Vanguard: First day of camp!

Tuesday in Novgorod… It’s hard to believe that we left the United States nearly a whole week ago.  Today was our first day at the TB Children Center, and therefore our first day of hands-on ministry with the kids.  We were all so excited to finally meet the kids, start the summer camp for them, and really step into what we came half way around the world to do. As we were heading over to the center, a few of us were feeling a bit nervous–not sure how the kids would respond to us, not sure how our skits, lessons … Continue reading

Vanguard: Getting ready for camp!

Vanguard team has finished their training and sightseeing in Saint Petersburg and is off to Velikiy (Great) Novgorod to start their 2 week camp at the TB Children Center. Their days in Saint Petersburg consisted of learning about the Russian history, culture and language. Seeing the beautiful Orthodox Cathedrals and the Hermitage museum. On Sunday they went off in groups to several Orthodox churches, where they witnessed an Orthodox service and experienced first hand the ancient atmosphere of Orthodoxy, a religion which uses liturgy from the 5th century to this day! Sunday night the team was off to Novgorod! On … Continue reading

Vanguard: Our 4th team for the year, has arrived!

Today we finished the first day of training and sightseeing! The team from Vanguard University has arrived and is getting ready to start their camp on Monday. This afternoon they saw their first glimpses of St Petersburg, as they visited 2 cathedrals. Tomorrow they head to the Hermitage Museum to see one of the greatest museums in the world. We will do our best to put updated from the team and relay the messages that you post here to the team as well.

SPU: Tomorrow is our last day…

Here’s an update from each team member! 🙂 Hilary- Hello friends and family!  Tomorrow we are finishing our VBS and are saying goodbye to the kids and teens we have gotten to know in the last few weeks.  Honestly I think saying goodbye is going to be a bit tough.  I truly feel that I could stay in this place for another year and am a little worried about the re –entry process.  Yet, if this trip has taught me anything it is that the Lord works in mysterious and powerful ways so I must trust Him as we prepare … Continue reading

SPU: Finished first week of camp!

To all our supporters, It has been a wonderful and long week at the TB center.  We are filled with the joy that has been radiating from these wonderful children as we play games, sing songs, and make crafts.  They love our silly songs like Aroostasha, the Hokey Pokey, Head Shoulders Knees and Toes, and many others.  But most importantly, they love showing us all they have learned including songs, crafts, and games.  In the mornings we spend three hours with them, simply loving them, and then are able to take a break for lunch and a quick nap, only … Continue reading