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Sarah Jewel

Blue Eyes & Big Smiles

So apparently my WordPress blog does not like Russian wifi and refuses to let me post there, so back to Plan A.

Today has been day #2 of what I would consider a surreal couple of days. Here is how it all went down:

  • May 31: Drive to Austin, TX with my parents.
  • June 1: Wake up at 4:30am to get to the airport by 5:45. Flight at 8am. Arrive at JFK airport at 12:00pm. Meet up with team leader and other team member. 6 hour layover. Flight at 7pm.
  • June 2: Arrive in Moscow around 12:00 pm (9 hour time difference). Drive to Ryazan. Arrive at the Transition home around 6pm. Dinner. Devotions. SLEEEEEEP.

Oi. Basically, throw those 2–3 days in a blender with some dandelions, cat fur, musical notes, and Cyrillic symbols, pour in a glass, then drink up*. That’s kind of how my brain processed the entire ordeal.

Nonetheless, I was blessed with a slight bit of awareness to my surroundings during the drive to Ryazan. I was enlightened to a fact that I know will be fundamental during my time here: I never knew how much of a difference it could make to go into an experience without any expectations**. I’ve heard that that is categorically true, but I have never experienced it…until now. Slender trees towered all around as gorgeous tones of this Cyrillic language welcomed us in fluid harmony. Our welcome party — full of blue eyes and big smiles — greeted us with hugs, pictures, and prayer. All of this was followed by love, care, and…wait for iiiiiiiiiiiit…

CHIVALRY! Not dead, world! Not dead! A church member that came with Anatoly (the “head” of the transition home) took my big forty-nine pound bag to the van for me, Anatoly always made sure to open any and all doors for us, and they had water, bananas, and Russian candy waiting for us in the van (the latter was my favorite). Then there was the long, exhausting drive to the home, snacks at McDonald’s graciously paid for by Anatoly, then a few guys from the home rushing outside the moment we pulled up to lug everything up to our apartment (did I mention the forty-nine pound bag??) except us and our purses. I mean, man (pun intended). Take note American men! While it is a refreshing change to feel like a princess, we have noticed that there is a distinct difference in Russian culture between chivalry and chauvinism. Even though it was sweet to see a boyfriend shopping with his girlfriend and willingly holding her bags (I mean seriously), but we can’t see the intentions behind the actions. Nonetheless, I am happy to report that at the transition home, it is full on chivalry, and it is delightful!

Sarah’s Fun Facts/Thoughts:

  • Texting friends at two in the morning is surprisingly therapeutic.
  • My hotel towel had an ever so slight aroma of Dr. Pepper.
  • No matter how innocent you look, when you sleep in an airport behind some chairs with a sweater over yourself to keep off the draft, people stay away from you. Also, they probably think you are crazy (for numerous reasons).
  • There was a British man behind me in the airport talking about salt and satire in a thick accent and I couldn’t help but think again that though I fully believe in God’s omnipotence and providence, I can’t help think that I was born in the wrong country. Tea, crumpets, and BBC please!
  • I love depth, especially in my spoons.
  • I am pretty sure there is a cat in heat outside of our window. It’s very disturbing at 1 am.
  • God is so, so, so freaking good.
Michaela and I beginning the journey. First stop, JFK!
Innocently sleeping behind chairs in the airport and scaring everyone off.

*Please don’t do that. That sounds disgusting and you would probably die. **Now, if you know me in the least you immediately thought, “HA! No expectations? Yeah right.” Or as my family would say, “Sarah? Our Sarah? Yeah, that’s a hard no,” preceded and followed by a myriad of laughter. But I digress.