Our flights were long and a little turbulent, but rest assured we arrived safely in St. Petersburg. We had some interesting experiences with luggage and how to communicate in Russian culture at the Moscow airport, but all turned out well in the end.
The city is beautiful and some of us are ready to move here.We have been learning a lot about Russia, it’s history and people with Tanya and Misha these past few days. We’ve successfully navigated our way through the city to find markets and cathedrals, as assigned in our training; exploring the city is always fun. Most of us are loving the metro system and are so jealous of the ease of travel here. Although we are definitely having to sacrifice our personal space while riding around town. 🙂 We’ve learned to be Russia (or as Luke would say, put our Russian boots on) when we cross streets and enter the metro. Let’s just say that lines don’t mean anything here and elbows come in handy when squeezing into a crowded area.
Most of all, our team is anxious to start our work at the transit center tomorrow. We’ll be working with a group of about 20 kids, ages 3-17. We have lots of games, songs and activities planned for them and we are praying that our first day will be successful. We understand the importance of setting the stage for our expectations and rules for the kids, so that our time with them will be fruitful and productive.
Please pray specifically for us tomorrow (11:30pm Saturday night, US time) that we will be patient with the kids, our plans will be organized, the kids will enjoy the time with us and that their hearts would be opened as we connect with them and share God’s love. We are anticipating strong spiritual warfare as we begin our time in the transit center and your prayers are coveted. Thank you all for your love and support.
Ruthie asks: Mom, can you email the recipe for clatite? I’m cooking dinner for the group one night… Love you (and Dad, too).
Ana says: Mami, Papa, Sisco, Carlos and Cristina, I love you and take care of my turtles. Hi Danny. 🙂
Janice says: I’m safe in and I love Leningrad. 🙂
Lailani says: Mom, Dad I love you. And please don’t tell Daniel we almost lost his guitar case.
Holly: I love and miss you all. Keep praying for us and forward on any updates.
Katrina says: I’m having fun learning all the history of Russia, but who wouldn’t love that?? Love you all.
Luke says: Mom and Dad, just so you know, I’ve found a wife and won’t be coming back.
Dionne says: Guess what, Mom? My phone didn’t work when I got here and I did have to do something to update the SIM card, but we got it all worked out over the phone.
Love to all, Russia B.
Hey Russia B,
Sounds like you guys are havin as much fun as we did. Hope your first day in the transit center goes. Can’t wait to hear how all the kids are doin. Remember to be flexible with your schedule 🙂 and always be praying while you play with the kids. I’ll definitely be praying for you guys as I’m sure the rest of Russia A will be doing as well. Stay strong and have fun.
Micah Paul
ps. say hi to Art and Yon (idk if they’re with you), and Tanya, and Misha
To: Ruthie, “clatite”/crepes recipe 🙂
10 tablespoons flour
2 eggs
salt, milk, water (Babi says according to taste)
Mix all until you end up with that liquidy sort of dough such as in pancakes. Add a spoon of olive oil in the pan before frying one at a time. I bet you’ll get to where you toss them with ease from one side to another. 🙂
Love you Ruthie and miss you!!! Praying for the team!
Yeah, Russia B! I know the Lord is going to bless your ministry and your time with the kids. Remember to leave all your energy at the center and to love as Christ loves. Russia A is praying for you!
Courtney
Thank you everyone for your comments, encouragement and prayers!
The team sends their greetings!
Keep on praying for their ministry with the kids, as they start tomorrow morning.
Hey Russia B,
I just wanted to let you all know im praying for you. Im sure God is already doing amazing things there. One Thing I want to say is when you feel like you have no enery ask God to give you the strength to carry on because he will.
Hey Russia B,
The Gehrig family and friends are praying for you all. We love hearing your updates . They help us know specifically how to pray. We know that God is using you mightily there. We love and miss you Holly!