a quick trip to Georgia

We returned to work after the long Christmas break to prepare for a few days in Georgia. The current project workers finish their 3 year assignment and were handing over to their replacement. We took the opportunity to visit to engage in some debriefing and training for the new worker. This was our first visit to this country. I must say I fell in love with Tbilisi.
The geography, the histroy and the people. It was an amazing place to visit.
The city of Tbilisi is set on a river with hills each side. It is a very old city and the european aged buildings with a Turkish influence was intriguing. The history and stories that this place has to offer would keep you busy for a long time. The river is a mix of steep rock cliffs to meandering streams and patches of white water rockeries. I could put my boat in and experience a variety of paddling in a day. The people were most noticeable different to Russian people . They are more open and friendly and joyful, and we very much enjoyed the hospitality experienced during our visit.
We were able to visit expressions of the army in 3 Corps during our stay. Rustavi is a Corps within 30 minutes of Tbilisi and this is a rural town - although not large in physical size it is densely populated due to the high rise flats. As you drive towards this town the high rise buildings pop up in the landscape signalling this township. The intense population a legacy of the soviet era and built to house the people for industry. The industry has gone but the population remains. So in the small region over 100 nationalities reside with very high unemployment and the many issues that arise out of this. The Corps were engaged in a holiday program for village kids and so we were able to see how they work with limited resources. A good set of buildings give opportunity for a diverse program and the young officers here have an exciting opportunity for serving their community in different ways. The following day we were at Samgori, a Corps in the outer suburb of Tiblisi. The hall is on the main road and in desperate need of upgrading. It was great to see the work being done here with all age groups. Again the children were in a holiday program and so we observed the officers in action as they engaged with kids and the small singing group proacticing for the sunday meeting.
On Sunday we were able to attend the Central Corps where there was a meeting involving the young people and supported by a good size congregation of all ages. The piano players were 3 young girls that had come through the weekly kids program and have developed as excellent musicians. The cup of 'chai' followed the meeting and we then spent some time with the officer - hearing of his work and ministry. Finances was one of the big topics as the recently approved budget changes were bringing an impact. A look at an annual operating budget showed some figures that I found quite shcoking. The annual budget for a Corps in Georgia would be less than a one month budget in a Corps in Australia. Such is the situation here in EET as the annual operating costs are still heavily subsidised. The ability for The salvation Army to raise funds as we know in AUS are not possible here. Taxes and legal complications mixed with all complex issues of a post soviet era and the impact this has on people attitudes makes EET an interesting place to live and work.

If there is one area I would like to make a difference in our Army here it is in the sanitation. Our trip last year to Moldova last year was an eye opener. Some of our Corps did not even have a WC or it was a hole in the ground down the back lane. The standard of cleanliness where there was a toilet was staggering - should I say lack of standard. It was no different in Georgia where there is different priorities. Two of the places we visited had newly fitted WC - modern by all standards. But they could not afford the water to flush. So water was either held in the bath or large tub so that it could be carefully measured out for a flush when someone considered it necessary. Also due to the poor sewrage the paper is never flushed. It is placed often in open bins in the cubicle. So it does not matter where you go - it is always hold your nose and prepare for the smell. We need 'Kenny' out here - I am not yet sure how best to address the problem - but it is one I want to work on.

Our visit to Georgia was mostly work, a little sight seeing and some enjoyable hospitality in the home of a lovely Georgian family. But it quickly came to an end. This is one place I will be happy to return to. The return to Moscow was interesting as we changed planes in Kiev - out in the open while snow flakes fell. Safely back in our beds in Moscow at 2am.

Languge learning is coming slowly. Ron is more intent and is concentrating and practicing. He is conscientiously practicing every day. I still think it is too hard to acheive and have committed to learning a conversational level. My grandchildren are keeping me up with the learning as they anxiously ask on skype when we talk for a new word and they do their revision of words learnt so far. But we are managing to live, work and worship without Russian language so far. There have been a some times when difficulties present but we have worked our way through the situation.
And so we complete 5 months of our appointment - nearly half of the first year is gone. Much more...much more has God in store.........a line from a song but for me a question as I look forward in anticipation of what might be in store for these coming days and months as we continually discover what is possible and what it is we are to be doing in our work here.
Love to all at home
Lyn