An update from the Three Rivers Church Team:
The first day of VBS went by like a cool breeze on a summer day…NOT!
We were dripping with sweat and dragging our feet along the side of our suitcases full of supplies trying to get to the orphanage. After miles and miles (roughly 1 mile), we were greeted by nothing but smiles, hugs, and … Russian. We were lost and confused at first, but the Lord and a little bit of Tatiana and two more interpreters, helped put everything together.
Jami was the first on stage and presented her lesson conveying the message that every one of the kids there were special and unique in their own way. We played many games and made many crafts; we had the time of our lives. The second half of our time there, we went outside to the park. It was an unexpected beautiful, warm, sunny day; we just had to take advantage of it. The look on their faces was the pure definition of freedom.
Our group was drained of all life once we got home. All the coffee and energy drinks in the world couldn’t make us jump. We were exhausted, but had time for a yummy meal of meat dumplings and home grown beats prepared with garlic and mayonnaise. After dinner, we all went to bed so we would have lots of energy for day two!
We are leaving in about an hour for the orphanage, so keep us in your prayers as we try and connect deeper with the children. Tonight we are headed to the ballet to see Swan Lake, and are excited to see more sights and experience more Russian culture!
We miss you all at home and can’t wait to see you and tell you more! Please let our friends and family know about this blog! xoxoxoxoxo
Written by Tessa & Thomas
Here are some more pictures from the team!
I’m glad to know you’re having a great trip. I love you. Trey.
Sounds like you’re having a great time. It’s great to be with the boys here on the home front. Thanks for the instructions around the house. Love the pictures and reading about what’s going on. You all are a blessing to those children.
7:09AM…Wow! Great pics – Overflowing with excitement, new found friends, and the love of God being poured out. There’s nothing better than feeling exhausted after a good, hard day’s work. May God restore your energy be quickly. Got to go, the boys are driving me crazy!
Looks like a great group of kids that God has chosen for you to be with on a busy but exciting day! What an inspiration you must be to them. Enjoy that authentic Russian cooking and ballet . You’ve really been given a great opportunity to make a difference and experience their culture. Keeping up with Paul’s busy schedule here and making sure the cats are fed and happy.
So exciting to see you working with the chidren. God does work in wonderous ways and you have discovered a very special way in deed. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. We are really enjoying the pictures and messages! Love you Tracy and Savannah and love goes to all of you and the lives you are touching. XOXO
WoW! What an age span for the children. They are all so adorable. You may be very tired but it must be a “good tired” and God is granting you restful sleep for the next day of doing something for Him. We enjoyed being with the boys and helping with homework. Easton amazed us with his knowledge of states and capitals. Trey wanted to do his work outside and did it quickly and well. You are all in our prayers. Poppy and Papa
So exciting to read your blog and see the pictures! Sounds like an amazing time for you and the children. Grateful you had a safe trip. Looking forward to seeing more..thanks for including me in your email! A friend of the Millers-Gail F.
Anne is in her element…children. Praying many times during the day for all of you…but especially Nana Anne to be safe, rested and protected. Miss you, Sweetheart…can’t wait to hear the “God stories”…Clem
So wonderful to see all the pictures and seeing the great impact on the children. Thomas – great picture with new friend 🙂 and try to enjoy the ballet even tho’ it’s not your preferred venue 😉 Lol.
May God continue to give you all strength and good health. Much love <3
I keep looking at your pictures over and over… I guess hoping to see more. Tracy and Savannah, You look great! We miss you both and we wait for your safe return.
Hugs and love to everyone there! Thank you for sharing your pictures with us. God is so VERY good and working through each and everyone … angels, you are 🙂 Soooo wish I could be there with you all! Can I come blow bubbles with you, too?!
Lots and lots and lots of love from Virginia!
10:37PM…The boys are in bed and I can take a breath…Shooo. I echo what Bob said…I keep looking at your pictures over and over. The pics give me a sense of peace and a connection with you. I’m glued to the blog eagerly awaiting your next posting. The boys have been very good, but there’s been moments and this morning was one of those moments. I have developed great admiration for single parents. The boys look forward to your note every morning, Jami. Easton said a wonderful prayer for you all, and the kids, tonight at dinner. Well, Nana is watching TV as usual – slumped over doing the head-bob. Time for me to call it a night. Love Ya! XOXO. Lastly, tell Thomas, I really like how his tie-dye shirt turned out – cool!
I’m so glad use made it there safe! I’m so touched by the photos. I wish I was there with use…!!! I am in spirit!! I pray God gives each and every one of you the strength, words, and wisdom each and every day you are there! Use are all amazing people and an amazing team! The children are are so blessed to have use to share Gods unconditional love! I can’t wait to hear and see more posts and photos! God bless all of you! Xoxoxo
Jen forwarded your blog to me. I am so glad to be able to follow along, It’s an amazing experience you are having. I love the pictures of you interacting with the kids. I am thinking that language doesn’t matter so much when you are with those expressive kids. I am going to have lunch with your mom today. It sounds like all is well in your household. We are proud of you, Jami, and praying for many blessings for you and those precious kids!
The children have a sparkle in their eyes that you must have put there. Great job! Praying for you to get good rest at night so that your energy will be renewed every morning! Love to all. Karen Spirk
very much excited to look at pictures! glad i figured out how to find this new post! i kept looking at old one for updates. the kids look cute, like your tie dye and other crafts. how was ballet? want to see more and yes hear about food treats you are having. May God bless you all and your little children.
Didn’t see any new pictures today so I looked at the ones from yesterday again. Looking forward to hearing all about the trip when you get back but what I hear sounds inspiring. Bonnie, Happy Birthday! and enjoy your day while doing such great things for the children.
Love you all and love to hear all about it! Praying and smiling for you all! Hugs! Love, Jen King