Dear family and friends, We are excited to let you know that we are in St. Petersburg, Russia, as you may have heard from Tatiana! Our first week has been full of many challenges and victories. We will give you a brief outline of each day since we have been here: May 7: Arrival into St. Petersburg, Russia at 11 PM! Going through customs was a breeze and they had no interest in us. We immediately separated and departed to our host families.
That is what the TWU team did today! The four students spent the whole day at an HIV Baby orphanage, playing with preschoolers and making babies smile. The kids tired out our students, but they came home filled with stories and smiles. A full day of giving to those that have no family; kids that are outcasts in society. This week the TWU team will spend each day at this orphanage, sharing love and laughter with the kids.
On Monday Russia celebrated 65th Anniversary of the end of World War II. Throughout the war, former Soviet Union lost over 20 million people. Russians saw war first hand. St Petersburg was under siege by the Germans for 3 years. The city was cut off from the world. No heat, no electricity, no running water, no food. A very dark page in the history of St Petersburg.
Our first team for the summer has arrived today! Four students came from Trinity Western University, Langley, Canada. Their flight was long, but without any problems. This is the first team that is staying in separate homes the first several days.
There is nothing dreary about Orphanage No. 11. It has rooms filled with enough dolls and trains and stuffed animals to make any child giggly. It has speech therapists and round-the-clock nurses and cooks who delight in covertly slipping a treat into a tiny hand. It has the feel of a place where love abounds.
What it does not have are many visits from potential parents. Continue reading
