Day 6
Hello everyone! Today was another gift of fun and blessings. We began the day with a visit to St Isaac’s Cathedral. In this digital age it’s even more amazing to see the creations man is capable of simply by using his hands, muscles, and brain. It’s like WOW amazing! While we were there we climbed 300 step spiral staircase to the Colonnade and enjoyed the view of the city in the fresh air. After that we stopped for a quick lunch (not!) at what I’m pretty sure was the busiest McDonalds in the world where Diet Coke and Sprite were consumed and savored with pleasure.
When we got to the orphanage we jumped right into the lesson of the day which was the story of Jonah; “forgiveness “ was the word of the day. All of the kids participated in acting out the story. They had fun creating a storm meant to rock the makeshift ship (a ball pit), and maybe had a bit too much fun throwing Jonah overboard. After that and with great enthusiasm Anne shared the meaning behind The Wordless Book bracelet with the kids, they each made one, and then sported them out in the park after snack time. The weather was great! We played Uno in the grass, worked on learning each other’s language, bonded, and played tic-tac-toe with sidewalk chalk with the older kids while Anne, Jami and Bonnie did crafts with the young kids in the park next to the playground. We ended our day with ever increasing heartfelt hugs. You all know the difference between a hand shake and A HAND SHAKE right? Well, the hugs have become HUGS!
At the end of the day we came home to Tatiana’s homemade pumpkin soup, beet salad, and fresh baked bread from the bakery just down the street. It was better than great! The day ended with devotion time lead by Jami who shared one of the cards Craig, Easton, and Trey made for her to take on this trip. One side had Psalm 55:22 “Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.” The other side said, “I love you mom. Tell everyone ‘hi’.” This is the stuff spiritual refill is made of!
Love and hugs from us all!
Tracy and the team.
Hey, am I the first to see your lovely faces…? Just stopped outside the church to pray with Janet for the team. Prayed for your mission to be accomplished and that you might have the strength to finish well. Pray to God for your safety and divine appointments along the way….God is with you….and he will complete the work that he has started in and through your heartfelt efforts….pure religion is to look out for orphans in their distress (Js 1:27)…clem..
Enjoyed the pictures especially Bonnie sporting her John Deere Green. Paul and I made it out to the cabin and harvested some garden produce Tuesday night. It sounds like you’re connecting well with the kids through stories and acting them out. Lots of happy faces. Must be exciting to see such ornate churches and buildings Prayers for your mission and safe return.
You are all amazing…enjoying reading of your time with those wonderful kids! The pictures are sweet! Keep Hugging and learning from each other. Stay safe.
Well it sounds like such an amazing day, morning till dinner!. The pictures are gorgeous! The Cathedral looks exquisite…300 stairs, you got your workout for the day. I can’t imagine how gorgeous the view must have been.
The children all look like they were enjoying the day. All of your plans seem to be going as planned. McDonalds in Russia hard to imagine you would end there, lol.
Tatiana’s supper sounds wonderful, are you bringing home the recipes?
Love and prayers still going in your direction. Thanks again for the update as always,
XOXO
Hey!, it looks like you guys are having lots of fun in the pictures with the kids and each other. Keep on doing what you guys are doin. The rest of the comment goes mostly to my brother. Not much has happend since you left. People ask me almost everyday “Whens TK coming back?”, i end up joking around and saying “When he feels like it” I see that you got a new hoddie, looks cool. I got my longboard and its awesome, but i didnt get to ride it much cause it rained and i dont really have too much time because of homework. Oh and one last thing, whats that thing Tessa’s holding, kinda looks like a monkey.
Miss you all!!!!!!
Looks like another great day! Beautiful picture of the cathedral. must have been breath taking. Sure getting lots of excercise…Thomas not complaining? Lol
Looks like the little girl taken liking to you Thomas 😉 Nice to see the children smiling. You all are serving the Lord in a mighty way! Continued blessings….Love you and miss you!
Jami, you look BEAUTIFUL! When I see you, I think back to that day following my college years when I was on my own and I asked Jesus to forgive me, come into my heart, and if he’d be so generous to bless me with a God-loving girl. Little did I know that he’d put me in contact with her just a few days later…You are truly a God-send to me, to your friends and family, and to those in Russia. I have to add…Tracy, you, too, have been a God-send to my wife and making this mission trip a reality. I cannot express the true depth of my gratitude for you…your support, your encouragement, and most of all…your dedication to this mission trip and to spreading God’s love. Team, keep the momentum and finish strong! LOVE YA!
Praying for your safety and rest as you travel home.
Karen
It’s just about 6 pm there…time to wrap up the day…Anne, you are loved and missed by all your family…but especially your husband…1-2-3….remember? clem
Loved hearing about the children and lessons, and also your sightseeing and the food, but the pictures…. you can see the connection that’s grown from the first pics…whew! Very inspiring.
Thank you Thank you Thank you for these updates! I look forward to reading them & seeing your beautiful photos every day! Love you all!