Kremlin, Lenin, and Jet Lag

So much has happened in the last couple days. 30.8.12 First, as the date states, in Russia the day comes before the month, followed by the year. Today, I woke up early despite jet lag and general exhaustion. I think I have so much on my mind and so many pressing matters that my body won't allow me to sleep in. However, it allowed me time to shower and finish up in the bathroom before the other girls needed it. We have one bathroom/mirror (which is located in the bathroom) between four girls; as yet, we haven't run into many problems and I think everything will work out smoothly. At 9AM, a van picked us up at the gate and drove us into town. Captains (my school) is about a thirty minute drive from the city, which makes shopping and site seeing somewhat inconvenient, but the environment where the school is located makes

up for that. I heard that we live in the “Beverly Hills” of Moscow. Our school rests within a gorgeous forest—I don’t know the breeds of many trees, but aspens are among them that surround us. When walking to the bus stop, which is about a quarter to a half mile away, I actually feel somewhat at home, like I’m walking through the mountains (but without the mountains), miles away from the city. The school and our apartment are located within a gated neighborhood; the grandeur of the houses is awe-inspiring; they’re probably worth several, several million. I should enjoy this, as I’m sure it’ll be the only time I’ll ever live in such a place. Our apartment is the top floor of the guesthouse to one of these mansions. The mansion and the guesthouse are located in their own private walled courtyard, complete with pond, trees, porches, and the three pooches. The owner of the mansion and our guesthouse also owns the school. I would assume our students are the children of the neighboring millionaires. No pressure, though, right? Needless to say, we live in a gorgeous, secluded, quiet area, except for the Mercedes and Porches that drive by every now and then. Tangent complete. When we arrived in the city, we met Guyla, the Foreign Affairs Director, and the Moscow 1 ILP group. Emily Carter is the Head Teacher of Moscow 1 and she has eight teachers under her supervision. Emily volunteered in Weihai, China, the semester before I did, so we had a lot to discuss and relate to each other. Guyla brought us to the store where we got pictures taken for our new Russian visas (the ones ILP issued are short term, and law requires us to get new ones now that we’re in the country), then we walked down the street to locate the inexpensive grocery store, the post office, the pharmacy, and the best Russian chocolate shop in Moscow; all very imperative to our stay here. Then we went to the metro and purchased passes, which we then used to ride the metro to downtown. The main metro stop is lavishly decorated with chrome molding, bronze statues, and intricate carvings. The Moscow metro is famous for having some of the longest escalators in the world, and this stop was proof of that. I felt almost dizzy riding it to the surface. Our first stop was the Kremlin Theatre box office. We purchased tickets to a ballet by Pushkin for this Saturday night. It’s a romantic story about a princess who is kidnapped by a monster and her father promises her hand in marriage to whoever saves her. The tickets, for relatively good seats (we’ll see how true that is on Saturday) were 350 rubles, or about 11 bucks. The ballet will be performed in the Kremlin Theatre, which is located within the Kremlin itself and is the largest theatre in all of Russia. I’d say we got a deal! I’m really excited for this experience. Next, we wandered through the Kremlin gardens. The flowers were bright and beautiful. Outside the wall is a monument to all those who died during the Great Patriotic War, or World World 2. It’s a continuously burning torch before a statue of a helmet and gun; two live guards stand, motionless, on the sides. The guards rotate every twenty minutes. The next thing we knew, Guyla was shoving us into a line and taking our bags. Her only explanation was, “Go see Lenin! No bags allowed.” We followed a group of Russians through a gate, down a pathway lined with plaques dedicated to past leaders, and into a large black mausoleum. The inside was marble as well, which made it extremely difficult to see but we tried to descend the invisible stairs as gracefully as possible. The stairs led to a large open room which housed Lenin’s preserved body. Lenin rested on a raised coffin-like pedestal, encased in a glass box. It was, in fact, Lenin’s body; he has become a scientific study to see how long his body can be preserved (he died in 1927). To me, he looked to be made of wax. Kinda really creepy, but it was a must-see tourist attraction as I’ve heard. Lenin’s tomb is on the side of Red Square, so that’s where we went next. Moscow is preparing for City Days, or Moscow’s birthday this weekend, and so Red Square was filled with a mini stadium, an equestrian arena, and theatre stages. We watched three Russian boys practicing their traditional Russian dance routine and other boys doing tricks while riding on horses and guards swinging around colored flags to music. We maneuvered our way around these sets until we reached St. Basil’s Cathedral; we didn’t have the time to tour it but Guyla explained its history and we took pictures in front of it. It’s beyond visually stunning—I’ve never seen anything like it. Unlike most cathedrals, St. Basils doesn’t open up into one grand room: it consists of nine small chapels, all of which have their own title and purpose. Basil was a beggar who apparently had special abilities: he could predict the future and heal ailments and diseases. Everyone knew of him and when he died they named one of the nine chapels after him. We saw the Kremlin clock tower, the GUM (a gigantic high-end mall), the history museum (the outside), and a couple of the cathedrals by the Kremlin. As it was about 2PM and we hadn’t eaten anything, we were all starving so Guyla took us to a café. We ordered what she called “ravioli” and I prepared myself to gorge myself as I haven’t eaten much in days (the portion sizes at the school are small). When my food came, I looked into my bowl to see about ten “ravioli” at the bottom. To best describe the ravioli, they were more like tiny dumplings. They tasted delicious, but I was definitely still hungry afterward. Russians simply don’t eat like Americans—the food hasn’t been too unusual, the portions are just…pathetic, really. My daddy didn’t raise me to eat like this. Nevertheless, it’s part of the culture and I’m going to embrace it! Actually, culture changes are my favorite thing about traveling. I love learning how people live, love, and thrive in various environments; our diversity is what makes society and the world interesting and beautiful. After lunch, we returned to the metro and then went our separate ways. My teachers and I ride to the “Mel-oh-dehz-neye-uh” metro station where we board the 121 bus that takes us the thirty minute ride to the bus stop by our school. We had a training meeting and then took the rest of the evening just to recuperate and relax. I have a lot of tasks and check lists to complete as Head Teacher, some of which I cannot complete without Guyla’s or the school’s assistance, and oftentimes communication is difficult. I haven’t been able to meet the school director, as she’s never in her office when I visit, and she hasn’t tried to contact me about teaching schedules so a lot is up in the air. As it appears now, we will be teaching a Pre-Language Class (pretty much babysitting 2-3 year olds), Kindergarten (ILP method with 4-8 year olds), and at the University of Moscow. Apparently, our visas claim that we are students at the university and we are therefore required by law to “attend” a class at the university this semester—otherwise we’ll be deported. Technically, we’ll be “teaching” this class: these university-aged students should have a basic understanding of the English language and we will be there simply to allow them an opportunity to practice their English skills on native English speakers, as opposed to their Russian English teachers. As Head Teacher, I won’t technically be teaching but supervising and assisting my teachers in their lessons. This should be an interesting and rewarding experience. The only time we’ll actually be teaching the ILP method will be with the Kindergarteners. That teaching schedule has been quite confusing, though. Usually, ILP uses a three hour teaching routine; Captains provides us with two hours. It’s been complicated figuring out a schedule that fits; plus, my boss hasn’t responded to my questions in a couple of days and so I’ve been forced to take the initiative. I suppose that’s what he’s paying me for, though! That night, I laid down in bed at 8:30PM and didn’t move until 7AM. Jet lag finally hit me head on.

Last Day in the States for Four Months!

Privet! (Hello!) Today is my last day in the United States for about four months. I fly out tomorrow morning at 7:40 from Salt Lake City. I'll have a layover in Houston, TX, a layover in Frankfurt, Germany, and then I'll land in Moscow at about 4:20PM on the 29th. Moscow is 10 hours ahead of MST. I'm a bit confused on how that plays into the timing, but I'll keep you updated as to when I arrive. It's crazy (mind blowing even) to think that I'll be in Russia in a couple of days! I'll let you know a little bit about what I'll be doing for the next four months. I'm a Head Teacher, so I will training and supervising three girls: Ally, Whitney, and Shelley. I will be training, coaching and evaluating them as teachers. I will write reports for the ILP office and work as a liaison/ambassador between ILP and the host school. As I've heard, we will be living in a guesthouse about a minute away from our school, the Captains school. As I only have three teachers, our school should be on the smaller side: ILP rules state that classes should have no more than eight students per teacher in the primary school. We will be working with the younger students, those with little to no English skills. It's the same age I taught in China, and my favorite age to teach! We will be eating most meals at the school, and we will receive money from the school for the other meals. I've received emails from local Church leaders, including the Bishop of the International Branch, and Brother and Sister Naegle, who are the CES missionaries in Moscow. The Naegles have offered to help us find the right metro stops to take to get to Church. It will be nice to be able to actually attend "real" Church, instead of over Skype like I did in China. I will return to the States on December 19th. I believe, to me it'll be the 20th but to you it will be the 19th. If you want to know what the future's like, feel free to ask. :P Today, I have a few tasks to complete and few things to purchase, but then I will be set for my next adventure! I would love to answer any questions you may have or anything like that! I love you all! Love always, Jillian

I am currently staying with the Escalantes, who are family friends of several years, in Orem, UT. Today, I completed my first day of Head Teacher training for ILP; last week, I attended volunteer training. It has all gone well and I’ve learned so much, which is why I feel like my head may explode from being so full. I will have so many new responsibilities as Head Teacher, such as acting as an administrator/liaison with the host school in Moscow, a training facilitator and advisor for the volunteer teachers, and administrator for the ILP office back in Orem. I’m kinda like the mama bear. I received the profiles of my three teachers: Whitney Priestley, Michelle Perkins, and Ally Sandoval. I’m quite relieved my group is so small, actually. It will be easier to take care of them and handle situations for and with them. Training has been very helpful in calming me. It’s a lot of responsibility, but I appreciate having an idea of what I’m actually supposed to be doing.

Latest on Russia

It's been a long time since I last posted, but I thought I should update you all on my latest adventure. If, for some reason, you aren't aware of it, I'm traveling to Moscow, Russia at the end of August to work as a Head Teacher for International Language Programs. It's the same program that took me to China, I've just been promoted. Yay! I recently received my flight itinerary. I fly out from Salt Lake City on August 28th to Houston, Texas, then from Houston to Frankfurt, Germany, and on to Moscow. I completed my first of four days of training today, and it went very well. I'm super excited yet super nervous for this adventure. I can't wait to go international again! Part of me simply wishes it wasn't to a mafia/communist-run country. But, such is my lot in life. Come what may, and love it!

My Personal Constitution

*I wrote this for the Institute class I’m taking. It’s like a road map for my standards; I may not be everything I’ve written, but it’s like a guide for what I’d like to become and the standards by which I strive to live.

I AM TOTALLY HONEST

I tell the truth even when it’s inconvenient. I do not lie to get out of sticky situations or to make myself look better/innocent. In spite of how insignificant the truth/lie may seem, I will tell the truth. When asked a question, I give my honest opinion.

I AM A PERSON OF INTEGRITY

I do what I know is right, even when no one is looking or may never know otherwise. I proudly stand for truth and right without wavering. I am not a hypocrite; I “practice what I preach” by living what I believe. I hold myself to the standard to which I hold others. I take my own advice.

I AM A DISCIPLE OF CHRIST

I follow the commandments without question or variation. I love and treat everyone with fairness, kindness, and respect, even when I do not particularly like certain people. I stand up for God and my beliefs and am proud to be a Christian. People can discern that I follow Christ through my example.

I AM LIKE GOD

I love unconditionally and am no “respecter of persons.” I possess similar traits as God, such as compassion, patience, faith, love, great spiritual strength, and optimism. I am a “God in Training” and a heavenly Princess; I act as such.

I AM DEPENDABLE

I complete tasks and assignments in a timely manner. People know that if they put their trust in me I will not fail them. I fulfill and magnify my Church callings and fulfill my duties at work, school, and other areas of my life. My friends know they can always come to me for anything.

I AM A GOAL SETTER AND ACHIEVER

I make goals and find ways to reach them. I make realistic small goals in order to eventually reach larger and grander goals.

I AM PHYSICALLY FIT

I exercise daily and make a righteous effort to eat healthily. I limit my intake of sweets and fatty foods and implement organic and natural choices into my diet as much as possible. I only drink soda for medicinal purposes. I stretch my exercise limits as a way to continually challenge my body and to keep my mind healthy as well.

I AM A MENSCH

As Leo Rosten would describe a mensch, I have “character, rectitude, dignity, a sense of what is right” and am “responsible, decorous.” I treat everyone with respect in spite of how they treat me. I am not prejudiced, racist, or judging.

I AM A RELIABLE CONFIDANT

Those acquainted with me know that they can come to me with any concern and that I will listen to them and give them honest advice. I always give my honest opinion and advice that I feel will best benefit them. I never risk sabotaging their trust by sharing with others or taking advantage of what they tell me in confidence.

I AM A HOMEMAKER

I am always striving to improve my homemaking skills and learning new ones: I research and experiment with recipes; I am organized; I know how to sew and repair clothing; I am developing habits in regards to reading scriptures, Family Home Evening, attending Church, and spending time with family so that my house is a home. By doing these things, I am preparing every day for when I have a family of my own.

I AM A DEDICATED VISITING TEACHER

I am a friend to my assigned sisters all the time, not simply during visits. I schedule appointments promptly and, if possible, visit with my sisters every month. I am reliable in the way that they know I visit them out of love, not obligation. When they need my help, I willingly offer my service and do my best to assure their needs are met. I look for ways to be of service to them even when they have not reached out to me.

I AM HARD WORKING

I do not grumble when it comes to working. I always put forth my best effort, and I recognize the benefits of doing so—such as trust from others, trust in myself, a greater sense of purpose, feelings of accomplishment, and beautiful results.

I AM A DEFENDER OF TRUTH

I will search out and cherish truth. I accept and acknowledge when I am wrong. I stand up for truth and do not tolerate injustice.

I AM AMBITIOUS

I consider my options and pursue that which I feel is most important to me. I always have a goal for which I am striving; I make small goals that will eventually lead me to a larger, grander goal. I dream big and find ways to accomplish and to reach my aspirations. I refuse to be stagnant in any aspect of my life: I continually strive to improve myself and my situation.

I AM CONFIDENT IN MYSELF

I trust myself and love myself. I love myself despite my faults; I love myself enough to improve me. I am bluntly, unashamedly honest with myself. I know and recognize who I am—a beloved daughter of God—and that I have limitless potential. I know, with God’s help, that I can accomplish anything to which I put my heart and my mind. I am worthwhile and I believe in myself.

I AM TRUSTING

I believe in the goodness of humanity. I recognize that everyone is a child of God with limitless potential to be good. I give everyone a chance; I trust someone until they give me a reason not to.

I AM VIRTUOUS

I do not listen to music, read literature, watch movies, or participate in activities that encourage and/or glorify immorality or vulgarity. I recognize the sacredness of sexual interactions and that such is a gift from God and should not be taken lightly or misused. I keep myself sexually pure by setting boundaries based on the standards set in the For the Strength of Youth pamphlet and by sticking to those standards. I do not push the limits. I show respect and love for others by encouraging similar standards and by simply sticking to my guns and not participating in such activities with others.

I AM EDUCATED

I search for and pursue all praiseworthy/worthwhile opportunities to learn new things and to grow mentally, spiritually, physically, and intellectually. I recognize that I am extremely fortunate to have the freedoms that allow me to grow intellectually and I use such freedoms to my advantage. In order to grow closer to God by learning more about Him and His doctrine, I regularly study my scriptures and my patriarchal blessing, attend Church functions, read/watch General Conference addresses and other speeches from Church leaders, and read literature from spiritual leaders. In order to grow intellectually, I follow current events in the world, participate in community activities, attend relevant classes, and pursue secular education.

I AM FAITHFUL

I put my whole trust in God; I have faith in His purpose and His timing. I have faith that He will never lead me astray, that He has my very best interest in mind and that unfortunate circumstances are blessings in disguise. I have faith that I will benefit from and become a better, stronger person because of trials. I know that coincidences are God-scheduled opportunities. I believe that there is no such thing as luck, only blessings. I have faith that if I endure in righteousness to the end that I will indeed inherit eternal life and happiness.

I AM CHARITABLE

I love people as Christ would love them. I have charity toward all men, regardless of who they are or what they do. I am a “true” friend to all. I give of my time and means ungrudgingly to anyone who stands in need of help.

I AM HUMBLE

I treat everyone as equal, regardless of ethnicity, religious views, gender, sexual orientation, etc. I recognize that God loves each of us equally. I am no “respecter of persons.” I am not haughty or conceited. I am grateful for my talents and utilize them, but I do not boast. I recognize that all that I have and am is because of the grace of God and that all my successes are attributed to Him.

I AM SELFLESS

I am a friend to and am kind to everyone, regardless of our differences. I look for opportunities to serve and go out of my way to help others. I share with others and think of others before myself; I treat others as I would have them treat me.

I AM ACCOUNTABLE

I take responsibility for my actions and confess my faults without delay. I right my wrong doings by taking the necessary actions. Likewise, I promptly complete tasks assigned to me and take full responsibility for my shortcomings and mistakes.

I AM A SCRIPTURE/CHURCH DOCTRINE SCHOLAR

I study the scriptures every day by utilizing all my resources: the Standard Works, Conference addresses, the Ensign and other Church literature, foot notes, Church websites, Institute, Church classes, and prayer and fasting. I am knowledgeable of Church doctrine and principles and am a reliable source for such discussions.

I AM PRODUCTIVE

I wake up early, and pursue worthwhile goals and participate in praiseworthy activities throughout the day. I balance my time between work and leisure. I do not spend unnecessary time on social media websites or watching TV/movies. I compose a daily To Do lists and actively pursue the items on the list until they are accomplished.

I AM A MISSIONARY

I search for opportunities to share the Gospel; I create such opportunities by being an “example of the believers” and by not being ashamed of my beliefs—I find ways to mention God in every day discussions. I pray that I may be an instrument in God’s hands and I allow Him to influence my actions. I do not shy away from missionary opportunities. I carry “I’m a Mormon” cards in my wallet and give them out when given the chance. I will prepare to be a full-time missionary by being a member missionary now.

I AM AN OPTIMISTIC REALIST

I always look for the silver lining to every situation. I am not a complainer; however, I recognize the difficulty of whatever situation I am in and strive to improve it instead of griping about it.

I AM FINANCIALLY INDEPENDENT

I pursue the opportunities that will improve my current situation. I work hard and I am not afraid to go after what I want. I am not in financial debt and do all I can to stay that way. I make smart purchases and live within my means; I do not spend money I do not have. I am a reliable, honest, hard worker so that I can retain my employment and earn greater opportunities.

I AM GRATEFUL

I remember why, how, and from whom I have all my possessions and blessings. I thank Heavenly Father on a daily basis for all that I have and am. I am grateful for hardships and the lessons they teach me; I am grateful for the positive things in my life and I constantly thank God for both. I promptly, sincerely, and often thank the people in my life who help me in any way.

My New Obsession

Yes, I'm buying clothes for my future children. They're going to be the cutest babies ever.

The Rich Life

Last week, some of my favorite people visited me: My sister in law, Aprille and her kids Annalesa, Caden, and Aspen; and my boyfriend, Richard.

I adore all of them.