Happenings

We went to a concert last night. Our field director, Brian, is a part of a band with a few people from the church. They use this band as an outreach to reach some of the University students here. The main singer/songwriter teaches at the University. Last night was what we would consider "Battle of the Bands". Basically, bands play and it is a contest. Brian's band sounded great and had some great lyrics as well...though of course I couldn't understand them, but they were written to share the gospel. Adalynn and Sophie (pictured above) had a great time dancing:)!

I am sure you wonder what we do everyday now that we have gotten used to being here. We are in a little more of a routine now, which is nice. Here is our schedule from day to day. Of course things come up, but this will give you an idea of what we are doing:

Sunday: Church in the morning
Monday: Study Russian for an hour or more while Adalynn takes a nap in the morning
Tuesday: Study Russian for an hour or more, Russian class from 4-6pm
Wednesday: Study Russian for an hour or more, Small group from 6:30-8:30pm
Thursday: Study Russian for an hour or more, Prayer for the city from 9:30-10:30am, Russian class from 4-6pm
Friday: Team meeting from 10:30-12:30pm, Study Russian for an hour or more
Saturday: Study Russian for an hour or more

In between our studying and meetings of course we go grocery shopping, play outside on the playground, or go run other errands with people. We have been over to people's houses as well for dinner. We are in the midst of trying to get in the quota for our residency visas. We went last week to the immigration office, but we needed one more document. We plan to go back in a few days to finalize things. Once we are in the quota then we will apply for the residency visas. This just allows us to be considered for the process. Please keep praying for doors to be opened for our visas.

Blessings,
Philip, Kara, Adalynn, and baby Gwen

Saturday Night Fun

On Saturday night we went over to Jeff and Gelya's house to get to know some more people from the church. Gelya had all the girls come in the kitchen to learn how to make Russian Blini---(pictured above) which are like crepes. They were soooo good! You can make them with basically anything in them. We made them with meat inside. Once you make the blini you put the meat inside and then fry them in a pan (brown them so they are slightly crispy). Gelya also made some sauce to put on top. We had fun in the kitchen! I learned some more Russian words and also had a chance to use some basic Russian with one of the girls who didn't speak much English. The guys all were in the living room entertaining the kids...that was helpful! Around 8pm dinner was done and we all sat down to eat. (In Russia dinner (supper) is served later) Poor Adalynn, it was already past her bedtime, but she ended up doing great. She enjoyed the blini and of course her banana! We ended the evening with tea and a cake that Jeff had made. Philip and I went home that night around 10pm thankful for team members like Jeff and Gelya who took the time to invite us for dinner to help us get more acquainted with the culture!

Susha helping cook (she speaks English pretty well)

Gelya is pouring the blini batter on to a special pan. I even tried it out a few times...it wasn't too bad! I can't wait to try it at home...and of course for some of you supporters when we come back to the States!

The guys and the kids played with a train set...