Penza: AKA Real Russia

Countless times I have been informed that Moscow and St Petersburg are not "real Russia." I would think to myself: Not real Russia?! Everyone is speaking Russian. I see Kvass, Red Square, and Soviet-style buildings everywhere. How is this not 'real Russia'? It is the capital for goodness-sake!"

If you can't tell--It was FREEZING!

It wasn't until I traveled to Penza, Russia (approximately 640 km south-east of Moscow) did this start to make sense to me. My husband, Drew, served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Russia and he lived in Penza for almost a year. Drew really wanted to visit his friends in the city and I, naturally, wanted to see where my husband had spent half of his mission. One hot (87 degrees!) 14-hour train ride later, it seemed that we had arrived in different country; Penza is an incredibly small city of 500,000 when compared to the Moscow metropolis that contains roughly 11 million citizens. At the train station, we were greeted by one of Penza's own, Alexey. His quick humor and warm-nature kept us laughing and comfortable our entire stay, not too mention full! He and his wife gave us ample--if not too much--food during our stay. Let's just say, I left Penza a pound or two heavier than when I arrived.  We toured the city with our native friend and he told us stories of the corruption and poverty that the good people of Penza have endured. He complained about how tax money was rarely used to fix the roads or to make sidewalks nicer. "If there is one thing that Russia will never run out of, it is crappy roads and stupid people!" he exclaimed. The obvious poverty in certain areas of the city, the elderly I saw preforming hard labor, and stories of people we met touched me in such a powerful way. Real Russia, as it turns out, has a huge population and stray cats and dogs. Also, to be "real Russia" apparently it is necessary to see babushki (old Russian women) sitting around complaining about their pensions. It is true that we do not know how blessed we are in America until we see the heart-breaking effects of poverty.

We were able to meet with many church members during the days we were in Penza. Although my understanding of the Russian language is pitiful, I felt great love for these people because I understood the language of the Spirit when they spoke. One man in particular, Sasha, after only minutes of being introduced to me, asked if he could bear his testimony with me. Drew acted like a translator as this sweet man told me of the powerful experiences he has had with the Spirit and the Book of Mormon. I was touched to the point of tears. The members I met lived their lives in ways that showed me, a stranger, that their testimonies were the most precious things they owned. They willing shouted from the rooftops the glorious message of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

When we entered the train station to board our departing train, we were surprised by an older woman who immediately ran to Drew and hugged him with tears flooding down her face. It was later explained to me that she was Valentine, a woman my husband had taught and baptized on his mission. Her love for him was evident. She told me how much it meant to her that he and his companion, Steven Bolt, were persistent in testifying of the restored church to her. She told me that they should up to her house every evening almost completely frozen just to teach her.

The Spirit testified to me so strongly about missionary work while I was in Penza. Drew and I were trekking through snow/ice/slush and the freezing cold one night when I realized the great sacrifice he (and thousands of others) have made by going on a mission. Missionary work is profoundly beautiful and Christ-like. My admiration of all returned missionaries grew as I contemplated the arduous nature of missionary work. The sacrifice of time, comfort, home, and many other things in the pursuit of bringing the world His truth. A more noble cause I cannot think of.

I am grateful for the opportunities I have had to hear the testimonies of people all around the world. I know that Heavenly Father loves His children and that His gospel is spreading quickly because of the blessings it brings into our lives. Jesus Christ is our Savior and the joy that comes with this knowledge is to be shared with everyone. Penza opened my eyes to both the hardships Russian people endure but also the powerful testimonies of Russian Latter-Day Saints.

Not European. Not Asian. Just Russian.

Walking down the streets of Moscow, you can't help but feel swallowed up in the concrete, steel, and bleak, Soviet style apartment buildings that seem to never end. Then, in a fleeting glimpse catches your eye of golden, onion domed churches rising above the grey. Upon closer examination, Moscow turns from a modern metropolis to a city bursting with hidden treasures. The juxtaposition of grey, lifeless skyscrapers and vibrant, bright Russian Orthodox temples contrasts the world of old Russia with the splendor of the Czars with modern Russia, creating an overwhelming sense of awe in any one who takes the time to let the beauty of this country sink in. Even the mundane task of taking the metro is marked with masterpieces of art and architecture. In the metro, you can find statues of the heroic men and women who fought in World War II. They remind you to take a deep breathe and reflect on those precious moments where the human spirit triumphed over evil. Just a quick moment though--because let's be honest, metros smell the worst. A native Russian explained it to me like this: "Russia is like silver. On the outside, it is not much to look at. However, on the inside? It is beautiful and rich." It just takes some effort on our part to look further into a country than what is portrayed by Hollywood and truly learn about our brothers and sisters around the world.

My Love Affair of Russian Literature

From Crime and Punishment to Anna Karenina, from Pushkin to Gogol, Russian literature is abounding with complex characters that aren't afraid to tackle the tough subjects. The way Dostoevsky creates battles between religion and psychology, which are infamous foes, the reader is compelled to not only apply these hard themes to the characters, but also pushes them to apply it to their own lives. My study of Russian literature is not only teaching me about Russian history and culture, but it is teaching me about myself and enriching my belief in God. Luckily it takes me forty minutes by metro to get almost anywhere--aka reading time!

Life of this Wanna-be Muscovite

How have I been spending my time here? I have been lucky enough to be able to work with the Pushkin State Art Museum and proof read some papers that have been translated into English for their Cyprus Art Exhibit. I have also been volunteering a few times a week at the American Center where I get to meet with people from all over Russia and help them improve their English skills. I love the opportunity to meet with people from all walks of life. And I love to talk, so it is nice to have new people to talk with! Other than that? I finally finished HIMYM--The finale is a rant for a different time. I walk up A LOT of stairs. A LOT. I also like to race our friends when the take the elevator. Mostly because this gives me the chance to sing "Jackie VS. The Machine" in my head and feel triumphant when I get to our floor.

I have also been trying to improve my Russian skills. After a month of being here, I am finally able to hide my deer-in-headlights look when someone speaks Russian to me. I am finally starting to think quick enough to make a reply or at least ask them to speak slower. The latter usually ends with them rolling their eyes and walking away. But hey! Progress is progress! I am proud of the small victories.

The Great Mystery of Russian Women's Legs

Yo Sherlock! You busy? I could use some help here. I am completely baffled by the women's legs here. Not only because they are long and beautiful but because no matter how many layers I wear I cannot escape the cold and here these women are looking fantastic in a coat, skirt, and tights! T face the bitter wind without even flinching! My theory: Although their legs are incredibly thin and lovely, they are made of steel. This most likely occurred because Moscow is basically a gigantic stair-master.

Welp, that is all for now folks!

From Russia, With Love

A Glimpse into our Europe Trip

Adventures First Stop: Prague, Czech Republic. Meandering around the medieval cobble pathways of this beautiful city, we found ourselves absorbed in the unique culture of this post-Soviet country.  From castles to Communist Museums, we were diligent in our goal of “experiencing” Prague. However, towards the end of our stay, it was determined that the most valuable way of spending our time would be eating Czech food (aka potatoes and meat) and lounging about the laid-back city. Prague provided us with endless picturesque places to over look the entire city and relax. On a side note, nothing makes you feel more self-conscious about being an American like walking into a Mickey D’s—Can’t a girl just want some cheap ice cream?

Next Stop: Dresden, Germany. Dresden is a small town in south-east Germany. The fog was heavy around the city but for some unexplainable reason, it made the city feel homey and romantic. In an effort to be classy and well-educated, we bought tickets to “Cosi Fan Tutte” an opera by Mozart. Despite my best efforts to be sophisticated and refined….three hours of Italian turned out to be too much for me to handle. No doubt that the music was stunning and uplifting but I think my sophistication can only last for an hour and a half. Maybe I can work up to it?

On to Berlin! There is so much to be said about Berlin. Don’t fret, I will spare you. I would hate to turn this blog into an overly detailed account of my trip! Berlin provided ample opportunities to learn about the history of both the city as well as Germany. Drew and I went to more museums than our brains could handle.  We are the dorkiest: we love to learn about history but to be where history took place is even more powerful. I did, however, hate being such an American tourist by not speaking any German. I apologize Deutschland, I apologize.

Finally, it was our time to cross over to the Russian Federation.  After months of preparation and years of wishing, I was finally going to meet Mother Russia. Stress and fear replaced my excitement. Foreign airports and delays can do that to a girl. After hours pregnant of inconvenience, HEAVY bags, unplanned fasting, sore muscles, delayed flights and taxis, we finally arrived. Welcoming us to Moscow was a techno version of the theme song from Pirates of the Caribbean and massive traffic jams. After arriving to our apartment and signing contracts--that probably promised the University my first child since neither of us attempted to read the long documents-- I couldn’t wait to get some sleep. My dreams were quickly turned into nightmares with the Russian Cyrillic alphabet terrorizing me. The next morning it took an hour or so and mental preparation (and extreme hunger) before I finally mustered up the courage to leave my apartment and commence the hunt for food. The adventure was only beginning.

Heart Don’t Fail Me Now, Courage Don’t Desert Me

 As childish as it seems, that has been my motto while being abroad. I am pushing myself way out of my comfort zone almost every day. The few muttered Russian words I speak a day seem like a real personal victory. Contrary to what you may expect,  Moscow ain’t no Provo! Moscow is brimming with gray skyscrapers, herds of people rushing to the metro, beautiful Russian Orthodox churches gleaming in the sun, and traces of a communist past. Almost everywhere you go, in this maze of concrete, you find something strikingly beautiful. Luckily for me, I have three months here full of time to stop and smell the roses. Unfortunately, Moscow smells like cigarettes. Moscow also sounds like jackhammers, construction, and movement. Luckily, after brief exploring of our surroundings, there are beautiful parks where I can turn for the peace.

 One thought that has really struck me is how ignorant many of us, I am definitely included, are guilty of being towards other cultures. Especially Russia and America. Russia is painted as a freezing country full of Volka-loving-Russian-mafia. Russians think Americans adore Micky D’s and never stop smiling. Is there truth to stereotypes? Sometimes.   Should Americans know more about Russia than snow, Putin, and Tetris? Definitely.

My Mission (I have already chosen to accept it): Give my readers—or reader, which is probably more accurate—more knowledge and insight into this vast, diverse, country from my experiences here in Moscow.

Stay tuned for hot topics such as: Are track suits really a thing?, Funny questions I have been asked, and Strange things I have seen.

Peace, Love, and Running

Maybe this is a common side-effect of being a psych major but...I am addicted to self-improvement books (well and Diet Coke if we are being honest..). I have been reading a book a month since January to complete a New Years Resolution and 4 out of the 5 have been some sort of self-improvement. I love it. The idea of positive psychology and the innate ability we all have to shape our personality and future "thrills me, fills me with fantastic terrors never felt before" (sorry, Edgar Allan Poe moment). The consequences of reading these books has exploded all over my room and notebooks in the form of a) motivational quotes/notes to myself b) goals. goals lists are everywhere, some handwritten and some more formally typed up c) schedules. The instant feeling of accomplishment that comes when crossing off a goal causes an immediate physical reaction for me. As cheesy as it sounds, I can't help by smile. I feel great about life and my future and this feeling has developed to my own personal drug. "It's like you're my own personal brand of heroin.."(that's embarrassing I just quoted Edward who, in all honesty, looks like a stoner..anyways, too funny not to include). The bad thing about completely a goal is that your knowledge of your capabilities expands and you can help but demand more of yourself. The goals keep growing in ambitiousness. For example, I am now signing up for a half-marathon.
The training is brutal.
I am in my first week.
Prayers and encouragement greatly appreciated.

The Road to Enlightenment
Something about the hippie movement always has drawn my interest. I oft imagine what it would have been like to be a part of the early hippie movement, actively protesting the civil injustice of the time. If only, If only the woodpecker sighs... Since last winter, I have been determined to become more educated on hippies and implement their beliefs into my life style. This idea is pregnant with irony due to me being an active LDS BYU student with no plans of leaving my religion. However, Hippism (made that up) and Mormonism can coincide if done properly. I am just ignoring the whole free love/drug thing. Which, to be fair, is a large part of their beliefs. A modern, religious, hippie--my goal. To accomplish this, I am teaching myself the art of meditation. It is going really well! ....I started yesterday but I am still interested and hopeful. Also, I am planning a "Wilderness Soul Search" where I am going to go and camp for a few days and explore the deep corners of my soul through poetry writing, meditation, scripture study, painting, hiking, and being one with nature.

Anyone have any suggestions about how they find peace or explore their self? They would be very welcome:) That's all for now folks! I'll keep you updated on my transformation to a running meditation guru!

Returning to Sprinkles and Mayo

My Floridian sojourn concluded with a tearless departure. Although remorse of leaving my newly acquired home and friendship filled me, the brightness of the future blinded me to fully experience the pain of leaving. Home! The destined tears did eventually make an appearance; however, seeing my family arrive at the airport was the incident that acted as a catalyst for such great emotion. You don't know what you've got till it's gone. My excited outlook of my return lasted for a few weeks and during these weeks the beauty of the mountains literally amazed me. Being a Utahan since birth, I have always been accustomed to the loving nature in which the mountains hug Utah Valley. The absence of such familiar, gorgeous landscape (even though it was "replaced" with palm trees and sunshine--my favorite things) made the return to such a boon to be thankful for.
Transitioning from housekeeping to scooping and spreading mayo was similar to taking a fish out of water than returning it to its natural habitat. Easy. Natural. Wonderful. The lack of Disney magic and luster of pixie dust slipped away unnoticed through my embracing of familiar sites and friendships. There ain't no place like home! OR there ain't no place like Jimmy John's and Cold Stone for that matter.
The BEST part about being in Provo is people watching. Ever since being introduced to this practice at an early age by my sage, humorous grandmother, it has played a significant role in my daily activities. People watching proves to be entertaining everywhere you go. You can bet I found some odd ones to worry over in Orlando! However, Provo is the best place because there are precious, BYU couples everywhere! (My definition of precious couple excludes ANY PDA more than holding hands--yuckie). Loving Provo couples is a recent change and I think it is due to becoming baby hungry at Walt Disney World. Strange I know, and possibly hard for those of you that know me best to comprehend but, I, Jacqueline Peck, am baby hungry. It is near impossible to work at a place so centered around families and leave without being inflicted. Go on and try it, I dare you..

*Life of a Scholar* (more accurately named, Life of a girl trying to put on the facade of a scholar..but the first one was catchier)

Strive for perfection: having a perfect spring semester. With the goal of perfect grades consistently hanging over my head, I am having a hard time not buckling under the stress. Rather than to dwell on the arduous pathway to my degree, I will tell of the quirky way I travel the path. My study habit are...well...original. First, I listen to my man Bob Marley whenever possible. His message of love and relaxing help battle my nerves. Emancipate yourself from mental slavery! Secondly, if I am not listening to Bob I will undoubtedly put in "The Little Mermaid." Even though I have copiously viewed this film, I never ceased to enjoy its musical spectacular and attractiveness of Eric--those eyebrows..yum! Plus, for some inexplicable reason, my studying abilities drastically improve. Thirdly, I must be comfortable and in sweats. Which means I do not study in the library if I can in ANY way avoid so. And finally, my system must contain a certain exhilarating liquid motivation, more commonly referred to as Diet Coke. The prejudice of this invaluable substance sometimes makes obtaining it a herculean effort. But don't you readers fret! I creatively manage to smuggle this illegal(ish) substance onto campus when needed. I also ignore the judgmental glares of my fellow students. We all have our sins! Judge ye not!

Welp! I must now leave and attempt to reduce the weight of this fat burden squashing my soul! In other words, do homework..gah. Love you all! Thanks for reading!

Deep Thinking During Vacuuming

Since a large part of my day is spent vacuuming, which is obviously a one person job, I have found myself the owner of tons of alone time. At first, my thoughts were centered around the current events and drama of my life. I'll have you know that I tried to have those thoughts keep me entertained but after the third room of "I can't believe she said that" or "why is that boy so confusing?", it got exceedingly tiresome and my mind started to realized the monotony of the work I am required to perform. I desperately needed something to distract me!
That thought acted as a catalyst to the creation of what I nicknamed "Deep Thoughts While Vacuuming Hour." This title is a bit deceiving because it is not one hour but in actuality covers about four hours. Anyways. This is where I study out the deeper aspects of life. I have made, what I consider significant progress, in figuring out personalities of my friends. I also plot the course of my life and determine the best pathway to get me to where I want to end up. Religious doctrine I have never explored is examined. After time spent perfecting this inventive thought exercise I have created a very entertaining way to spend my day. It works! Time flies! Just know that at any moment during my work day, I may be attempting to examine the inner functions of your mind. oh I am such a Psych major..
*Crazy Canadians*
One such day at work, my thinking hour was intruded upon by a larger Canadian woman. While I was going all Marry Poppins on her room, she returned to her hotel room to grab her camera. Innocent enough, right? Only should take a few, quick seconds. Well, when she entered she began to chat. I welcome any conversation do to the lack of human interaction involved in my job. Also, I was determined to provided a "Disney Level of Service." As we talked about trivial things such as where we are from and what not. She then began to unzip her hoody, revealing that she was wearing just a sports bra. um okay...I am feeling a tad bit uncomfortable. Then the next ten minutes of my life was spent listening to a detailed narration of all the pictures on her camera as she searched for a specific picture of a bird she had been following. I now know a lot about how her family celebrates Christmas. and everyplace they had been at while being at Walt Disney World. Yay me. Anyways, I started panicking as I remembered all the rooms I still have to clean. Then her toothless, honestly kind of creepy husband joins us and starts muttering words I can't for the life of me understand. Let's just say, I cleaned as fast as humanly possible, skipped a lot of stuff, and just got the heck out of there! ....awkward...

*Spending the day with my boy Bob Marley*
Not to brag but um..I am living the life. I get to spend my days off at the beach running on the sand and laying out with a soundtrack of relaxing Reggae. I have made significant progress on my handstands and sand volleyball. I almost have a tan I can return to Utah and be proud of. Something about the Sunshine state with its Palm trees, magical sunsets, and nightly fireworks has stolen my heart. Okay I am done bragging about my life. Sorry. It just had to happen.

*God's Hand*
A large majority of my "deep thoughts" have been centered around how the Lord really has a plan for each of His children. He guides us through different experiences and trials that are uniquely designed for each of us. I don't know why but I know that I was supposed to move to Orlando for these few months. Nothing shakes you like being removed from everything you have been surrounded with for your entire life. I have been forced to determine more clearly and more certainly who I am and what I stand for. The conclusion I have come to is that there are a lot of things I don't know, and will never know, but the one thing I do know for sure is that there is a God and He and His son appeared to Joseph Smith all those years ago. If that is true, then so is the rest. I have known that my whole life but never as surely as I do now. It would take a very long time for me to enumerate the ways I have seen God's hand in action since being here. Just know, there is a God and He loves us all.
----sorry for my churchy moment but. This blog would be significantly lacking in honesty if I skipped over the most important thing that has happened to me in Orlando.

Thank you. Thank you all who are my friends! Thanks for the phone calls, random texts, and Facebook messages that let me know I am loved and not forgotten about. Seriously I have been so blessed with all the amazing friendships in my life. Also, just know that if I tell you I love you. I mean it.

That's all for now folks! I'll try to remember to write on a more frequent schedule. Lots of love!

You may now refer to me as Wakina

I have always wanted be sent to fat camp. It's not that I believe that I am morbidly obese..I just wonder how I would hold up under such a vigorous exercise routine. Well, I am proud to tell you that I now know. In housekeeping, they like to gradually work you up to the daunting task of 18 rooms a day. You start at 8 and they load on 2 days everyday. It is like your wrists are duck-taped to a treadmill and your manager is pushing the up the speed and incline without concern if you are ready to adapt to such arduous demands! Each day I was overwhelmed with a feeling of inadequacy but somehow found it within myself to finish on time. This allowed me to glory in a great feeling of accomplishment and a not so great feeling of sweat. How am I doing now that I am assigned 18 rooms a day you ask? I knock those rooms out like it is no one business! Interesting fact: you burn 280 calories an hour vigirously cleaning. Imma gonna be one hot momma!

*Word Travels Fast in this Tourist Town!*
(or maybe it is due to immense language barriers?)
One day while innocently cleaning a room, Miquel, an older co-worker of mine from MeHEco, walked in and quickly inquired, "are you ready to strip?" My first thought was "how does he know about my skills?" JOKE. I was caught off guard, naturally. Then I realized he really meant, "are you ready to strip the beds so I can take the sheets?".....maybe I should just learn Spanish... but I have a feeling work wouldn't be nearly so scandalous nor entertaining!

*My Best Friend and the Other Jackie"
Everyone should be delighted to hear that I have overcome my shyness and feelings of exclusion and finally made friends at work. I am no longer the new girl that sits alone at lunch! Part of the recent surge in my popularness (bahaha) at Pop Century is the addition of new College Program kids. Finally! Youth!
Anyways, my favorite co-worker is Wakine from Mexico. He told me we have the same name and that I needed to start responding to Wakina. So I do. Wakine is the cheeriest man I have ever met, including good ole Saint Nick. He tells me wonderfully humorous stories and teaches me Spanish. What more could you ask for?
Despite the abundance in pleasant co-works, you do run across the occasional sour patch. This one is particular stood out because we share the same name. Besides she goes by Jackie and down here I am known as Jacqueline. She was just the epitome of a bad attitude and her whirlwind of negativity almost sucked me in! I approached our meeting with great enthusiasm, rejocing in the familiarity of a common language (even if every other one of her words was not appropriate for small children, or anyone for that matter). She quickly picked up on the strong stress signals I was giving off and offered her advice on cleaning rooms: cheat, but don't get caught. At first glance, her suggestions of cleverly cutting corners to increase speed seemed rather enticing. At second glance, I realized the strong moral oppostition I had to such behavior! As my mother taught me at a young age, I am a Peck, we do a good job, and finish what we start. I am proud to say I grasped onto my honor tightly and did not give in to the tempting arms of laziness! You would want to stay in a room serviced by this jackie.

*Work hard, play harder*
I do not know what I have centered my blog so much around work..all the REAL good stuff happens in my free time. However, the REAL good stuff doesn't get shared with the world..you guys just get the great stuff. I live in paradise. My days off are spent perfectly. I begin with laying out. I refuse to go back to Utah as white as I left it! Then I run and then I PLAY!! No complaints. I live at DisneyWorld. Every child's dream! And let's face it, I am just a big kid. I love all the friend I have made here and love our excellent adventures. I mean, I went on a motorcycle ride with a guy I hardly knew! Stuff that good just doesn't happen in Provo. Okay it does...but everything seems more rebellious in Orlando! I am learning the art of handstands and am becoming more knowledgable about the english language...aka I made vocab cards. I am so thankful for all the time allotted to me to work on my new years goals. 10k here I come!

Thanks to this blog I have something to think about during the menial tasks of my day. In between writting posts in my brain I daydream. Hard. But those too shall remain secret only to be revealed to my closest circle of friends.

That's all for now folks! Lots of Love!