Trying to squeeze it all in

It is here. The last week. And already half way over. I can't believe it. This can't be real. And I don't know how to feel. Don't get me wrong, I'm so excited to come home, really. But I am getting really sad to leave this wonderful place and mostly just to leave these people. My heart is hurting and I don't really want to talk about it. But I do want to put some pictures of what has been happening this week.

We've already had to say a few of our goodbyes.

Our last Russian lesson with our teacher Tania. She wished us the best and told us to "just remember someday when you are sad that once somebody liked you far far away." Classic woman. I'm pretty sure I now know more Russian than 3 years of high school Spanish.

Our last institute lesson. Here is our little class consisting of a few ILP girls and some native Ukrainian men.

Sister Valentina, our teacher. One of the most sincere loving people I have ever met.

The Harshbargers. They are one of my hardest goodbyes here. Clark, Chelsea, and Pearce were here with the FBI for about as long as we were. They left on Monday. Laria and I have become so close to this cute little family. We hang out there a few times a week and sleepover at least once a week. Luckily I know I can see them again in America.

Eating popcorn and enjoying Netflix with Pearce.

Our Ukrainian family photo in front of the temple.

Trying to kiss Pearce on the cheeks didn't work out as planned. But isn't he adorable?

I haven't said goodbye to my room yet, but I will have to very soon. I adore this room and I figure it is time to show you some pictures of it.

This is the bookshelf wall across from my bed. Isn't it beautiful! I started counting once and I passed 100 on the first shelf so I stopped. I will miss waking up to this each morning.

I probably won't miss the hay in my mattress. Can you see it?

These pictures were taken in the beginning when it was still sunny. But look at my view. I will miss sitting out there playing my ukulele and contemplating life!

Our awkward self timer picture trying to capture us on the beds. Do you like the carpet on the wall?

This eagle on top of the closet stares down at me each night. The apartment is full of odds and ends.

What a typical night looks like journaling and scripture studying on my little bed. I love this room!

There is one thing I'm looking forward to leaving....these cats!

We've been trying to squeeze in things we haven't gotten to yet. Laria's dad is a firefighter and she's been dying to go to a station. Luckily we had our friend Lera to translate and they let us in! She ended up translating for a french man that showed up. A 15 year old translating for 3 languages was the coolest thing to witness! She is awesome! And so was the firestation!

We even got to slide down the firefighter poles wearing their coats!

Today we had our big class party/performance for the parents. It has been stressful and taken lots of planning, but it was so worth it! The party was perfect! The theme was "Christmas Around the World." We traveled in our airplane and flew to different countries to play Christmas games.

Here are our cute little stockings we made this week hanging by our fireplace. Thanks for the hot glue gun in the package mom! We couldn't have made these without it!

I did my very first paper machete project and made a pinata for the party! We must've done too many layers because even the parents couldn't break it with the bat!

We were told the kids would come dressed up to the party. We were thinking they meant Sunday best by dressing up. No, they literally meant "dress ups". We were shocked when Misha walked in as Spiderman. And even more shocked when Illia came in a classic homeade Spongebob costume! Genya and Marina were both decked out as princesses. And Katya and Alex just found some masks we had lying around the school.

Gathering all the pinata prizes! Looks like Halloween with all these costumes.

All the kids and our coordinator Nelia.

My beautiful princess Genya!

And a few shout outs.

Levi: This is Marina. She saved up her tokens to buy this prize! The toy that you so kindly donated to my prize pile. Do you remember it? It is in good hands and she loves it. Thanks bud!

Rachael....this is for you. You know why!

4 days. See you all soon!