An update from our Intern, Amanda:
It’s such a blessing to be back in the country that means so much to me! I’m so thankful that my flights went smoothly and I arrived here healthy! My first few days have been wonderful! I have been staying in Saint Petersburg and visiting the transit center. Jet lag hit me harder this year than last year, but I’m hoping to get adjusted to the time difference soon! I am learning how to get around in the city and have almost mastered the Metro, which is a big deal for someone who lives in a small town in the middle of nowhere! Saint Petersburg is such a beautiful city with so much history! I’m trying to read the signs on the street and absorb as much of the language as possible. I am just so excited to be back here for the summer; I know it’s going to go by way too fast! I am already dreading having to leave.
Starting on Thursday I got to visit the transit center in the city and experience the CBU team’s ministry there. They meet with the kids six days a week to play games, do crafts, and tell Bible stories and lessons. The kids at the center are so adorable and I am already attached after three short days with them.
My first day there, we took the kids to a museum that had miniature replicas of Russian countryside and cities. It was very impressive and the kids seemed to enjoy the excursion. The kids aren’t allowed to leave the center on their own; so going out is a special treat. One of the kids I met on that trip told me that her and her mom came over from Uzbekistan about a year ago. She loves Russia, but is really missing her mom while she is staying at the center. Please lift her up in prayer as the CBU team has begun sharing with her about God!
Yesterday we took some of the kids to a children’s theater and they really enjoyed it! Later in the day, the team put on a “discoteca” party for the kids. There was food, drinks, music, balloons, nail painting, and makeup. It was a lot of fun. One of the little boys wanted me to put eyeliner and mascara on him, so I complied! Everyone was laughing! With the music going, I got to see that some of the kids could really dance! That was my last day at that center and I was sad to have to leave so soon. I was surprised at how quickly I got attached to some of the kids!
Today, I went to church with the team, who then came over to make borsch. It was a fun day of reflection and rest. I leave for Novgorod early tomorrow morning. I am excited to go and see dear friends I met last year and to begin ministry there! However, I am going to miss the kids and friends I have met here in Saint Petersburg! Leaving will be bittersweet. Please pray that the transition to Novgorod will go well as I start to build relationships with the kids there! Please also pray for me to continue learning the language quickly! Thank you for all of your prayers and support!
Blessings, Amanda
It sounds like you have settled in and are already making a difference Amanda. Dad and I are so proud of you and the work you are doing. We are praying for you, the teams, and the whole SunErgos ministry. It’s exciting to see how you are sharing the love of Jesus with those precious kids who so desperately need it. We love and miss you, Mom & Dad
Amanda, we are so proud of you. Striking out and making a difference in all those kids lives by showing the love of God that shines thru you. Looking forward to hearing more from you and the great work you are doing. We, too, are praying for you. Love, Aunt Pat & Uncle Clyde
Amanda, we are amazed by you and your love for the children! We love hearing about you and what you are up to serving our Lord Jesus! We love getting the updates and will be praying for you daily. Take care and always depend on Him.
With love, Aunt Judy & Uncle Dennis.
PS: I enjoyed being in the prayer circle with you at the hospital.