Summer = Gardening

You don't have to live in Russia for very long before you realize that gardening here is more than just a chance to dig in some dirt and watch something grow from a seed. It is a way of life. For those who live in a village, gardening is a necessity. It provides not only food for the family through the winter months, but some extra income when the fruits and vegetables are in season and they can be sold on the street corners or outdoor bazaars.

Most of you already know that my hubby and I live in one such village where gardening is so vital. But, there is also another aspect of gardening in Russia. IF you don't do it, you are considered lazy! That is about the easiest way to say it! You see, Russians are very resourceful and use whatever they have to do whatever job they need to get done. Sometimes that is a good thing and sometimes it can be a bad thing. I am simply amazed at the creativity we see in our neighbors who have so little but make the best use of what they do have! That philosophy, along with living on a piece of land to use in whatever way you want or need, explains the reason why everyone has a garden.  What is a better use for land than growing vegetables on it, right? For us Americans we can think of a lot of things! However, we live in a Russian village among people who labor in their gardens to make the best use of what they have. So, I am a gardener too! Not too great of one mind you, but I am learning. We have had a garden as long as we have lived here in the village which means for almost six years. We literally have the largest property on our street! We have planted the whole garden with potatoes and a few other combinations through the years which has provided our family as well as many others with fresh vegetables. Thankfully, several years ago, my hubby bought some grass seed to help "shrink" my garden.  We didn't need to plant THAT many potatoes every year. We also wanted to make a good size yard for the kids to play in.  

Now, we maintain the bottom of our land for planting corn and potatoes. 

But, we still have a great yard for the kids to play in - with NO weeds! (Well, nothing that a lawn mower can't keep down.)

This year, at the top of our garden my wonderful hubby built me some boxes for separate planting of all of the other vegetables we grow in smaller amounts. This is a very popular way to garden here.

In these boxes we planted beets, carrots, white and green onions, green beans, strawberries, lettuce, cauliflower, peas, cucumbers, and tomatoes. 

Strawberries

To the side of the upper garden area we left some land free for larger vegetable plants such as squash, zucchini, and pumpkins.

Zucchini and squash plants.

Although I really can't say I "enjoy" gardening all that much, and it takes up way too much of my Summer; I am glad to be able to learn new things and have more in common with the people we are trying to reach for Christ!

Summer Camp 2011

Every year during the second week of July the Krasnoyarsk Baptist Church holds a Summer Camp. So far in our family, this has been an event that only our daughter, Rebekah, has attended since she is the oldest. This year, all three of our children were able to attend. For their Nurse Momma, this was quite a test of my faith! I have always been "concerned" about Rebekah when she would attend camp if my husband, David, was not going along to teach and preach during the week. 

Yes, they climb this every year!

Although the scenery is beautiful out at the camp, the bugs bite you the minute you step out of the vehicle. Horse flies are the worst, then there are the mosquitoes and other small flies that are also in abundance. This year, the road out to camp had so many ruts due to heavy rain the week before that all the campers had to walk in and carry their own bags. As a missionary wife there are many things that we women are concerned with. As a missionary wife and a nurse, I am probably more apt to think of what "might" happen and thus my prayer life is greatly strengthened during camp week! The first time I drove out to camp with my husband last year to see how Rebekah was doing I kept thinking, " There is no way you could get an ambulance through this road!" :) I am right. There is no way. It would be easier to carry someone out to the nearest village than try to get to them by vehicle. But, praise the Lord for safety each year with no major issues that require an ambulance! Besides, with me as a camper's Mom I make sure Rebekah has quite the first aid kit that she must carry along! It really is so good for the kids to be able to spend some time away from home and do things without Momma by their side. I must admit, our small little cottage we live in was actually cozy with only David and I living in it for a week! 

The view from the mountain of the camp site.

David and I had told our kids that if they wanted to come home on Wednesday when some of the missionaries were planning on making a trip out for a visit that they could. However, they had to make the decision by Tuesday evening so that my husband could plan on going out to pick them up.

On Tuesday we received a call from one of the missionaries working at the camp that all three of our kids wanted to stay the entire week! We were surprised, but so glad that they were enjoying themselves. Here are some photos from their week.

Hard to believe this is Siberia, right?

Ground view of camp site and main tent for meals.

Teamwork!

Song Time

Craft Time.

Time for Bible Lessons and missionary stories.

Time to climb trees and figure out how to get down!

Fun times wading and rafting.

Games.

Rebekah

Ryan

Timothy

Friday evening there is an "auction" of prizes to spend the points earned throughout the week.

On Saturday when David drove out to pick up our kids they were very excited to see him and know that they were on their way HOME! 

Just walking through the gate and glad to be home!

With the loads of more than dirty laundry unloaded, a home cooked meal in their tummies, and a clean bed, they drifted off to sleep in minutes. Just to let you know, I slept well too, knowing they were safe and sound in their places! Thank you Lord for another safe week at camp!