Babushka Babblings: The Story of the Purple Underwear

Last week I needed to do some laundry and asked Baba T. about it in the morning before my class and she told me we would do it when I got back from class. Sure enough, right when I walked in the door she had the machine set up a ready to go (a 7 step process). I couldn't communicate to her that I was really hungry and that I was super tired from a particularly long day of class. So I got my dark laundry and after weighing it to assure Baba T. that it weighed at least 3.5 kilograms (apparently she thinks it's not a load until it's 3.5-4.0 kilos in weight!) She turned the hot water on to the machine and I tried to explain that I wanted to wash them in cold water because of the colors and because of my wool socks. This went on for a good 20 minutes. Finally I gave up (due to hunger and exhaustion) and just prayed for God to protect my cloths.
I started fixing my long awaited lunch (it was now 2 pm). Just when I got done eating my burnt chicken and over cooked broccoli (I was still getting used to her stove/oven) I heard Baba T. yelling about something in the bathroom (where the washing machine is located). I ran to her aid to see that the side-door of the machine had swung open and there was about 3” of water on the floor. She was very upset and frantic and we both began mopping up the water with rags (it's hard to believe that the 2 of us even fit in our “quaint” bathroom). I felt terrible, but when I apologized she was quick to let me know that it was not my fault but her washing machine (if I would have been taking notes, I'm sure I could have learned a few curse words). I think we got the water moped up before the first floor tenants were rained on (there weren't any complaints anyway).
I decided this whole afternoon needed a big dose of God's grace and a nap! When I woke up from my nap I found that the laundry was done and that God had taken care of my cloths! There weren't any shrunken socks or funny died shirts . . . only purple underwear! God is so good – I always liked the color purple!
That afternoon went on to be one of my best in Russia thus far. Baba T. came into my room to winterize my window and while she was in there I thought it might be good for me to try reading my homework to her. It not only encouraged and helped me but Baba T. also enjoyed playing the role of my teacher. That night I overheard her telling three different people over the phone about her helping me study! Now it's become routine. She will walk into my room and have a seat in the rocking chair and tell me “it's time for you to tell me your new words.”
Praise God for my new teacher and purple underwear!!!