Dear Epaphras,
I’ve been home for just 3 days and I’m glad to be back with my family, but I really, really miss the children and friends I met in Russia.
Here is a summary of my week…
The trip itself went really well; we had no delayed or missed flights, and we made it to the airport early each time, thanks to our organized leaders. Just 6 hours after getting to Vladimir we were awake and preparing for the week.
A typical daily schedule was: get up at 6:30 for breakfast and devotions, then leave for the orphanage at 8:30. We would then spend the morning leading the vacation bible school. For lunch we would go to a very modest restaurant nearby. A typical daily diet was rice-pudding for breakfast, goulash for lunch and bread and potatoes for dinner. Afternoons, we were back at the orphanage just spending time playing with the kids – that was my favorite part! We’d be back at the hotel for dinner, debriefing, VBS prep and devotions.
The time with the children was super eye opening and I felt like God really used my team and I to show His love to these kids without parents, whether it be by playing games with them or just by holding them and giving them hugs. My group was made of three kids all around the age of four: Dasha, Nastia, & Zahar. I am super thankful I was able to spend time with these adorable children and I already miss them tons! Zahar’s personality reminded me of Ralphie from the Christmas Story. So cute.
Also, we were able to bond with our interpreters, who were all very kind and compassionate. They not only translated so we could communicate with the orphans, but they taught us about Russian culture too. I got along very well with my interpreter, Margarita, and I would ask you to pray for her so that Christ might continue to show himself to her!
I also was able to bond with my fellow team-mates: Emma (grade 12), Kara and Reilly (grade 11), Rebecka (grade 10) and Sarah (grade 9). I’m so glad I was put in a group with these five amazing girls, and I really hope our friendships will grow even more.
Here are a few photos. Please don’t distribute these but as you look at them please pray for Dasha, Nastia, Zahar, and Margarita. God has been so good!
In Jesus’ love
Annie
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