Privyet Friends and Family!
After completing our training in Russia we are excited to embark on our next adventure: BABIES! We will start helping at the HIV Baby Orphanage tomorrow.
What we have learned: These first few days have already been an eye opening experience for us as we have learned much from the people of Russia. In our training we learned about the Language, History, Religion, and Culture. Through learning the history, we were able to understand its large impact on present day culture and people. This morning, we had the opportunity to attend an Orthodox Church service: a very big part of their culture.
Where we are: We are currently staying at a Christian hostel in the city and have met so many great people. Our host/translator/Russian mom is fantastic! Her name is Marina and she is a blessing to our team. She welcomed us with open arms. The first thing she said to us when we met her in the airport was, “Drop your bags.” And she gave us each a warm hug. We have so enjoyed getting to know her and learning from her. We have made a new friend in the Hostel, her name is Valya. She teaches English to people in Russia. We so enjoyed talking with her and listening to her heart for teaching and reaching.
We want to thank you all for your support and prayers. We ask that you pray for health and peace as I (Nerissa) am struggling with my asthma (mom I’m fine I promise!). God is showing us amazing things and we can’t wait to start the ministry tomorrow.
And as a side note we would like to wish Momma Trudge a happy belated birthday, Aunt Cindy and Jeff a Happy Wedding J and Nayleen a Happy belated 1st birthday, your auntie LOVES YOU.
Below is a picture of us at the Church of Spilt Blood!
Details for the Mama’s:
The food here is amazing. We have enjoyed trying new things. Some of our favorite things so far: Piroshky, Russian meat pies, Kvass and Savory Crepes J
We got our x-rays done in a hospital our first day there, it was quite an experience!
We learned how to ride the metro!
Today, Marina sent us out on our own to ride the metro down town and ask locals about the history of a church as well as find a certain market to buy a kilogram of pears. It was a great opportunity for us to practice Russian and feel more immersed in the culture.
We tried to teach our Russian friends what the word “sassy” meant
As of now, we just finished a family meal with some of our friends at the hostel. We had a lot of fun. We are helping to make a Russian pie and play a game together to celebrate “Family day.” The Russian people are very hospitable and we are very grateful.
“sassy” = baby Trudge 😉 wonderful to see a picture of you three beautiful ladies. i just posted a message via the other correspondence area. realizing that from a paper i was looking over i had you at the camp first ….. so it is good to know you will be loving on those babies tomorrow and in the days ahead … then off to the camp. Love to all of you. You are precious and we are praying for you often throughout each day. Momma Trudge
Great picture we are excited about you and your teams mission trip. Have fun, work hard, bless God and may you and tour team be blessed with all your endeavors. Requa’s