Seven.

and today makes 7 years
living in Russia.
we agreed to 3.
and then extended 2.
but then changed jobs and agreed
to 3.
and now....?
we take it one school year at a time.
we know that Reyna started 3rd grade here
and will finish 10th.
we know that Sage
--who will be baptized
this year--
has celebrated every birthday
in Russia.
we know that Nate went from K to 6th grade

all at the same school.
we know that Jake has never lived anywhere else.

we have a good life here.
sure, there are things not to like....
...but that is true everywhere.
we've found a lot of things
(and people)
to love.
we're different.
we're happy.
(although we were happy there too)
we're more interesting for sure.
we've grown up here.
and i don't mean
the kids.
if someone had asked me,
will you move to Russia
for 8 years?
I probably would have said no.
i would have missed out.
I'm glad they asked for 3...
and then 2...
and then 3...
and then.....?