the heater came on

The city turned on some heaters this week. Progressively the hot water units that heat houses are magically switched on. The down side is that this is what your hot water tap looks like until the pipes clear.

The weather is quite mild this week although it is expected to cool again. We have had no rain since we brought our umberellas. The leaves are changing colour and falling from the trees. There are lots of parks around - some of them very pretty, with lots of sculptures and art work. We found a complex fountain when we got lost at a bus depot last week. A mixture of flowing water shapes and lights. Very pretty. next time we will have the camera.

The Salvation army in Moscow is small in comparison to the size of the city ( 12 million people are thought to live in Moscow)and the army still trying to establish itself. It does not have the luxury of a well established history and logo to identify it in the community. This was highlighted last week when the band took to the street for the first time in a number of years..We were down from the hall at the metro station. Just a small band of 8 players. The flag had been placed in a stand in the circle. A local baboushka - (short, elderly russian lady) walked right up into the centre of our circle - looked around at us, and taking the end of the flag completely unfurled it held it out, studyied it and, satisfied she went on her way. Would have made a great picture. The cadets are in session and so this was a new experience for them. We are not sure how long we will do openairs - little difficult to do when the snow comes - they tell us the mouthpiece stick to your lips!

Today we felt a little closer to home. After 3 weeks of no english Tv we decided to visit some other officers who had cable Tv to watch the grandfinal. It was exciting to watch it and realise that my kids on the other side of the world were sitting and watching it too. We turned down the russian commentary and listened through the internet to ABC. The day did not go all to plan - the Cats failed to complete the task.

At work we continue to look at files and records to understand our new roles. The territory is very dependant on funding from overseas and so our roles are crucial in ensuring adequate funding and accountability so that the work can be done and grow. It will be challenging - but its all good.

Till next time...Lyn