Louis Horvath, a Chaffey graduate, class of ‘97, had the opportunity to go to Russia, where he lived among the people, performing their every day tasks. He went as part of a two-year mission for his church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, or as most people know them, Mormons.

For 24 months he lived in a two-room apartment, NOT two-bedroom, mind you, just two rooms—a combination kitchen/ bathroom and a bedroom, with cold wooden floors and even colder cement walls. The hot water we enjoy for our daily showers is virtually non-existent in Russia. Imagine taking a cold shower in 40-degree weather.

Because of the severe weather and poverty, the Russian people are very serious. They do not say hi passing each other on the street. If you slipped on ice and fell, hitting your head, you would probably lay their unconscious for awhile because everyone has so many of their own problems just trying to survive day to day that no one would stop and help you up.

Chaffey graduate, Louis Harvath, shivers in Russia's bitter cold, whishing for the comforts of home in America.

Only the very rich have cars, and if you are in the street you could get hit if you don’t pay attention since they have no speed  limit, and nine months out of the year their roads are slick with ice. They also have no public restrooms. Could we “spoiled Americans” in comparison survive even one day with no cars, cold homes, colder showers, and no public bathrooms? It would be like camping in the woods all year round.

Many Russians resent Americans, thinking that they are all spoiled, rich, and lazy, and to a certain degree, they’re right. “I have been robbed a few times,” shares Louis. “They all want American money, since their financial system is very bad. They even harass and yell out, ‘Hey American boy, share your dollars!’”

After learning what life is like in another country like Russia, don’t you feel a little bit more grateful for what you have, even if it doesn’t include the latest Nintendo 64 game, collectible Pokemon cards, CD or convertible Ford Mustang? Well, you should. After all, you were fortunate enough to get this month’s Tiger Rag!