Dear family and friends,
We met the kids! What a joy and an experience!
Quinn, Danny, Kierney, Lina, Katya:
The younger children surprised us; they abound in energy, and their moods change upon a whim. They are far less trusting, as they did not warm up to us nearly as quickly as we thought they would. Our crafts and games were fun to some, but others were unsure. The good news is that each child found his or her place in one of the choices we planned. Two of these little guys have been in the center for over two years: one came from a band of gypsies, and the other has seemingly no background, at least not one to be found. We pray the Lord will help us give them grace upon grace, as they trust that we do care for them; however, they clearly know our time here is temporary, so we understand the burden they must carry in sharing their little hearts. Two of the boys are only four!
Helle, Isabelle, Anna, Amy, and Jazmine:
The teen girls are so sweet; we have been surprised at their willingness to befriend us. They are open to all our plans, and they enjoyed the collages and bracelet making. They refused to keep the collages they made; they wanted us to keep them, so we would not forget them. Ours hearts melted; we were speechless. They have so little; yet, they were so giving to us. We left at lunch time today because they had an excursion planned, but our girls did not want to go on the outing; they wanted us to stay with them. We struggle in knowing what they have been through, but we are so excited that we have been given this opportunity to spend this time with them.
Randall, Christian, Isaiah, Aaron, Karleigh, Joclyn, and Matthew:
The teen boys were a bit skeptical when we brought out the thread and began to make friendship bracelets, but once our guys showed a keen interest, they joined in and made some pretty ‘sick’ (cool) bracelets. Mr. Van Gorkom’s idea of making wallets out of duct tape was a hit; they all participated in that idea. These gentlemen are a quiet bunch; we are humbled in our wonder at the harsh lives they have led, especially knowing they are the same age as we are. Physical sports provided a strong connection for us; we played dodge ball and monkey, and we all were competitive. We laughed, and we enjoyed our exercise.
We also toured the Spilled Blood Cathedral; the inside is designed with every major Bible story one can imagine created with small mosaic tiles. The detail is incredible, and the walls continue to extraordinary ceilings, stories high, every square inch filled with color, delicate intricacies, and marble. We could have walked through that building for hours and still missed a number of awe-inspiring depictions. Tatiana is well-versed in the plethora of historical places to show us; she knows her Russian history, and we are privileged to be learning so much. The weather was a bit warmer today; this evening however the snow fell, and the view was like Christmas outside our windows.
We love you; we miss you. We anticipate with great excitement the work the Lord has for us tomorrow. We covet your prayers, and we appreciate your notes so much!
Below are some messages from the team members! 🙂
Kathie Warren: Annie and Marlie, how are the kids?
Isabelle: Patricia and Skip…your prayers are much needed and welcomed. I love you sooo very much (mom and I love love love the outside news from real world…very helpful). Love much izzy bell and Kris <3
Anna: I love you mommy and daddy! David I hope you’re doing more than playing xbox. Love, Anna B.
Pam: Hi Phil. Having a great time. The kids are precious and so special to be with them. All the King’s kids are also a joy to be with. Continue to say prayers for us that we can touch the lives of these children. I love you. –Pam
Karleigh: Hi Mom and Dad, I miss you and love you and can’t wait to be home. Tell Nick I say hi toooo! Please bring mine and Helle’s phones into the airport like inside right for when we get off the plane…we can’t wait! Thanks J Looking forward to being home! Love you! Love, Karleigh.
Joclyn: Hey Mom and Dad! Love you and miss you and Mo and Jay. Having so much fun here! See you in a couple days. Love, Joclyn
Helle: Gunnar, Heidi, Vehrs, Smarts, Grandma Johnson and Gunny: All you Hawaii people, I hope you are burnt to a crisp because it has snowed every day since we have arrived! Grandma, I’m really looking forward to that home cooked meal J And Gunnar, I hope you’re studying hard! Love you all!
Amy: Joe and Lisl (and anyone else who is reading this): St. Petersburg is a lovely city and I have loved getting to tour it. Also, after meeting our girls today, I can say that they are truly amazing and I can’t wait to get to know them better. Mom, your prayer sheet is a God send, sent straight for Heaven. I love you all and I know Danny does too (even though he’s sleeping now, like I probably should be. J) Love, Amy (and in spirit, Danny)
WOW!!! So awesome all the sights you’re seeing and what you’re learning. Love hearing about the kids you’re meeting and how you’re all interacting. God is there, working on all of your hearts. Tough to hear about the little ones… breaks my heart. We will continue to pray for your strength and health.
Karleigh, home is the same as always!!! Enjoy every moment there, with no regrets. You will be back before you know it. We all love you and miss you, but God has you there for a reason! Soak it up. Take lots of pictures and write in your journal. You know how much I love Beth Moore… her latest postings
on FB are just for you…
“If we remain compelled by comfort- we will miss the greatest adventures of our calling.” –Beth Moore
“We NEED comfort. But we have to find it from the right Source.” –Beth Moore
“If you can only feed one person…to that one person- it’s EVERYTHING.” –Beth Moore
Love you lots! Mom, Dad and Nick
Glad to hear things are going well. Sounds like a lot of the kids are warming up to y’all, therefore you will be able to share more and more (regardless of the language barrier) Have your antenna up and the Holy Spirit will guide you in reaching the kids. Keep up the great work! Write lots in your journals and take gawbs of pictures. (I love the picture of the gang in front of the church! WOW!) Looking forward to future posts.
THANK YOU for these postings. It brought tears to my eyes to hear these reports from each age group. I’ve prayed about this trip for so long; the notes and pictures help me to feel a part of this!
Amy, as I was praying today during my quiet time–and boy, is the house quiet!!!–I was filled with thanksgiving to God for His faithfulfness. YOU are in RUSSIA, serving orphans. You’ve wanted this for so long, and God has opened the doors for this whole, amazing trip. Thank you, for letting me know that the prayer sheet/verses are helpful. Dad and I are praying these verses morning and evening, for you, Danny, and the team. Your time with the teen girls sounds amazing . . . we’ll keep praying that you can show them God’s love in all that you do and “say” with your words, actions, and just being there with them! “Be strong and courageous,” my dear one! Love you! Mom
Danny, it sounds like the younger kids are challenging. Yes, I’m sure they have been hurt so often, that it’s difficult to trust or open up now. Dad and I will keep praying for those little ones and for you and your team. Remember: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” And that includes loving these kids even if they don’t respond back. We love you! Mom
Kathie, I’ve been praying for you and Katya, Andi Rose, and Joshua–and, today, for each team member, by name. I hope that Katya is really enjoying her time. Thank you for responding to God’s call, for giving up so much to be there, making this trip possible for our kids and the Russian kids. I gave my kids the assurance of 2 Tim. 1:7 with regards to being in Russia, but I am praying that verse for you with your little ones that you’ve left at home, as well: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” Lisl
Tatiana, Joe and I are praying for you and Michael. Thank you for answering God’s call to serve Him: “Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place. For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing.” (2 Cor. 2:14-15) God’s strength, protection, and blessings on you two today as you minister both to our kids and the transit kids. Lisl
Pam- Looks like a fantastic first day! Love the pics of Quinn and the smile on his face – especially the one with the little boy on his shoulders! Also, with you and the teen girls! From the looks of it, you are suceeding in your quest to connect!
All is well here – Debbie and Lily say hi and should have the link to the blog!
Love you both! Dad
No sunburns here. Snow. We boarderd down haleakala! Just kidding. So glad things are going so good for you. Take tons of pictures. Not the same in maui without you. Love you . Mom and dad
Hey all,
I’m appreciating your postings, (and pictures!) and I’ve been ruminating over what you’ve each given up to be a part of this mission.
I know how good God is, and trust that God will multiply his blessings for you.
I have some questions: Do these kids care about media/cell phones etc? Our homeless people like to go to the library. Is there a center/building/inside place/church these kids go during the day? What Russian expressions have you been learning?
Do any of the teens work? Will anyone hire them?
Are they allowed to beg as the homeless do in America?
I’m thanking God that you are able to be Jesus for these kids. Jesus does good work!
Mrs. Wall
What a humbling experience for you all. I will continue to pray that the children will recognize the love of God in you and your efforts.
Miss you,
Nat and Jennifer
Amy and Dan,
It is so wonderful having the pictures and seeing you all in action!!!!! My Benedictine Oblate community and the Sisters at St. Gertrude’s Monastery are praying for you all. My daaughter Nancy Brennan is praying too.
What a blessing for you to be able to expand your thinking and vision of the the world.
What is the food like? Do the kid know how to imitate a cricket??TeeHee
Love Auntie Julie Ann
Anna – praying for you and your time with the kids. I know that God will use you!!
Amy, my dad told me you were in Russia with SunErgos. It’s awesome reading about your team and all the relationships that have been sparked with the kids at the Transit Center! I was there this summer…but not at the new location. That’s exciting! We should get together sometime after you get back. I would love to hear your stories. Praying lots for your team and the work being done in your hearts and the lives you touch!
Love you Kierney. Don’t forget to bring out the post cards you brought. Glad I can pray specific prayers now for these children – especially your younger ones. it must be hard for them to trust when you’ll only be there a little while. But I pray that will start to happen. Remember the story about “little while friends”. Even a brief burst of love can open hearts and I will pray for that.
Anna
Hope you are having a great time. Rocky says hi. Keep up the good work in Russia and we are praying for you. We are going to the silvertips game tomorrow night. I (David) have been doing homework the ENTIRE time. Just kidding. I am practicing my backyard baseball skills for you when you get back.
Love You, David and Dad.
Hi Anna & Team – looks like there is some laughter as well as the heartbreaking situations of the teens you are meeting. It’s great to see pictures – I hope you are taking lots, and lots to show us. Bubba and Nana are checking this blog and send their love, too. Lynn and I see Peggy tomorrow – I know she’s been praying for you!
May the Lord bless you and keep you, may He make His face to shine upon you…..
Love, Mom
Kris and Isabelle…praying for you guys…do you just want to bring somebody home with you??? Makes you realize how blessed we REALLY are to have family and a wonderful Jesus preaching church!
Making pasta for supper, the tomatoes are roasting in the oven. Stay warm…see you guys next week!
Love the Whalens
HI KARLEIGH!!! i miss you!!! hows Mario??? i hope you’re having a great time over there and laughing until you cry! we finally won a game! it was against mariner but we still won! we dont have any games though and we never played mindy and wont until after our spring break which means you’ll be there!! WOOHOO!!! the team is bland without some karz mix in it! we all miss you and have a lot to catch you up on! love, Luigi!