Preevyet! Mean-yah zah-voot, Lacey Martin! (For those of you wondering, yes, this is one of the team members writing.) 🙂
I just wanted to take a moment and share a little bit about our experiences from the past few days upon arriving in St. Petersburg. Although my personal beginning started out with a few bumps, (one flight delay which totally altered my entire day of departure/flight schedule), I safely landed on Russian soil–praising the Lord for the evidences of His hand throughout it all, and being welcomed by the director of SunErgos–a sight for tired eyes. I was then transported to our apartment where I was officially introduced to the team.
After a much needed night’s rest, we spent Monday morning doing some orientation, reviewing certain “do’s and don’ts” of Russian culture, along with some of the overall goals/guidelines of the team. Soon after, we embarked on an excursion around the city, experiencing and learning how to navigate the Metro, (Russian subway system), visiting the Peter and Paul Fortress, and enjoying some delicious crepes. 🙂
Today was our first, official day at the Transit Center! We spent the morning with the younger children which proved to be a very fun and blessed time; we made name tags, acted out a skit, played games and even threw in some dancing to Russian music. I felt like most of the kids quickly warmed up and were totally involved in the craziness! (We agreed that Kylan had at least 5 kids hanging on him at once!) During the afternoon we enjoyed some time with the older kids, ages 11-17, which resulted in the same format, (introductions, games, skits, and crafts). Although there is a definite language barrier, we are still able to communicate, due in part to our interpreter, body language and a limited amount of Russian. They were very welcoming of us and seemed to enjoy their time.
I know we’re all excited to spend even more time with the kids each day, getting to know them and their stories. We can’t tell you how much your prayers mean! It’s a wonderful thing to know you have the support of friends and family back home uplifting you in prayer. Please continue to pray, especially for open doors during personal interactions with the children, and that God would use every word and action to touch their hearts and reveal Himself to them.
God has been so good, and we are looking forward to the upcoming days as we spend time with these precious kids.
How wonderful it is to read the blog and see the photos. I know that the team and the kids will bless each other in a multitude of ways. The love that you feel for these kids is evident on your faces. I pray for continued energy and creativity as you interact with the kids and that love would overflow into the hearts of these young lives. You truly are Christ’s ambassadors. Thank you for all that you are doing.
“How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news,
Who proclaims peace,Who brings glad tidings of good things,
Who proclaims salvation…” Is 52:7 So good to ‘see’ and hear from you, Lacey! It sounds like God has blessed you w/ a nice intro to Russia, and a good start with all of the kids! Will be anxious to read all that God’s doing in these days ahead! Like Alissa said, you ARE Christ’s ambassadors…putting a face to Jesus! Love you and continued prayers for all of you. <3
Oh thank you for the much-awaited blog post Lacey…it is hard to envision this whole “journey” as I sit on my soft bed, icy tea by my side…my eyes well-up as I read the words from Lacey…her heart so filled…and knowing that our own children are part of this fantastic fingerprint of God for these young/older children. I feel blessed to be a parent of such serving children and blanket you and your activities/words with ever flowing prayers…stay safe with each other….love to all….
Glad you arrived safely Lace 🙂 Amazing how quickly God is working already! He is so good!! Love the pictures and the update! I will share with the rest of the team. We will continue to pray for you and the rest of the group. I have no doubts that The Lord will be present with you as you continue to be with the children 🙂
xoxo Abs
A picture is worth a thousand words. Words cannot express the emotions and feelings that one sees here. Thank GOD for the moments of JOY that the children in the pictures have in this place and time. Surely GOD will reward the givers.