Friday Update

This morning we went to orphanage #15 and played with about 20 preschool kids for 2 hours. It was awesome! Then we spent the afternoon being tourists and we even went to the RUSSIAN BALLET tonight....yes, we saw swan lake! I know you are jealous.


What I haven't said here is how incredibly awesome God is! The team here kept saying it all week. Through all the changes and flexibility it was evident to all of us that God is working.


Finally...here are some pictures of the kids from Lopuhinka


KLAVA


NINA


VERONIKA


DASHA


NASTIA


VERA


VANYA


ROMA


KARINA

Thursday Night in St. Petersburg

Howdy Friends: It is 9pm and we are enjoying delicious ice cream at McDonald's next to our hotel in St. Pete. We left Lopuhinka this morning and went to a baby orphanage in Lomosonov. Then we had lunch in St. Petersburg and visited an "orphanage hospital" and then had dinner. What an incredible day we've had - being able to play with so many different children. We're glad to be back to private showers and toilets and bed mattresses. We have so much to share about the people and what God has been doing. Your prayers have been encouraging.


The pictures are from the Texas Party we had on Tuesday night with all the kids and from the Christmas party we had with the older kids on Wednesday night. Continue to pray for Daniel, Eldar, Edward and Jenya - the boys asked great questions and had good conversations about spiritual things. God is drawing them and they are listening and seeking.

Russia Update 7.29

We got this e-mail from Susan this morning:

All is good here. The birthday party was fun and the kids loved the gifts. Some are leaving for camp on Wednesday so we will have more time with the older boys. The Christmas party is Wednesday night. Thursday we will be leaving the orphanage to go to a baby home out in the country near us now. And then we will be in St. Petersburg to visit a hospital for orphans on Thursday afternoon. On Friday we will go to Orphanage #2 which will be about 20 children mostly preschoolers. We gave money for the tv and they also bought soap and toothpaste that was much needed. We were able to give more money to help with gas for camp and more soap and toothpaste There is so much need and many projects so lots to pray about for the future and what we can do. Tonight will be hard as we say goodbye to some kids. Keep praying for us it sustains us through cold weather light nights simple showers and thin bed mattresses and liver for dinner. It is all made up for in hugs smiles and broken English. I will try to send pics on Thursday from hotel.
Love,
Susan and Team.

Russia Update

After touring St. Petersburg and eating a traditional six course meal at a restaurant, the team has now officially arrived at the orphanage, which is about one and a half hours from St. Petersburg. The orphanage sits among beautiful, lush woods. Their first meal at the orphanage was liver and fresh vegetables from their garden. Welcome to missions!! They have had a great time playing with the children who are there. Susan Ripley reported that some of the men are a bit sore from playing soccer with the children.

They will begin their Vacation Bible School tomorrow instead of Monday. The children have already enjoyed trying out their English and our folks are relieved to have four amazing interpreters. In fact, all four interpreters are part of the Buckner follow-up staff. After our team departs, these staff will return to the orphanage on a weekly basis to continue to teach the children about Jesus. Two of the interpreters are originally from Turkey and were formerly Muslim before becoming followers of Jesus Christ.

Susan asked that we pray for them as they begin Vacation Bible School. Also pray for good rest as they adjust to the timechange. They are 9 hours ahead of us, so you can pray for them while they're sleeping. She also said to be praying for the language barrier. Pray that God would help them all learn to communicate with each other, with and without words. She reported that the whole team is doing great and really glad to finally be with the children.

Let's do our part in missions and pray for our missionaries.

"Russia Bound" has arrived!

The Russia team has just arrived safely in in St Petersburg! Please continue to pray for smooth and safe travel, fruitful time and the furthering of God's word in unexpected ways!