Tully – After spending the first day exploring this very beautiful and very different city in unusually warm weather, we spent today at the transit center for the first time. I was profoundly moved by some of the stories we heard. The kids’ smiles and laughter while playing belied the unspeakable things some had endured, but seemed showed the healing that is possible.
Learning what to do and not to do in Russia, along with some Russian words — that is what the FFMC team spent doing today. 🙂 It is amazing how fast they are picking up the words — soon to be fluent in Russian. Getting over jet lag is hard, but they are being good sports and not taking any naps, but sleeping only when it’s night time. Even though it gets dark after midnight in St Petersburg. 🙂
The team from First Free Methodist Church has arrived safely! After a long day of flying they are finally settled in their apartment. Had some dinner, unpacked their clothes and going to the park to stay awake. 🙂 Tomorrow we will do one day of training and sightseeing, then on Thursday we start our 2 week camp. Please pray for the team as they get ready for their ministry with the kids.
Over 30 students decided not to stay at home for their summer break, but to go across the ocean and meet children who are abandoned, abused and orphaned. For the past two months SunErgos hosted five camps with the help of four Ministry teams from USA and Canada. Culture and language differences did not stop these students from pouring all they had into the lives of these children and teens. Tears were flowing, arms wrapping tightly and words – “will you come back?” Hard goodbyes for both sides… These students took a leap of faith and answered God’s call to … Continue reading
Our last day in the orphanage was Thursday and the day went well. First thing when we arrived in the morning one of the older teens tugged on all of our heart strings when he asked if we could come back more days and not have Thursday be our last day. It was such a joy to know that we have confirmation that we had built good relationships with the kids and have them want us to continue to spend time with them, but sad as we knew we wouldn’t be able to do so.
