Hello Family and Friends!!
On Tuesday was the first day that we got to work at the TB center, and as a team we have already fallen in love with the kids. As excited as we were to finally see them, beforehand we were a little apprehensive about how we would interact with them, especially considering the language barrier. However, as always, God’s hand was already on the situation. When we saw the children gathered around the windows awaiting our arrival, the nerves left and were replaced by an overwhelming sense of joy and excitement.
Today was focused on getting to know the kids through attempting to learn their names (let’s just say Russian names aren’t the easiest to pronounce) and playing various games and activities. Almost every kid wasn’t shy towards us, and immediately ran up and grabbed our hands and gave us hugs as they welcomed us to their home. We couldn’t have gotten through the day without our wonderful translators Marina and Art who dealt with constant questions from both us and the kids. However, some of the kids knew a little bit of English and are eager to learn more, which is a blessing. When it was time to leave, we already had a difficult time saying goodbye even though we will be seeing them tomorrow. The kids are just as attached as we are, many of them blocking our way out of the center, and hanging on to us so we would not leave. We are excited to start our VBS lessons tomorrow, and we know that the next 12 days are going to be a life-changing experience.
Tonight we got to experience our first “shower” since arriving to Novgorod. We were all expecting to not shower until the end of the week, however God had different plans and blessed us with a LARGE amount of rain. So we threw on our bathing suits, grabbed our soap and shampoo, and took a much-needed shower in the pouring rain. After a few strange looks and many laughs, we are smelling fresh and feeling refreshed. It’s amazing how God provides through the little things.
We love and miss you all, and please keep us and the kids in prayer as we dive into God’s mission.
Lots of love from Team Novgorod,
Sam and Adrienne
Thank you for the update! We have been eagerly anticipating this one! We are praying for your health, safety, and that you allow God to stretch and use you as you follow His plan.
Aryn: We miss you but know you are having an amazing time! Everyone here is doing great and we can’t wait to see you and hear all the stories you will have for us! xoxoxo Mom
Thanks for sharing your heart warming experience with the children. i am always waiting for updates and praying for the safety of the team. Can’t help but smile about the “shower” 🙂 Miss you Tim.. Have a great time and my God bless you always! love you…. hugs!
Finally an update! Thank you. Clearly this is such an amazing experience for all of you. You are in our prayers. Sami, I miss you! 🙂
So blessed to hear you are all doing well! Thank-you for the update.You are all in our thoughts and prayers. We miss you Savannah! Much Love, Mom and Dad.
What a great update! Adrienne, you and Sam should consider a minor in journalism when you return to school. I find myself reading all the updates through teary eyes of joy. And yes, showers are always a blessing no matter what the source is. You all have embarked on a humanitarian odyssey – a journey that is making the world a better place. You all should be commended.
My thoughts and prayers are being sent to you from Wyoming which means they must surely be delivered via God’s pony express. Tons of love Adrienne. Dad. P.S. Hi Sam!
LOVE the update! Thank you for the amazing visuals. As Dad wrote, I read each and every one with tears of pride and joy. I miss you my baby girl, but I’m so grateful that you are having this truly unbelievable journey that you will never forget! Stay in touch as much as you can, although I understand that your days and evenings are full and busy. I love you…be safety. Love to Sam! Love, Momma
Adrienne!!
Oh my gosh!!! I am sooo excited to read this and I know I’m late on this but so excited that you are working with Art and Marina!! 🙂 Tell them I say HI and that I miss them SO much!! 🙂 They are so great and I am so glad that you get to work with them. I’ve read some of your other updates and it’s been cool to see how God has been moving already. I can’t wait till your home and we can talk ALL about it! The Lord is good! 🙂 Be encouraged by this… “May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” Colossians 1:11-14
Share that hope with all the kids you meet!
By the way hi Tanya!! I miss Russia and you and everything SOOO much! I hope you’re doing well!
Love,
Bekah Sonke 🙂