On our final day in this special city, we are as sad to leave our Russian friends as we are to get back to our families and American friends! We have had a very successful and productive trip.
Our second session of the Character for Kids classes ended on a very high note! Not only did we have an excellent group of students, on the final day most of these participants joined the campus club Character Development Student Association (CDSA). See the photo of Kate Alifanova, president of this association, and a student who lived this summer in Coppell with Mike and Karen Odle. Also see the Teacher/Advisor, Tatiana addressing the new members and administering the pledge. This association is dedicated to promoting good character throughout the university and is a direct result of the Character for Kids program.
Of course the 2nd session was followed by still another student party at John and Rick’s apartment. Along with Natasha and Elena, they hosted what may have been the largest student party ever! There were wall to wall students as kids from the previous session, John’s advance sessions, and last years classes attended. It was fun!
Our last evening in Volgograd often means dinner with our church family. We have two sets of friends in Volgograd. We enjoy the time, energy, and conversation of our Volgograd State Pedagogical University student and faculty friends. But we are also delighted by the love and support we receive from our brothers and sisters at the Volgograd Church of Christ which Riverside provides considerable support. On this final evening, Irena and her mother Luba, treated us to a delicious Russian meal of wild hare and wild pig. Yes, it was tasty and “different”! The best part was the wonderful company of Irena, her mother Luba, sons Antone and Sergi. And of course Paul Lashchenov, the minister and a man many of you have met at Riverside.
Finally, we had our last meal together, breakfast at the Grand Café that included three students that lived in Coppell this past summer. You will probably remember, Kate Alifanova, Anna Bondarenko, and Kate Tchumakova. Believe it or not, this was also one of the few times we got to be with Tom and Margaret Kincannon who have been busy teaching Character for Kids at a nearby university in Volsky.
Our last day in Volgograd happened to be a big Labor Day holiday complete with parade and bands! But it is also a “worker’s protest” march. Interesting day! The red is for the former communist party, a party many Russians still support.
Peace!
Rick Ellis
May 1, 2009 at 9:37 pm |
This makes me “Russian-sick”? I wish I were there! These are such special people! I am so happy for you guys having such a great trip!