3.23.2007
3.22.2007
A Little Interview With the 4 Sullivans
Our first interview questions!!! Yeah!!!
1. What has been the hardest part of living in Russia?
Kristie: Being so far away from our families!
Keith: Feeling the burden to start new churches among Russian people, which is both a wonderful and extremely difficult task.
2. What is your funniest learning/practicing the language story?
Kristie: All of the –est questions are always difficult for me to answer, but I love asking them! The first blunder that comes to mind is when I told the wife of our landlord (trying to impress her with all of my wonderful Russian knowledge HAHA!!!) that the lady at the Passport Registration had a big “butt” but I actually meant to say “folder” in her office of our documents. The look on her face told me I had made an error and I was able to correct myself!
Keith: Most recently was when our local Russian pediatrician was explaining treatment for a virus Emme had. One of the treatments was to give her suppositories to increase her immune system. The funny thing was that the word he used for suppository was the same Russian word I knew for “candle”. I couldn’t imagine putting a candle where he was suggesting, but after some explanation, we figured it out.
3. What has been the most delightful thing that you've experienced in Russia?
Kristie: Friendships and Teammates! I have made some great friends and love my teammates---both have been such a source of encouragement, wisdom and laughter!
Keith: I would agree that it is friendships. Russians understand friendship in a way that makes them the most faithful friends you could ever have.
Thanks Mary Caye for the great questions!!!
1. What has been the hardest part of living in Russia?
Kristie: Being so far away from our families!
Keith: Feeling the burden to start new churches among Russian people, which is both a wonderful and extremely difficult task.
2. What is your funniest learning/practicing the language story?
Kristie: All of the –est questions are always difficult for me to answer, but I love asking them! The first blunder that comes to mind is when I told the wife of our landlord (trying to impress her with all of my wonderful Russian knowledge HAHA!!!) that the lady at the Passport Registration had a big “butt” but I actually meant to say “folder” in her office of our documents. The look on her face told me I had made an error and I was able to correct myself!
Keith: Most recently was when our local Russian pediatrician was explaining treatment for a virus Emme had. One of the treatments was to give her suppositories to increase her immune system. The funny thing was that the word he used for suppository was the same Russian word I knew for “candle”. I couldn’t imagine putting a candle where he was suggesting, but after some explanation, we figured it out.
3. What has been the most delightful thing that you've experienced in Russia?
Kristie: Friendships and Teammates! I have made some great friends and love my teammates---both have been such a source of encouragement, wisdom and laughter!
Keith: I would agree that it is friendships. Russians understand friendship in a way that makes them the most faithful friends you could ever have.
Thanks Mary Caye for the great questions!!!
3.21.2007
An Interview with The 4 Sullivans
Have you every wondered what life is like in Russia? What we do for fun besides watching the ABCs on DVD (HAHA!)? If you have a question, now is the time to ask! You just need to leave us a question in the comments. Anything within reason for any of the 4 Sullivans! What do you want to know about us that you don't know already know?
We will post answers throughout the week.
*This fun blog idea originated with Susie at www.susiepie.com. Thanks Susie for such a fun idea!
We will post answers throughout the week.
*This fun blog idea originated with Susie at www.susiepie.com. Thanks Susie for such a fun idea!
3.20.2007
A Suprise from Granny...
Keith brought home a box Granny sent. When a box arrives, everyone drops what they are doing and surrounds the box. ME, however, ran into the kitchen and got the scissors to open the box! OK, this is very dangerous and a lesson to mommy to find a new location for the scissors, but it was pretty funny that she has already learned the drill! Thanks Granny for sending such a fun box of goodies!!!
FYI: Most people think that missionaries have very exciting lives, like Jim and Elizabeth Elliot, William Carey and Hudson Taylor. We, however, are sitting in our living room tonight watching a DVD about the ABCs!!! How exciting!!!
I am GROWING!!!
I am now eating at the big table and not in my highchair any more! We gave my highchair to our friends, who just had a new baby boy!!! I am excited that I will have a new friend to play with soon! Mommy wants to get a dog to help her clean-up after me! I better go since mommy doesn't know that I am playing on the computer :-).
Love, ME
3.19.2007
Kristie's Muses...
CONFESSION: I am not exactly sure to what I am confessing...my hurt feelings, laziness, or acceptance of mediocrity or why I am writing my confession for all the World to read (OK, I know only 1 or 2 people will actually read this post HA HA!!!).
Last week, I went to a friend's house to meet some new people and study the Bible. As we were leaving, one of the young ladies offered to give me a ride home.
In the car, she asked how long I had lived in Yaroslavl.
I said a year and a half in Yaroslavl and 5 years in Russia.
She asked me if I spent all my time at home with my kids.
I said, "No, why?"
She said, "Because your Russian is terrible. After 5 years, you should speak much better than you do." OUCH!!!
I said...nothing, but sort of waited for her to apologize, which she didn't!
I know that my Russian is far from perfect and even on a good day, people still have difficulty understanding me. Actually many (more gracious) people have complemented my Russian. One person even asked if I was from Estonia. I thought that was a wonderful complement...I had moved clear across the ocean, into Eastern Europe, right next to Russia!
But, why will I always remember and spend so much time dwelling on the negative things that only a few people say (even though many may think HA HA!!!).
BLESSING: In Russia, a doctor will make a house call for less than $20...and occasionally for free. ME has a rash and a bad cough. I think our kids have had every rash possible and seem that someone always has a runny nose, cough or other form of bodily discharge :-).
Keith called our neighborhood Pediatrician and he came in 10 minutes! He stayed for almost an hour, wrote 2 pages of medicine and charged us less than $20!
The downside is half of what he said I did not fully understand and I have my doubts about 2 pages of meds for a possible virus infection! Please prawe will have wisdom to know what medicines to give her.
STRUGGLE: Gideon still really struggles with his preschool. Every morning, when we tell him that it is a school day, he begins the whining and drama! "I don't want to go to school! Why do I have to go to school?" I feel like I have to walk on egg shells caring pom-poms..."You can do it! You will have fun!" And the drama continues. Please pray that Gideon would love his preschool and would become good friends with his classmates.
He daily complains about one especially mean boy...please pray this boy would become Gideon's friend and be kind to Gideon.
Finally, the teacher's assistant is always sick or has a sick child. There is a darling afternoon assistant, Masha, who can not work in the mornings. This means Katya is left alone with 15-19 kids who range in age from 3-6 years old. OK, this is not only illegal, shocking and dangerous IN AMERICA, but I am daily reminded we no longer live in America! itive experience for Gideon.
Last week, I went to a friend's house to meet some new people and study the Bible. As we were leaving, one of the young ladies offered to give me a ride home.
In the car, she asked how long I had lived in Yaroslavl.
I said a year and a half in Yaroslavl and 5 years in Russia.
She asked me if I spent all my time at home with my kids.
I said, "No, why?"
She said, "Because your Russian is terrible. After 5 years, you should speak much better than you do." OUCH!!!
I said...nothing, but sort of waited for her to apologize, which she didn't!
I know that my Russian is far from perfect and even on a good day, people still have difficulty understanding me. Actually many (more gracious) people have complemented my Russian. One person even asked if I was from Estonia. I thought that was a wonderful complement...I had moved clear across the ocean, into Eastern Europe, right next to Russia!
But, why will I always remember and spend so much time dwelling on the negative things that only a few people say (even though many may think HA HA!!!).
BLESSING: In Russia, a doctor will make a house call for less than $20...and occasionally for free. ME has a rash and a bad cough. I think our kids have had every rash possible and seem that someone always has a runny nose, cough or other form of bodily discharge :-).
Keith called our neighborhood Pediatrician and he came in 10 minutes! He stayed for almost an hour, wrote 2 pages of medicine and charged us less than $20!
The downside is half of what he said I did not fully understand and I have my doubts about 2 pages of meds for a possible virus infection! Please prawe will have wisdom to know what medicines to give her.
STRUGGLE: Gideon still really struggles with his preschool. Every morning, when we tell him that it is a school day, he begins the whining and drama! "I don't want to go to school! Why do I have to go to school?" I feel like I have to walk on egg shells caring pom-poms..."You can do it! You will have fun!" And the drama continues. Please pray that Gideon would love his preschool and would become good friends with his classmates.
He daily complains about one especially mean boy...please pray this boy would become Gideon's friend and be kind to Gideon.
Finally, the teacher's assistant is always sick or has a sick child. There is a darling afternoon assistant, Masha, who can not work in the mornings. This means Katya is left alone with 15-19 kids who range in age from 3-6 years old. OK, this is not only illegal, shocking and dangerous IN AMERICA, but I am daily reminded we no longer live in America! itive experience for Gideon.
The Next Survivor...
Six married men will be dropped on an island with one car and 3 kids each
for six weeks.
Each kid will play two sports and either take music or dance classes.
There is no fast food.
Each man must take care of his 3 kids; keep his assigned house clean, correct all homework, complete science projects, cook, do laundry, and pay a list of "pretend" bills with not enough money.
In addition, each man will have to budget in money for groceries each week.
Each man must remember the birthdays of all their friends and relatives, and send cards out on time.
Each man must also take each child to a doctor's appointment, a dentist appointment and a haircut appointment. He must make one unscheduled and inconvenient visit per child to the Urgent Care (weekend, evening, on a holiday or right when they're about to leave for vacation). He must also make cookies or cupcakes for a social function.
Each man will be responsible for decorating his own assigned house, planting flowers outside and keeping it presentable at all times.
The men will only have access to television when the kids are asleep and all chores are done.
There is only one TV between them, and a remote with dead batteries.
Each father will be required to know all of the words to every stupid song that comes on TV and the name of each and every character on cartoons.
The men must shave their legs, wear makeup daily, which they will apply to themselves while making three lunches.
Each man will have to make an Indian hut model with six toothpicks, a tortilla and one marker; and get a 4 year old to eat a serving of peas.
Each man must adorn himself with jewelry, wear uncomfortable yet stylish shoes, keep their nails polished and eyebrows groomed. The men must try to get through each day without snot, spit-up or barf on their clothing.
During one of the six weeks, the men will have to endure severe abdominal cramps, back aches, and have extreme, unexplained mood swings but never once complain or slow down from other duties. They must try to explain what a tampon is for when the 6-yr old boy finds it in the purse.
They must attend weekly school meetings, church, and find time at least once to spend the afternoon at the park or a similar setting.
He will need to read a book and then pray with the children each night without falling asleep, and then feed them, dress them, brush their teeth and comb their hair each morning by 7:00. They must leave the home with no food on their face or clothes.
A test will be given at the end of the six weeks, and each father will be required to know all of the following information: each child's birthday, height, weight, shoe size, clothes size and doctor's name. Also the child's weight at birth, length, time of birth, and length of labor, each
child's favorite color, middle name, favorite snack, favorite song, favorite drink, favorite toy, biggest fear and what they want to be when they grow up.
They must have a loving, age-appropriate reply to, "You're not the boss of me."
The kids vote them off the island based on performance.
The last man wins only if he still has enough energy to be intimate with his spouse at a moment's notice.
If the last man does win, he can play the game over and over and over again for the next 18-25 years...eventually earning the right to be called Mom!
3.18.2007
3.17.2007
3.16.2007
Happy Birthday Aunt Leslyn!!!
Happy Birthday Aunt Leslyn!!! We miss you, love you and hope you have a great day and yummy cake!
Fun Time with Friends...
Sasha and ME praying before dinner.
We had dinner with our friends, Luda, Volodiya and Sasha. We a yummy dinner and great time of fellowship!!! Thanks Luda and Volodiya for your wonderful hospitality!!!
Fun at the Docha!
Our team had a great day celebrating spring at the docha (Russian for cabin)! OK, it may "officially" be spring, but it is still doesn't feel like spring with snow on the ground!
Sarah and Anna
Keith and ME
Gideon and Christian
Gideon and Christian
3.13.2007
Life in Russia...after 5 years
One night in Ivanovo, Russia, 6 weeks before the completion of our apprenticeship and our return to the states, I sat alone in a small cafe across the street from our apartment. Thoughts of the past 3 years ran through my mind. The shock and loneliness had faded, but I could not stop thinking about how I would survive another term in Russia, when I didn't even know how I was going to make it the next 6 weeks. I poured my heart out to God in my journal..."We have finished our term and are free of our commitment. Life in Russia is so much harder than in the states. I could be a better mom and the kids could have more (stuff) in the States."
I can't say that I have ever audibly heard God's voice, but that night in the cafe, God spoke to my heart and said "No you can't live in Russia in your own strength, but I will give you all you need and be with you." That night, I knew we would return to Russia.
We left 6 weeks later and had a wonderful time with our families (and going to Wal-Mart and Taco Bell). I invited my dad and Barbara to her us speak about our experience in Russia one Sunday evening at Church. Afterward, my dad hugged me and said, "I am so proud of you! I now understand why you went to Russia and I think you made the right decision."
All of my life I have longed for the approval of my dad. These words were such an answer to prayer! 2 weeks later, my dad had a stroke and lost a great deal of his ability to speak.
Life in Russia is an adventure. Life in Russia with 2 kids is never boring. I thank God for my life in Russia!
I can't say that I have ever audibly heard God's voice, but that night in the cafe, God spoke to my heart and said "No you can't live in Russia in your own strength, but I will give you all you need and be with you." That night, I knew we would return to Russia.
We left 6 weeks later and had a wonderful time with our families (and going to Wal-Mart and Taco Bell). I invited my dad and Barbara to her us speak about our experience in Russia one Sunday evening at Church. Afterward, my dad hugged me and said, "I am so proud of you! I now understand why you went to Russia and I think you made the right decision."
All of my life I have longed for the approval of my dad. These words were such an answer to prayer! 2 weeks later, my dad had a stroke and lost a great deal of his ability to speak.
Life in Russia is an adventure. Life in Russia with 2 kids is never boring. I thank God for my life in Russia!
Tour Our Home
Welcome to our home!!!
For those of you who are new to our sight, we are missionaries living in Yaroslavl, Russia. We wanted to invite everyone on a tour of our home. It is not huge or glamorous (and often very messy!), but we love it and we are so thankful to be able to live and serve the Lord here in Yaroslavl.
This is the entryway to our apartment building. Not much can really be said about it, but we are thankful for the man who keeps it swept, clean and picks up all of the trash.
This is the entrance to our apartment. Typically, every Russian apartment has a place to put your coat and shoes in the entrance. Since the majority of the year most of Russia is covered in snow or mud, it is polite to remove your shoes at the door.
Our kitchen...the heart and mess of our home :-).
Our living room, playroom, office, study, library and where we spend the majority of our time.
Gideon and Mary Elizabeth's room.
The kid's room has a boarder that totally doesn't match the wallpaper. We really didn't want to change the wallpaper (not because we totally love it, but we are too lazy and inept), but Kristie really wanted to change the boarder (you can see it peeking out in the corners of the picture). So she printed pictures and scriptures to cover the old boarder.
Check-out our online photo album to see more pictures at www.the4sullivans.photosite.com.
For those of you who are new to our sight, we are missionaries living in Yaroslavl, Russia. We wanted to invite everyone on a tour of our home. It is not huge or glamorous (and often very messy!), but we love it and we are so thankful to be able to live and serve the Lord here in Yaroslavl.
This is the entryway to our apartment building. Not much can really be said about it, but we are thankful for the man who keeps it swept, clean and picks up all of the trash.
This is the entrance to our apartment. Typically, every Russian apartment has a place to put your coat and shoes in the entrance. Since the majority of the year most of Russia is covered in snow or mud, it is polite to remove your shoes at the door.
Our kitchen...the heart and mess of our home :-).
Our living room, playroom, office, study, library and where we spend the majority of our time.
Gideon and Mary Elizabeth's room.
The kid's room has a boarder that totally doesn't match the wallpaper. We really didn't want to change the wallpaper (not because we totally love it, but we are too lazy and inept), but Kristie really wanted to change the boarder (you can see it peeking out in the corners of the picture). So she printed pictures and scriptures to cover the old boarder.
Check-out our online photo album to see more pictures at www.the4sullivans.photosite.com.
Kristie would like to thank www.boomama.net for this great idea. Check-out her (and many other homes at http://boomama.net/?p=376.
3.11.2007
Ouch!!!
Gideon and ME were playing (jumping off a stool on to a bunch of pillows) and bumped heads. Gideon said, "Mommy my head hurts. I want the pain off! I need a band aide to make it go away." I logically said, "But you are not bleeding." He got 2 band aids (and of course ME had to also have one) and the pain went away! Thanks Granny for sending us such fun band aids we could use in such an important crisis!
Gideon...
Gideon also wanted to model ME's head bands that Granny sent. Every time we get something new, he wants to be the first to see it or try it on...even if it is not his. I hope he has outgrown this phase by the time ME moves into the teenage years and feminine undergarments :-)!!!
Saint Patrick's Day...
Granny sent us fun St. Patrick's Day hats! We will look great on Saturday! We love you Granny!!!
Our Fairy Tale (Story)...
Once upon a time, (OK, I have been watching to many kid's cartoons) Kristie met a handsome prince named Keith. While comparing class schedules, they discovered that they had a class together. Sitting together lead to studying together. Their competitive natures took over and this lead to betting on highest grades, which lead to ice cream rewards that eventually turned into dinner "dates" at nice restaurants. A year later, on his knee at their campus, the Knight proposed to his Princess. They were married and lived (at least the next 7 years) happily ever after.
3.10.2007
Our 7th Anniversary!!!
WOW!!! We have made it 7 years!!! I am so thankful to have such a great husband! I love you, Keith!!!
Gideon-isms...
This morning, I asked Gideon to pick up his toys. He said, "Mommy don't worry, I will eventually do it." OK, this is far from obediant...but it was funny...just don't tell him!
Later today, ME was in the kitchen crying. I came in and asked Gideon why ME was crying? He said, "Well Mom, because she wants to!" Makes sense to me!
Later today, ME was in the kitchen crying. I came in and asked Gideon why ME was crying? He said, "Well Mom, because she wants to!" Makes sense to me!
Mom, You Are Special!
I wanted you to "meet" a few of the ladies that attend a Saturday Bible Study that Nancy and I started a few months ago. We have had a great time learning more about each other and the Bible. Thanks Nancy for coming from Ivanovo to lead our time. You are such an encouragement and blessing to all of us!
Pictured (from left to right): Kristie, Luda and Sasha (2 years); Luda and Dasha (15 months); and Tonya and Daniel (3 years)
Pictured (from left to right): Kristie, Luda and Sasha (2 years); Luda and Dasha (15 months); and Tonya and Daniel (3 years)
3.08.2007
Sledding...
We took the kids sledding this morning. It was such an ugly day! The snow has started to melt, there was lots of mud and it started raining!!! Next time we need to bring a boat and not a sled!!!
Thanks Grandma!!!
Grandma Barbara made ME and I scarves for Christmas. We love them because they are so fun, colorful and hand made especially for us! Thanks Grandma Barbara! We love and miss you!!!
Go Locomotives!
What a fan!!!
On the bus...
Christian, Brett Hauer and Gideon
Today was the last official hockey game of the season. We had a great time cheering on the Locomotives! We (like I am on the team or even from Yaroslavl!) finished the season in 7th place and begin the play-offs on Sunday. Good luck Locomotives!!!
International Women's Day...
Today is International Women's Day. Even though it is technically an international holiday that started in America, I don't think any Americans celebrate Women's Day...please let us know if we are wrong!!! Women's Day is a huge holiday in Russia...schools and many stores are closed today and lots of women receive chocolates and/or flowers today...even me!!! Keith brought me a bouquet of flowers!!! What a guy!!!
HAPPY WOMEN"S DAY!!!
HAPPY WOMEN"S DAY!!!
We Got a Package!!!!
Grandma and Grandpa sent us a package! I don't know who gets more excited, the kids or me! Gideon and ME loved their new outfits and wanted to model them for you. Gideon even wanted to wake-up ME to have her try her new outfit on...usually he wants her to go to bed! Thank you Grandma and Grandpa for the great presents! We love and miss you!!!
This final picture took a great deal of negotiating to get both kids to smile---appropriately and at the same time!
3.07.2007
Yeah!!! I am done...
I am finally done with 3 weeks worth (15 loads) of laundry!!! I have also folded it (even ironed some of it) and put it away! Tomorrow...clean the house...there is always something to do!
An additional praise...I think that finally everyone is healthy!
Thank you for your prayers! We love and appreciate you!
An additional praise...I think that finally everyone is healthy!
Thank you for your prayers! We love and appreciate you!
3.05.2007
3.04.2007
Pink Eye....
In 3 weeks, we have been to the doctor 6 times for 4 different illnesses...I think this a record!!!
ME woke-up this morning with pink eye! Fortunately, we had spent the night in Moscow and the doctor's office was on our way out of town. In 20 minutes, we had seen the doctor, got our prescription and were on the road headed to Yaroslavl! Kristie tried to take a picture, but it really doesn't show the redness or puffiness. However, you can see that she still has her great smile! Please pray ME's eye heals quickly and doesn't spread to the rest of the family!!!
We are so thankful to be home! Kristie has already started to work on the laundry---fun, fun!!! At least, she can reward herself with a peanut butter kit-kat when she is finished!
3.03.2007
Celebrating...
Olga and Aaron
Kristie, Olga, Rachel and ME
We had a great time celebrating our friend, Olga's birthday and recent engagement to Aaron Popkes. Rachel hosted us and we had lots of yummy food and two fabulous cakes! Thanks Rachel for your hospitality!!! Happy Birthday Olga and CONGRATULATIONS!!!
Airport Fun...
Praise the Lord, ME seems to be doing better. Even though we were prepared to deal with bodily fluids, we are soo thankful that we did not have to!!! We had a great flight and fun playing in the airports playroom while we waited for Keith to get our car and bags. Thanks for your prayers!
3.02.2007
Pray for Mary Elizabeth...
Please pray for Mary Elizabeth. She is now sick!!! In the past 3 weeks, we have dealt with coughs, running noses, strep throat, rash, scarlet fever...and now diarrhea and throw-up!!! Please pray that ME would not be sick on the flight and we would make it safely to Moscow. Thanks!!!
The Last Day of Class...
Today was the last day of class and we have to say good-bye to all of our new friends, our hotel room, maid service, eating out, and all the fun we have had the past 3 weeks. We are sad to go, but are looking forward to going home and sleeping in our own beds. Thank you for praying for praying for our time in Prague! We had a blast!
3.01.2007
The Piston Cup!!!!
Gideon was so excited to make his pinewood race car and race against his friends. They all won trophies and had a blast!!!
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