Thursday, October 23, 2008

Not What I Expected...

When I thought “Hey, I’ll move to Moscow”, there were things that, despite all of my scheming, I could never have imagined would happen to me. When I think of Moscow, I think of wild fashions, grumpy babushkie (grandmothers), and enormous churches in the midst of a rapidly disintegrating (yet still very prevalent) Soviet atmosphere. I think of McDonalds on ever street corner, and the groups of young teenagers that loiter there. I also thought, “Yes! The Orthodox Motherland!”, but as it turns out, my naivety and ignorance to spiritual things inhibit my connection with this beautiful piece of Russia.

Many of these things are unexpected but entirely joyful situations I have been placed in as of late:

The gay community in Russia is, I have been told, a rising phenomenon. While many of my students cringe at the mention of gay men, it nevertheless seems to be a force to be reckoned with here. My assumptions as to why this might be are not the point. The point IS to say that, ironically, I have become acquainted with about ten gay men that have treated me better than most men I know ever have. Plus, they’re really fun ☺ They love helping me with my Russian, respect that I am a “religious” Christian (although I’m sure many of them have had negative encounters with religion), produce deep conversation, and are very protective of my eyes and ears. I am very, very appreciative.

I also never thoroughly thought through the process of becoming involved in a church parish. It’s not been a negative experience, merely prolonged. After about 6 weeks, I have finally settled on St. Antipa near the center of the city. Through Matushka Nektaria, I have met friends James and Alevtina, as well as a few others who, in turn, have made kind efforts to include me and encourage me. I wondered if the feeling of awkward solitude would pass because it seemed to last forever, but I think I’m finally starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel. I guess I just assumed that since Russia has a rich Orthodox heritage, that I would be swept away in its wake. I will just say that solitude makes you realize more about yourself than you are probably willing to admit. Alas, things are improving, and I continue to hope that they will keep on doing so!

From St. Antipa, I have also been given a few job offers that seem rather promising. One of them I started today—tutoring two young girls (ages 5 & 6) English. They’re seriously SO adorable. Also, my friend James is leaving in December to go back to England, and we’ve been discussing the possibility of me taking over his job. It’s a rather “advantageous” kindergarten teacher position. I was thoughtlessly resigned to my career at Language Link for the next two years, but it’s funny how God is stealthy like that. The only thing is that it would most likely change my plans of moving to a smaller city, and possibly change my summer plans. I’m not worried. Whatever happens is for the best.