After following this Canadian family of ten throughout their first year of adjustment to their new home in Nizhniy Novgorod, Russia — during which time most of the narration has been provided by the father of the large brood, Arend Feenstra — we have been treated to a solo presentation by the eldest daughter, Cora-Lynn, whom I have frequently heard addressed simply as Cora.

At 16, Cora is a charming and poised young lady, who says that many of the followers of her family’s YouTube program have asked about her impressions of life in Russia, how she occupies her time, what her interests and goals for the future are, etc. And so she was on camera to fill us in — clearly reading, at least partially, from a prepared script.

Cora’s emphasis was on two life goals: becoming a wife and mother, and serving God. She has been raised in a very religious, conservative family, and seems to accept this as her preordained role in the world. She talked about the supreme importance of “faith, family and freedom,” saying that these were the reasons the family had decided that Russia was the best place in the world for them to live their lives.

Her days appear to be filled with work, work, and more work. She says she helps with whatever is needed: cleaning, cooking, laundry, looking after the younger children. Although she didn’t specifically mention it, earlier videos have shown her, along with the other children, working on the farm during the warmer seasons as well, and the endless construction work on the house and farm buildings.

In addition, she teaches the little ones reading and writing, studies Russian online, and enjoys sewing and reading. There is no talk of a social life, other than occasional trips to the villages to interact with the older people and practice her Russian.

Then there was the obligatory homage to Russia: how glad she is that they moved there; how happy she is with the way things are in Russia; and how grateful she is for the opportunity she has been given. There was a brief moment of nostalgia when she mentioned missing her grandparents; but then she immediately changed course and said again that she is excited to “strike out on new adventures,” believing this to be “a better place to live.”

And then it was back to talk of fulfilling God’s plan for her. She wants more than anything to be a wife and mother, which she considers the best way for her to honor God. But if He has other plans for her, she will, of course, accept His will . . . though she still hopes there will be room for marriage and motherhood. I suppose her mother makes it look easy.

She closed with a couple of well-worn aphorisms about light at the end of the tunnel, and sunshine after every storm . . . which sounded strangely out of context after her glowing accolade to life in Russia.

*. *. *

I’ve tried for a year to look on the bright side of this family’s move to the land of tsars and dictators, and I’m saddened to say that I haven’t been able to find it. They are a very close-knit group, and obviously share a mutual love and respect that many of us would envy. That’s a wonderful thing; but they would have that anywhere. Why Russia?

Because of the “freedom” to live their lives as they choose, away from the “evils” of liberalism? Because of the “opportunities” to live fuller, more comfortable lives on a farm in Nizhniy Novgorod than they did on their farm in Canada? To provide their children with a wider range of opportunities and choices for the future?

That’s what they were promised, and what they prayed for and anticipated when they made their choice. So far, they have behaved as is expected of them, and are being treated royally.

I do hope their second year goes as well.

Just sayin’ . . .

Brendochka
1/14/25