I remember when my family first moved here in fall 2000...we knew only a few people, did not have a clue how to get around on public transport, did not know where important gov't offices were located, did not know where to shop. Those first few weeks and months were times of discovery, excitement, nervousness, and growth. Through the years, this beautiful city with beautiful people has become home for our family. Our five kids have done most of their growing up here. We've witnessed a lot of helpful, positive, and lasting changes during our twelve years here. We've seen a lot of infrastructure improvement, enhanced availability of different kinds of facilities, construction/upgrading of roads, etc. Ufa has just gotten more beautiful during these years. We've made a lot of friends, enjoy meeting new people, love exchanging cultural ties with many around us, helping to meet needs, nurturing inter-religious expression and mutual respect, and being encouragers to those around us. Life truly is worth living. And, we are enjoying living life here in Ufa. We pray that Ufa will continue on a path of improvement, not only in its physical infrastructure, but also in the sense of spiritual progress and growth. Physical changes last for a while, but who we are on the inside in our relationship to God has eternal implications. We are all created by God and we will find our significance and purpose only in Him. May God continue to bless Ufa and its wonderful people as we approach the holiday season! Chris C.