Meltdowns

Temperatures soared into the upper 30's here in Vladimir today -- which means that the annual spring meltdown has begun, sort of.  Everywhere I went today people were working on removing snow and ice.  They do a marvelous job of keeping the main streets clean but the side streets and sidewalks often have over a foot of ice and trampled snow on them.  They were even bringing out jack hammers to chip away the ice in the main commerce area.  As pretty as freshly falling snow is, meltdowns are just as ugly.  Walking is hazardous and standing at an intersection where deep puddles of dirty water are forming is not smart.  Don't ask how I know this!

I visited my missionary friend for lunch today and while we were enjoying the obligatory cup of tea following the meal, his wife screamed that water was flowing down the walls of their living room.  They own this flat that sits on the top floor of a multi-story apartment complex built back in the 1950's.  Every spring when the meltdown occurs the roof leaks.  He took me up into the large attic to observe what they have to put up with.  You see, while they own the flat they don't own the building.  The city still owns all the old apartment complexes since back in the not-so-good USSR, private property was seen as a captialistic vice to be avoided at all costs.  Imagine trying to get your landlord to fix your roof when your landlord is an overbloated, poorly administered city government.  Their only recourse is to jimmy-rig buckets and plastic bags.  "If you think that's bad, you should see the hospitals here in town!" my friend's wife observed.  The next time somebody tells you that state-controlled socialism is a smart idea, tell them to move to Russia!  Life here still has a long way to go to recover from the dark days of Lenin and Stalin.

Meltdowns are what you have to go through to get from winter to summer in Russia.  I have never been here in summer.  They say it's worth it.  It's been another long, hard winter here and though spring is still aways away, it feels like spring today.  Everybody loves spring -- even with the meltdowns.

There is a worse kind of meltdown that is taking place in Japan right now.  Let us keep praying for God's mercy.  Sometimes our only hope in the midst of life's meltdowns is the mercy of God.  I lift my eyes to the mountains -- where does my help come from?  My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth... (Psalm 121:1-2)

If there is a meltdown occurring in your world, may you know His help today!
Blair