July already

I think we are all suffering - the speed of life is so quickly passing us. Can you believe the year half gone already! And we are now rapidly approaching one year since we left Australia for this 3 year term in Moscow. In fact one year ago we were on holidays in the packing and preparation stages.
Our trip has been amazing so far as we have settled into life here in Moscow. We have had the opportunity to travel into Georgia, Moldova & Ukraine as well as a short trip into Lithuania. The work has been interesting as we have grappled with the world of projects and community development practice.

The challenge of separation from family and friends has been interesting to deal with. And I am not sure who feels it the most - us here or the ones at home. But life goes on and we at least these days have the luxury of skype - for cheap phone calls or free to computers. so we make the most of any opportunity to connect back home. Facebook is one way we hear the latest news in the army world. We hear more from our neices and nephews than ever before through their facebook and this has been an interesting and enjoyable connection. We have recently begun to use the internet to play simple games with our grandsons - and so we do puzzles, sink ships, play dominoes, hangman and tic tac toe - the video camera allows to feel their excitement as we play the games. So we look forward to the little voice on the computer screen - have you got time for a game poppy?

Our work at the moment is about consolidating systems. There is some good work being done but over the years there has been some difficulty with recording and reporting and so we are trying to put some better accountability in place - with more regular reporting back to sponsors. It takes time and we are so dependant on people down the line doing their jobs - so we spend time in mentoring and coaching - hopefully it will reap some benefit down the track.

Officer changes of appointments has opened the way for Ron & I to now be involved in Cadet training which will be new experience for us. The training College here will welcome 10 new cadets shortly and so we feel it a priviledge to be asked to become part of the training experience. Today some long standing ex-pats (American Officers) have left Moscow to take up the role of Regional commander in Georgia, so we will pick up some of their classes later in the year. With the reducing number of overseas personnell serving here we have such a great opportunity to fill different roles - we just need to decide 'which hat' am I wearing today!!!

This weekend we have had a quiet catch up time - limited the shopping and sight seeing - and settled for housework and quiet time at home. Ron recommences his study this week - and so I have to quieten my lifestyle a little as he get s the books out - but 2 units to go and he finishes!!

So until next time - Greetings to you all from not so sunny Moscow!