The Luggage Has Landed

Dear Friends,
Pictured at right is my luggage. Yes, those long lost friends, those inconstant companions, fearless braves of the worldwide luggage transport system - they have finally made it

It turns out that American Airlines were mixed up and my bags were actually in Chicago. They then flew to London, then St. Petersburg, Helsinki and Petrozavodsk. The Petrozavodsk airport is in the middle of the beautiful, wild Russian countryside - think Northern Minnesota with fewer signs of human life - and after a long ride out there, we nearly did not procure the bags at all.

The airport was very, very small and as we entered we found two bags - both mine - sitting in the back. The woman in charge asked for my passport, immigration card, and customs form - wait, customs form? You mean we're supposed to have that still? The woman in St. Petersburg office neglected to return it two me after I listed my luggage as missing, but according to the officials at the airport, I would have to return to St. Petersburg, get the forms, and then come back. Now, since this idea was absolutely untenable, Liza kindly argued with the woman for a few minutes until we negotiated for the bags (everything in Russia is "negotiated" - it's just the way Russians enjoy doing things, but it is very counterintuitive for Americans). So, finally, after getting fully searched, we strapped the bags to the top of Eric and Liza's fixer-upper Russian car, and puttered our way back home.

It is awful nice to have a full complement of clothing!

Today I will be going with Eric to the Christian Center where I will help with guitar lessons, Bible study, and basketball.

Thank you all for your prayers

Sincerely,
Peter