CBU: The last days of training

An update from CBU Russia Team A:

Incredible as it may seem, we have already been in St. Petersburg for 4 days! Our journey to Russia was uneventful! We were blessed to spend an afternoon in Heidelberg, Germany-tasting the local German food and enjoying the beautiful sights of the college town. We landed late at night in St. Petersburg, with most of our luggage! Kayla’s guitar however, did not arrive. We spent the next two hours filing paperwork to try to locate the lost guitar.

We were able to sleep in a bit before getting up the next morning. Our training began after breakfast as we learned the Russian language and we were introduced to the Metro system. Our initiation began as we traveled to the Cathedral of Spilled Blood. Our teams were entranced by the beauty and intricacy of the mosaic tile artwork that covered the inside of the cathedral. We later returned to our lodgings, amazed that it was light out until almost 10:30 at night! After team time, and prayer for Kayla’s guitar to be found, we went to bed .

On Saturday, our training continued as we learned more language and a lesson on the history of Russia. After our session, Kayla learned that our prayers had been answered, and her guitar was returned! Unfortunately, Haley was not feeling well and was running a low grade temperature. In order for her to heal, we determined she should stay back to rest. The rest of us set out to view the Hermitage, the 2^nd largest art museum in the world. After our excursion, we returned to find Haley well rested, and her fever broken.

This morning, we set out on an adventure that would show us how much we had already learned about St. Petersburg and our ability to navigate the city. We set out in teams of 3, and were asked to navigate to different locations, purchase produce, visit the Russian Orthodox Church, and make it across town to Tanya’s apartment for lunch and our last lesson on Orthodoxy and Russian Culture. We were given maps, Metro tokens and a green light and we set off; all to different places throughout the city! It proved a fun and empowering experience. We found that we were quite capable as we worked together with our team members! All teams met at the end, purchases, stories and laughter in tow, at Tanya’s metro stop. We then joined Russia B as they were headed out to their next location, Novgorod. We spent an enjoyable afternoon learning about Orthodoxy and culture, eating a delicious lunch prepared by Tanya and Michael, and then tea and dessert.

Tomorrow, we begin our ministry at the transit center. The transit center has received multiple children of Gypsy descent, which will increase the number of children we will be working with. It also increases our opportunities to influence those we are working with and serving. Please pray for our team, for good health, for opportunities to love and share with the children and teens we will be with, and for strength, energy and endurance as we begin our ministry in St. Petersburg!