Spring in Moscow

Spring has always been my favorite season. I grew up never really experiencing true winter and summer was always miserably hot in Florida, so I naturally loved the spring. When I moved to Moscow, I learned to appreciate it even more. The winters here are cold and dark, and so when spring begins it is the realization that we have made it through another winter. I especially like the fact that the days are longer and the sun shines more. When I leave for school, the sun is usually well on its daily path across the sky. The mornings are cool but I know that by the end of the day, it will be much warmer. I don't need my coat anymore, and the light and warmth give energy to me and to my students -- which could be good or bad. Right now, the sun does not set until around 10:00, but that too will change. Summer days here last until almost midnight.
A lot has happened in the past few months. So I will give you one or two highlights from each month. February has always been the hardest month of the year for me here in Moscow. This year, however, I was able to get out of the city for a few days. I traveled with four other teachers to the cities of Vladimir and Suzdel -- about 3 hrs by train. Even though the temperature was about -20, we had a great time with each other, seeing the city and laughing until our sides ached. Here are a few pictures from that trip -- the first four were taken in Suzdel and the rest in Vladimir:

I also spent a very quick 4 days in New Jersey attending the wedding of Hans and Sara Lee -- Hans was in my first 6th grade class here in Moscow. It was a beautiful wedding and I was glad that I was able to be there for them. It is a little scary, though, seeing my students getting married before I do :)

I can only describe the month of March as insane. I was co-directing our high school play -- "Don't Drink the Water" by Woody Allen. The performance was the one of the best that we have done in a long time. I find that directing the play is usually a stress reliever and a stress maker for me. I enjoy doing it but am glad when it is over.

The 4 directors (2 were student directors) -- I was in the cast this year in case you are wondering why i have make-up and white hair.

By far, the highlight of this semester and even this school year was my spring break trip to Israel. I have always dreamed of being able to visit Jerusalem, and in April, God allowed that dream to come true. It is hard to describe the week in words -- it was so incredible! We saw so much -- places that I have only read about. Now I can read the Gospels with a new perspective, as I can see these places. Instead of posting one hundred some pictures here, I have posted them on another site and will give you the link: http://picasaweb.google.com/philbrande
Now as spring begins to move toward summer, I continue to be amazed as I see beauty in this city that I have not seen before. I am also amazed as God continually gives me opportunity for ministry here -- often when I am not looking for it. I am blessed beyond words to be here in Moscow. I pray that this spring will find you blessed as well. May you enjoy the beauty of the world around you and of God's love.
I will leave you with a few pictures of my students from our field trip to a puppet theater and from the 6th and 7th grade chapel: