Happy Monday! It been just about a week since we landed here....only 32 more days until I get to sleep in my comfy bed again!! It's good to be away but I sure miss my bed....and Superstore!! We have already started making a shopping list for when we get back! Don't get me wrong - we are having a good time, but there are some things that we miss! We did find familar food such as frozen pizza and McCains French Fries so that is a treat.

Yesturday we went to church from 6pm-8pm. We sang in English and in Russian, but the songs were familiar. They do mostly Hillsongs which is really neat! We sang Blessed be your Name yesturday - it is tricky to sing in Russian but we try it! People are not exactly on time when it comes to things such as church, but when most people arrived church began as we were all standing in the aisle in a little mini circle - that is where we sang all three songs before taking a seat to listen to the one hour sermon.

The people here are very nice. One guy from the church took us on a three hour walking tour today along the Dnepr River. We saw water fountains (and cooled off in them), a lot of statues and a bridge where newlywed couples lock a padlock to the bridge. We have lots of pictures and I cannot wait to share them with you when we get back.

Peter has come up with another list of lessons we have learned for your enjoyment....here is today's list...

1.Fireworks can not only be purchased anywhere but also shot from anywhere. We learned this as the windows in our apartment were shaking during the little party Saturday night.
2.The country's hero is a poet! There is a giant 30 foot statue of him in a nearby park.
3.Having to spend 2 full days to do laundry is not an issue here as people seem to pick a favourite outfit and stick with it for 6 days and counting.
4.To consummate your marriage you go to a local bridge and fasten a giant padlock to it. Reason yet to be determined. Pictures as proof though.
5.The city is filled with statues however not all are clear as to what they represent. For example. Climb 30 stairs to reach the giant green glass ball (6-8ft in diameter). Look inside and see a 30ft deep hole! Any thoughts?
6.Employment seems to be rather sporadic. Not in the there's no work to be had type of way but more in the this is summer so let's fish kind of way.
7.The best fishing in town is where the sewage spills into the river!
8.Don't eat the fish. (Decided by process of deduction and fortunately not through experience)
9.For opening worship in church we not only stand for the songs but we all stand in the aisle in a sort of oblong circle type shape.
10.The local midway is exceptionally questionable as far as safety standards go but on the upside all the ride operators are very nice old ladies with polka dot dresses and canes!