Busy Weekend

Hi!  It's already Thursday here, but I wanted to tell you about our busy last weekend and this is the first chance that I've had.  In the Expat community something is always going on.  This past weekend seemed extra busy.  Expats are usually assigned to a location for only 3 or 4 years, so people are always coming and going which means there are always going away parties.  Friday night one of the girls who used to be on our Outpost team had a going away party at our local Zima 3 bar so we went there for a bit.

Saturday morning Max and I ran a few errands including a quick trip to his office.  He took me to lunch at a newly renovated Korean restaurant that is across the street from his office.  See if you can spot the restaurant.

Here's a close up of the entrance.  This is very typical in Russia....nice restaurants are located in out of the way places, tucked away in basement's, etc. 

Saturday evening we got dressed up for a big fundraising Gala for the House of Grace and Hope.  The House of Grace and Hope was started by a couple who left Australia in 2005 with their 3 children, moved to Sakhalin and decided to care for older orphans.  They have a 5 room apartment and at any time have 16 to 20 kids living there.  They are trying to buy property to build a house or an older house.  The Gala was one way to raise money towards the house and towards their day to day expenses.  They are a lovely couple and have sacrificed so much to do what they do.  The Gala was a lot of fun.

Sunday afternoon we went to a reception for the American Consul General whose office is in Vladivostok.  All the Americans who are in Yuzhno were invited to attend.  It was interesting to meet the Consul General.  A representative from the Embassy in Moscow was there, too.  After the reception I went home and finally registered on their website so they we are in their district and to get their newsletter.

That evening Max's boss was having a buffet dinner so we went there for that.  Whew!  What a busy but fun weekend.

Love to you all!
Karen