From Russia With Love

I know.  It's a world-record.  Three posts in four days.  Do try to control yourself.

So, when I was clearing out some folders and notebooks from times past (Dad, fewer things to move!!) I ran across this letter that I wrote during a class while I was in Russia.  Yes, I would like you to think that I was always listening during those afternoon lectures, but I wasn't.  :)  I found the letter pleasing to read, and I decided to copy it here, and tag as many of the people mentioned as possible, so we can all reminisce together.  I didn't date the letter, but it would have been written in the fall of 2001.

Dear Jooiee [Joy Huizinga; college roommate and close friend],

Sometimes listening intently to political convos is just not a realistic option.  It is at these times that writing to a good friend is a good alternative.

I have now been in Russia for 61 days.  I will be here for 45 more days.  These facts seem strange.  Please note that I just counted those numbers up- I'm not keeping track, so wipe that smug, "Leslie, you know Better!" smirk off your face, chica!  :)

But anywho, I've been at my host family's house for almost 2 weeks now.  Things are going reasonably well.  They have two cats (one hates me) and a rat (which resides in my room).  Masha (short for Maria) is 19, and my primary contact.  Zhyenya (short for Yevgeny, Russian equivalent to Eugene) is 14, and your typical squirrelly baby-teen.  Mama Vera is petite, smiley, and seems to have at least a small obsession with beauty or appearance.  She's a good cook.  Papa Zhyenya is kindof burly and a little awkward with me, in an endearing sort of way.  We all get along alright.  The parents speak no English, which is an interesting exercise for us, considering my pathetic Russian language abilities (or lack thereof).

This Thursday is a party for out group and the Russian students that help us.  There are two bad things implied in the previous sentence.  1. We're expected to prepare talent show type things for the entertainment (singing, playing an instrument, skits, poetry, dances, etc.); and 2. the second half of the party will be a dance, wherein I will struggle to extricate myself from multiple, well-meaning Russians, who are trying to pull me onto the dance floor.  I'm singing a Jennifer Knapp song.  Sid, our student assistant, is accompanying me on the guitar and vocally.  I think another girl (Maria) is going to do some harmony, too. We've yet to practice, though the party is day after tomorrow.  No need to rush into these things...  Oh, it's a dress-up in a costume party, and let me tell you how much I would love to shop at a second hand store!  No resources!!

In other news, I now again have two new second cousins that I've never seen.  Preston (born a couple of days ago) and Sarah (born the week I left).  This seems to be a regular occurrence lately.  Christmas is going to be so wonderful.  Whenever I think about it, I smile inside.  Warm, cozy home.  Family and friends.  Candlelight Christmas Eve service with church family.  American Christmas food.  Excitement and secrets.  Relaxation and safety.  My own culture.  Whee!!

I wonder how you are.  I wonder if you like your classes; if you're tried unsuccessfully to study in the Philathia lounge lately; if you've eaten a cheese popper from Alpha in the past week; when the last time you put on mascara instead of being productive was (sorry about the awkward syntax there).  I miss you, Jooiee.  I miss knowing what's going on in your life and talking for a long time and even not talking sometimes.  You're a nice girl.  IYQ.

Here's a list of people I miss and would like you to greet for me, ok?  Jessica Gillet.  Becky Monoit.  Liz Sprankle.  Renessa Rauch (if she hasn't left yet).  Kristen Riddick.  Kate Millin.  Julie Galle.  Megan Reeder.  Katie James.  There are more, but I don't want to overwhelm you.

I went to Moscow this past weekend.  I had an awesome time.  When we go back at the end of the semester, I'm going to take a picture of me running toward the embassy, like the girl on The Saint. [this didn't happen because of 9/11, which occurred during my semester in Russia; I decided it wasn't worth the risk of running frantically toward the embassy with everyone on high alert, even at the cost of a super-cool picture]

I miss you and will see you in a couple of months.

Love,
Leslie  :)