I got out of Moscow to Kaluga for a few days. It was beautiful there.
Met with some friends for a birthday party.
Just yesterday I decided to finally get the internet back up and running here in the apartment. Last week the wireless router over heated because the temperatures here are just plain hot all the time. I got that fixed over the weekend. Then, on Tuesday of last week the modem quit working. With all the heat it didn't surprise me. I lasted a few days without internet, then, after trying many things decided I needed to ask for help. I was told to get my teacher, Viola, to call the company and ask them to come out. When V called them, we were at that office. She was trying to explain everything they said to do and ask me all their questions that they had about the modem. (Remember we are at the office, not at the apartment where the modem is.) So, after that explanation, I came home and attempted to do what I had understood.
After trying out unplugging things like I had been told and still not getting any response, I decided to call the company myself, determined to get the modem working again. My thought was, "There has to be someone there who speaks English that I can explain all this to." No such thing to start with.
When I called, I got the technical department and immediately asked if he spoke English. The response, "No, I'm sorry I don't." I figured out what he wanted. He patched me through to the next lady. Once again I asked, "Do you speak English?" The response, "Unfortunately I don't." She put me on hold saying she would ask around. She came back on and said she couldn't find anyone. She then took my number and started telling me what I needed to do. As she spoke slowly and clearly, I was able to figure out what I was supposed to do. I did all that she asked. (I think) (This is all going on in Russian!) We got the modem to working, but the computer would not acknowledge it. She asked me to restart my computer. Okay, I have no idea what the word for "Restart" is, but I certainly didn't understand her. I asked her again. She said to turn the computer off and back on again. Ahhh! I understood. The internet still didn't work! She finally said, "Someone will call you in an hour." And hung up.
After she hung up, I unplugged the modem and router again just to see if restarting them would help. It did! I was back online! Now to wait for the call from the other tech, only to tell him that it is all working. :)
Within the hour I did receive the call. This time the guy spoke almost perfect English! Oh, if I had only had that before! He asked what he could do. I told him I had fixed it and the internet was working. He response, "I guess I am suppose to say goodbye." Click. He hung up the phone. He obviously didn'tknow what else to say. I thought it was a find of funny end to that conversation, but it ended it. So there you have it. The internet is fixed! I love getting things accomplished.
I could not decide what cake was my favorite so Katrina and Bobbie made me a cheese cake and an apple pie! I even had help with the candles from the son of a friend.
So many good friends.
Such good fellowship in a mixture of Russian and English!
Of course, the kids livened up everything!
The food was excellent! It was the first cool day we have had in about 2 1/2 months so it was perfect for just hanging out and relaxing. I am so thankful for everything. Father is so good to us!
