Snowflakes

Have you ever seen a snowflake? I mean, actually looked at one up close? A few weeks ago, one of the English teacher's asked me, "have you seen the shape of the snowflakes?" I looked down on my black scarf and was amazed at the shapes I saw! 

The weather was about 4 or 5 degrees F, and it was a beautiful blue sky; just a little moisture in the air and that was turned into snowflakes. Each flake was tiny and perfectly formed. Check out some of my pictures!

I would love to have some better pictures than this, but I don't have the right lens to get close ups! These pictures will have to do. 

I am constantly amazed at God's handiwork on our Earth. 

Olympic Spirit

Wendy and I were invited to dinner over at the French teachers house last Friday. We gladly accepted, since they are pleasant people. The girlfriend of one of the guys mentioned that they were going to see the Olympic Flame at a mall the next day. Russians are very into "Sochi 2014" many many many things advertise this event.  We both thought this could be our only chance to see the torch so we had better go for it.

 We were able to see all the torches all the way back to Atlanta in 96'. Vancouver is the second on the right and I think that was London next to it on the left. It was cool to see this little exhibit and we were not expecting it so that was nice too.

 It was fun to see all the torches together and judge who had the best artistic style. Hint... we decided Russia does not.

 Here she is in all her glory, the Russian Olympic torch. It sort of reminds me of a Lazer Blaster from Star Wars or something. There is also a strange hole in the middle which doesn't see to make sense. But hey shouldn't be too critical, right?

Here is Wendy and I with our Russian Olympic spirit faces. If you didn't look closely at the exhibit, you would think it was just a Coke booth. They made it very well known that they were the Sochi sponsor. It just goes to show, no matter where you go in the world, you can't escape McDonald's and Coke.

Wendy and I are totally in the routine of life out here in Russia. We don't really have any fun trips planned for this month, so we are somewhat biding our time until Jerusalem. I (brian) work a lot, and Wendy works and has some fun afternoon activities with some people here in Nizhny. Trying to find purpose in what we are doing is our main focus. We hope to feel as if we made something of a difference where we have been living.

Still Alive...

We are still around! We just haven't done anything too exciting the last few weeks! Except get the flu, and some nasty colds. Brian and I both got sick at the same time and got to stay home from work for three days! We only went outside twice in four days. Yikes! I'll admit, I did get a little bored.
It actually warmed up for a week or so. We had 30 degree temperature! And even 34 one day! It felt so warm compared to what it has been. Almost like spring. But, I know that spring is still a month or more away.
It is not as wet here as Oregon or Juneau and we have had a lot of grey days. But, lucky for us, we have some sunshine this week! Brian and I went on a walk yesterday and I took a few pictures just to let you all know we are still kicking. Literally.

I was attempting to photograph Brian in mid-air, but I timed it wrong. 

The sky was so lovely yesterday.

And, last but not least, our roommates until May. They put out more hair than any other cat I have ever known. Buffy, Meska and Jasper. 

Happy Valentine's Day! 

"This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another."

1 John 4:10-11