Graffiti in Georgia

Georgia has very little graffiti, maybe it's the cost of the paint?  They do love to write in English, they think it is cool to do so.

Electricty

The lights had been flickering a little more than usual - but we really didn't worry about it - "We're in Georgia!"  So I was home alone on a Sunday night when the electricity turns off.  No problem - I have candles.  Luckily it was not a cold night.  E. Reese checked to make sure we had paid our bill. We were surprised that it was not on in the morning and finally around 11 we called our landlord.   The landlord brought an electrician who checked all the lines and found the problem.  10 minutes later we were back in business!  This is the electrical wiring he fixed outside our apartment door - we have seen much worse!

Pres. Lawrence is the President of Europe East Area.  He came to visit our mission and spent a day in Georgia.  They are from Fresno, CA and I have been to their home there!  We had a lovely dinner with them, the Carters and the Pratts and then a fireside with the branch.

 The next day was spent with the missionaries in a zone conference.  Sis. Lawrence talked about the house of Israel - she is very inspiring and informative.

Halloween in November

Sister Mzia learned about Halloween many years ago from the missionaries.  When she became Primary President and I was her councilor, she wanted to have a Halloween party for the kids.  Well, we were too late for October 31 - but the kids don't know when Halloween is - so we had our party in November!  I was asked to do the games and crafts.  I had so much fun getting ready for this party and we had a great time.  We started with making plastic plate ghosts.  E. Reese did the lovely artwork!

 Then a game of pin the nose on the pumpkin.

 I love the donut on a string game but had to substitute cookies because they don't have donuts here!

 We played a cupcake walk game to music and then we just had fun doing FREEZE dancing!  I had the Monster Mash song taped - it was perfect.

 Lots of games of Halloween Bingo

 I had taken about 10 pieces of 12 foot yarn and had it going all around the room.  It went under and over and through chairs and tables.  It was our spiderweb.  Each child took one end of a string and had to wind it back up - going over and under and through!

 We finished with some cute witches - I think the moms had more fun with this one!

When we were done with the fun upstairs, Sis Pratt and Mzia had soup and sandwiches for dinner downstairs.  Each child also got a goodie bag full of candy.  It was a great party!

Turkish Bath Falls

When we lived in Ortachella we often went by the Turkish baths.  E.Reese walked by them most mornings on his walks.  They were doing some construction behind them that he would investigate.   So here is the finished product that we went to visit on one of our trips into Tbilisi.  There is a lovely walkway going beside the baths and behind some homes leading to the falls.

 This shows one of the bridges and a circular stairway going up to the shops.  Georgians like to get out and socialize on nice evenings.  I think this will become a favorite spot.

Alexandria

Alexandria is our English speaking investigator here in Rustavi.  We really enjoy spending time with her.  Last month she turned 30 and we had a small birthday party for her.  I made cupcakes and the missionaries brought the balloons!

Alexandria asked the missionaries what an American pie was and how it was made.  So we invited her over one evening.  E. Reese taught her how to make the pie crust and I showed her how to make the filling.  Then we put it in the oven, which as you remember takes careful monitoring!

 This is what we were watching!

 Luckily it turned out beautiful - we were so proud!

 With a little ice cream - it tasted delicious!

Alexandria offered to show us around the local Bazaar.  She took us up and down every isle and all around. There was every item imaginable there - clothes, shoes, kitchen stuff, bedding, electrical, and lots of produce and food.

 This was the best area to get produce - she picked potatoes out of the back of the truck!  We found a truck full of pumpkins and got a great one.

How thick do you want your steak?  This is how they butcher their meat in Georgia - even at the grocery store.

 We are waiting for the bus to take us back home after a productive day at the Istanbul Bazaar.

Relief Society Activity

We met at the Didube metro stop - it was fun visiting while we waited for everyone to arrive.  I like this stop - it is one of the few that are above ground.

Then we all loaded on 1 marshutka - we bought all the seats so that we had our own private driver! (and really we only had 2 or 3 empty seats - at a lari each - no problem!)

 We went to the old church in Mtskheta and then walked over to another old church.

On the way we saw this shop advertising what kind of meat it sold!

 Here we are on the grounds of the second church.  It was interesting to see them go through the church - this was the religion that most were raised in and they still had tender feelings for the traditions of their fathers.  Of course we finished the day at the Lobio Restaurant with lots of yummy Georgian food.  I love these wonderful women!!!