Wednesday

Home today! We don't have too much time today, but we will fill you in a little about what we have been doing. We (and approximately 6 million other people) went to the Hermitage Museum yesterday. It was fabulous (if a little crowded). We got to see works by Da Vinci, Raphael and others. There were also some amazine rooms. We couldn't believe that they let us walk on the floors, which were works of art themselves.

Last night, we attended a concert of traditional Russian folk dance. Be sure to ask Matt about his complimentary (and very public) lesson in folk dancing. We'll try to post the video after we get back. Note from Matt: if this doesn't get him cultural credit, nothing will!

We just had our last devotion and need to finish packing, so we'll sign off now. We should get into chicago about 5:30, but it will take a while to make it through customs, so for those of you picking up in Chicago, it probably won't be before 6:00 (at the earliest). We can call from the plan after it lands, but we won't be able to use our cell phones during the entrance process.

This has been a fabulous and moving experience. Keep checking the blog, because we'd like to post some more thoughtful reflections later.

Your "sad to leave" but "happy to be coming home" bloggers
Chaela and Sharon