We have successfully completed one full week in St. Petersburg! We are all happy, healthy and loving our ministry.
Our first day in the orphanage was a little rough, but we adapted quickly and won over the kids with multiple games of “Duck Duck Goose.”
We have made great connections with the kids and several of them are starting to open up to us. It is heartbreaking to hear about what some of them have been through, but we are happy to be here to encourage and love them. Many of the little ones just want to be held or to sit in your lap, a task all the girls are happy to fulfill.
Our spirits are high, but our energy is left at the orphanage every day. It is exhausting, but we come home each day thankful that we can give the kids 100% of our energy and effort.
Yesterday we got to visit an orphanage for HIV positive babies and toddlers. We spent an hour and a half playing with the children. It was tiring to chase after them, but their smiles were worth it.
Here are a few prayer requests:
– Strength. Please pray that we won’t run out of energy before the kids do.
– Pray for the little girl that Danielle has made a connection with, “Anya,” and that God would provide an opportunity for Danielle to speak truth to her.
– Pray that God will bring peace to the hearts of the kids and to calm their anger. Pray that we will be an example of this.
– Pray that God will open a door for the downstairs crew to have a gospel-focused conversation with the teens that live on the first floor.
– Pray that we will be selfless with each other and the kids.
Jordan,
You look sooooo tired in the photo. We are soooooo proud of you. I cried when I saw your picture and read the update. Bring them all home with you if you can!!!! Stay strong sister. God has a plan for each and everyone of them and us. You are sooooooo awesome!!!
We love you soooo much,
Mom, Dad and Alec
Candace: Glad to hear that everyone is doing fine and are staying healthy. We are praying for you and your team that God will use you in a mighty way to be blessing to the children and teens. Keep the faith and stay strong.
Love Mom and Dad
Awesome work CBU Team Russia – thank you for keeping up posted and for responding to the call to serve these precious children. We will definitely be praying for you and look forward to your return – Jeremy (I am CBU’s marketing director and ISP fan 🙂
Thank you everyone for your comments and encouragement! Your words are shared with the team! Your prayers and encouraging words mean a great deal to each one.
Hi Sarah ,I love you too. I sounds like your really learning alot over there. I just figured out how to send this . this computor and me I quess. I miss you but its only six days left. Bring back and all God has taught you and share many blessings He has given you and the group. I hope you get this before you come back. Snickers misses you too. Memorial weekend is here soon and Ive already eaten my feel of hamburgers. Seeing Lynn today .
Love MOM.