SPU: Tomorrow we meet the kids!

Hey (or Privyet) Family and Friends! It has been an exciting last few days getting more situated with not only our team and lovely host but with Russia as well. Whether it be riding the metro, eating crêpes (blini), exploring ornate cathedrals, attending a local church service, or outlining our lesson plans for our upcoming time at the orphanage, each moment has proven to be an enriching one. Our host has been great at giving us more than just a tourist exploration of St. Petersburg as we’ve gotten to travel as the fellow Russians do. For one, we’ve learned that … Continue reading

SPU: Sightseeing and learning!

Hello, everyone! (And Happy 4th!) Kalie, here. It’s been an eventful first few days in St. Petersburg! While the team has been adjusting to the time change, we have also been roaming around the city and familiarizing ourselves with our new home for the next month. In the mornings we go through training, learning about the Russian history and the language, then sightseeing in the afternoon. Yesterday, we toured the Peter and Paul Fortress and stood along the Neva River, watching the boats float along in the rain. Within the fortress, we sat in modern architectural chairs that reminded us … Continue reading

SPU: Team arrived and ready to start!

Our first team for the summer has arrived safe and sound. The team from Seattle Pacific University will start their 4 week ministry with a 3 day training. Learning about the Russian history, language and culture is essential prior to starting ministry. By learning about the people, the students will be better equipped to serve the orphans and street children of Russia. Please pray that they get over jet lag quickly and soak in all of the information thrown at them these following days. Feel free to post comments and words of encouragement for the team.

The team said good bye…

We are a team, so here is our team blog. This morning we were out the door by 9:15 a.m. for our last day at the orphanage. Upon our arrival the children were ecstatic to have the “Americans” back for one last day.  The day was filled with stories, games, laughter, fun and a farewell backpack for each child full of plenty of goodies to celebrate the culmination of our time together! We were pleasantly surprised and delighted when we reviewed what we had shared, that the kids remembered all the crucial points that were the heart of our message.  … Continue reading

A Day Full of Surprises!

Day 7! A surprise day! Today we woke up and readied ourselves to go spend time with our kids!  But then Tatiana received an unexpected phone call from the orphanage telling her that we could not come today because an inspection was going to happen in the afternoon.  It was briefly disheartening but it was clear that God was at work and we were thankful for his protection, and to our prayer warriors at home.  We will get to see the kids tomorrow and finish our week with them!!! The thought of leaving without being able to complete our lessons … Continue reading