Saint Isaac’s Cathedral is tall. And when I say tall, I mean, 261 stairs tall. What a lovely view of the entire city greeted us when we finally reached the top! In the cathedral itself, we were met with the same impressive architecture that greeted Russian monarchy for centuries. A Russian Orthodox service that was going on in part of the cathedral reminded all of us how shallow religion can be when it is ritually driven and not faith driven.
After Saint Isaac’s, we had lunch at Pizza Hut. Russian pizza is extremely different from American pizza and, let me tell you, we were thankful for that American pizza!
Finally, we picked up the kids from the Transit Center and, together, we went to see dolphins. Yes, dolphins. (Think Sea World on a somewhat smaller scale.) Although we couldn’t understand a single thing the MC was saying, it did our hearts good to see those children and teens smiling and laughing as the dolphins went through their routines.
We may be sleep-deprived, but we are having a marvelous time seeing all that God is doing here with us and in spite of us. Thank you for all of the prayer support you keep sending our way!
Sad to think of leaving, but looking forward to seeing you in a few days,
The King’s High School Russia Team (written by Amy)
Hi Marlie, Thanks for the message. We love you! Mom and Kat
I’ve been checking every few minutes for today’s blog . . . how wonderful to hear it from you, Amy, on behalf of the team! It sounds like a marvelous day!! And how fun to go on an outing with the kids. Did you get to do “King of Hearts” or just go straight to the dolphins? “Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and feed on His faithfulness.” We know each team member there has trusted in the Lord to make this whole experience possible. God has been faithful and will continue to bless the work of your hands and hearts! So good to hear from you!! Much love to you and Danny! Mom & Dad
People experience faith and God in different ways, even through rituals and tradition. You have a marvelous opportunity to go and learn about it instead of simply dismissing it as “shallow.” (Maybe you did and that’s what you found but you didn’t elaborate on your comment). You may find just the opposite.
Blessings
I am glad to hear that you could go someplace fun with the kids. It is sad to think you have just one more day with them. I will pray the Lord will make that day special. That the Lord will make His love for them known through you and that they will know the Lord’s love will continue even though you all must return home.
Since you say you are sleep deprived, I will add prayers for sound sleep for you all.
Looks like a great time. We keep praying for all of you. Love all the pictures.
Walking up 261 is your penance.
Ha ha…
April Fools,
Jennifer
261 Stairs!
I misss you karleigh!! Can’t wait for you to be home! Love you
Hi Amy and Danny,
Hope you had a great day. Mom said you were doing the Redeemer. Can’t wait to hear how it went. We are in Portland this weekend. We’ll be thinking about you when we eat our cheese fondue at…oops sorry…well it’s Aunt Mary’s birthday and well you know how she is about german food. :o)
Look forward to seeing you both in a couple of days.
Love Dad and Mom
PS Grandpa says hi. He really liked Amy’s blog and is looking forward to hearing about the trip.
We laughed so hard after reading Jennifer’s post about the 261 steps. I have to say boys, I have been chuckling off and on all day when I think of you.
Hello to the whole team! Sounds like there are blessings all around. Praying for each of you and the kids at the transit center.
Anna & Team – So proud of you all, I pray you savor the last moments as you wrap up your trip. May your gratitude abound as you see the Lord’s hand in your lives. Can’t wait to see you! ~Love, Mom
Wonderful reading about your trip to Leningrad aka St. Petersburg on the internet. I would love to hear about your thoughts now you are home again. I was never the same, after I saw the moon shine on the other side of the Earth.
I am your Dad’s Dad’s Sister; your Great Aunt..humbley greeting you, Karen
When I was there, the year was 1980.