Prevyet! (Hello in Russian)
We are currently on our way to Novgorod to start our work with children at the TB Children’s Center. The last two days have been full of many useful training sessions and some amazing sightseeing in Saint Petersburg. We are all very happy to be here, we have no problem being the loudest people on the streets. We have learned a lot of valuable lessons during our stay so far; we learned how to travel on the city’s metro system, we learned how to cross streets without getting hit by traffic, and we learned a lot of new Russian words and phrases.
On Saturday we went to the Hermitage Museum, the second largest museum in the world. After about two hours in the museum we only covered about half of the second floor. It was crazy to see so many diverse and beautiful pieces of art in one location. With all the walking that we did, we all had no problem sleeping through the whole night.
This morning we went a few blocks down from where we were staying to attend a Russian Orthodox church. It was very cool to experience how another culture attends church to worship God. We had our last lesson for training today, during which we learned about the Russian culture and Orthodoxy. We learned what it is to be Russian, and how we, as Americans, can better understand our friends he
re. This afternoon we traveled to Saint Isaacs Cathedral. Neither words nor pictures can serve this place justice. The best part is that we went on the top of the dome and had a 360 degree view of all Saint Petersburg! We have been eating a lot of good Russian food, and have been enjoying our fair share of “chai” (tea in Russian).
These past few days have been great for all of us. We are all adjusting very well to the time change and are all healthy (No need to worry parents- We’re alive and well). Now we are all on a bus traveling to Veliky Novgorod, where we will finally meet the children we will be working with!
Tonight we will arrive at the church we will be staying at for the next couple weeks. I, and the rest of the team, cannot wait to go finally meet these children that we have been constantly thinking of and praying for. It has been a long time coming but we are finally here and we are ready to go show these kids the God we serve! Please keep the whole team and the children we will be working with in your prayers! We love you all very much, more updates are to come.
Das-vee-danya! (Bye)
Vanguard Team – wirttine by Joey, team leader
So glad to hear that the team is all healthy and adjusting to their new home away from home. The pictures have been amazing, keep them coming. Can’t tell you how much we appreciate these updates. Chelsea we love you, tell Kasey and the rest of the group how much we love them as well.
Dad
So happy to see pictures of the team. As you go on with God’s plan, please remember He will empower you for the work you are about to do. Blessings and Honor, glory and power to our God!
Praying praying praying <3
Praying for you guys! Can’t wait to hear the updates on your ministry time!!
I am also glad to hear that everyone is healthy.
It appears that all of you are having a chance to take in the culture and see some amazing things. I’m looking forward to hear how the Lord uses you to touch the hearts of the children.
Take courage many people are praying for all of you.
Love & hugs to all of you!
Everything sounds so adventurous! Praying every day! Love you, Laila!
You are all in our prayers everyday! The pictures are amazing and its nice to see you are all well.
Melanie we all miss you and love you very much!
Mom
Hey droogs, I hope you’re having an amazing time in the Motherland! Praying for you all! Be bold, be open, and be loving! Can’t wait to hear all the stories when you get back! Love you Joey!!
Awesome job out there Dave, there are a lot of people here praying for you and the kids you all are ministering to. Try to enjoy every moment, what an amazing experience! We love you!
Love you, Dave! Dad & I are praying for you & your team and all the kids! I know God is doing great things in all of your hearts. Happy Birthday, you will never forget this one! XO
Oh, my goodness, Kasey darlin’! What an amazing and enlightening journey you and your wonderful team are on. Grandpa and I love the posts and the pictures and knowing your are well and safe is a blessing. You have so much love to share and I know you will fill those children’s hearts to the brim! We love and miss you so much. Sending you and your team lots of love and prayers. xoxoxo