Hello from rainy St. Petersburg! The weather has changed to the cold, cloudy atmosphere that the team was preparing for back when we were packing. A few of us have come down with small colds, but are being loaded up with medication and rest. We are praying that everyone will be 100% healthy before Sunday, our last day in the orphanage. It is hard to believe we only have one week left!
This past weekend we attended church again and then visited the Hermitage, the world’s second largest museum. We loved wandering the halls of the Winter Palace and walking through the gorgeous ballrooms. Seeing original paintings by Rembrandt up close was a nice bonus too.
On Monday the team helped serve by cleaning the new location of the orphanage, which they are hoping to move in to by the end of this summer. It was exhausting to clean 70 windows and to dust off every piece of furniture, but we were happy to help in whatever capacity the Lord called us.
Yesterday was a difficult day, but one of our best. We got to take some of the kids from the orphanage outside, a rare treat for them. It was so fun to see them run around and show-off with the soccer ball. Their skills FAR outweigh our own! Even more new to rejoice over is that Joel and Amy, with the help of our translator, were able to share the Gospel with three teenagers yesterday. The conversation started with all three of the students saying they do not believe in God to two of them admitting that they DO believe in God, but it is hard to follow Him when bad things keep happening in their lives. Our team has rallied around Joel, Amy and our translator and we are praying that more opportunities to share will arise. God is so faithful!
Here are a couple prayer requests:
– Partner with us in prayer for the three students Joel and Amy spoke with and ask God to open their hearts to what we have to say.
– Pray that we will be bold in our conversations and interactions with the students.
– Please pray that we would all get healthy soon, despite the close quarters, cold weather and tiring schedule.
– Pray that God will continue to keep us unified as a team.
– Lastly, please pray that this final week will be an effective and powerful one.
We want to thank you all for your love, support and prayers! You are a vital aspect to our ministry!
See you soon!
Hello Sarah, I miss you but know your doing Gods work.
You’ll be home soon, cann’t wait. I will continue to pray for your time left there. It sounds like you have gotten very close to the kids. also working very hard. I hope your not one of them who are sick. God will see you thru if you are. You’ll have time to get well when you get home. Take your meds.
I went to lynne’s today and worked hard and rest and waiting for your call today . It sounded so good to hear your voice. Love MOM
Jordan,
I can’t believe you are almost home. The time has flown by. But I know that even though you have only been there a short time God has changed the lives of the orphans and you. I am so proud of you and can’t wait to see you. I love you so much.
Mom