Day four in Russia began with a morning of sightseeing. We visited the Sphinx from Egypt, Saint Nicholas’ Cathedral, Cruiser Aurora and the Peter and Paul Fortress. Though the weather was cool and misty, they were amazing sights and our cameras were clicking away!
Our afternoon spent with the kids was another fun blessing. Everyone enjoyed the lesson of David and Goliath presented by Thomas! He had the kids act out the showdown. Goliath stood on top of large gym foam blocks and held a sword, while David was down on his knees with his two sheep on knees and hands. David took down Goliath with ping pong balls. It was great because Goliath literally lost his balance on the blocks and went down just like he does in the Bible. We laughed so much, it was fun.
There was a sad part in our day. Danya and Sasha (brothers) left the temporary orphanage to go to a permanent orphanage in the city of their birth. Due to their ages, 8 and 11, the odds are stacked against them when it comes to being adopted. We are praying for them and ask that you join us forevermore.
Thank you for your lovely comments!! They fill us up in the morning before we leave, and at night when we are drained. We sit and listen like little kids as Tatiana reads them to us.
Love, prayers, and hugs to all of you!!!!
Written by Tracy
Love to see the updates. It looks like you have had a good balance of fun and work. I am sure that positive vibe is being transferred to the kids. Keep enjoying yourselves!!!
Jami and The Team,
Thinking if you all and praying for you daily! The pictures are awesome and I LOVE the t-shirts! Give all of those sweet kids a kiss and a hug for me.
Megan
Nice pictures! Good to know you guys are working hard and playing hard. Keep on going! Praying for the 2 brothers to find a steady home.
So glad to hear about your day we will pray for the boys to be found by a loving family. Your site seeing sounds amazing and your full day exhausing but in a good way.
Love, prayers and encouragement will be sent your way.
Good job Tom. You creativily presented a Bible story that will not be forgotten!
hey savannah, where’d you get your jacket at? 😀 miss you guys
thank you for keeping us posted about how God is using you and stretching you. looking forward to hearing God-reports when you return. 🙂
Hi Everyone,
it is so great to read yourupdates. and to see the pictures of you with the little ones. I feel so proud of you. I am praying tonight for Danya and Sasha. Oh Lord, Please send these dear boys a family to love on them. May God be with you all as you continue to bless and minister to these children. Say hi to Tatiana from us.
LoveSherri, Tim and Rachel
Your trip has been a great conversation starter and means of planting seeds at work and at the bus stop. And I’ve truly enjoyed being able to share the blog so folks can see God’s work at hand and have a personal connection. Thanks, Tatiana, for having created the blog and maintaining it. Your hard work has reached more than you can possibly know. Keep it up! Seeing your bright smiling faces and your unity warms my heart and continues to bring peace to my mind. Thinking of you always. Love C, E, T and Nana XOXOXOXO P.S. The boys have showered at least once that I know of. : )
It’s morning here and we are looking forward to your next posting. We pray for another day of peace and joy with the children. Such wonderful work to be doing. So glad Tatiana has created this blog so that we may walk through this trip with all of you.
Love and miss you.
XOXO Prays to all.
Hello…I miss you bunches, Anne…the light house women want to make sure I am eating healthy…NOT…oh well…I am trying to veg out each day…prayed for you all with the men at 5:30 this morning….by name. God bless Anne, Jami, Tracy, Savanah, Bonnie, Tessa and Thomas…And Tatiana and other workers…. with the ability to bridge the language barrier and the cultural differences with the love of our Lord, Jesus Christ. God please, help them to not pretend to love ohters, but really love each other…with genuine affection and to take delight in honoring one another …may none of them be lazy, but each serve the Lord enthusiastically. Please help thm to live in harmony with each other…doing their part to live in peace with everyone. So I pray that the God, who gives you hope will keep you happy and full of a sense of well-being and that he has your back…for from him and through him and to are all things…to God be all the glory…forever…Amen!!! …clem
Hi Trac,
Have you seen the shadow peeking from behind His shoulder? 🙂
XO
Love the pictures and the updates. I was riding my bike last night and praying for you all. The memories and your impact on the lives of these children will last your life time and beyond. I love you guys and can’t wait to hear all the stories of God’s amazing goodness and grace. BTW – great way to teach the story of David and Goliath!
Sometimes the smallest act can make the biggest difference. We are so proud of all of you. Thanks for posting the pictures, it really helps to visualize it. God’s Blessings. P.S. Happy Birthday Bonnie!! XOXO
“The LORD reigns, let the earth be glad; let the distant shores rejoice.” Psalm 97:1
-one of my favorite verses in the Psalms.
May He continue to guide and bless you.
Loved seeing the new pictures and hearing about the children–will pray for the brothers and all the orphans. And…Happy Birthday Bonnie!!!
It’s 9PM here which makes it 6AM there, so I’m sure Jami has had her workout, is drinking coffee and making arrangements for the day. Jami, you’ll be happy to know that all homework was completed by 7:30 tonight, I’m doing the laundry – already completed 1 load, the dishwasher is running and I’m making lunches. Booyaa, baby! Oh, even made a batch of pancakes. Well, that’s it for my breaktime…Back to lunches! I’ve been thinking about Danya and Sasha all day, today. Causes me think about Jasmine as well. Love you! XO How was the ballet?
What a wonderful opportunity! Looks like you are making an impact on those kids by the looks on their faces. The pictures are wonderful. Praying for your safety and success!
hey jami!!!
i love reading the updates and also was excited to see all the cool places you were able to visit today. i can hardly wait to read all your journal entries.
i am having fun with your 5 year-olds. i am in love with cash and luca! miss you and had laurie as a walking partner on saturday. she is no replacement!!!!
xoxoxo
amy
Great Pictures of so many places. What a city! Sounds like you’re making new friends spreading the word. Busy here and almost out of pre-cooked meals that you left. Happy Birthday Bonnie!
Great Pictures! We are praying for you and can’t wait to hear all about it! Keep doing the work of our Lord and Savior!
I thought of you when reading Proverbs 18:10
“The name of the LORD is a strong tower;
The righteouss run to it
and are safe.”
May He continue to protect you.
Feliz cumpleanos Bonnie (not Russian, but all I know besides English)
Thank you for being the hands and feet of Jesus! And for putting yourselves out there for the Kingdom. May God continue to bless you with safety and good health as you minister to the orphans.