Ann and I returned last night. Sorry we were unable to post while away. We thought we would have more access to the Internet. Many of the cafes in Russia have Internet access if you bring your own laptops ... but we had limited time to find a cafe much less finding a computer. The one day I did get to a computer, the keyboard was different and, as you all might have noticed, many typos appeared! It took me so long to post (and as you may have noted I posted the same thing twice) that it was hard to write more.
I have to collect my thoughts on what we experienced. I think Ann would agree with me in saying that it was life changing. Both of us did journal most days. We would be so exhausted by the end of the day, many of my entries were just phrases so I would not forget what happened on those days. Some days were so full of events that I need to find the words to describe the days. And each day held a wide range of emotions. We heard some horrid stories but we laughed often, too. One can read about things that happen halfway across the world and have strong feelings but the event is still removed from your world. Developing the relationships with the people we had only read about made everything so real. But we did get to laugh with everyone as well as cry. And we all hugged often for sad and happy reasons!
As I settle back into my home routines, I plan to look at each day and try to write about the experiences. Please feel free to ask questions using the "comment" option on this blog. It may help me to see what is important to write.
I guess the main thing that I would like to write about is how Ann and I swore we will keep this event alive in people's minds. The counselors from Beslan have been dealing with these horrors for long, endless hours since 9/1. That is two solid months!!! They fear that the help will fade and the rest of the world will forget the urgency to help them. Ann and I plan to email them often and have been invited to go down to help them. They would also like to share the opportuntiy to show off their beautiful mountains. There home is portrayed as a violent place but it is actually a very serene area. Every person showed pride in their land and they deserve to feel the pride and try to get back to a normal life!
After my weekend task of unpacking and readjusting to this time change, I will continue to post some of my thoughts. Thank you everyone who helped Ann and I to be able to go in this trip.
Connie
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