Russian Ramblings

December 11, 2009

Hello and goodbye from Russian dear ones,

My from Russian with love ramblings will cease to exist after I sign off this e-mail. Someone asked me what I would remember most about this adventure and there really is so much. I think if I had to choose only one fond memory it would be of all the people I have met here both Russian, non-Russian, young and old. Everyone has their own story, their own lives, their own joys and sorrows but their friendliness, open hearts, and laughter made my stay here such a lasting blessing in my life. They will remain in my heart forever.

I learned that I can live simply with few things, have meaningful work and be appreciative of each new moment. I have found being present in the here and now brings true happiness. I learned that I need to walk more in my daily life. I found that my walks to and from school most days, plus my journeys around town were reflective, prayerful times for me. I learned that I can be silent and not have NPR on constantly (sorry KTOO!). I learned that I love writing and reading even more and filled my evenings with good books before I nodded off to sleep. I learned to value much more all the blessings in my life that I often take for granted. I brought along to Russia my gratitude stone that a friend gave me and tucked it in the pocket of my coat. On my walks I often rubbed the smoothness of the stone and reflected on each day's gifts. So, my Russian exile has been very contemplative, almost retreat like, for me. My everyday distractions were few which
allowed me to BREATHE. My students of course were the highlight and I could write at length about each one but I'll spare you that for now. And YES, I learned that I can still teach and really do love this profession!

Lindsey and Kat surprised me Saturday night by taking me for a walk and then into a beautiful hotel that was all decorated for Christmas, though they call it New Year's here. As we entered the candlelit lobby we were seated at a table and offered mulled wine and Christmas cookies while a children's choir performed. It was magical. There was a young boy of about 7 who sang several solos who had such an angelic voice and had such composure. He looked like a young Andrea Bocelli. After the concert we went up to the top floor of the hotel which overlooks the whole city and sipped champagne. A lovely evening!

I attended one last ballet on Sunday afternoon which was lovely. Who knows if I'll ever grace the Mariinsky Theater again. It was wonderful to seep in all the culture while I was here. As Peggy said, "It's back to the Grumsickle for you!" (A little Juneau humor!) The stop by a nearby bakery for quiche and hot chocolate on my way home as a light snow fell capped off a lovely Sunday afternoon.

I endured one last metro ride on my way to the porcelain factory to look for a tea cup for my Mom. You have to look at a map and count the stops until your exit since the signs and announcements are in Russian. The problem is that the speed and jostling of the metro lulls you off to sleep. As I was nodding off I glanced up and the man standing in front of me was sketching this sleeping babushka (me!) I only had a glimpse of my portrait as I exited the car at the right stop. Thank God! It's so sweet to see men and women give up their seats and stand for older people. Hmmm! That must be why I got a seat!

A few funnies from this week:

Isabella my six your old grand daughter told Amy Jo that I am not allowed to go on anymore trips. It will be so wonderful to spend lots of time with those three urchins to make up for all my time away. I'm looking forward to that.
One of my students shared that he would miss me "like a bucket of beans!' I think it was a compliment but it somehow got lost in translation.
Another student, that little red-haired American girl, told me ,"Mrs. Hanna, you are the best grandma I NEVER had!" Such treasures these children!!!

My last three days of teaching this week went by in a blur. The staff presented me with a beautiful plate and a bouquet of flowers at the staff meeting. I read Miss Rumphius to my class on my last day and when I got to the part that says, "You will always remain in my heart", I teared up as did the kids. We promised to be e-mail pals and write and I told them we will meet again and they know where to find me. Eventually, everyone makes it to Alaska don't they? One boy was worried I might be dead by the time he made it up there. There are no guarantees. As one little girl said, "But, you'll be in the sky so you'll still be with us!" You betcha!!! The last day with the kids was on Wednesday and was bitter sweet. They were so sweet making me goodbye cards, giving me hugs etc. The REAL teacher will return tomorrow so we made her a welcome back sign. At the end of the day they surprised me with a farewell party. I couldn't hold back my emotions. The families presented me with a book of letters and drawings and photos from my class and a photo book of St. Petersburg. My last walk home from school was refreshing and now it's time to do some laundry and begin to pack for home.

I spent the past three days talking long walks around the city absorbing the cityscape and canals that have etched their mark upon me these past 2 1/2 months. The streets are always bustling with people walking, work men going about their construction work on the old buildings, cars honking as the traffic stalls and the church bells ringing every hour. It's such a stark contrast to where I call home where I can take a walk and not see another soul, or car, and may only hear geese honking, eagles screeching etc. The air quality here is very different as well. I look forward to taking a breath of fresh Alaskan air. I managed to find a lovely Russian porcelain tea set that I'll be carrying on the plane. I'd ship it back but the shipping costs more than all the tea in China!

Snow is now falling and I just returned from another long walk. As I sipped my latte at Garcon, my favorite French Bakery, they were playing in French, "These boots were made for walking" and "I Want to go Home." How timely! I lit a candle for my Mom at the Kazan Cathedral. She's in the hospital with flu like symptoms. Fortunately, my sister Theresa is there to take care of her and handle this crisis. Tom is now back in Juneau and happy to be home. Soon, it will be my turn! Tonight I'm going to the British Consulate for a Christmas Program with friends from school and then to bed for my last sleep here.

I'm wondering if there's a 12 step support group called Substitutes Anonymous since disconnecting with those 15 children is going to take time. Such a wonderful experience for me. Thanks to all of you who encouraged me and said ," Yes you can!" Especially a heartfelt thanks to you Laurie who let me know they were looking for someone to do this. The last lesson learned: Never pass up an opportunity to broaden your world. It can be life changing!

Until I ramble again from who knows where...
Love and thanks for reading all these missives!

Kathy (Katya!)