28 March 2005
Satan has really been trying hard so far to cause Justin and I to lose our focus. This morning we had to get on the tram and it was the most full it’s been so far. We barely mad it all on there and were literally smooshed in there like sardines. When I could finally break free I checked the camera bag I was carrying and the camera was gone along with all our pictures so far on the trip. At first we thought we might have left it in the hotel but later found that it was indeed stolen. We aren’t so upset about losing the camera as we are about losing the pictures of our fun times together. I am grateful it was taken now rather than at the end. we still have Joy’s and Margie’s cameras to fall back on. The Devil will not be successful in discouraging us. The rest of the day was wonderful! My favorite yet! We met at the church at 9:30am and split up into 3’s (we were with raul). We went to different neighborhoods to distribute the invitations. It was 20 degrees today and it didn’t take long to get really cold. The 3 of us were nervous but we stopeed to pray before we started and it calmed us (Raul doesn’t speak much Russian at all. He is from New Mexico). The first door we came to was open for us. God was truly there with us. we only had one bit of trouble with an older woman who just kept saying “BYE BYE BYE” and wouldn’t let us in. There were only a few small areas we couldn’t get to but the rest all went rather smoothly. We met some really nice Russians along the way that spoke with us and helped us even though we couldn’t understand each other. I truly hope they take our invitations seriously.
We finally finished our invitations. Half frozen we headed back and stopped at a few stands to eat a “hot dog” and strawberry croissant. Both were really good! We met a nice man at the booth and he talked with us some. we were a little confused of what bus to take and the best way to get back and a nice Russian lady saw we needed help and asked her possible daughter or friend to speak English and help us. It was great! God is Awesome! When you truly try to serve the Lord He opens every door for you! We got back to the church and warmed up, ate lunch, and stuffed more envelopes. Then it was time for the Babushka party. we split up and mingled with the Russian women. We had a translator named Simione and were able to break the ice with some pictures we brought of our dog, cats, home, wedding, and family. The ladies were wonderful. we sang together and played a Bible Trivia game together. Jeremy had asked if I’d give a small testimony about my grandma and although I was nervous, It was neat to tell it and have Simione translate. We took pictures together and traded prayer requests (mine was for Erin and baby to be healthy). It is so awesome to know that people so far away and in another language are praying for us. we all just had a great time and I hated to see it end. We gave them gift bags and told them goodbye. One lady even told Eileen and I that if we ever needed somewhere to sleep/ live we could stay with her. It’s so awesome to hear that knowing that they have so little yet want to give it all. We can all learn from that.
Now we are back and after a brief visit with everyone in their room (1828) we came back to our room to get ready for bed. It has been so nice to see the pictures we brought of family and friends while away. We miss them so much.
Tomorrow is the day Erin finds out about the baby (boy or girl). I can’t wait! Hopefully we will be able to call and find out! Then I can journal about it and have a record. My prayers are with her and Mike and baby. Tomorrow is also “tourist day” where we take the day and site see. I hope it’s warmer! God is great!
To be continued… (excuse any typos)
