Well it seems I have better and faster internet here than I do at school. Go figure. I've met some really fun people at the seminary. One of the girls who works here is black - literally the first black person I have ever seen in Russia. When I saw her I assumed that she was an african AMERICAN and I started speaking at her in English. She just got a really confused look and walked away. That was awkward.

I think some of the students and I will go for a walk tonight. Tomorrow I am going to Konakovo. My primary object is to let them know that I am on my way - my secondary object is to get an address for Igor in Moscow, because I can't afford to stay at the seminary. It's costing me $40 a night! Prices in Moscow are unbelievably high. And, I would love to hang out with Igor again. If he isn't in Moscow during the summer I know a few other people who have apartments in Moscow ... now it's just down to finding a reasonable comfortable floor.

I've tried 4 times to take a shower - they are fixing the one on my floor, the one on the floor beneath mine is broken, and the other option isn't working this hour. I think I will get to use the Bishop's shower if this isn't worked out by tomorrow. Holy water. Haha. This is why I keep a separate blog for church people and one for friends. Haha.

I love airports and people watching. I love Finnish people. I love the androgenous nature of Finnish women. Such fun.

So, I had thought about going to the Korean Methodist service tomorrow night, but I figured I might still be tired from Jetlag and I didn't want to disrespect them by looking tired ... but then I thought ... how would they know. Haha. Get it. haha. Asians. Haha.

I'm reading a really interesting book on economics, "More Sex is Safer Sex." Really interesting read - I'm not sure if I agree with the author's premise, but I adore the inflammatory title!

I saw the best movie last night. "Son of Ranbow" is in smaller, trendier theatres - but it's worth the search out. A really fun movie with minimal (and appropriate) cussing, a great plot, and positive moral values.

I'm in Boston visiting John Holwick and Rachel Pollock. Last night we sat around with a few of Rachel's friends and discussed our futures. It was really fun to find myself in an environment where missions is seen as a negative.

I'm constantly surrounded by missions supporters - so to be with people to whom I had to defend my very way of life was a good change. I need to remember that when I am in Russia most Russians will not be too keen on the idea of an Ugly American coming over to "fix" them. I needed this intermediary place to remember why I am in missions and to know that I can defend what I want to do.

I'm so excited to go and explore the city today!

I'm at home for a few days. Home is difficult for me. It's weird to give up all of my personal freedoms for the joy of spending time with family. Rebecca has moved out and it done living here, so it's essentially a retirement home in waiting.

I miss my home and my friends. I will be spending a few days with John Holwick and Rachel Pollock. I'm so excited to see them again. And then I will be heading to Russia.

I have created a blog for everyone to keep up with while I am in Russia. As long as I can get on-line and post to it, it should be a lot of fun. michaelairgood.blogspot.com .

All of my grades are finally in. Two A's, two B's and a C. Not stellar but not too bad. I retain my scholarship for another semester anyway.

I'm waiting for my visa (and Passport) to arrive in the mail. I'm getting a little impatient.

I saw the most beautiful house I've ever seen. It overlooks a mountain and a river at the same time. It has a wrap around deck and at least three levels of outdoor seating. You could have the perfect party and no one would ever have to go inside!

I have nothing insightful to say. Sorry.

I haven't figured out how to check my grades with the new computer system TFC has purchased. Michael is angry! Haha.

I have an A for my independent study and a B- for my Religious Belief Systems. The 72% on my doctrinal questionaire didn't help~!

If I got an A on my math final I should get an A in the course.

My Old Testament class ... well I'm praying for a D- at the moment so I don't have to take it again. Anything above that will be a gift from the Lord.

I feel like I'm going to get a C in my photography class ... but I loved it and did all the work so I'm hoping for a good grade.

I had an amazing semester ... I spent a lot of time getting to know really good people. I have a number of really strong, passionate friendships that took a lot of investment; they were all worth it. I wish I had invested more in more people, though.

Happy Mothers' Day.

As happy as I am to spend a few more days with dear friends, I really wish I could have been home to hear my mother's postlude this morning.

I really wish I could be worshipping with mom this morning.

On Sunday Night I attended the Professor Discussion Night dealing with the topic of homosexuality.

It was one sided, naturally - but at least we are talking about it and speaking out against the "bubba effect" (homophobia). I have one statement to make regarding Queer theology (theological defense of homosexuality as anything other than a sin):

Those who search the scripture in defense of the GLBT lifestyle don't sit down with the idea, "How can I twist scripture to get it to say what I want it to." They begin with the truth that God's Holy Scripture has been used throughout the centuries for evil. They start their search with the understanding that the Bible has been used in the past to support slavery, the crusades, and the abuse of women. They look at scripture and ask, "Has God's word been twisted to the abuse of the gay community?"

And, honestly, I believe it has. I also agree that liberals do twist scripture to support gay rights - but God's word is being blatantly miss used in regards to homosexuality. 9 little verses mixed in with lists of other sins has lead to the outright outcasting of a group of people from the church. I believe the Bible says that homosexuality is wrong - I don't believe it places it in a special category. I don't believe anyone (who gives the issue a fair reading) could say that homosexuality is a "special" sin.

We will be having a movie night at my house (80 Schaefer Ct) This Thursday, May 8th at 8pm. on the topic. Feel free to come on over.

Some days tought decisions need to be made. It's so easy to see the speck in my brothers' eye. It's so tough to realize that I'm having more than contact problems. I probably have a plank in my eye. Probably.

Sometimes we get so good at preaching a particular sermon. It's a sermon that flows naturally from our own particular gifts and graces - condemning those who fail to live up to our standards.

Some days I'm the self righteous one.

It hurts to admit that one.

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I had one of the best weekends I've had in a long time. Hanging out with a great friend, 18 dinner guests, and Godspell/Exorcist in one weekend pretty much ruled!

Vassya (my cat) hurt his paw. I know the feeling. Poor thing.