Hi from Russia,
After a great reunion in Frankfurt, we had a safe and quick flight to Saint Petersburg—where the sun never sets, literally.
We are having a simply splendid time learning more of the language and brief history of this beautiful city and the country. After our morning study sessions, we have invaded the city in full force!
We have seen the Peter and Paul’s Fortress, the Church of Spilled Blood, and Kazan Cathedral.
As of this point, we are sharing a lovely apartment with Vera who has been a great and gracious host for us girls. 
Yesterday, we were also joined by two volunteers from California, Alex and Megan, who will join us in our learning and ministry.
Great news!! We have recently been informed that we have the opportunity next week to remain at this apartment and go play with the children at the HIV baby orphanage!
After one week, we will be traveling to the camp at Novgorod and for the following two weeks we will be running our VBS and sharing love and joy with the children!
As for now, with the constant sunlight, heat into the high 90s, and little breeze, the weather confronting us has been tough to overcome. Humidity… not much fun. 
Water has been our best friend and we have been cool cooling down ice!
Thanks for your continued prayers which have been blessing our trip!
May God bless you and keep you.
The Russian girls send their love!
Really great to see you in the pictures. You look happy and we can’t even tell that it is hot. We love you.
We are at the library in Stanwood with your MOM.
Amen! Love the photo’s. Great to hear how the Team is doing.
Michael
Love you Nat! Glad you and the team are doing well! We are super excited for the work you all are doing. Also, that is awesome that you will be working with the HIV babies- I know you all will do a wonderful job serving and loving them 🙂
With Love,
Cats Cradle
You are looking mighty fine! Glad you are enjoying the sites and excited to hear that you have the opportunity to go to the HIV clinic. Continue to enjoy the blessings of His grace and strength! Love you Bethany!
Thanks for the update!! LOVE on those babies for me!!!!!! Praying for you all!!
Blessings and prayers,
kendra hoffman
I am following your group and Hilary you look so BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!!! Did you dye your hair? It looks lovely! St. Petersburg has never looked so scenic and wonderful. May God bless you on your missions and that you will see God in the eyes of the children and people you met and vice versa. You are such an inspiration to me. I love you with all my heart. And remember, God has got your back, continue to push yourselves out of your comfort zones and take risks. I am so proud of you. I miss you so. Keep up God’s work!
Love,
Katie Weber xoxoxo
So happy to see there, you made itall the way. St Petersberg…………….very pretty. Standing on a tank seems very Russian.
Glad you will get to work in the aids clinic for kids. I know you were looking forward to it.
Mom, Ben and I are just doing the usual. Mom and I maybe to Cuchara week after next after we take Ben to school.
Love you and what you are doing.
Mom, Ben and Dad
Hi, Emily! Happy birthday. Everyone looks like they are having a good time even with the heat and humidity. Hope the team stays safe, healthy, and happy as you all work towards accomplishing the mission.
Love, Aunt Carol
Laura –thanks for sharing all the news with us–we are praying for you and all the team. Keep the news coming.We love you–Howard and Earlene
Brittany it’s great to see you and everyone else having such a great time. I can’t wait to see the pictures of the places that you are visiting. God certainly found a way for you to minister to those HIV babies. You’re always in our thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Mom and Wayne
P.S. Jon says hello and he wishes he was there instead of working 🙂
Checking every day to see what’s happening.
Love you.
Hey Hilary,
Fabulous pictures and updates on the group. So excited you all start at the HIV baby orphanage. Glad the girls get to hold and love on the babies and children. May God use you all in mighty ways in the lives of these precious ones. Nicole’s wedding was special. Missed you, but so glad you are in Russia.
Love, Luke, Mom and Dad
Happy 20th Birthday Emily! Vanessa just got home and I was lamenting at how sad I was that I couldn’t believe I wasn’t even able to officially wish you “Happy Birthday” today at 3:00 today because I didn’t have a “website” login code for your blog. hmmmmm…. appears I don’t need that and every one else has already figured that out. SO000000 HAPPY BIRTHDAY, EMILY! Just pretend I’m just coming out of sedation or something. I love you…mom
Bethany,
You are in our prayers! We hope you are keeping cool. It looks like an amazing trip. Uncle Dave and Nick helped serve dessert. It was tricky without you!!!
I love you.
Aunt Liza
Looks like you are having a great time, you all enjoy and be safe. Proud of you all. Grandpa
You like music? Even better.. Do you you like good music??
Ricky Sherman Jr. a.k.a. King Proph3t – Hood Anthem 4:41 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CM29q6skBSA