Day 2 with the kids!
Fred: God has blessed, is blessing. High points mentioned in our evening devotions as a team, have included working/playing with the orphans, and some of the sights we have seen along the way. King’s kids (and adults) and SunErgos kids are starting to connect, starting to communicate even without a translator, starting to want more time together to just talk; the initial reserve and awkwardness is melting (unlike the weather outside!) to smiles more and more. What a blessing to give hope and hugs and laughter—to show each one is valued; and what a blessing to learn so many lessons from them, from the circumstances they endure! Tomorrow, two of the teen boys are being sent to the town they are from; they don’t really want to go. That means, that these past few days are all the chance we’ve had for input into their lives. I was impressed again today—we need to always be ready to give answer for the hope within; we are His ambassadors—24/7… not just during office hours. May the Lord bless the few faulty seeds sown to bear much fruit!
Kris: Another great day in St. Petersburg….snow falling and the air is fresh. Took the morning subway to the souvenir shop and while on the train, a gentleman, so excited to see that we were Americans proceeded to hand Isabelle a musical carousel… such a blessing to see them break out of their more somber nature while on public transit! Had a great lunch at the Montana Café –The Russian version of the wild west was quite hysterical. Totally enjoyed a real cup of coffee! Back to the transit center in the afternoon allowed us to connect with the kids once again. The little ones that my group is spending time with were so excited to see us and welcomed us with embraces. Since we have a wide variety of ages, we need to be prepared with lots of activities that allowed each one with something to keep them occupied – which allows us to minister to each one individually. One little boy, Egor, made 4 little chickens and wants us to come back tomorrow so he can make another one for his brother….so cute! We ended the evening with the kids all participating in a “disco”…. Another way to break the barrier with song and dance and connect. The Lord is present in all and we are so blessed to be here. Miss you all and look forward to all your responses and prayers. Love and kisses….to Mike and my girls.
Jazmine: Happy Birthday Dad! I would love to see the moon right now. I love you. And tell CJ I lost the game.
My heart is full already, reading how young lives (the russian kids AND our King’s kids) are being changed…and it’s only Wednesday! Keep pouring your lives into these little ones…you may never know what you have been able to do for them, until you get to heaven…then you will know. Well done, good and faithful servants!
Jazmine-The moon is beautiful, cuz I see you in it! Thanks for the birthday wishes….taking the day off tomorrow! Write lots, take lots of pix! Try the fun foods. Get receipes! 🙂
Fred, Amen and amen to your comments. Am praying for each one of you–ambassadors for Christ!!
Danny–loved the picture of you with the little boy on your neck and shoulders!! Hugs communicate across any language barrier. Also loved the little guy with the 2 paper chickens; is that Egor? Sounds like the “littler ones” group is warming up to you all. That’s wonderful! How thankful we are that you answered God’s call to go and serve these kids! Dad and I keep praying, day and night, for you–all our love and hugs to you. Mom & Dad P.S. Did you see Mrs. Wall left a comment yesterday? And Michael Grimes the day before? Grandpa said to send you his love. He’s checking the blog. Not bad for nearly 90!
Amy–so good to see your smiling face on the pictures! Take lots of pictures of the girls, so you can remember them and pray for them! We praise God for every detail of this trip–each Seattleite that’s there and each Russian child/teen that you are able to meet. . . “And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” Love and a big hug, Mom & Dad P.S. Auntie Julie left you guys a comment yesterday and Kiri Horton sent you a note. Grandpa is checking the blog & sends his love to you.
Thank you all for your faithful blogs and photos. So exciting to hear how God is working in & through you all!
So happy to read about your trip and see your faces (Amy and Danny) with the kids! We’re praying for you!
With Love,
Jan P. and the FFMC staff
What wonderful stories and pictures. Are you guys able to sample authentic Russian food? Peroskys?
Can’t wait to hear your tales about the children when you get home.
Alexandra is taking good care of your cat…Isabelle!!
Love and Prayers, The Whalen Family
Great pictures!
Praying especially for Amy and Danny Helms since I know you. But praying also for the whole group and this ministry time.
Mark Abbott
The pic’s bring back fond memories of our trip to St. Petersburg 1991, the doors had just open, wish we were there with you, have you tried the pizza yet? very interesting.
Gran’s birthday today, doing Coconut Prawns for her…
Good to hear from Kris Q.
I was to the co-op today to pick up feed for the chickens, as I walked down the isle I walked past 40 different types of Dog food, and Cat food, I remembered Russia in 91′ Amazing how excessive we are ……LOVE MUCH, Memories Last, Da Bumps
Hi Kierney and buds. I am SO enjoying the blogs and reading and seeing what you are doing. Hope you bring home pictures too! May you and your charges be blessed in all that you encounter and are trying to do. There’s so much to learn and share. Hope you’re keeping up on a Journal; you won’t be sorry you made the effort.
Much love, Grandma
You guys are amazing – you all gave up “your” time to go serve others and I know God will not only bless those you ate serving but he will bless each of you as well. We are praying for you and are excited to see what God has in store for you tomorrow!
Wow!! It’s amazing to see the work being done by all of you through Christ!! The photos are awesome!! Keep up the great work and make as many wonderful memories as you can!! God Bless all of you and may your last few days be filled with great times and spiritual growth!!
Karz, I love you with all my heart and can’t wait to give you a hug!!
Sounds like Russia is full of awesome new experiences, take advantage of them.
Incredible work with the kids as well 🙂 The pictures are such a blast to look at!
Love you tons my little sister Lina <3
I cannot wait to hear from youuuuu!!!
Be safe, and take tons of photos ;p
Hi Amy and Danny,
You are on my mind and in my heart continually through out the day. Mom and I pray regualrly for you and the team and the kids. Love you both. Dad
Wow, my wife is now an official blogger! the pictures are great and it must be very fun seeing lives changed. I am sure you all are making a huge impact, Praise the Lord. Nice to see the happy smiling faces, keep the pictures coming. Greta, Hillary and I are having fun in Wheaton, despite the cold temperatures. Talk soon, xoxoxo.
Wow – Love the pictures and the updates. Several times a day we stop and think about how far away you are and how amazing it is that you are there! God is so good and you guys are a direct extension of His works right now! You will be blesses for being a blessing! Miss you Joclyn Rose!
Thinking of you guys every day, delighted with the pictures and the stories! It looks COLD! May the Lord warm your heart, and encourage you – I admire your courage to follow His leading.
Hugs to Anna! Jessica and Matthew say hi, too. We saw them with green hair for “crazy hair day” and their pinewood derby race. xoxxo ~Mom
Wish you were in Arlington 66 deg. and sunny, (April Fools)
Tulip festival begins tomorrow, it must be spring, Somewhere?
Have a wonderful rest of the week, it will be hard to say goodbye to your new friends….
Try and get Dolly’s autograph for gran, love to those scattered abroad in Jesus name. bb
dear Izzy belle’….& Krissy…..I do not know who bb is referring to….Dolly??? oh…just thought of it…Dolly Parton…NOT! But, you can bring home that darling boy with his paper chickens…that was the worst for me…going to the orphanage’s & then leaving all the children behind …I would cry. My birthday party is over…:-( work made a festive day for me….streamers, balloons, dozen pink roses, BD badge, lots of dessert from L’artisian and bumps brought in Jimmy’s pizza. So much rain here…so cold….who moved us to Sea. anyway????
What are you eating? Any coffee with 1/2 & 1/2? Thought of you all this morning as I was having coffee – fresh raspberries….we have so much & so thoughtless about it all…The Lord has truly blessed us & the USA in spite of us… I love Helle’s dimples..does she sleep on bobby pins? Ok…this is getting too random…continueing praying & thinking of you all…you are so far….Love you
Mom and Katya! You are in my thoughts constantly and I am so moved by the pictures and by the kindness your group is extending to the children in St. Petersburg. Wish I could be there with you! Bundle up and eat some Piroshki!
I love you, M+K!
Mar
Glad that you’re doing well and touching so many lives in such a positive way. It’s amazing what just one person do to influence OR CHAnge the direction of someones lives. Keep up the great work and we will see you soon. Aloha
Danny
I love the picture with the kid on your head. that is quite funny! Sounds like you guys are having a great time. peace