An update for CBU Russia B team:
Hello from Novgorod, Russia!
We have all arrived safely and with all of our luggage, which is a great triumph when traveling overseas! Thank you for lifting us up!
I (Kristi) am writing to you just after Michelle and I were caught in a lightning storm in our search for wifi at a local McDonald’s. Needless to say, we are so excited to finally be getting this update to you!
Our cross-cultural journey began during our 7 hour layover in Germany. We were able to take a bus from the airport out to Heidelberg, Germany to spend the day sight-seeing, eating German pastries and engaging the local people. This outing truly began to ignite a sense of excitement within the team, knowing that in just four more hours, we would be touching Russian soil and settling into our new home for the next three weeks.
The first three days of our journey were spent in St. Petersburg along with the Russia A team. We spent our time in classrooms in the morning and out exploring the city in the late afternoons, receiving language training from our field workers and visiting cathedrals and historical monuments. The Hermitage Museum, Spilled Blood Cathedral and the Metro have hosted some of our greatest memories and experiences thus far.
After an introduction to the city and the Russian culture, our team made our move to Novgorod, where we will be visiting orphanages and transit centers for the next two weeks. Our three hour bus ride from St. Petersburg to Novgorod allowed us to see much more of the Russian countryside, deepening our understanding of the country. As a team, we are thankful to be able to experience both city life and the country side, observing both facets of Russian life.
Today was our very first day in the orphanage, and to say that our team has already fallen in love with these children and teenagers is a complete understatement. Our team brought over soccer balls and volleyballs for our time with the kids, and they absolutely loved it! We have quiet a few aspiring soccer stars on our hands. We also realized we have a few singers as well, as a few girls serenaded the team with Selena Gomez songs and the Hannah Montana theme song in the middle of the park. Their desire to get to know us has shocked and overwhelmed, and we cannot wait to spend the next couple weeks with them!
These children have an absolute love for anyone who is willing to love them, and we are already anticipating the hardship of goodbyes.
Other than our transition into Russia and our orphanage itself, our team has been doing very well. As leaders, Michelle and I (Kristi) are extremely impressed with our students and their desire to serve the Russian people. Yes, there have been challenging moments (different foods, smells, etc.), but we are all beginning to appreciate the culture, broadening our worldview and our view of God and His people.
We ask that you would continue to lift us up in the following:
– That we would find favor with the children and teenagers in the orphanage and that we would be able to create relationships with them that would lead to Gospel coversation.
– That we would serve our fieldworkers as they guide us in our city.
– That our team would be unified, constantly encouraging each other and sharpening each other.
– That our team would be protected against illness and dehydration and that we would be able to have a good nights rest every night as we prepare to go out into ministry the next day.
We are so thankful for YOU back at home, knowing that without your encourage, love and prayer support, we would not be here today. Thank you for choosing to send us and to hold our rope back on the home front.
And parents, all of your girls wish you a Happy Mother’s Day and to assure you that they are safe and healthy.
In Him,
Kristi Howell
My prayers will indeed go out for both teams. Last year our daughter was there in Russia with Team A. It was truly an unforgettable experience not only for her but for us as her parents as we read the blog postings and seeing the pictures. Lord bless you all!
Spend all the time you can with Ksysha that you can–your team will learn so much from her heart for the good news! Tell her I say hi! Be sure the team spreads out and really interacts with the kids and avoids grouping together with oneanother too much. Cheers, Robyn (leader last year in Novogrod)
Love them, love them, love them. One thing I learned when going to Russia last year was that your actions speak way more than your words do, especially when you have a language barrier. Yes, being able to have a normal conversation with someone can be easier, but stretching out to those whom may not know that much English will mean the world! I’m praying for you all and for the Lord’s hand to be noticeable in your time in Russia and beyond.
Brooke: Love you girly! Praying the Lord will use you in as many ways as possible.
Enjoy your time because it goes by fast! God bless you all!