Everyday Life: It’s not as fast paced in Sverdlosk and it seems that people still cling to family values. Kids are loved and valued here. Their talent is fostered whether it be musically or athleticism. Though some of the playgrounds have seen better days, they are still used. Playing a game of soccer or softball, in the neighborhood, is not uncommon. In the household we live in there is no TV, cheap plastic toys, video games, or other “mindless stuff”. Gardens grow in most yards and homemade food is more common then fast food. Most people go home from work for lunch, and often that is the end of the workday for them (7AM-2PM). We have fresh eggs, milk, vegetables, honey, and fruit from the many fruit trees (apples, plums, pears, etc.) at our disposal. The bread is fresh and even the sweets with few ingredients. In the church we attend women cover their hair with scarfs of sorts.
It is a breath of fresh air to be in this place…..a place where values are highly esteemed. Much of America has lost that and it’s almost sad. Many people don’t know their neighbors and kids can’t really play safely down the road. Homecooked meals are foreign to many and even if they are made, families eat them in front of the television. Or, worse yet, they don’t eat them together at all. Vegetables are rarely consumed and most people only eat three kinds: corn, tomatoes, and french fries (really!). Fast food is the easy and cheap answer; and is reflective of the health of our country (obesity, diabetes, heart conditions, diseases, etc.). Even people in other countries recognize the effects of our diet on our Nation (they always comment to us on it). We have traded healthy homemade meals for chemicals with a little food thrown in. That doesn’t seem like it could end well to me…….I’m just saying.
It doesn’t seem that we encourage our children as much in their artistic talents either…..in fact I don’t think many kids really know their talents. Video games, toys of sorts, and television are the easy answer, because we are overworked and too tired to invest the time. Even God has been put in the 
backseat of our lives. Make more money, buy nice things, and squeeze in a million things into one day………but at what cost?
I admire the people in our society who still value these things, who put in the time and effort into the health of their families. Who put God in the center and instill His truth and goodness in their children. We have all been given the freedom of choice by God, and we are blessed to live in a country that allows that; so why not at least start out on a solid foundation? Why not stop and really question what is important in the end? I only hope that I can remember that when I have a family someday.
