Preveyet from Russia! (“Hi!” in Russian!!!)
These last two days have been full of discovering St. Petersburg and creating life long memories. Yesterday began with seeing the Winter Palace inside of the Hermitage Museum. We saw works of art by Rembrandt, Michelangelo, and many others. 
Not only were there beautiful pieces of art inside, but the building itself was a masterpiece. After hours of exploring the Winter Palace we walked outside to our first Russian storm. After getting under the down pour, we ran to dinner where we sat down for traditional Russian dumplings. Overall it was an adventurous day.
Today, we went to St. Isaac’s Cathedral where we were able to climb to the top and see all of St. Petersburg. The view was spectacular, we feel so blessed that God has led us to such a beautiful place. After this we ventured to the Spilled Blood Cathedral, where the walls are covered in Mosaics.
It took twenty years for the cathedral to be finished. Aryn’s exact words were, “I feel like a princess in the palace” (the outside really did look like a fairytale.)
And, tonight we went to the Ballet! We saw Swan Lake! Beautiful Russian ballet and music. Being in St. Petersburg this week has felt like an amazing vacation, but we are ready to get to our mission sites to begin what God has called us here to do. 
We are so excited to see the children and we have been praying for them every day. Thank you so much for your prayers and support.
Tomorrow we leave our home that we had for the first week. One team going to Novgorod, the other moving into an apartment, which is a block from the orphanage. We cannot wait to start next week and meet the kids!
Love, The Russia SPRINT teams
P.S. Thank you for all your comments!! By the way, to see us better, click on the picture to enlarge it. 🙂
great pictures / great memories! paka (bye in Russian)
Aryn: You all look great! I read the blog to Grandma Sug & she said “Tell Aryn I miss her!” Vic chimed in, “Her Grampa does too!”. I just thought you’d like to hear that:) Keep doing great things; even little things can be great. We are excited to see more pictures & hear more about your trip! Xoxoxo Mom
Thanks so much for sharing your adventures with all of us back in the States. Sounds like you have already covered about 2 weeks of activities in your first 6 days. Tell Jess that her Mom is really jealous of all your site seeing and viewing of that wonderful art. You know how much she loves the classics. Just so you all know summer finally arrived in Seattle and we have also been in the 70s. We continue to pray for all of you and look forward to hearing about your service to these young children. Miss you Jess, and God bless you all. The Wagners
Thanks so much for the pictures and treasured updates.Please tell Savannah we love her. The Seiples
Rachel N: The Horne clan loves you very much and are praying for you all. Praying that God brings unity and love to the team and that y’all all keep growing in passion and knowledge of and for Him. Love you Rachel!
You all look great. I bet you are loving the “live” art history lesson, Deanna!!! You are in my thoughts constantly and we love you and are so very proud of you!
Sami, I am missing you so much! It’s exciting to see the pictures though. I look forward to the updates. Holly is in Puerto Rico now. Just wanted to tell you I am thinking of you and can’t wait to hear about the kids.
I am so happy you are having such a wonderful adventure and you see all these beautiful places. You are so blessed. Do not forget to say your prayers and praise Him for every little and big thing that come your way. I miss you. We finally are enjoying a summer-like weather here in Tacoma 🙂 Tiffany and Dad are painting that house! Take care always. Love you. Hugs 🙂
Aryn: Happy 20th birthday from the entire Schatz family. Sending tons of love to you on this special day. Xoxoxo Mom
WOW! looks like you all are having a blast! I hope that God continues to bless all of you!
Alli- I HAVE A NEPHEW!!!!! miss you sooo much