I'm not quite sure what to say about going to Russia. I understand how scary it is because I've been out of the country too, in a pretty unsafe place too. I am hoping that maybe it won't be a repeat of your trip to Germany since babushka will be there, and maybe that will help with your homesickness and your longing for your family. We can hope, can't we? :o) But I want you to always remember that I will be back here in the States, thinking of you always and praying to whatever God that is out there to take care of my princess for me, to keep her safe and healthy. I love you, Liza, and I hope you have an excellent time in Russia. Stay close to babushka, and don't go running off with strange men to discotheques! :o) I would like to share with you the text of a book Stina gave me as a going-away present:

If tomorrow morning, the sky falls...
have clouds for breakfast.

If night falls...
use stars for streetlights.

If the moon gets stuck in a tree...
cover the hole in the sky with a strawberry.

If you have butterfliews in your stomach...
ask them into your heart.

If your heart catches in your throat...
ask a bird how she sings.

If the birds forget their songs...
listen to a pebble instead.

If you lose a memory...
embroider a new one to take its place.

If you lose the key...
throw away the house.

If the clock stops...
use your own hands to tell time.

If the light goes out...
wear it around your neck and go dancing.

If the bus doesn't come...
catch a fast cloud.

If it's the last dance...
dance backwards.

If you find your socks don't match...
stand in a flowerbed.

If your shoes don't fit...
give them to the fish in the pond.

If your horse needs shoes...
let him use his wings.

If the sun never shines again...
hold fireflies in your hands to keep warm.

If you're afraid of the dark...
remember the night rainbow.

If there is no happy ending...
make one out of cookie dough.

(from Cooper Edens' If You're Afraid of the Dark, Remember the Night Rainbow)

Just remember, Liza, that you have a bunch of friends here that love you and will be thinking of you. Have an excellent time in Russia, and take some pictures of those onion towers for me. I think they're so cool!!! :o)

Love and hugs and all things snifty,

Karyl