Hello, family and friends! The team is off to a great start and we love living in the city. It has taken us a while to adjust to the time difference, but I think we are finally on “Russian time,” as we call it. The weather is surprisingly warm, which would be a blessing if we had not packed our winter clothes, but we are thankful to have a little bit of California weather.
That is what the California Baptist University has been doing their first few days. Learning Russian history, becoming experts on the Russian people and learning how to read the signs in the underground metro. On their second day of training they went in pairs to an orthodox church. Learning how to get there and ask information in Russian about the church’s history.
Our second team for the summer has arrived today! After a long flight, with all of their luggage they flew into St Petersburg – tired, yet excited to be finally in Russia. 🙂 After unloading their suitcases and choosing their beds, they were told that sleep comes only after 9:00pm, which was in four hours. It seemed like an eternity for them. 🙂
Dear family and friends, We are excited to let you know that we are in St. Petersburg, Russia, as you may have heard from Tatiana! Our first week has been full of many challenges and victories. We will give you a brief outline of each day since we have been here: May 7: Arrival into St. Petersburg, Russia at 11 PM! Going through customs was a breeze and they had no interest in us. We immediately separated and departed to our host families.
That is what the TWU team did today! The four students spent the whole day at an HIV Baby orphanage, playing with preschoolers and making babies smile. The kids tired out our students, but they came home filled with stories and smiles. A full day of giving to those that have no family; kids that are outcasts in society. This week the TWU team will spend each day at this orphanage, sharing love and laughter with the kids.
