St. Nicholas Love Goes Around the World. - by McP

While we are happy to have involved our whole family in the journey to get Cal, it has not been without great sacrifice. Both Alina and Mac have missed a month and a half of school, but I feel have gained an educational experience of a lifetime.

However, to the mind of a six year old the loss of contact with beloved teachers and friends can be tough. I learned this the other day when on our way across Almaty I asked our driver Emil to take us by what sounded like a familiar place, "St. Nicholas." From the back seat there was total silence. I told the children that there was a Russian Orthodox Cathedral here in Almaty that was named St. Nicholas, and that I thought it would be neat to get a photo of it to show everyone back at our St. Nicholas School (above).

We arrived at the St. Nicholas Cathedral, an ancient wooden structure with beautiful golden onion-shaped domes. It was a buzz of activity around the property, with parishioners going in and out, members of the clergy doing the same, and a little shop selling religious icons, beads and candles. Several poor or near-poor people lingered around the edges of the property, most certainly taking advantage of the good will of the parishioners.

Both of the kids reflected a bit, then they told me that they really missed their St. Nicholas. I think you can tell this from the photo. Since seeing how much they miss everyone at home, I am more often bringing up the plans we have back at home - to keep reminding them that this is a process with an end and they will soon be back with family, friends and teachers who love them.

And while reflecting on these thoughts today I just opened an email from Kara Miscio, a teacher of Mac's who also taught Alina last year. She sent the following video file (below), of the students at St. Nicholas sending their greetings to their classmates in Kazakhstan! I can't wait to show it to the kids when they get up from afternoon naps. I know they will want to study each face and voice over and over. Thank you Ms. Miscio, and thank you to each student and teacher who had a part in this project! - McP

"GREETINGS FROM ST. NICHOLAS SCHOOL" (With much thanks to Kara Miscio)