At the crack of dawn, before I even arose, a telephone call advised me of an appointment made for me in mid February with a cardiologist before the undertaking of a hip replacement. This is what I have been waiting for and it has finally arrived, although the operation itself is still some time in the future, but at least progress has been made. I do hope that it will help because my mobility is ever decreasing. By the way, many thanks for all the kind words made concerning the photo taken of me with Nina. I certainly enjoy interrelating with people who come here to the monastery, but often I have only a minute or two to spend with any one person. Please remember the newly departed Vyacheslav, the father of Galina Demirbash, who unexpectedly reposed yesterday. Some of the men have begun making plans to make the entrance to the new church more accessible and I am pleased that they feel this is their spiritual home and want to look after it.