Simple Gifts

Several of you have asked about sending gifts for Nastya while she is here (thank you!). While I know she would love to receive them, she only has one 50 pound suitcase to take back with her and that will primarily contain clothes and other necessary items that we can squeeze in there. That being said, I have an idea for those of you who would like to bless her...a simple and inexpensive gift that you can provide (even for those who are not in California) that I hope will put a big smile on Nastya's face while she is here.

I was struck with this idea while reading one of the books recommended by New Horizons for us to read in preparation for her visit. The book, "Infinitely More", is written by a Russian Orphan named Alex Krutov who was living in the orphanage system in the 90s. He shares the story of visiting the United States on a student visa and living with a family for an extended period of time. He describes how he would run to the mailbox of his host family every day to get the mail and was so excited about even the most inconsequential piece of junk mail. He couldn't figure out why none of the family members were excited to go to the mailbox. He had never (or at least rarely) received mail of his own before.

I was thinking...wouldn't it be great if Anastasya had this same experience? It would be an amazing and inexpensive Christmas gift for her to receive some mail while she is here.

So I'd like to ask you to to send her a note...maybe decorated festively (including a picture of you and your family if possible). You could include a package of stickers or a CD with some favorite music she might like if you want to get fancy with it...be creative...just think small.  I'll read it for her using Google Translate. If you don't already have our mailing address, you can e-mail me at chefanies@yahoo.com and I'll be happy to share it with you.

Nastya arrives in 11 days and we'll be checking the mail for the first time on the 19th (so if you'd like to mail something, shoot for that date or later).  I'm really excited about this and will be making an effort to document our trips to the mailbox here. Thanks in advance for helping us give her yet another experience to make her feel special and welcome!