$3 x-rays, no chemicals (?!), and a very happy Christmas to you!

Merry almost Christmas! Still no more pictures, sorry sorry.

No big news here; snow's falling every few days, everyone's preparing for exams and getting excited for New Year's celebrations, which will last a good two or three weeks.

I went to get chest x-rays the other day (no worries, it's routine and required for living in the dorm). Guess how much it cost? 70 rubles, which is about $2.92 in the States. I could hardly believe it when the technician told me. I've also been trying to get an AIDs test (also required). The first time I showed up, they said I was too late. The second time, they said they were out of the proper chemicals to do the tests and I should just call after New Year. I wanted to ask, "You do realize this is an AIDs clinic, dedicated especially to testing for AIDs? And you're telling me you don't have any of the chemicals needed to do your job? Best of luck pulling a profit in the next four weeks." But, the bright spot is, it costs a whopping 155 rubles ($6.45).

Paying out of pocket takes on a whole new meaning here. I could need some medical test, go dig through my change jar and have enough to cover it!

I've managed to get sick again, this time with a nice phlegm-y cough, will spare you the details on that. It's less than convenient, with finals right around the corner on Monday and Tuesday. You can certainly pray for some miraculous understanding for me on these tests ... we're still not entirely sure what we're being tested on, and the 'practice' tests we've been given have been way beyond any of us ... about 60% is new material we've never covered or studied.

May each of you have a blessed Christmas with family and friends (eat some good food for me!). Thanks again for all of the support, love, and encouragement!

Because of Him,
Elsbeth

Quick update!

Happy December everyone! It doesn't feel much like Christmas here. In fact, I just found out that I have exams the week of Christmas. You can pray for me, please =)

I just wanted to let you all know that life is excellent and going very well.

There's not much snow here yet, but everyone tells me, "just wait until January, then you'll see."

I ate little whole fish (fried and dipped in bread crumbs) for breakfast the other day (my roommates made them). I managed to get three down. My roommates are really wonderful, and we share many laughs. I am learning a bit of Chinese and they think it's quite hilarious to hear me imitate them speaking. They also love watching American movies, especially when I translate (fun for them, very very very tiring for me - but good practice).

Also, please pray for Beth and Aaron. They are missionaries here in Khabarovsk, but currently in Mongolia, waiting for approval (hopefully) of their new visa. No one's really sure when they'll be back. The Russian government has been passing some funky new visa laws and you get a different answer from every person you talk to.

Pictures coming soon, I promise!

Much love!