Hello, finally, hello! I’m really sorry about the lack of updates-- it’s been really really difficult to update, between busy schedules, moving from Saint Petersburg to Novgorod, lacking internet connection, my Wordpress account being hacked into, Blogger completely failing me in the Autosave department, and general failure as a blog maintainer. So please forgive me, and I will do my best to let you know how we’re doing.
Our time in St. Petersburg finished well. We continued teaching English in colleges and high schools, and we used those classes to form friendships with some of the students. Some members of our team were able to hang out with a few of these students on our day off, which was a really great way to not only have fun but to share why we do what we do, and who motivates us. We were also able to continue working with the elderly. In Russia, the oldest generation has been somewhat forgotten, so we did what we could to patch some of the hurts caused by this generational rift. We continued to work with the Salvation Army, and I can now say I am fully acquainted with the wide variety of ministries that make up this organization. It’s way more than a thrift store.
Something unplanned that happened was the burning down of the YWAM St. Petersburg ministry house. The roof caught on fire, and the whole house was gone before the fire department arrived. This puts the YWAM St. Petes team in a very unexpected spot, as they plan what to do next. You can find out more about this at www.rebuildywamspb.org.
Now we’re in Novgorod, where we’ve been since December 23rd. We arrived at the train station at 7:39, only to find that our 8:12 train was leaving at 7:40. Thankfully, we are a team of troopers and we ran through the snow with all of our luggage in tow and made it on that train and safely arrived in Novgorod in time for lunch. Our hosts here are two wonderful ladies, Sveta and Marena, who are pioneering a YWAM base in this city. We’re doing things to help them build relationships with the churches in the area, as well as putting on programs for the elderly, handicapped, and homeless, as well as a group of children with a kind of TB. Novgorod has been really good for just getting to know a lot of Russians, and it’s wonderful. A highlight was Sunday, when we went to a Korean house church. The service was preached in Korean, translated into Russian, and then translated by Masha for us into English. There were Koreans, Russians, Americans, and Chinese people all present, all worshipping God together in our own languages. It was a beautiful picture of the universal church of God.
Christmas was wonderful as well--we were in a charming little apartment, and we woke up to find our wonderful leaders Kyle and Masha and hung stockings for us along the wall. We had breakfast of cinnamon toast and bacon and eggs, and were surprised by presents from home. It was a really good morning for us, of being able to understand what Christmas about. Not piles of gifts, not even being with family: it’s about what God has given us, and how much he truly loves us. Even though it was a little painful to be away from home on such a holiday, it’s hardly a sacrifice to make when we think of how much He’s done for us. Our day got even more magical when we ice-skating that night in front of the old city walls of Novgorod and had a massive sliding snow fight on the banks of the old moat. I think I can speak for the whole team when I say that was the most memorable Christmas I’ve ever had.
New Years was also a lot of fun. It’s huge in Russia--a much bigger deal than Christmas. A huge dinner was prepared for us with a lot of different kind of salads. Russians really love their salads. We turned the TV right as the president finished his speech, and at midnight the national anthem started playing. We all cheered as the Russian flag flapped on the little TV screen, and then ran out the door and made our way to the center of the town with what seemed like the rest of Novgorod. There was a huge dance party, magnificent fireworks, and some weird floating thing that was on fire that floated away into the sky. After that we ran to the city and penguin-slid down the banks of the moat while excited Russians shot their own fireworks into the sky above us. We went home, and stayed up until six.
We’re living in a church right now. We had been staying in an apartment, but for misunderstandings of some of the residents in the building, we have relocated to a small church near the center of town. It’s been a good lesson in keeping clean and tucked away. The people of this church have been very hospitable to us, even making us lunch sometimes.
It’s been cold here, for me at least. The other night a few of us walked back when it was ten below. It was surprisingly manageable. We’ll see how we do when we get to Perm.
We’ve been so blessed as a team. We’ve hardly had any sickness, and the unity that’s bonded us together has been an amazing and, to be honest, very unlooked for.
Now: prayer points!
- That our ministry would be effective despite the very frustrating language barrier.
- that our team would continue to grow together as one
- that we can really get a handle on making our programs run smoothly
- That we can overcome tiredness (this is a big one!)
- One of our team members is feeling a little sick right now, and we’d really like her to be in the program tomorrow. Pray for healing!
Thank you so much for being patient and keeping with us, I love you and I'll try to update whenever God and the Internet allows!
