Off to the Gulf of Finland!

Hello Everyone!

   Thank you for all of your prayers and support. My last two weeks in Novgorod were challenging, but good. I spent a lot of the time at the TB center and serving alongside the team from Armenia.

The team from Armenia arrived on the third of July and I went to meet them for lunch. On the Fourth of July I spent most of the day with the team. They were planning what to do with the kids at the TB center and taught me a dance and a skit that we could use for ministry. In the evening, they all started congratulating me about the Fourth of July and asked to pray for me and my country. After the prayer, I opened my eyes and they brought me a cake with an American flag in it. We had a celebration over tea and it was a very special time. I was so overwhelmed with their thoughtfulness and it was such a blessing. In the evening we went to the TB center and the team got to meet the kids. After that, I went with some of my wonderful friends to McDonalds to continue celebrating the holiday. I am so thankful for and blessed by all the wonderful people God has put in my life here.

The past week and a half was spent doing ministry with the team. Many days we went to the TB center and they had lessons and games for the kids. Some evenings we went to the park to do street ministry as well. One night we went and just talked to people, another night we rehearsed our dance in the park trying to attract attention, and another night we walked around with posters saying don’t smoke, don’t drink, God loves you, etc.  I had a great time with the team and learned so much from being a part of their ministry. Last Wednesday most of the kids at the TB center were moved to another center outside of the city. I got very attached to them and did not want to see them go. The rest of the week we visited the orphanage and played games with the kids.

Saturday, I had to say goodbye to Novgorod and all the amazing people I have met there. Leaving was so difficult, because something about that city feels like home. I already miss the kids and the friends I made there.

Today, Sunday, has been a much needed time of resting, debriefing, and regrouping. Tomorrow I leave to work at a camp for disabled youth. It is ten days on the Gulf of Finland. This year five kids from the transit center are coming as well! My role in the camp is to hang out with the kids, build relationships, and help out where I am needed. I am excited for this opportunity and pray that God will use if for His glory. Please pray that God’s light will shine through me and that I will be able to build relationships with kids and staff to share with them about my faith. Please also pray for health and stamina while I am there. Thanks again for all of your support!

With love, Amanda