Long Overdue Update!

Dear ones, apologies are in order. It has been over a month since the previous posting, and I know there are a few of you faithful followers who would appreciate an update! Therefore, this post is intended to do just that, to briefly recap a few of the more noteworthy developments from the last month or so and to give you a more accurate picture of what everyday life is currently like.


Our experience in Moscow has been a blur. It seems, with few delightful exceptions, that each day is filled to the brim with activities, responsibilities, and adjustments. This fast-paced action-packed lifestyle is certainly exciting, but there are also moments when it can become quite fatiguing. Lindsey (who exhibits daily determination and dedication that never cease to impress me) spends the majority of her days balancing the weighty and widely varied responsibilities of her position at MPC Social Services with steady online coursework compliments of her graduate program at Eastern U. Please note that I do not use the terms "weighty and widely varied" lightly. Lindsey's role as the Director of Development for MPC has functionally bestowed upon her duties that would rightly be distributed among a half-dozen separate departments. These include, but are not limited to, program coordinator for all 12 of MPC's social/service programs, chief fundraiser, event planner, intern coordinator, treasurer, graphic designer, and the entire marketing department. Additionally, because this is really not very much to ask, Lindsey is the sole person responsible for planning, implementing, and overseeing MPC's annual gala, a 350 guest event in November that secures 75% of the organizations annual funding... no small task! Through and despite it all, Lindsey applies her energy and efforts diligently, persistently, and with excellence. I think there are very few people who could step into a role as demanding as this in a climate as foreign, and to do so fluidly and flexibly. I am proud to say that she is one of those few!


Now a bit about yours truly (onto the good stuff right!?). I have been spending a healthy portion of my weekdays substitute teaching at the Anglo-American School of Moscow. I have found this to be a phenomenal experience both personally and professionally. The school culture is enthusiastic, dynamic, and incredibly supportive. I have been in consistently enough to become a familiar face in the hallways and to build meaningful relationships with a handful of kids. It always warms my heart to walk into a classroom and see student's faces light up realizing that they got the "cool young sub". It has been an incredible blessing to gain hands-on experience as a high school teacher, something that was previously lacking on my resume, and I believe this will greatly improve my ability to be an effective and knowledgeable high school school counselor when we return to the US. In conjunction with teaching, I have been tutoring a 7th grade student named Danilo once or twice each week, usually after school. I have enjoyed getting to know him through our sessions, and it is a blessing to have a few extra $ (technically rubles) as well. With school occupying my weekdays, my weekends have been filled coaching and coordinating the Moscow Youth Soccer League. The League is comprised of roughly 750 kids between the ages of 4 and 18 (broken into 6 divisions according to age) both expat and native Russian. I heard about the League shortly after my arrival in early August through one of Lindsey's colleagues, and figured I'd offer my services as a means to get connected and involved here in Moscow. Despite my modest expectations, I soon found myself appointed Coordinator for Division 5 (140 6 - 7 year olds), the coach of two teams (Division 5 and Division 2), and as a regular game official. This has been both a major responsibility and wonderful privilege. The administrative/coordinator responsibilities are a constant headache and the 9am-4pm days out on the fields are tiresome, but coaching these kids is a thrill and delight. This weekend will be the final regular season matches, and the following weekend (Oct. 15) will be playoffs. My little guys are currently ranked # 2 in the division and are itching for a shot at the title!!


Despite our busy schedules, Lindsey and I have done our best to create time for recreational and "touristy" activities. Over the last month we went to a show at the Old Moscow Circus (the oldest stationary circus in the world), toured St. Basil's Cathedral, visited the Cathedral of Christ the Savior, and explored the Kremlin & Kremlin Armory (amazing collection of Russian Czarist history). In the near future we will be traveling to Finland from October 8 - October 14 to renew our visas. While there, we hope to visit Rovaniemi (the home of the real trademark Santa Claus), visit a husky and reindeer farm, and enjoy a late night excursion in pursuit of the aurora borealis (northern lights). It should be a great trip! We promise to create a Finland post very shortly after we return!


Here are a few photos from the activities mentioned above, Enjoy!

World Cup 2026 in the making. 

Yours truly outside the Kremlin.

Outside the Kremlin at night.

Linds outside Cathedral of Christ the Savior

View from the pedestrian bridge at night.

Someone is excited for the CIRCUS!!!

From inside the circus. Unfortunately no photos allowed during the show.

Our seats.

I made the birthday girl breakfast.

Some gorgeous couple outside Lenin's tomb.

Russia runs on Dunkin too!

St. Basil's Cathedral. This building is amazing.

Lindsey is good at taking pictures!