In the heart of Siberia lies Yakutsk, officially the coldest city on Earth, where winter temperatures can plunge to an almost unimaginable -64°C. Here, in a landscape where frost is a permanent fixture and cars can freeze solid, the Pavlov family has not only learned to survive but to thrive. Aleksandr and Oksana Pavlov are the parents of 22 children, 18 of whom are adopted, and their story is a powerful testament to the strength of family in the face of extreme environmental challenges.
Their home, a 3,800-square-foot house on the outskirts of the city, is a bustling hub of activity where central heating and running water are not guaranteed luxuries. Life here requires meticulous planning and unwavering teamwork. The family has opened up about the unique struggles they face daily, revealing a world of logistical hurdles that go far beyond the typical school run. Their mornings begin with one of the most immediate challenges: the bathroom queue.
With 14 children still living at home, the morning routine is a carefully orchestrated race against the clock. Despite the size of their home, coordinating everyone’s use of the bathroom before school, nursery, and university is a major daily victory. This simple task, taken for granted in most households, becomes a critical exercise in timing and patience, setting the tone for a day where order is essential for comfort and safety.
The challenges continue into the kitchen, where feeding two dozen people presents a constant logistical puzzle. Space is limited, requiring a strict system to ensure everyone is fed efficiently. The family eats in two shifts, with the youngest children dining first, followed by the older ones. This structured approach is not born from a lack of space at the table, but from a deep understanding of what it takes to maintain harmony and ensure every member of the large family is cared for.
Perhaps the most daunting task is the journey to school in a climate where exposed skin can freeze in minutes. Schools remain open until temperatures hit -45°C, and nurseries even until -55°C. The children bundle up in heavy parkas and insulated trousers, with older siblings shepherding the younger ones to ensure they arrive safely before the cold becomes unbearable. Despite the harshness, the Pavlovs view their life with profound gratitude. Oksana, a former teacher, says they feel blessed, while Aleksandr believes the relentless cold is what forges their resilience and hardworking spirit.
