have an 11-year-old boy named Artyom. Bekah and Sarah had a great time with him! We visited a famous museum, took a boat ride on the Black Sea, looked out over the sea from some cliffs, toured the city center, and toured Chersoness, ruins of an ancient city overlooking the Black Sea. Another fun event was our Saturday evening dinner. Up in the mountains between Sevastopol and Yalta, we had dinner at a Tartar restaurant. Our table was on a platform that was open on 3 sides. Our table was near the ground, so we sat on pillows while we ate.
Our Russian language is coming along. We are understanding more every day. For instance, when we go to buy something, not only can we ask for what we need, we can understand and answer the questions that the shop keeper asks us about our purchase. In the past when we would go to McDonalds, we would rehearse our “lines” so that we told everything we wanted and wouldn’t need to answer any questions. We’d just spit it out as fast as we could! Now we can tell them we want a cheeseburger, and understand and answer when asked if we want the value meal, and answer what we want to drink, and if we want our food to go. Church is still difficult because one person talks for so long without stopping. Our brains just can’t keep up, even though we know many of the words. I find it easier when I am also able to read. My brain has longer to catch up that just when someone is quickly speaking. Yesterday at church was really nice because the pastor used power point with his sermon. I understood more of that sermon than any since being in Kiev – except the ones Scott preached, of course!
When we arrived home from Sevastopol last week, we were welcomed by our first snow. Last week we received about 4 inches. The girls went sledding and built a snowman. Walking is often challenging, because not all of the sidewalks were cleared before the weather got colder. Some of the sidewalks have a 2-inch layer of ice on them. It is kind of funny to watch people try to walk. Everyone slips and slides. I haven’t seen anyone fall yet, but I am told it happens often. This morning it started snowing again. We have gotten a few more inches and are supposed to get several more throughout the day and overnight tonight. The snow and ice makes the grocery shopping even more of a challenge. My nice little cart doesn’t work nearly as well in the snow!
On Monday of next week, we will travel to Armenia for the wedding of one of the missionaries. Scott will also have some meetings. We will travel by airplane, and not return until the evening of December 24. When Scott was there before, he went to this grocery store that he said I must see! Grocery stores have become my hobby. I love trying new stores and seeing what different kinds of things are available. Hopefully we will also be able to see Mt. Ararat if the weather is good. It will be much warmer in Yerevan, where we will be for the wedding. However, we will travel for one night up in the mountains to Gumrie, for Scott to meet with a pastor there. The pastor there also makes shoes to help support his ministry as a pastor. He is making a pair of winter boots for me. He has already made a pair for Scott, and he loves them. I am looking forward to having my first pair of genuine Armenian custom-made boots! J
Oh, and I should tell you about my early Christmas gift from Scott. Scott, with help from a friend with US/Ukrainian connections, was able to get a German 220-volt electric blanket! He decided I shouldn’t have to wait for that until Christmas, so I have been using it already. Woo hoo! Now I can turn over easily at night because I no longer have six blankets on top of me. J There are few things that he could have gotten me that I would use or enjoy as much as that!
When we get home from Armenia, our vacation will start. We will not be leaving home, but will be taking a break from all work and classes for a week. We are needing a break to rest and enjoy some family time. How fun that our vacation will start with just our family in our new home celebrating Christmas together! By the way, the menu for Christmas dinner is country-style barbeque ribs, mashed potatoes, and chocolate pecan pie, in case any of you happen to be in the neighborhood.
Well, that is about all of the news from the Raineys for now. We love you all and miss you so much! We hope each of you has a wonderful Christmas.
