From one of my students last year. We customized it. :-)
Last week was our school's Christmas concert. It was actually at the church Matt and I go to so you can get an idea of what our church looks like as well!
They began with half of the choir and the other half joined walking up the sides. But this gives you an idea of the size and design of our church. It's actually the top floor of a Lutheran church building.
Everybody in high school choir!
When the little ones came out it was a swarm of paparazzi! :-D
Our very cute 1st and 2nd grade class.
The junior high choir. Half of these guys are my 6th graders from last year.
Some of the high schoolers played small pieces as things were moved around and such. Our French horn player is in a orchestra in the city and she is excellent!
The high school band performed a piece that was collaborated between America and Russia during World War II. The Russian one was composed just for the occasion and has various themes to it. The one shown here is the church theme.
(Forgive my shaky cam! If it freaks you out, just listen to it because it sounds awesome!)
Our Korean mothers decorated the school and it is glorious! There's even a fake fireplace in the cafeteria!
Finally, last Friday we had our teacher's Christmas party and gift exchange! It was very uplifting and afterward the high schoolers showed Elf for the school and Matt and I stayed for that as well. It was a long day but a good one!
Things are wrapping up now and we are looking forward to the relaxation that break will bring. This has been a good break but a very busy one for both of us. But now all of our grades are in and we can kick back! Tomorrow 7th - 12th grades will be going to a Russian Christian school in the area. We will do volleyball, board games, and help make crafts to sell at their bazaar. The proceeds will go to an orphanage for invalid orphans.
For break we will be staying in the city. We will go to Sveta's datcha for a few days. It's one of my favorite places in all of Russia now! Then my younger sister will be arriving here after Christmas and into January. We are thrilled to have her coming and can't believe it is so close!
A praise from us: We looked at our reports and donation levels and are very glad to say that we have enough to stay next year for sure. We appreciate all of you who have given in any form at all and for all of your prayers! Where it was uncertain how even this year would go just months ago God has used you all to answer our need! Thank you so very much!
