SPU: First day at the HIV baby orphanage!

Hello friends and family!

On Sunday, we went to Calvary Chapel service that was translated into English. The worship was beautiful, as it seems everything is in this city! It was an especially unifying experience to sing a song or two we knew from home in English while it was sung in Russian. It is a reminder of the central thread that binds us all together from all ends of the earth. Afterwards, we enjoyed Russia’s finest restaurant: McDonalds. :)))

Then the two teams split up: one stayed in St Petersburg and the other went to Velikiy Novgorod.

We, the ones who stayed in St Petersburg….speed packed and had a wonderful scenic tour of the city by bus (rather than our regular mode of transportation, the metro) as we moved to our new home. We were greeted at the apartment with a wonderful homemade meal by Alexandra, our wonderful Russian grandmother who will be cooking for us this week. Once we settled in, Tanya shared her passion for the ministry we will be working with and the kids we will be loving on. We shared what God’s taught us on this trip and reflected on the trip through journaling before going to bed.

Today was our first day at the HIV baby orphanage. We spent the first part of the day playing with HIV+ toddlers. They ran right up to us and grabbed a hand and went to play. In a way, they picked us out. They just knew we were there to love on them. Those who were a little shy definitely warmed up to us by the end of the day. While they were away at lunch, Dr. Slava took us on a tour of the orphanage. We were amazed by the services and facilities available for the babies there. Psychologists, physical therapists and other professionals dedicated to providing the best foundation for the children. Among many other rooms, there was a fitness room, sauna, salt room for those with asthma and a transition room where the kids are taught the basics needed for living more independently. We went home for lunch cooked by our precious Alexandra and when we returned we cared for babies. Then, the toddlers returned for more fun! By the end of the day, we were all completely exhausted and excited to go home to borsch and quiet time to rejuvenate for tomorrow. This is going to be a rewarding life experience for all of us and we are looking forward to what God is going to do through us this week.

Love, Deanna, Natalya, Shannon, Vanessa, Emily, Elizabeth, Jessica & Rachel

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Shannon = Hi Mom, Dad, Cameron, family, and friends! I miss you so much, but I am absolutely loving everything about this place. For lack of better words, this city is breathtakingly beautiful. As we walked to the orphanage this morning I realized that today is what I have been waiting for all of these months. I am already in love with these kids and it is amazing to see how God is working through me and in me.

Deanna = Hey Mom, Dad, Cor, Oreo, family and friends! Mom, can you believe that I haven’t been eaten alive by mosquitoes yet? My blood must not be as sweet as it used to be. Keep commenting on the blog, they are so encouraging to read at the end of the day!

Rachel = Hey guys! I just wanted to say that I’m doing very well. I love Russia and St. Petersburg! It has been an amazing experience traveling abroad and I’m learning more than my poor brain can keep up.  I hope ya’ll are doing well, I miss you all and I’m keeping a journal so I’ll remember everything when I get back 🙂 Love you guys! Poka!

Emily = Hello everyone! It is so wonderful to be able to say a little something to you. I am having the time of my life here in St. Petersburg! I have loved seeing the city and am so excited to finally be working with the darling little ones! I know God will do amazing things in my life and the lives of the kids. I miss you all and hope home is treating you well. Hopefully I can be in touch at least once more before returning home. Much love to you!

Elizabeth = (number for cell phone :8931440337) Priveyet everyone! I am so excited today we finally got to meet our little babies we will be playing with all week! My little buddy is Katia. I am doing so well and having a blast, so much to take in and learn. I love this city, it is absolutely gorgeous. I love you guys so much and miss you tons. 🙂 Poka!

Jessica= Zdrastvooyty (Hello) Family and Friends! Russia is wonderful, it is so much more than I ever expected. Touring the city and seeing some of the culture was great, but this week we have begun working with the orphanage and it is awesome! The children are so sweet and fun to play with. There are so many stories I am eager to share with you all, but for now I’ll leave you guessing ;). Love you guys so much!

Natalya= Hello from Russia! I have already fallen in love with this city and I have only been here for a week in a half.  After a week of learning about the culture and people of Russia we met the children that we came to love and even on the first day they have captured my heart. I am so excited to give them the love that they deserve by sharing the love of Christ with them.  Thank you for all your prayers and know that God is doing amazing things in this country! Dasveedanya!

Vanessa= Hello Family and Friends! Russia is AMAZING! There is so much beauty in this city, I really wish you can all see! I miss you all so much and I want to thank you all for your support and love towards this trip! Today we finally got to start working at the HIV orphanage and it’s just so wonderful how these people dedicate their lives to be there for these children. They are all in deep need of love and care and we are all so thankful for having helps us to get here. Mom and Dad, I love you soo much and don’t worry because I am in great hands! <3