THINGS I HAVE LEARNED WHILE IN RJAZAN

1. Why do orphans seem so much cuter than the average kid?
2. Most people walk or utilize public transportation.
3. I am considered spoiled because I crave air conditioning (and I would agree).
4. Life is much more simple here (and I like it).
5. Russians have to get a visa to go to most countries and they can be denied because the person issuing the visas is just in a bad mood. Oi.
6. People stare at you for no apparent reason (and I sometimes stare back).
7. The woman selling roses on the streets is dressed in a very pretty dress and high heels (like she’s going to dinner at a nice restaurant clarifier: in California). She doesn’t necessarily have a lot of money but she dresses this way because this is her business. It might be her only dress and she might not live in the best of conditions but she potentially wears the one dress that she owns.
8. Women wear high heels EVERYWHERE! And we’re talking 3-4” stilettos. Ouch.
9. The cost of living in Rjazan is similar to Los Angeles, but salaries are DRASTICALLY lower. When I say drastically, I mean so low that you would be living in an SRO in Los Angeles with mom, dad and the kids.
10. Russians eat 3 meals a day and walk about 4 miles in 90 degree weather. I’m only slightly exaggerating.
11. Balconies are for hanging the wash to dry.
12. Hospitality in Russia means bringing out your best china and cooking the finest meals and helping you in whatever way they can possibly help. The hospitality is beyond what I can put into words and I am extremely humbled by it.
13. Life in Rjazan is what I would imagine life was like in the 50s in the USA.
14. Showering is an option for some people.
15. My heart beats stronger and harder for my friends here in this city as they struggle to do what God is calling them to do.
16. Russians don’t make idle conversation with one another. In fact, it is difficult to begin conversations with people because they just won’t respond (even for a fellow Russian).
17. Eating dinner out is considered a major luxury and most people just can’t afford it.
18. It is acceptable to carry a bottle of beer on the street. Clarifier: I have not done this …
19. On any given Friday evening you can go to the city fountain and join the hundreds of people having a “party” with their bottles of beer.
20. It is not uncommon for someone in their 40’s to just be learning how to drive.
21. Most people live with just what they need. By this I mean if there are 2 people living in the house there are 2 (maybe 3) plates, 2 forks, 2 spoons, etc.
22. Being drunk does not necessarily indicate being incoherent.
23. Experiencing Russian high school graduation is not like anything I have ever seen
24. Elevators are the size of a coffin and when you are claustrophobic and 3 people want to join you … you pray that the ride is quick
25. Russians have beautiful smiles.