Hello all!
We have finished a full week of our time in Russia and have already been blessed by all the opportunities we have had. Every morning we take time to prepare and pray for the day ahead through personal and team devotionals.
Monday began our first day of our time with the children at the local transit center. As our team entered the center, we were blessed to see the wonderful facilities we would be working in for the rest of the week. The walls were painted with bright colors and the classrooms were full of supplies and art the children had made and we were blessed to be served wonderful food made by the workers in the center’s cafeteria. We entered with joy and we left on Monday with overflowing, and full, hearts.
We split up the team for some to the work with the teens; Tawni, Freizel, Rebecca, Lauren and Beth, and for the others to work with the younger children; Joelle, Katrina, Analeisha, Brooke, Kayla, and Hannah. Each day begins with a funny skit and then a couple of songs with all the kids in attendance
. The groups then split into the younger children’s and teens groups. The children’s group proceeds with games in the auditorium and a story about positive character traits. The group participates in a fun craft tying in what they have learned during the story.
Then its play time, and off to the gym we go to play with Frisbees, balls, and other gym equipment. The children then have a small snack before returning to participate in another craft. This last craft has given many of the members of the team opportunities to discover the stories behind some of the children’s past. Although it has been difficult to hear some of the stories of the young children, we know there is still so much we can share about hope and love. We look forward to more opportunities to share Christ’s love with the children over the next week that remains.
The teen’s group starts with a similar format including a story with a discussion that follows about the key themes and ways
to apply the information. They also have a craft to complete and it is during this time that the team is able to interact on a personal level with them. Sometimes it is just a matter of sitting alongside them and working on the craft, other times it is listening while they share their stories, and other times it is playing games together. Some of the team members have been able to talk about their faith with the teens.
Our day at the transit center is complete when the staff feeds us a wonderfully satisfying meal with lots of veggies, meat, and rice. Everyone leaves each day with a happy heart and a full tummy. The team has learned so much about the beautiful culture and is growing a heart for the people.
We have wonderful devotional time each evening and have the following prayer requests: please pray for team unity, intentional conversations with the young children and teens, and continued health.
Rebecca and Hannah