It is now 10:43 on Sunday evening. We have had a very busy day. We boarded the bus for church at 10:00. It seemed like it took us a while to get there. The roads are horrible. I just hold my breath and pray. It is like driving through an open field with other cars. There does not seem to be many traffic laws or if there are no one seems to obey them. They just step on the gas and go.
Don't anyone tell Davey, but church lasted until 1:30! We kept saying, "Are we near the end yet?" We had a bulletin but we could not read it. We just kept listening for Amen! We took communion and figured surely that would be the end! Seriously it was really neat to be able worship with these people. We sang along on the songs we new in our language, like Amazing Grace and Here I am to Worship. They had lunch for us after service. It was a good thing after such a long service.
After we visited for some time we walked through Samara in the cold and rain and snow (and I do mean cold) to an ice show. It was sort of like our Ice Capades. That was fun. The children met us there. It was a Christmas show. Santa was even there. They use the old world Santa.
By the time we got back it was 8:00 and we were late for dinner. They were holding ours for us. We had rice, roast beef or pork (not sure) with sliced tomato and cheese. We always have bread and cheese. It was my turn for devotions. Some of the kids came to our room and had devotions with us. Some of the girls are quite taken with the handsome young men we have with us.
Nancy and Sally, I have had the opportunity to share about 6 of your bracelets with kids. They are very effective. I handed them out to the rest of the team tonight.
So tomorrow is another busy day. We have breakfast at 9:00. We will be touring the orphanage. It is a large building and they will tell us of some of the programs. Terry, Tamara tells me it is a music academy. Some of the kids are quite talented. I have heard many on the piano. One even plays the accordion.
We are going sight seeing sometime tomorrow and then we must get Christmas ready for 120 kids. WOW how in the world do you do that? Tomorrow afternoon/evening we will get started on the quilts. I am very excited about that. The pastor at the church we went to today (lady) is coming to learn how to quilt, also!
If I don't stop talking and get to bed I am not going to be able to do any of this stuff! So I will say good night from Russia until tomorrow. I hope I can write in the AM, but if not until I do....keep posting. I love hearing from everyone. I share with the whole team. God bless.
I continue to love hearing what is going on. I feel I am a part of it as God allows me to see things thru your eyes. Worship till 1:30....how they must love the Lord (we don't really value our freedom to worship, do we). Anyway, when you wake up....I will be off to work....but my heart/mind will be with you all in prayer. P.S. - Terri P told me Arlene's office was 95 degrees and yours seemed to be o.k.....and we have the new heating system...oh well.........
ReplyDeleteDitto to Sandy's comment. Your blog is taking me back to my trips to the Ukraine. I praise God that He has allowed us to expand our worldview by leading us to experience His presence in other cultures.
ReplyDeleteThis afternoon Ron and I were traveling north on Bridge Street crossing the Scioto River when Ron started shouting, "That's a bald eagle! I see it's white head!" I couldn't see the sky from where the driver's seat and didn't want a repeat of a traffic accident, so I pulled off into the Goldie Gunlock Park (by Max 'n Erma's). We watched him or her soaring around and around the river. We never did see it flap its wings. After several minutes he swooped down, then came back up. Then he made a dive toward the river and we didn't see him again.
I thought of you immediately and of the verse in Isaiah 39:31- "but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and will be faint.
I will be praying for the LORD's renewed strength for each of you. Soar in Him!
Nancy
You guys were singing in tongues during worship this morning weren't you? Will heaven be like that where everyone worships in their own language but the tunes will be familiar? Awesome!! Still very cold this afternoon here and the word is snow is on the way. Maybe a snow day? Can't wait to hear more news. Think of all the snow you are in as manna from heaven and maybe it won't seem so cold. Blessings to everyone!!!
ReplyDeleteMay the Lord continue to bless all of you and the people you are ministering to. No school today for the kids, so I got up early for nothing I guess. Oh well, there's always laundry here so why not? Lots of love and prayers from KY. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm enjoying reading your adventures. I am so happy for you. Can't wait to hear the rest of the story. Enjoy your stay as you're letting your love and light shine all around.
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