Update from FFMC Team!

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.

Meaghan – Coming here I really didn’t know what to expect so as for expectations, they were pretty non-existent.  Traveling in the taxi and metro has really exposed me to a few of the many gorgeous buildings this city has to offer and the major differences in the Russian culture from what I’m used to.  The time difference is a little hard for me to get used to seeing as I almost fell asleep on a Russian woman while sitting on the metro bench.  It was very refreshing to hang with kids today and smile and laugh with them.  I was able to explore the many benefits of universal signs and sayings like “wow” or “ouch” and the awesome thumbs up.

Kiri – We snapped lots of photos yesterday during our first chance at touring this beautiful city!  The sun has been shining consistently these past few days and it’s been so warm. Such a nice alternative to our normal Seattle weather!  Today we spent our first day at the transit center and it was such a blessing getting to know the kids we will be spending the next couple weeks with.  We also learned some colors and numbers yesterday for training and they came in VERY handy today. I only wish we could speak more Russian. But turtle sounds something like cheery-pa-ha …so knowing that should break the language barrier.

Jason – I’d like to tell you about the many strange things I’m learning whilst leading this trip: living in close proximity to others means you have to ask if it’s OK to flush the toilet; a salad in Russia doesn’t have to have salad in it; Cyrillic looks cool, but is hard to pronounce; night doesn’t necessarily mean its dark; old buildings are interesting, but not as interesting as the stories of how and when they were erected; the people on this team have incredible hearts and incredible initiative; whilst carrying a heavy history, children laugh and play like everyone else; and a smile is a smile in any language.

Megan – Since this is my first time abroad, I have been amazed by everything along this journey, from the sights and smells and food to the incredible people I have encountered. There is a profoundly rich culture here, and I have only started to plum the depths of this beautiful city and beautiful country. However, I would be remiss if I did not mention that the kids we have met are the highlight of this experience. Even with the language barrier, these children have surprised me and shown me that joy and laughter can break down walls.

Serena – It’s been so great to get settled in to St Petersburg, get to know the city just a little bit, and today, for the first time, see where we get to spend our next 10 days.  I loved how the kids were so excited to see us, play with us, and talk to us (even though there is some pantomime to communicate!).  I am looking forward to starting with our lessons tomorrow and continuing the fun with the crafts.  Das Vi Danya for now!

Tatiana: What a blessing to walk into the transit center and have kids running to you with “you came back!”  Seeing their smiles and getting their hugs –that is why I do what I do, now for 8 years… 🙂