Reaching Russia

Chocolate...Good Chocolate

2012-01-28T02:24:00.000-08:00

There is a chocolate here that is good for you...good for kids. Do you think chocolate can really be "good" for you? This chocolate is often bought for kids because it is made from whole milk. The brand is called Kinder. Our friend, Gelya, brought one of these eggs over for Adalynn when Adalynn was sick a few weeks ago. Adalynn LOVED it! This particular kind is in the shape of an egg...

Then you open it, and there are two halves...

One is a toy...

and the other half is chocolate...yummy, delicious chocolate! There are two little balls of milk chocolate in the middle with a flaky, crunchy outside. The two balls of chocolate are surrounded by white chocolate and milk chocolate.

Here is the toy that came with one of the eggs. It is a top!

If you look closely you can see Adalynn really enjoyed her Kinder Joy egg. Notice the chocolate smeared on her upper lip...(please excuse the flat hair, static is terrible here during the winter, so poor Adalynn walks around with a bad hair day most days!)

Philip is obviously enjoying the toy...

Blessings,
Philip, Kara, Adalynn, and Gwen

Sunday School

2012-01-24T07:36:00.000-08:00

On Sunday evening we had our large group gathering for Grace of Christ Church. We had a good turn out! We had over 25 people there including children. Philip led the Bible study portion and I taught the little people of the group!

In Sunday school, we had a new little girl who was 9. Her name was Susha. We enjoyed having another child attend! The kids learned about Jesus' miracle of the disciples catching all the fish after a night of no success! During the story, the kids got in "boat" (chairs all gathered together!) with fishing poles. Of course I know they used nets in the real story, but homemade fishing poles is what we ended up with! The kids had a blast! We did a craft, played a fishing game, had snack, and played a hide and seek fishing game. Tanya interpreted for me, but let me tell you, the flow of a story is sure different when you speak another language! I usually find that the flow of things isn't ideal, and I often leave wondering if I made the right points to the kids, if they heard the story, and what could I do different next time to make it better!

Our field director's daughter told her mom that night, "Mom, I really like when Kara tells me stories!" And then to her grandparents the next day, "We learned about fish and trash!" ---Well, I am not sure where the trash came from, but at least the 3 year old learned something! The hearts of little children are precious! I so enjoy being able to share with these kids (girls) all about Jesus!

Thanks for continuing to pray for this church! Please pray for our leadership team (9 of us) as we meet every other week as well. Pray for unity as a team as we meeting, pray, and discuss the growth of this new church!

Blessings,

Philip, Kara, Adalynn, and Gwen

Craft time!

"Gone Fishing!"

Brrrr!!!

2012-01-22T00:57:00.000-08:00

It is 10 degrees F today. We woke up a bit chilly even though our heat is up to its highest and no wool blankets are covering the radiators! Our windows are old, so there is a pretty cold draft that you can feel. Philip tried taping them up before we left in November, but it isn't doing the trick. We'll survive. I am pretty sure my parents' house in Ohio is colder than our apartment...and it is not because they don't have heat!

The other day Adalynn and I went across the way and picked up some milk. We saw a cat sitting by the door. Of course Adalynn wanted to say hello. She just stood there and said hi, and immediately the cat came over and started rubbing her leg. She thought this was pretty funny! It was really windy that day. As you can see, Adalynn is shielding her face from the wind. She kept saying, "It's so windy!"

We have been super blessed by you as supporters! We have had many new faith promises made over the past year, as well as, most if not all, expired faith promises, get renewed! Thank you for your giving! If your faith promise is looking to expire in the next month please pray about continuing this partnership. We want you to continue to partner with us. Your investment in our lives is life changing. If you are wondering when your faith promise expires/ed please don't hesitate to drop us an email! pkgormong@gmail.com

Blessings,
Philip, Kara, Adalynn, and Gwen

Life this Week

2012-01-19T07:48:00.000-08:00

Did you think for a minute that you had a hard time brushing the snow off of your car this morning?! There was a sign up the other day saying they would be removing the snow from the parking areas (the road) around our gated apartments. I suppose people are suppose to move their cars for the day or the time. We do not have a car, thank goodness, so we did not have to worry about it. As you can see, I suppose they just shovel around your car if it is not moved! They actually bring in a big truck and remove the snow and then there are often a few men or women who are shoveling snow after the truck here and there along the road.

It has been snowing every day this past week. Not blizzard like snowfall, but enough to have mounds of snow piled up here and there!

Gwen started off sitting straight up in the sled...

...then she started to slide...

...and slouch...

Philip is gone this evening at the English club that he has helped out with in the past. Anja, the girl who actually teaches the class, asked if I wanted to have coffee this weekend! I am so excited about this opportunity! I have been praying about meaningful relationships for 2012 here in Russia...with Russians. I met Anja right before we left to go back to the States before Thanksgiving. She is extremely nice, knows English, and even has a little girl between the age of Adalynn and Gwen! Please pray with me this weekend as we meet. Pray that she can see that I have been with Jesus. Pray that she is drawn to the Lord and that the Holy Spirit would begin to work in her own heart and life. Pray for courage for me as I speak in Russian, talk about life, and just be myself in a country that is not yet my own.

Blessings,
Philip, Kara, Adalynn, and Gwen
(who by the way is sleeping THROUGH the night...7pm-7am!!!)

God is Good

2012-01-16T09:46:00.000-08:00

I wanted to take a minute and share with you all how the Lord answered one of our prayers since being here. We arrived in Russia 2 weeks ago on a Wednesday. Before we left the States, Adalynn starting running a low grade fever. The morning we left for the airport, she had a temperature. We decided to go ahead and go and pray for the best. Of course she did fine on the flight and we thought we were in the clear. The next couple of days were pretty rough. Adalynn threw up (probably mainly from exhaustion and not eating good food for a day), and still ran this low grade fever.
I think it was Sunday morning when Adalynn starting saying that her bottom hurt. After about 2 times of going to the bathroom (#1), she started to cry whenever she went. She kept saying, "It hurts! My bottom hurts!" Of course we tried to coach her through going, but she still cried and cried. We got slightly concerned and started talking to people via facebook (friends and family who are in the medical profession). I thought maybe it could be a urinary track infection from her symptoms. All of the people I talked to via facebook also thought this was true. Concern did set in then. We had only been in country for 3 days and now we were having a medical need for our child. Now, before we even came to Russia for the first time, I remember someone asking me what would be the hardest thing about living in Russia. I remember saying it would be anything with the girls. Medical problems or something along those lines because I would have no idea what to do and how to go about it. Of course we have our field directions and other missionaries here to help, but it is not like in the States. That was my big concern.
Well, here that concern was at our doorstep, our field directors had not returned from vacation yet, we were all jet lagged, missing home, and tired. The enemy was trying to defeat us. We started to pray. We asked some close friends and family to pray for Adalynn. Our missionary friends here called a doctor to come to our house on Monday to look at Adalynn. We knew there was possibilities of blood tests, urine tests, and other things that might happen to Adalynn. Adalynn does NOT like any of these things including doctors. As a parent your heart just aches for your child when they have to go through something they are scared of or dislike. I was dreading the doctor's appointment and the tests that were going to have to take place.
Sunday night we pumped Adalynn with cranberry juice, prayed, tried to get her to go to the bathroom (which she refused and just cried), and prayed some more. Philip and I went to bed discouraged, concerned, and a little overwhelmed. I went to feed Gwen late that night and I remember tears streaming down my face as I cried out to the Lord, asking Him to be with us and to give us a sense of His peace and presence.
Monday morning Adalynn still didn't want to go to the bathroom. She knew it was going to hurt, so she just held it. It was sometime around 11am when Adalynn all of the sudden decided she had enough and had to go to the bathroom. She sat down and went...without crying! She even looked surprised that it didn't hurt! We were surprised too! Every time after that time when she has gone she hasn't cried!
The doctor came later that morning and looked Adalynn over and said she thought Adalynn looked fine. The doctor put her on some herbal supplements just in case and then left. (We had our missionary friend there to help interpret)

(There are drops that Adalynn takes 3 times a day and then she has to soak in a tea bath for 4 days)

We also decided to go ahead and take a urine sample the next morning just to check for bacteria. It came back from the family medical clinic's lab with little concern. We are pretty sure Adalynn had some sort of UTI, and we believe with all our hearts that the Lord heard our cries and healed our little girl.
We told Adalynn that we need to thank the Lord for healing her bottom because He is the one that made it all better.
Now before every meal when Adalynn prayers she says, "Dear Jesus thank you for my bottom!"
...and we say, "Praise be to God!"

Blessings,
Philip, Kara, Adalynn, and Gwen

Snow

2012-01-14T02:19:00.000-08:00

The other night we were headed to the Ministry Center and then to the Whitney's for dinner. We took the girls in the sled and set out around 5:00pm...did you know it is already getting dark? (side note: In the morning the sun doesn't come up until 9:30-10am!) There is a school next to the bus stop close to our house. As we were heading to the bus stop, we encountered a group of students from the school...on cross country skies! They were having lessons for school. Talk about a fun physical education class, right?! Sorry the picture is blurry, but I was trying to discreetly take the picture, while holding Adalynn, while having the camera in night vision setting (if I had the other camera it would have been better, but I don't think I could have taken a picture very discreetly!)
We got off at the second bus stop and found that the Christmas/New Year lights were still up! (picture above) Adalynn loved the lights and kept saying, "It's like at Grandpa and Grandma's house!"

Below is a picture of Gwen in the stroller our field directors let us borrow. This is a little more of a winter stroller than ours. The wheels are a little better at plowing through the snow, though it is still hard if the snow is too deep.

She looks warm and cozy, right?

Adalynn's friend Sophia has returned!

Blessings,
Philip, Kara, Adalynn, and Gwen

Snow

2012-01-11T02:12:00.000-08:00

Looks like someone is actually enjoying the snow!

This morning we took a walk to the place where we can put money on our phones. Phones here are like the pay and go phones in America. We just put 100rubles ($3) on our phone and we are set to go for about a week, sometimes more if one of us gets chatty talking on the phone. Anyway, my phone had no money, so I could not send or receive any calls or messages. We bundled the girls up, retrieved the sled out of the closet, and away we went!

On our way home, we stopped by the playground and Adalynn actually got out of the sled and walked in the snow! I think she liked that the snow was just fluffy and crunchy as apposed to slippery and wet like the other day. Adalynn played on the swing, went down the slide, and threw snow up in the air...and in her face...accidentally of course!

Our family is feeling back to normal. Everyone is better and nights are getting better...Gwen is still not quite adjusted, but Adalynn is going to bed at 7:30pm and sleeping until 8:30am without waking up!

Thanks for you prayers! We hope to begin language lessons again in a week! We better get reviewing!

Blessings,
Philip, Kara, Adalynn, and Gwen

The Outdoors

2012-01-08T09:47:00.000-08:00

We ventured outside today...just to get out...and to have a good reason to get dressed for the day! (kidding...I think)

It hasn't been too cold here yet. Still in the 30's F, which has been nice, though the ground is slushy and wet!

We also saw someone cleaning/beating their rug outside...I just remember this picture from a book I read when I was little. I suppose it is a good way to clean your rug without a sweeper...or a good way to get tension out from too much family over the holidays. I am not sure which reason this guys was outside... (picture below)

We just went to the store across the street. The whole family went. We bundled every up, Russian style, and headed out. Yesterday (Christmas here in Russia), Philip went out for the afternoon to join our church for a Christmas dinner with all the small "churches". He said it was a good time. He also had a chance to meet some new people who have been coming. I stayed home with the very tired children:)

Here is Gwen dress warmly for the outside. When we got inside, I took her hat off and she was sweating. Poor girl.

This girl did NOT like walking in the snow/slush. DID NOT LIKE IT ONE BIT. I was sorry to inform her that this her new life. We had some crying break downs on the way to and from the store because of the snow...it ended up being kind of a long trip. But we did get some butter for what we needed, which of course was one of the most important things of the day...a birthday cake for later!

Blessings,
Philip, Kara, Adalynn, and Gwen

What Day is It?!

2012-01-07T00:38:00.000-08:00

The days have been down hill since we have arrived! The girls seemed to be doing good until the next morning when Adalynn threw up (hopefully from just extreme fatigue), Gwen threw up, and I started feeling ill. All the while my awesome husband was able to run to the grocery store, get our internet set up, wash the dishes, and take care of his ailing girls. Yesterday, I started to feel better and we thought we were doing ok...until night hit. Gwen woke up numerous amounts of times. She would not be consoled. I had a hard time trying to decide if it was still jet lag, teething, upset stomach, or hunger. I tried many things. She finally fell asleep on her own at about 1am, but minutes after she was quiet little Adalynn decided to wake up. She was crying, so then we had to figure out what to do with her. I held her for awhile, prayed with her, sang a few songs, and back down she went. She talked for a little while in her bed...and then Gwen woke back up...wailing. Let's just say it was a LONG, or maybe short, night for us all.

This is Adalynn this morning as I was finishing unpacking...

I have decided that though it has been nice to see family and be in the States numerous amounts of time during our term, it has been quite hard on all of us. The going back and forth from country to country, from time zone to time zone, saying goodbyes over and over, truly wares on a family. Again, we are fervently praying that our residency is accepted within our 90 day visas so we don't have to return yet again to the States in 90 days. Thank you for praying with us!

Gwen is back to bathing in the big red tub!

We have felt your prayers throughout the last few days of haze. I was reminded last night as I laid in bed of a song that I had heard. "I love you, and so I will trust You." Yes, I love the Lord with all of my heart, and so I will trust Him and His plan for our lives even when sometimes I wonder what in the world I am doing.

Here is a smile to brighten all of our days!

Blessings,
Philip, Kara, a tired Adalynn, and a grumpy Gwen

And We're Back!

2012-01-05T05:35:00.001-08:00

After 2 diaper blow outs, 3 outfits changes, 2 episodes of throwing up by a 7 month old, and 1 throw up from a 2 year old, we have arrived back in Vladimir! Behavior wise, the girls did an excellent job on the 10 hour flight from DC to Moscow! They slept most of the way, which was nice. Our flights were all on time and we arrived back to our apartment at about quarter till 5pm Vladimir time. Once we all brushed our teeth, each of the girls got a bath, and Philip and I showered, we started to feel like human beings again!
The night went alright. The girls slept well. Gwen woke up a few times and only had one time where she didn't want to go back to bed. Adalynn wanted to play from about 10:30pm-2am, but then went back to sleep.
Thanks for your prayers for us over the last 24 hours. We know the Lord has been watching over us!
On Saturday is Christmas here in Vladimir! We hope to get out tomorrow and view all the decorations! Hopefully we can get some pictures to show you! And yes...there is snow ALL OVER the ground here! Welcome home, right?!

Blessings,
Philip, Kara, Adalynn, and Gwen

Life in Indiana

2011-12-18T11:06:00.000-08:00

Have you been wondering how we are doing? What have we been up to since being back in the States? Well, I can tell you that we have made numerous trips to Starbucks, a few trips to Target, a trip to Ohio, a day in our pajamas, and lots of game playing! Oh, you think we are just having fun and no work?! Well, that is probably the the basic jest of life right now, but I can tell you that we did crack open our Russian books the other night. Yes, we came back to the States bearing Russian homework! We also had a chance to speak at our home church, Faith Wesleyan in Terre Haute, IN about the last 3 months of ministry in Russia. It was a great evening of sharing stories, ministry experiences, and eating some Russian sandwiches and candy! See, we are hard at work.

We have also been preparing our paperwork for our visas. Just this past Thursday we received a scanned copy of our letters of invitation from the Russian government. I quick filled out the rest of our paperwork that morning, and off it went overnight to Washington DC. Now, we just pray and pray that there won't be complications and that we can return to Russia on January 4th. Please be in praying THIS WEEK as we wait to find out! Pray that our paperwork would find favor in the eyes of people at the Russian consulate.
We are thoroughly enjoying seeing and being with our families. I am afraid that it will be harder this time around to leave in January. Our time is going quickly. The more and more I think about leaving in January, the more sad I get to leave family. Of course I am anxious to get back to Russia and our home, life, and ministry there. But of course there is a part of my heart that is sad to say yet another good-bye to our families.
We hope you are enjoying this busy time of year! The girls are enjoying being outside in "warmer" weather!

Blessings,
Philip, Kara, Adalynn, and Gwen

Where Are You?

2011-12-03T17:28:00.000-08:00

Where have we been?!
Sorry to have left you all hanging, wondering where in the world we went. Our computer adapter cord went bad, so we were 2 weeks without a computer in Russia. We returned safely to US soil the night before Thanksgiving. The flights went well! We were glad to finally land in Indianapolis though! We were greeted by Philip's parents at the airport. Adalynn remembered them right away and went running to Grandma!
The adjustments have gone well. The girls struggled with jet lag for a few days...which in turn made Philip and I struggle through our jet lag...oh well!

I wanted to share a few pictures of some things when we were still in Russia! Enjoy!

Our dear Russian babysitters! We love them and so do the girls!

The English Class Philip helps out with on Thursday nights

Adalynn all dressed for Russian winter...yes it was snowing and cold when we left!

Philip is sealing all our windows. The draft was making our apartment pretty chilly with the wood and tile floors. Most Russians do this to their windows or have the newer windows which seal more tightly. Good thing I have such a handy husband!

Blessings,
Philip, Kara, Adalynn, and Gwen

MIA

2011-11-21T01:41:00.000-08:00

Sorry our computer is not working so no posts until after Thanksgiving! So sorry! I have so much to share with you! Stay tuned!!

More Language

2011-11-13T07:27:00.000-08:00

Here we are with our language teacher, Olga! She is great! We meet with her twice a week. We actually meet right here in our kitchen. Usually either Philip or I will take the girls in the living room to play while the other is having lessons.
This is our last week of lessons, as we will be leaving for the States next Wednesday. We will pick back up when we return in January!

Sometimes I feel like I have made little to no progress with language, and then at other times I feel like, "yeah! I can understand what they just said!". It is a toss up. Just last week, Adalynn and I were on the bus back home, and we were sitting across from an older lady. She fixed Adalynn's hat because it wasn't over her ears all the way. Then she asked how old Adalynn was. I totally understood her and was able to answer in Russian. I suddenly had the urge to lose eye contact with her so I wouldn't have to talk to her in case I couldn't understand. But I decided to be brave and continue to talk with her. She asked where I was from, China (the usual), Korea, or Japan. I told her I was American, but that I was born in Korea (Thank you, Russian Language Institute in SC for making me memorize where I was from!). She asked if my parents where Korean, and I said no they were American. I couldn't remember how to say I was adopted, so I suppose she is totally confused. She is probably at home right now thinking about it! I was able to tell her that my family and I lived here in Vladimir, and that I had a husband and another daughter at home. That was the end because we came to our stop and I had to hull Adalynn, snowsuit and all, off the bus!
This was one of those days where I can say, "Yes! I have made some progress as far as language learning goes..." Obviously I am not having in depth conversations with people, but I can understand more and talk more than when we were here last January. Praise the Lord for His help! And Praise the Lord for a great language tutor here to help us!

Blessings,
Philip, Kara, Adalynn, and Gwen

Children

2011-11-09T23:00:00.000-08:00

I have been doing the children's lessons for our large group meetings (for Grace of Christ church) on Sundays. We have tried to stay with the theme that the adults are studying. This past week we talked about Lazarus being raised from the dead. The kids did a great job listening to the story. Then we acted the story out---as best as we could with a 2 year old, 3 year old, and 2 kindergarten age girls! It was pretty funny!

Here Adalynn is Mary, Natasha is Martha, and Sophia is Lazarus!

This is the best "tomb" we could come up with! haha!

Of course we played some games, did a craft, ate snack, and played some more games! We even learned a new Bible verse! Tanya came and interrupted for me, which I was grateful for! She even got in on the game of "mummy"!

Adalynn had fun wrapping Sophia up...and I think Sophia had just as much fun!

Thanks for keeping Grace of Christ Church in your prayers. The children are just as important as anyone else in the church!

Blessings,
Philip, Kara, Adalynn, and Gwen

Thanks Be to God

2011-11-08T03:15:00.000-08:00

Well this little one just wanted you to know that she has been ACCEPTED into the 2011 quota! She can officially stay with our family! Praise the Lord! Thank you for your hard, fervent prayers for this request! Now...on to getting us all accepted for our residency...

Psalm 55:17
"Evening and morning, and at noon, I will pray and cry aloud; and He shall hear my voice."

Giving Thanks to the Lord,
Philip, Kara, Adalynn, and Gwen

It has Arrived!

2011-11-08T03:08:00.000-08:00

Well this morning we woke up to snow falling. Beautiful. Cold. Slippery. Yes, it is a beautiful sight, but it comes with a few negatives like it being cold and slippery outside! Welcome to the next 5 months of our lives, right?! We turned some Christmas music on to celebrate the first real snow fall in Vladimir!

Blessings,
Philip, Kara, Adalynn, and Gwen

Torpedo Soccer Game

2011-11-08T03:03:00.000-08:00

Last Friday, Philip had the opportunity to go to the Vladimir Torpedo Soccer game! He was really excited and had been looking forward to going to one of these games. It was pretty cold, so the long underwear was brought out from the closet! He and Brian went while the girls and I stayed with Cara and Sophia! We had fun being WARM, drinking apple cider and talking...sounds better than a soccer game any day!

There weren't too many people at the game this time, but Philip said it was still fun. He even got a Torpedo scarf as a souvenir!

They are all soccer fans...2 of them just don't know it yet!

Blessings,
Philip, Kara, Adalynn, and Gwen

Lessons

2011-11-04T03:39:00.000-07:00

Sometimes it is hard to study Russian. Sometimes I don't want to study Russian. Sometimes I need to study Russian. With all that said, I try to find some interesting ways to study. The other day we had to memorize another tongue twister, so I memorized it will I was washing the dishes. Philip is really good at pronouncing the words, so he usually helps me. I washed the dishes, looked at the tongue twister, and Philip just repeated it over and over. Sounds like a romantic evening, doesn't it? We are trying to get into our Russian studies each day/evening. Usually when the girls are tucked in bed (around 7pm), we hit the books. Most evenings we try to do this, but sometimes one of us may be gone, we may be out late, or we just need a night to unwind and not think. at. all.
Overall, we really enjoy our Russian tutor, and have found that she has been helpful. She does speak some English which makes explaining things easier.
Thank you for praying for us as we learn Russian. We appreciate it...and need it!

Blessings,
Philip, Kara, Adalynn, and Gwen

Answered Prayers

2011-11-01T03:37:00.000-07:00

Have you been praying for me?!

...because I have been a good sleeper lately...

Thank you for your prayers for Gwen and her lack of sleep. She has been doing well at bedtime lately! She goes to bed at 7pm, and has been staying asleep for those "hard" hours in the early evening. She has been having 1 1/2 to 2 hour naps as well! We are down to 3 naps now, eating rice cereal, carrots, and avocados! When Gwen smiles, she melts our hearts! Oh, what a blessing she is! Now, if she would only sleep THROUGH the night:)!

(Gwen likes the gourd, our neighbor gave us!)

Blessings,
Philip, Kara, Adalynn, and Gwen

Date Night

2011-11-01T00:38:00.000-07:00

While the Nettletons were here this past weekend, they offered to watch the kids so the parents could go out on a date! We decided to "double date" with Brian and Cara and go to one of their favorite restaurants, ШеШ Беш (Shesh Besh). It was quite good, and a fun experience. We had Shash-leek, which is a big Russian food. They are like kabobs, but maybe better! It usually comes on individual plates, but for some reason they decided to give us all our meal on one big plate.

Here, Philip is clearly explaining that we are NOT drinking alcohol of any kind. It is in fact pear juice that tastes like juicy fruit (according to Cara!) or ginger ale.

More pear juice...

Dessert!

We had a fun evening out! Adalynn and Gwen did great for the Nettletons while they babysat!

Blessings,
Philip, Kara, Adalynn, and Gwen

Тыква

2011-11-01T00:32:00.000-07:00

Fall is in full bloom (ok, so the leaves are basically off all the trees and it is threatening snow any day, but it is still fall!) in Russia and we are about to enjoy our first pumpkin or тыква (teekva as it is said in Russian)! Our fellow friend and missionary, Kerry, brought us a pumpkin the other day from a lady at church! We were so excited! She even brought us a Christmas CD so we could really ring in the upcoming holidays! I decided to let Adalynn doing a little decorating before we cook it and make some delicious pumpkin recipes! Thanks, Kerry!

Blessings,
Philip, Kara, Adalynn, and Gwen

Refreshment

2011-10-30T04:38:00.000-07:00

This past weekend we had the priviledge of having our Pastors to Missionaries come spend a few days with the GP Russian field! On Friday they joined us for our weekly team meeting and then we enjoyed a team lunch afterwards. On Saturday, they came to our house for lunch and fellowship. It was good to be encouraged and prayed for by this wonderful couple! On Saturday night they babysat for the girls (just 3 of the 5 missionary little girls) while the parents went out on a date! Fun! And guess what? They survived!
It is great to have our Pastors to Missionaries be able to visit the field. We enjoy the monthly emails, prayers, and encouragement that overflows from these people!

Gwen is getting some love!

They brought Disney stuffed animals and matching t-shirts for all the girls! The adults got chocolate! Yum!

Blessings,
Philip, Kara, Adalynn, and Gwen

Another Fall Day in Russia

2011-10-26T19:50:00.000-07:00

The weather is getting cooler. Yesterday it was about 32 degrees F outside! Brrr. Talk about a cold fall! The leaves are basically done changing color and have mostly fallen from the trees already. Most days are grey and dreary looking outside. Occasionally the day can start off with some sunshine, but turn cloudy by mid day. Sometimes it rains, which makes things even colder. Our apartment is heated now and quite warm. We have these knobs on our heaters that allow us to adjust the heat a little. We did not have these in our last apartment. Instead we just roasted. It is nice to not have to have the windows open all the time just to cool the hot apartment down!

Yesterday we got a package slip. You don't get your package delivered to your mailbox like you do in the States. Instead, you get a slip which you have to fill out and then go to the post office to pick it up. Obviously this would be super simple in the States. You would fill out everything in English, hop in your convenient car, go to the post office, stand in line, be greeted by a smiling post office person, pick up your package, get back in your car, and head home. Here it is slightly different. We had some help filling out our package slip (thanks Brian!) and I wrote it in Russian. Then I got on a 27 bus and headed downtown. Once off the bus I walked a few blocks, accidentally walked in the wrong building, went back outside, and walked further to the building that actually HAD post office written on the outside.

Oops. Anyway, found the office with no problem. There was no line, just a grumpy lady who rolled her eyes when I approached. Nice. I got the package and then also paid a bill there. Did you know we have to pay our bills at the post office or bank? Yes, so unconvenient as well, but oh well, at least I was headed there anyway!

When I got home, there was one happy birthday girl who appreciated my trip to the post office!
Thanks, Grandpa and Grandma Streicher!

Blessings,
Philip, Kara, Adalynn, and Gwen

Need of Wheels

2011-10-24T03:07:00.000-07:00

As you may remember, we will be returning to the States for a short 6 weeks at the end of November due to visa issues. We are excited to use this opportunity to spend time with family during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays! Adalynn has been saying, "Go to America" the last few days. She is anxious to see her Grandmas and Grandpas and aunts, uncles, and cousins!
Because we are going to be traveling to Ohio to visit my family, we are in need of a car or van to use for the month of December ONLY! If you would be willing or able to let us borrow a vehicle for this month, we would greatly appreciate it! Please email us @ pkgormong@gmail.com if you are willing to help us with this need!

These two cute faces could get us a ride if we had to hitch hike, but we would rather not!

Thanks for your support, prayers, giving, and love!

Blessings,
Philip, Kara, Adalynn, and Gwen

Someone has been Busy!

2011-10-24T02:49:00.000-07:00

No, Philip hasn't been busy baking or eating Cinnabon Cinnamon rolls. (This is the only picture I could find of just Philip...the camera was a last thought last week during his class) He has been busy preparing and teaching the Pauline and Epistles at the Bible College. Last Monday was his first night of class. It was a week long intensive, so class went from 6pm-9pm each night and concluded with an afternoon class on Saturday. Philip has spent the last 2 weeks preparing, studying, and outlining each of the Epistles. He would normally get up and go to the coffee shop or the Global Partner office and work all late morning/afternoon. On top of that he had Russian to study for, a small group to prepare for, trash to take out, and paperwork for our residency visas to mess with. It was a really busy week, but the Lord provided him strength and focus. I must say he did have a few late nights. I could tell he was focused because one night I asked him what time it was (it was the middle of the night when Gwen woke up and since we don't have a clock in our room, Philip wears his watch that lights up). Philip didn't respond so I had to nudge him again and ask him. Instead of saying what time it was he said, "1 Timothy 2:4". I thought yikes, he is focused! Even quoting Scripture in his dreams! hahah!
Philip had 6 students in the class. He said he felt like the class went well and was really glad for the experience and opportunity to teach. He had to get used to talking with an interpreter, but he said it also gave him a chance to look down at his notes more! Thank you for your faithful prayers for him and the class.

At break time during the class, they always had tea. It was a nice break for everyone. On Saturday, after the last class, they all ended with tea and Philip practiced his Russian with the students!
Here Adalynn is having a tea party with her favorite stuffed animals!

Did you know that Philip is also meeting with an English group each Thursday? A friend asked Philip to help out another friend who is an English teacher. On Thursdays Philip goes to an English class and speaks "native" English with the Russian students. They are all women, which is slightly funny, but we are hoping to build some relationships through this ministry. Sometime the girls and I will go with Philip!

Blessings,
Philip, Kara, Adalynn, and Gwen

Face to Face

2011-10-18T02:54:00.000-07:00

FaceTime is a great thing...or some may like Skype or Gmail Chat. Whatever it is that can let us talk to friends and family from across the ocean, we appreciate! We use FaceTime often to talk to Mom and Dad Gormong and we use Skype to talk to my family in Ohio each week. The other night Philip and I were trying to wind down our brains from over 2 hours of Russian study, when we decided to FaceTime with our friends the Rambos! The Rambos are currently missionaries in Africa with World Gospel Mission. It was so neat to be able to talk to them (and hear about their news of having another baby on the way---Congrats!)! The Rambos are dear friends from seminary, who we miss a lot!

It is amazing to be able to use technology like we do. Years ago when Philip and his family were on the mission field, there was no FaceTime, Skype, or Gmail Chat. There was just snail mail and probably a few phone calls here and there. We are so blessed to have the internet to be able to stay connected with our family and the Western world. Of course we are orienting our minds to life here, but there is still a part of your heart and mind that longs for the familiar things of the west...FaceTime, Pinterest, Facebook, News websites, and blogs all help us in this department!

Pray for us as we are turning in our residency paper work once again tomorrow. This is the 3rd time for corrections so we are praying this will be the last time. We don't just want to assume that we will be accepted, but we are continuing to trust the Lord for Him to work things out!

Blessings,
Philip, Kara, Adalynn, and Gwen

Pictures!

2011-10-17T10:56:00.000-07:00

Meet: Esther (no, not me, the puppet!)

I guess she wasn't impressed with Esther's performance!

Learning the Bible Verse! John 3:16

The Queen Esthers!

Adalynn was suppose to be making a necklace...but she was too hungry so she ate the "things" to make the necklace!

Blessings,
Philip, Kara, Adalynn, and Gwen

*pictures taken by Cara B.

Sunday Evenings

2011-10-17T03:15:00.000-07:00

Twice a month we get together for a large group gathering (there are usually around 20-25 people). When I saw "we" I am talking about the small groups/house churches that have formed from the leadership team of our church plant--Grace of Christ Church. There are 4 groups meeting or going to be meeting each week. During these groups there is time for fellowship, reading and discussing the Scriptures, and a time for prayer. It is great to meet each week, but it is also nice to get all the groups together as a whole twice a month. During our large group gatherings we have a time of tea and fellowship, singing, prayer, reading of the Word, and communion. I have been teaching the Sunday school lesson to the children during these meetings when the adults start reading the Bible and doing a study. The children get to participate in worship and fellowship, but they are ready for Sunday school when that time arrives!

Last night we talked about Esther and how God answers prayers. We usually have 5 kids all under the age of 7. I did a puppet show with Esther. I forgot how hard it is to tell a story and move the puppet's mouth all while having an interpreter! I think poor Esther's mouth wasn't moving at all the right times...plus one of her eyes fell off and she about lost her hair during her story! Yikes! It was fun though and the girls go to make crowns, scepters, and necklaces. We met in a large room that had a blow up castle jumping thing that the girls got to play in after the lesson. It was pretty fun for all!

Being praying for Philip this week. Tonight starts his class on Pauline Epistles. He is ready and excited to for this experience. He is still busy preparing each day, so pray for strength, wisdom, and clarity of thought as he continues to prepare and teach!

Blessings,
Philip, Kara, Adalynn, and Gwen

наш сосед--Our Neighbor

2011-10-10T03:19:00.000-07:00

So, just a few days ago, I was home alone with the girls. It was evening, and I had just gotten done giving both girls a bath when I heard our door bell ring. (It actually is the sound of birds chirping...weird, I know) The door bell didn't just ring once, it rang twice and then it sounded like someone was just holding in the button. I had to unlock three doors to see who it was. I wasn't ready for what was to come. Mind you, I was standing in my reindeer pj pants and INDIANA t-shirt (could I be more American?!). My neighbor, or I thought it was at this point, started yelling at me. I caught some words she was saying, but I was too flustered to even try to put all the Russian words into sentences in my head. All I know was that she was standing outside our door (the door that goes to our apartment and hers) pointing to the door handle and yelling...in Russian...fast Russian. I told her I only understood a little Russian and I only spoke a little Russian. I don't think she cared because on she went. She must not have seen the cute little 4 month old in my arms or the cute little 2 year old standing at our door in her flannel purple flower pjs. The door handle had broken, but not by me. I wasn't sure how to tell her that I didn't do it. I just said I didn't know and I was sorry. She eventually stopped and just shook her head in frustration and kept talking to herself under her breath. Probably said something like, "Stupid, Americans", but I don't look American so who knows what she was saying! Anyway, the girls and I went quietly back into the house until Philip came home.

The door cannot be opened from the outside unless you leave it just a little opened. It needs to be fixed. We decided just to leave it a little opened because we didn't want our lovely neighbor to be locked out. Yesterday we went out and came back to find the door shut and locked. I thought, "Great, now we have to ring our neighbor to let us in!" We rang her door bell and waited. Out came an old lady chatting on her phone. She unlocked the door and then started talking to us in Russian. We started up a conversation...well as much as we could. It was her daughter that I "met" the other day. This lady lives in the apartment, but had spent the summer at her dacha (summer house...no probably not the kind of summer house you are thinking of). She said all kinds of things to us, only half we could barely understand, but we just stood there and smiled and said what we could. She loved the girls. Later that night we had our leadership team over to our house and she came out to see what was going on...(not uncommon I suppose of some older women). Some of our team members talked to her (they are Russian, so obviously they could communicate with her more clearly). She is really chatty and has an old dog. I mean old! Anyway, she talked about the people who used to live where we are living and how she helped them out and how they just left. It wasn't a good situation I guess. She ended up giving us some veggies from her dacha!
I think our neighbor turned out to be pretty nice...and chatty. Pray for us as we have opportunities to talk her in the coming days and months.

Overcoming Fears

2011-10-08T02:54:00.000-07:00

Well, she has done it! Adalynn overcame her fear of the sand on the playground! Yesterday I went outside with her and Gwen and Adalynn decided to walk by herself to the slide! She did everything herself! I was so proud of her! I have a video to show you, but it is not loading right now so I will have to try again later. The pictures will just have to do for right now! I said, "Good Job" to Adalynn over and over because I was so proud of her for walking on the sand. I heard her saying every time she would walk over to the steps in the sand, "Good Job Adalynn! Good job!"

We have been pretty busy here this past week. The missions team that was here left on Monday. I went in to Moscow with the team to take them to the airport. After that we (Geyla, another team member) went to Ikea and H&M to do some shopping! It was fun! This week Philip has been busy preparing for the class he is teaching in just a few weeks. He feels like he still has a lot of preparing to do, so please pray for him this coming week. In the midst of getting ready for this class, we have been studying and doing Russian homework, getting our small group together to start next Wednesday, going to meetings, being sick, and preparing for our larger group gathering for our church. It has been busy and it seems as though things are going to keep being busy all month! Wheww!
It is actually sunny here today, which is a nice change up from the rain and the cold. Our heat came on a few days ago, so that is also nice. Of course it is warmer out when we don't need the heat now that the heat is actually on! (temperature is around 50 or low 60s) Today is our third day to play outside. I was able to meet a Russian mother along with her daughter and mother. I introduced myself and Adalynn (Gwen was not with me at the time). I saw her again today and waved to her. It is kind of nice "knowing" or recognizing someone. Her name is Yulia. Pray that I will have more interactions with her in the coming weeks.

Thanks for you prayers!
Blessings,
Philip, Kara, Adalynn, and Gwen

2011-10-04T00:34:00.000-07:00

I am so sorry for not blogging lately. It has been a crazy week/weekend. Last Saturday we had a team come from the States to do some ministry. It was a great week! On Friday we had a prayer time with them as a missionary team and then we hosted a Mexican Fiesta luncheon at our apartment! It was so fun to have mexican food! They also brought us a bunch of goodies from the states: cake mixes, muffin liners, stuffed animals for the girls, spices, icing, apple cider, taco seasoning, cds, books, jewelery...you name it! It was super! We feel super blessed by them!

On Saturday, Philip and I went in with the team to Moscow for a day of site seeing! It was our first time as tourist in Moscow, so it was pretty neat! Brian led the team and did the tour guide thing! We left Saturday morning and took the express train, which takes about 2 1/2 hours.

(Train Station in Vladimir leaving for Moscow!)

This train took us straight into Moscow, where we stopped at a Starbucks and then headed to the metro to Red Square. This metro system is one of the deepest in the world. It was originally made for an underground bomb or nuclear shelter for the whole city during WWII (I think or it might be WWI) .

St. Basil's Cathedral

Welcome to Red Square! (That is the Kremlin Wall)

We then walked around the Kremlin Wall and saw the beautiful gardens. We ate lunch at a mall and then headed to Old Arbot Street to do some souvenir shopping! We spent about 2 hours there shopping and drinking more Starbucks Coffee! At 6pm we left on the train to head back to Vladimir. It was raining at this point as we ran to the train. Gwen was pretty tired, wet, and hungry by this time. Overall it was a great trip! I can't wait to do it again!

Russian Ballet takes place here (sorry about the H&M sign right in the way!)

Weather and Potatoes

2011-09-26T10:31:00.000-07:00

Have you wondered if it is snowing in Russia yet? Well, don't worry, it is not...yet. Right now it is cold, but not cold enough for snow. Every day there are clouds...sometimes it rains, sometimes is just looks like it is going to rain. When it rains it seems even colder outside. The heat does not come on (they don't turn it on) until October sometime. Until then people just bundle up inside their apartments or use a space heater. Our apartment has actually not been too bad. We all wear our slippers and have long sleeves, but for the most part it hasn't been cold enough to break out the space heater. At night the girls have to wear their fleece pjs (oops, I only brought 2 for each!) to stay warm. I think it is perfect sleeping weather!
So, yes, it is cold and rainy and grey out most of the time. But today we did see the sun a few times and a little blue sky, which was nice! It is often windy too which adds to the chill in the air. Anyway, I love fall time, so it is great weather for me!!!! As you can tell in the picture above, Adalynn is armed and ready for the rain...her face is priceless!

(We walked down this little alley...)

We tried a new restaurant last Saturday. Well, new to us. Cara took us to get our pictures taken for our residency applications and afterwards we all went to eat at Papa Potato! You basically get a baked potato and get to pick what you want on it...cold salads or stew like soups. It was really good. It was so good I forgot to take a picture of my meal for you. Sorry!

(...and it took us to Papa Potato, which surprisingly looked pretty nice on the outside after walking down that alley!)

Adalynn enjoyed some blini, juice, and potatoes!

Blessings,
Philip, Kara, Adalynn, and Gwen

Russian Tongue Twisters

2011-09-23T09:54:00.000-07:00

Kara's Russian...in tongue twister form!

Blessings,
Philip, Kara, Adalynn, and Gwen

Cultural Encounters Update

2011-09-23T05:09:00.000-07:00

I have been trying to "do" my cultural encounters that I mentioned a few weeks ago. These are goals that Philip and I have made with the help of our field directors to intentionally make connections with people. One of my goals was to go to the market each week and buy fresh fruit and vegetables from the same vender. Last week I went and spoke in Russian while I bought my produce. This week I went back again. The lady recognized me and greeted me happily. She asked me how I was doing and I did the same. I told her that the tomatoes I bought from her were really good. I did pretty good asking for which foods I wanted to buy... (They bag all the fruit and I just tell her how much I want of each)...until the end when I decided to add that I wanted some bananas. She said something to me really fast and I thought she asked if I wanted just one banana. I said, no two. What she really asked me if I wanted 1 bundle of bananas. I said no, I want two...bundles. oops. I guess I will be making banana bread, banana muffins, and banana pancakes (which I just found a great recipe!) for the next few weeks!

Another one of my goals was to go to the local coffee shop and talk with a girl that I had met earlier this winter when we were here before. The girl's name is Allsue (well, that is how you pronounce it, I have no clue at the moment how it is spelled in Russian) and she works at the coffee shop. I was talking with her last year about me working at a coffee shop, Starbucks. Of course she knew what Startbucks was (who wouldn't!) and was interested. I decided to try to build a bridge with that by continuing to go in and talk with her, the best I can, while she is working. Last Friday, we all went in and I introduced her to Gwen, my new daughter I said. I said this all in Russian...then she said something to me in Russian. I got nervous, you know like you are all the sudden hot and sweat starts to gather at the back of your neck kind of nervous. There were a lot of people at the counter and I couldn't translate what she said fast enough in my mind. So, I stumbled over a few words and then said goodbye. Wheww...how is that for making a good impression!

(Here is Gwen enjoying her first time at the Coffee Shop)

At the moment Philip is working out at a local gym. This is one of his cultural encounter goals...to make contacts and build relationships with people at the gym!

Thanks for your prayers as we push forward in our ministries here!

Blessings,
Philip, Kara, Adalynn, and Gwen

Hot Pipes

2011-09-22T00:41:00.000-07:00

We have this odd shaped pipe in our bathroom. You may look at it and think it is a piece of art, a number 9, or that is just looks funny. It actually comes in quite handy! Hot water runs through these pipes causing them to be hot. We hang our towels on them and when you get out of the shower, you have a warm towel! They also serve as a place to hang laundry if you want something to dry a little faster!

We usually keep our towels on them. Lately though it has been colder outside making it colder inside. Therefore our laundry takes a little longer to dry, so I have been using the pipe more for hanging laundry. Sometimes our hot water is shut off for some random reason. (We are on city water unlike in our other apartment where we had a hot water heater in our bathroom.) We can always tell the hot water is out when you touch these pipes and they are cold instead of hot. Just thought this was something interesting that you might enjoy knowing!

Blessings,
Philip, Kara, Adalynn, and Gwen

Behind Closed Doors

2011-09-20T08:25:00.000-07:00

You'll never guess what was going on behind this door the other night during bath time. I had just finished giving Gwen a bath, and it was Adalynn's turn in the big red tub. (We are like the pioneer people, the poor girls use the same water...though I splurge and add more warm water to Adalynn's bath since she is second!) It was a warm"er" day, so our windows had been open and you will never guess what got in...a big, fat fly. Yuck. It happened to fly into the bathroom (tub room) while I was in the midst of washing Adalynn. Somehow we managed to all get in the bathroom with the fly, not on purpose. I was holding Gwen, Adalynn was in the bathtub, and Philip was jumping around trying to swat the fly with a newspaper. Now, this bathroom is a small bathroom...I mean pretty small for all 4 of us, a shower, sink, closet, washing machine, and a big, fat fly. It wasn't working well with all of us in there while Philip was trying to kill the fly. Gwen and I quickly escaped, leaving Adalynn wondering what Philip was doing jumping around. Only a few minutes passed before I heard the victory cry from the bathroom. Obviously the fly had lost.

See, it is not boring around the Gormong apartment! On a side note, Philip was asked to teach a class at the Bible School this fall! He will be teaching a week intensive on Paul's Epistles. He has some preparing to do, but I think he is pretty excited. What a great opportunity! Please be praying for him as he begins to prepare. He will have a translator, but it will still be different teaching in this setting.

Thanks again for always checking up on us! We appreciate your interest, prayers, love, and encouragement!

Blessings,
Philip, Kara, Adalynn, and Gwen

Furniture!

2011-09-19T02:43:00.000-07:00

Saturday we finally got our couch, which means we can actually start playing/sitting in the living room instead of hanging out in the kitchen all the time! The truck was suppose to come on Friday afternoon, but they called (a friend of ours who helped me buy the couch) and said the truck was too full and would not make it to Vladimir that day. So, we waited until Saturday afternoon. The rain stopped just long enough for them to bring the couch to the apartment. We had to pay for delivery. You also have to pay (well, included in the delivery) per floor...we live on the 4th floor so we had to pay X amount of rubles times 4! I kind of thought that was funny. Good thing we don't live on the 10th floor!

Just wanted to show you a few pictures of our new couch, decorated living room, and sweet little girls!

Thanks for your prayers last week as we had a busy week! Philip led the Bible study time at church last night and it went well. There were only 4 kids last night at church for my lesson (2 which were mine!), but it was still fun! We are looking forward to a less busy week!

Blessings,
Philip, Kara, Adalynn, and Gwen

Lessons

2011-09-15T09:06:00.000-07:00

Today we had our first real Russian lesson. It actually went really well! We have a new teacher. She speaks English and is actually an English teacher for children! We are her first students she is teaching Russian instead of English! Philip and I both meet with her for an hour. We did various things today in our lesson. We did some reading, speaking, exercises with grammar, and some dictations. We both feel like it was a good review, and we like how things are structured. Thank you for praying for us! Keep at it because it is going to get harder!

This afternoon the sun peaked out for the first time in a few days. We decided to take the girls out and go to the Central Outdoor Market. I have decided to make it one of my cultural encounter goals to go to the market each week and buy produce from a certain person each time...hopefully building a relationship. We packed up both girls in the strollers and headed out. Of course it looked like rain once we stepped out the door, but it held off for us! The market is about a 10 minute walk from our apartment. On the way there are also people selling produce along the sidewalks. Once inside the market area, we walked around to check things out and then I decided to go the first vendor.
I am assuming they were husband and wife selling their produce. They were really nice. I told them (in Russian) that I only spoke a little Russian and that I wanted to buy good produce. I asked what was good produce. She said the pears were good, so I bought some. I also bought some apples, a tomato, and some peaches. The husband asked if Philip was my husband and where we used to live. I told him we lived in America. He also like the two girls...but of course who wouldn't!? It was good trip and I plan to go back next week to the same people. Keep praying for me as I think of more ways to have conversation with them as I buy their produce.

On a random side note, our water got turned off today...well our area of the city I suppose. They must have been working on something. It was random and when it came on it looked like this:
Lovely, right? We had to run our water to get all the dirty water out...of course it was right at dinner time, but luckily I had just enough clean water in the fridge to make our dinner!

Blessings,
Philip, Kara, Adalynn, and Gwen

p.s. Gwen has been sleeping better! She still has trouble in the early evenings, but has been only waking up once in the night...HUGE blessing and answer to prayers, so THANK YOU for how you have been praying for us!

And So It Begins...

2011-09-12T08:41:00.000-07:00

We have had a busy week here...and another yet to come! Last week our Area Director and his wife (Gwen!) and our General Director from Global Partners came and spent 2 days in Vladimir. They mostly attended meetings, more meetings, and more meetings! It was a whirlwind of a trip for them, but it was good that they came. It was our first time meeting our Area Director, Dennis and his wife, Gwen! We made sure Gwen and baby Gwen had their picture taken together!

We had a good team meeting with the directors! Philip attended the big General Conference held here in Vladimir while our General Director was here. It was a good experience for him.

Saturday was City Day here in Vladimir. They have a parade, folk dancing, fireworks, great food, and lots of other great stuff...that we didn't get to enjoy because of the rain! Instead we had pizza with our field directors and a family from the church planting team. It was a fun night!

On Sunday evening we had our church planting leadership meeting to pray, discuss upcoming events, and talk more about developing our small groups.

Today, I went to Globus with Kerry and did some grocery shopping.

Tomorrow...WE BEGIN LANGUAGE CLASSES! We are meeting with a private tutor who will be coming to our house. She will be doing a tutoring session with each of us twice a week for an hour each. We will also be having a conversational language lesson separately some other time during the week. Not going to lie, I am a bit nervous, but excited to get back into learning. Say a pray for us if you think about it tomorrow!

As we learn more about the culture, Philip and I have both written out intentional culture engagement goals with the help of our field directors. This is a way for us to be accountable to be making intentional steps toward developing relationships. For example, one of my goals is this:

I will go outside on the playground with the girl(s) 3 times a week during times when others are outside.

I will pray before I go out each time and ask the Lord to open doors of conversation and give me opportunities to talk with the same person or specific children
I will ask questions about her/his family and tell about myself in Russian

I will invite her to tea after 4 times of interaction to talk about Russian culture, family, and children

Other examples would be going to the central outdoor market and buying from the same person every week, (Philip) going to the gym and working out while making intentional steps toward building relationships with others, meeting our neighbors...These are just beginning steps we are taking toward relationship building. Say a pray for us as we prayerfully go out each week. This is hard stuff. It is uncomfortable, out of our comfort zones, but this is how relationships are built. Years (yes years) ago when we first started this process of getting to Russia, someone started praying for the people we would come in contact with while we were here. The person prayed that even then, years ago, that those Russians' hearts would start to be softened toward the Lord. It is exciting to think who those people could be. I know that the Lord has a purpose for us at this time to be here in Russia!

Gwen in a car seat on the way home from our friends' house on Sunday night!

Nina, Sophia, and Adalynn sharing hats!

Blessings,
Philip, Kara, Adalynn, and Gwen

Coming to Our Apartment

2011-09-09T02:50:00.000-07:00

If you were here right now I would invite you over for some tea and sweets. It is cold and rainy here today, so a nice cup of Russian tea and banana muffins to share with you would make the day not as dreary. We are blessed to live in a gated area. The apartment building we live in is surrounded by a secured gate. Let me show you how we enter our building every day...and if you want to come visit you will already know the way!

Before you come to the playground you would have to push a button at the outer gate. It would make our little "phone" ring at our apartment. We would pick up, say hello and push a button that would open the gate for you. Then you would walk past this playground...

As you walk up to our building (one of many in the area), you would push our apartment number on this pad and it would again call us at our apartment. We would push the button on our end and of course let you in! For us to get in we have a little green key that we just hold up to the brown square under the speaker in the picture. This automatically opens the door for us so we don't have to call our own apartment.

Then you would enter and walk through the entry way...

...around the corner, up a few stairs...

to the elevator...we are on the 4th floor

Once you get to the fourth floor, you see two doors. You go through our door (each door leads to 2 apartments)...

...and come to where our apartment is. Our door is the first one...(we have not been able to meet our neighbors yet)

You open the first door and again come to another door. This door will lead you to...

Thanks for visiting!

Hope you enjoyed seeing how we get into our apartment. Come visit...or at least pretend. We will hopefully post a video of a personal tour soon!

Blessings,
Philip, Kara, Adalynn, and Gwen

Shopping

2011-09-08T08:34:00.000-07:00

There is a supermarket literally right outside our door. It probably takes me less then 3 minutes to walk to it! It is right outside our gate. I think it is great to have a store so close! (I often find myself going many times during the week!) I really like going to Globus with Kerry, but if I need something quick or forgot to get at Globus it is nice to be able to go next door! I have taken Adalynn a few times to the supermarket next to our apartment. The first time she just rode in her stroller and I bought her a chocolate milk as a treat...side note: did you know you can by milk here in a carton that is not refrigerated until you open it? It can sit on your shelf for months and still be good...end of side note. I found out that in this supermarket (it is rather small...like 3 aisles at Walmart put together) they have little kid shopping carts!
This afternoon after Adalynn's eventful nap (I will elaborate on a later post), I decided to take Adalynn to the supermarket and let her push the cart. She. Loved. It. I tried to help her turn the corners a few times by pulling on the end of cart, but she quickly let me know that she could do it without my help. She stopped the cart, removed my hand from the cart and said, "No, Mommy". I got the point. It was funny to see her try to turn the cart around corners. She had a blast!

Don't worry, she did end up having items in her cart like dish soap, bread, flour, and some candy!

This is me sporting my awesome shopping bag from my friend Melinda! Below you can see it all folded up and small enough to fit nicely in my purse. It opens up to be a big reusable shopping bag! It is great and I love it! I used it every time I go! It is always in my purse! Thanks, Melinda!

Blessings,
Philip, Kara, Adalynn, and Gwen

Treasures from Moscow

2011-09-07T02:43:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was a long day. Not because I was busy, well, ok, so I was kind of busy, but that is not why it was long. Philip left for Moscow yesterday morning for a day of shopping (hey isn't this suppose to be my job!?). He and Brian also picked up some people from the airport. Anyway, I was home with both girls. All. Day. We didn't venture out because it was cold. I also could envision Adalynn having a slight meltdown (which there are more of these days) because she wanted to be held. So we stayed inside. All. Day. We did a variety of things to keep us entertained. I vacuumed and mopped all the tile floors. We picked up toys in all the rooms, made play dough, played with play dough, colored, finger painted, had snacks, and watched Baby Einstein. Needless to say, we still got restless. (Adalynn and I went outside and played this morning to get out of the house). I was glad when Philip arrived home around 10pm last night. Not only was I glad to see him, but he came bearing the rest of our apartment...well, the rest of what will make our apartment look nice and feel like home. It is great to have carpet (rugs) under our toes, curtains hanging on our windows, and for me, a nice cup of decaf Starbucks coffee in hand! I have a good husband, don't I?! Hope you enjoy seeing some of our treasures!

New rug!!!

Living Room before...

In the Process...

With a new rug, lamp, and curtains...just waiting for our couch!

Remember how Gwen didn't have a hat? Well, her daddy was looking our for her! He picked her up a little hat from H&M!

This is where I am sitting right now blogging to you!

I'll post pictures of the girls' darkening room curtains once they are up! I thought you would like to picture us and where we are living!

Blessings,
Philip, Kara, Adalynn, and Gwen

Clothes

2011-09-06T01:17:00.000-07:00

Remember how in Russia we don't have a dryer? Dryers are rare, but I think are getting more popular. I think I would take a dishwasher over a dryer. Anyway, we back to scratchy towels and stretched out jeans (you know how your jeans fit the best after they come out of the dryer? Too bad mine are always loose now...I guess I could make myself think I am just getting skinnier!). Gwen has her complaints about no dryer as well. I put Gwen back in cloth after being here for a couple of days. Thought I would start saving money on diapers as soon as I could! Usually after washing the diapers you dry them and they are clean and oh so soft. Well, we have to air dry (hang on a clothes line) the diapers (prefolds for those of you who cloth diaper) now. These are what they look like...

Do you feel sorry for the little squirt? Below I am holding up the diaper by the bottom and it is so stiff that it stands on its own. Again, poor Gwen's bottom.

I actually think that Gwen doesn't mind or notice. Oh well, I suppose since she is the second child she will just have to learn to be tough:)! She seems happy enough.

I know many of you have been praying for little Gwen's sleeping issues. They are still very much alive. Hopefully she will grow out of it soon. Please continue to pray for this girl and for us as we tweak stuff here and there to help her learn to sleep better at night!

Blessings,
Philip, Kara, Adalynn, and the sleepless and tough little Gwen

Church

2011-09-05T00:03:00.000-07:00

Last night we attended the large group meeting for Grace of Christ Church--the new church plant. We were able to meet all the new people who have been attending the small groups and large church gatherings. It was a good time. We started with tea and fellowship, moved into worship (all in Russian, though we recognized a few songs), a children's message, Bible study, and then communion.
I helped Cara with the children's Sunday school. We were learning about Zacchaeus. I came up with the crafts and activities this week. You might image what our Sunday school may be like, but it is probably not exactly what you imagine. First of all, we have a really small space to have 6 kids and a baby plus 3 adults helping. Then you have a language barrier, and finally you have no curriculum to work around. It was interesting , but lots of fun. The kids flew through the activities! At the end the kids played with play dough and had snacks. We left poor Cara and Brian to clean up their house after church!

Masha, Natasha, and Adalynn making their craft

Adalynn showing Daddy her Sunday School paper

Please continue to pray for Grace of Christ Church as we grow, minister, and reach the lost. The small groups are meeting each week with Bible studies and fellowship. Twice a month we are meeting as a large group for worship and teaching. It is great to be back and encouraging to see how the Lord is growing this new body of believers!

Blessings,
Philip, Kara, Adalynn, Gwen

Rain

2011-09-03T03:04:00.000-07:00

After days of beautiful, warm, and sunny weather, the rain clouds decided to appear and welcome us back to Vladimir. It started raining on Thursday and has ever since. There have been brief moments of sunshine and no rain during each day, which has been nice. I think Philip and I forgot that it rained so much during the fall because we did not bring our umbrellas. Nope, not one of them. Bummer. I ventured out to the market yesterday in hopes of buying a few. I was a little nervous as I walked to the open market. I suppose I was a little nervous that it would all the sudden pour down rain on me and I would have no umbrella, but I was even more nervous to talk to someone about buying an umbrella. You see, this is not Walmart where I can go and pick out an umbrella, and then I can go to self check out and leave without talking to a soul. No, I had to use my broken Russian and actually communicate with people.
I walked to the first open market area and saw lots of meats, cheeses, breads, and clothes for sale. I just walked up and down the aisle at first. I finally spotted someone selling umbrellas, so I walked up and started looking. The lady came over and asked me something and I held up an umbrella and asked if it was a big or small one. She took it from me and opened it. We looked at a few more and then I decided on a plain black one for 350 Rubles (maybe about $12). I wasn't sure if that was a great price or not, but I was glad to just have one. I walked out and went into another area with lots of individual stores. I found some shoe stores, children's clothing stores, homegoods stores, and a place that sold umbrellas. I looked and bought another umbrella and then even bought some rain boots! I talked to the lady and told her I could speak a little Russian and only understood a little Russian. She laughed and said she understood. I didn't think it was that hot in the store, but by the time I left I was sweating...I think it was nerves.

We also got our water filter put in last night at about 7pm. We had been drinking bottled water for about a week. Philip practiced his Russian and had small talk with the man who installed the water filter. I was giving the girls a bath, so I didn't meet him, but it was nice to hear some Russian conversation going on in the kitchen.

This morning we went back to Assumption Cathedral to see it without snow. It was even more beautiful! The girls enjoyed being outside, playing on the playground near by, and eating some pizza at the mall!

Adalynn stood there and pointed to the statue and kept saying, "Wow! Wow!"

A pretty view

Adalynn checking out the scenery

Thanks for your prayers!
Blessings,
Philip, Kara, Adalynn, and Gwen

If You were Here

2011-09-01T08:53:00.000-07:00

A view from our balcony

During the day and often in the evening we love to spend time out on our balcony. The weather is perfect here right now. The last few days, minus today, have been sunny and warm (70s). The evenings have been cool with a nice breeze. Today it rained, but it cooled things off even more. Tonight is a perfect night to sit out on the balcony, watch the neighbors, watch the kids on the playground below, and of course enjoy a cup of coffee...or tea. We wish you were here to join us. Of course, what also makes this night great is that we have the internet back! YES! We hope you are as excited as we are! Hopefully more and more pictures and posts will appear! I don't have the apartment all decorated yet, but a few rooms are getting there, so I thought I would share some pictures with you. We ordered a couch that will come in the next 2 weeks. Philip also gets to go to Moscow on Tuesday with Brian to pick up some people from the airport. Do you know what this means? IKEA trip! We hope to get some rugs, lamps, and curtains! Can't wait!

Adalynn and Gwen's room

Gwen is currently sleeping in our room until she gets her sleeping all figured out...then she can move in with her sister! Can't wait for that either!

I made this flag banner for the girls' room. I love it and it looks so fun and cute in their room!

This is our room. Of course the curtains are very Russian...maybe I'll change them eventually.

Today was the first day of school for the kids here in Russia. It is a holiday called, "The Day of Knowledge." The children dress up and the schools have an opening ceremony outside. It rained this morning, so I am not sure what they did. Our language "school" is going to begin here in a few weeks. We are searching for a language tutor and plan to meet 3-4 times a week. Wheww...bring on the homework!

Blessings,
Philip, Kara, Adalynn, and Gwen

2011-08-30T08:55:00.000-07:00

Welcome to our mess...

It is starting to look like home around here. Starting...not quite. We are almost unpacked. Today I got to go to Globus with Kerry. Globus is the big grocery store. I was able to pick up some trash cans, door mats, food, meat, and of course some Russian candy. It was a good morning. Philip went this afternoon and got our water filter (with the help of Kerry of course) and something to fix our shower head. Tomorrow we are going to go look for a couch. Philip is going with a Russian friend, Natasha. We are excited to finally have somewhere to sit! We have a busy week a head of us as Dr. HC Wilson (director of Global Partners) and our Area Director will be here briefly starting the 6th of September.
The girls are hanging in there. Adalynn's room is not very dark so she has had a hard time taking naps, but today was better. Gwen is another story. That girl. Please be praying for her and us. She has been not sleeping well at all from between 7:30pm-12am. This happened in Terre Haute as well, so I am not blaming the jet lag. That little girl is persistent! Please, please pray that she learns to sleep during this time. It is trying on Philip and I each night as we pray and hope she goes to bed. Last night was a bit rough and there were some tears and homesickness because we were just so frustrated with how Gwen's sleeping has been going. I am not sure what the problem is, so please just pray for that sweet girl and for us. On the upside of things she started laughing today! Adalynn was doing something funny and Gwen just laughed and laughed. Of course Adalynn kept doing it, and Gwen kept laughing. It was funny!
Ok, we get the internet at our house on September 1st, so more to come then!

Philip and Adalynn waiting for the elevator! Yes, we have an elevator! This is GREAT!

Here is a picture of our apartment complex.

Adalynn LOVES the bus! She started doing the motions to the song, "The Wheels on the Bus" as we rode on the bus to the Burke's house one evening!

Thank you for your prayers! The Lord is good!

Blessings,
Philip, Kara, Adalynn, and Gwen

We Arrived!

2011-08-28T07:16:00.000-07:00

We arrived!! First of all, let me say that we have a GREAT and FAITHFUL God. He was surely with us the entire way! The girls did great! We only had a one episode to remember. Gwen fell asleep before we left the Indianapolis airport...she woke up for the last 15 minutes of the flight. Praise the Lord! Adalynn was super...she kept saying, "Adalynn on an airplane!".

Adalynn playing with the ipod, which she NEVER gets to do!

Once we got into Washington DC we found our gate and then decided to get one last burger before we left the States. We found a quite place to enjoy Five Guys Burgers. Gwen fell asleep in the stroller and we all enjoyed a peaceful lunch.

Finally 4pm came around and we boarded our flight. We were all comfortable, Adalynn finally fell asleep and Gwen fell asleep. We were ready for take off. Well apparently the plane was not. There was some light on that had to be cleared by maitenence before we could take off. It took an hour and then after an hour they decided we needed to switch planes. So we all got off the plane, both girls were both awake by now, and went to another gate and waited.
Finally we boarded another plane. Adalynn was hungry and Gwen was tired. Gwen fell asleep and then we sat and waited for another 30 minutes until the flight actually took off. Gwen was awake by now but did pretty good. The story gets better...They started to pass out our dinner...we had three meals, each on a tray, Gwen was crying...hard, and Adalynn was starving. Philip took Gwen into the bathroom where no one could hear her cry and I proceeded to feed Adalynn. Adalynn ate some bites and then all the sudden threw up...everywhere. I kept pushing my stewardess button, but it was broken so I took Adalynn's clothes off (pjs) and took her to the bathroom to wipe her down. Poor girl. She doesn't have a good track record for throwing up on her trips to Russia. Needless to say we had to throw away her cute little cat pjs. That is the end of our eventful trip. We made it safe and sound to Moscow where Kerry picked us up and we made the 3 1/2 hour trip back to Vladimir...it was a LONG ride:)

We don't have the internet at our house until the beginning of September so I will update more then! Thanks again for your prayers, love, and support!

Blessings,

Philip, Kara, Adalynn, and Gwen

Let the Packing Begin..or End

2011-08-21T11:50:00.000-07:00

Well, here is a pile...the packing has begun! Actually my great and wonderful husband has been packing hard for the last couple of days. We have only 1 more bag to pack! I am sure it will be filled with all my last minute things! We are leaving on Wednesday morning and feel like we still have a lot to get organized. We are so thankful that our visas came last week! Now we are just waiting for our FBI criminal background checks. Praise the Lord for helping our visas come in time!

Blessings,
Philip, Kara, Adalynn, and Gwen

Does it look like Philip is tired of packing? Adalynn too?

The New Place

2011-08-17T11:49:00.000-07:00

(the playground!)

I am so sorry we have not been blogging. I suppose you can understand why...a week from today Philip, Adalynn, Gwen, and I will all be walking around the airport in Washington DC, waiting for our 4pm flight.
We want to take a minute and give the Lord praise for his faithfulness and goodness to us. I know many of you have been praying for an apartment for us. Our field director, Cara, had been looking and looking. We kept praying though...and God indeed did answer our prayers...even above and beyond what we asked for. How is it that God exceeds our expectations over and over again, and yet the next time we ask God for something, we can quickly forget how he answered our previous prayer? I want to remember to always thank God and always expect him to do great things through answered prayer! Here is our answered prayer: an amazing apartment! Just a few weeks ago, Cara came upon a wonderful apartment for a great price. She she said when she heard the asking price, she almost didn't want to go look at it because the last place she had looked at this price had not been nice at all. But she went any way. She said from the moment she stepped in the apartment she knew it was a gift from the Lord! How excited are we to know that this particular apartment is a gift from the Lord! How is He going to use us through this apartment? This location?
What makes this apartment so great you ask?

Here is a few reasons:
1. Remodeled--not all the apartments in the area are remodeled. A lot of apartments have problems because they are so old, so we are fortunate to have a remodeled apartment
2. It is a good size Russian apartments! Most apartments are small with only a few rooms. We have two bedrooms (1 for us and 1 for the girls to share), a living room, bathroom, and kitchen!
3. It is in a great location! There is a great playground just behind our building for the girls to enjoy!
4. Great rent price and the landlord seems nice and professional.
5. There is a supermarket right across the street and just blocks away from the open market
6. We are close to our team's office space (Global Partner's office space)

We are so excited and already dreaming about making it our home in just a week! Thank you for your prayers. Don't you agree that our God is pretty amazing? He always knows just what we need.

Living Room

Kitchen--we just got a new fridge go in that corner

One of the bedrooms

Our balcony

Yikes

2011-08-09T19:06:00.001-07:00

So, things are starting to get crazy...well maybe more in my mind, but it is going to start getting crazy messy around the house (sorry Mom and Dad!). We leave 2 weeks from tomorrow. 2 weeks. YIKES. Ask me if we have started packing yet? Nope. No. Nada.
Today we got a call from the people who are working on our visas. Troubles. A few things went wrong. There is too much to write, so I'll just cut to the chase. They are overnighting us some things to fix and then I will overnight them back tomorrow. Please pray with us that things get ironed out.
Next thing on the agenda...Gwen. She has not been doing so great the last couple of days. She has had a really hard time going to bed at night and calming down. Nothing calms her down. She desperately wants to suck on something, but refuses to take a pacifier or suck on her thumb (she is a little young to get the thumb under control and in her mouth). I am trying not to worry about a plane ride in just 2 weeks or a 5 hour layover in the airport with no bed for the girl to nap in. Pray that she does ok and learns to suck on her thumb.
You know, I as I sit here and write and begin to think of all the things I can start to worry about I am reminded of something: My God is GREATER than all these worries. I am amazed as I ask people to pray for us, that people all over are actually lifting us up to the Lord...and in it gets better... our Lord hears and ANSWERS those prayers.
So, if you are praying for us or just said a pray for this mother who has so much on her plate, I want to thank you. A serious heart-felt thank you. I want you to know that those prayers that you have lifted up on our behalf in the past...well they have been answered. Soooo many of them.
Our God is so good. Can I get an Amen?

Blessings,
Kara, Philip, Adalynn, and Gwen

p.s. Did you know we got an apartment?! It is beyond what we even dreamed we could have! God did it again...knocked our socks off with His goodness.

Ordination

2011-08-02T11:10:00.000-07:00

This past Sunday Philip became an ordained minister of the Wesleyan Church. There was a special service held in Paoli, Indiana on Sunday afternoon. Both of our families were able to make it, so it was a very special day. Philip has worked hard toward ordination and we are very proud of him and how the Lord is going to continue to use him in ministry.

Our sweet family of four...heading back to Vladimir in just 3 weeks!

Home...

2011-07-17T19:05:00.000-07:00

Our field directors are currently looking for an apartment for us. This week Cara and Paul (a Russian we work with in Russia) will be going to look at a few places! We are so excited to hear about our future home in Russia. Will you join with us in praying for the right apartment? We are looking for a 2 bedroom apartment which is not easy to come by, so we are told. Please pray for wisdom for Cara as she has to pick one out for us. Also pray for the people (our neighbors) that will surround us in our apartments. We have hopes to get to know our neighbors. Please pray for the right apartment, with the right landlord, and the right neighbors...

Blessings,
Philip, Kara, Adalynn, and Gwen

Reminders

2011-07-14T11:59:00.000-07:00

"Praise to the Lord, Who over all things so wondrously reigneth,
Shelters thee under His wings, yea, so gently sustaineth!
Hast thou not seen how they desires ever have been
Granted in what He ordaineth?"

We went to church on Wednesday night for the first time since Gwen was born. We rushed the kids into the nursery and made our way into the fellowship hall. During the summer, different people have been giving the devotions or scripture challenges for the Wednesday night prayer meetings. I am sorry that I have missed so many of them because I heard they have been really good. Last night, Stan, shared from Psalm 107 and also from the song "Praise to the Lord, The Almighty". I personally was challenged and the Lord spoke to my heart and I thought you might be encouraged/challenged as I share.

Since I was a little girl I dreamed of many things. Obviously I dreamed of one day getting married, having kids, decorating my home, basically living the American dream, right? I mean what little girl doesn't want to live that life? Throughout college as Philip and I dated we prayed and talked about missions. My heart was excited and I was on board with what the Lord had planned for us. We got married, started the process to "become" missionaries, and life seemed like it was all as it was suppose to be. Then we had Adalynn, our first baby. She was (still is) as precious as ever. The mother inside of me wanted to provide for her the way any normal mother wanted to. I was sad I didn't get to decorate a nursery for her and do "normal" mom stuff, but I got over it and knew that my situation was different. I was once again excited as our family of 3 packed and went away to Russia for our first missionary journey together. I knew the Lord had us in His hands, right where He wanted us.
A few months ago we flew back to the States and had our second baby, Gwen. Oh how precious it is to have 2 little girls. Sometimes I look at me holding one girl and Philip holding the other and I am overwhelmed at how good the Lord has been to us, giving us these precious children. Once again, the mother in me, the woman in me, wants to "provide" for my girls, my family. Having 2 children now has made me start to slowly wonder what life would be like in the States. What color would I paint my living room? How would I decorate the girls' rooms? What would life be like with Philip gone all day and the girls and I to be "normal" as we stayed at home, went to the library, grocery shopping, or whatever "normal" moms do...I just started wondering. Then I started to think about all the things I didn't have. Why Lord do I not have my own house? Why Lord do I not do "normal" mom stuff with my girls on my own without feeling like I need help from Philip? Why don't I...Didn't the Lord remember what I dreamed about when I was little? As I started to think these thoughts and started to wonder why I am living the missionary life, the Lord started to speak to me.

"Hast thou not seen how they desires ever have been granted in what He ordaineth?

The Lord has not forgotten about me. I suppose I have forgotten who the Lord is...He loves and cares for me, and has not just placed these desires in my heart to then turn around and make me only dream about them. How foolish I have been to be thinking only about my desires and not trusting the Lord in what He will give me...and when He will fulfill those dreams.
Someone said last night, "We should be praying that the way we live is in such a way that people see Jesus through us". I haven't been praying lately that people would see Jesus in me, I think I have been thinking about how people will view the "Kara" that is in me.

God is good at speaking to us, isn't He? Here I am once again excited to be side by side with my husband and our 2 little girls as we journey forward in what the Lord has in store for our family.

Blessings,
Kara, Philip, Adalynn, and Gwen

Married

2011-07-06T17:51:00.000-07:00

Remember how in Russia they wear their wedding rings on the right hand (ring finger) instead of the left? Well, here is my "Russian" wedding ring! For our anniversary Philip bought me this amazingly beautiful ring from Pandora to represent our marriage in Russia. Now, no one will think I am a single mother of 2 little girls:)!

Prayer Request:
-For our residency applications we need criminal background checks on all of us. Philip, Adalynn, and I all did them back in April when we arrived home. Sometimes these government things take up to 12 weeks, so we wanted to make sure we got them before we had to leave for Russia again. Well, we received the criminal background checks. Bad news though. Mine got rejected...not because I am a criminal, but because my fingerprints didn't get accepted. So, I have to do it again. (Philip has to redo his as well because to be accepted for the residency visas the criminal background checks have to have been done within 90 days and when we return it will have been more than 90 days since our first criminal background check).
Today we went in and got our fingerprints taken again and sent in the paperwork for the criminal background check. We have 7 weeks to get them back (approved), get them notarized, and then apostilled. Like I said before, these things can take up to 12 weeks...we don't have 12 weeks.
Please, please, please pray that we get these documents in a speedy fashion! We know the Lord is on our side, so we are going to continue to trust in Him as we work toward these residency visas and all the paperwork that accompanies them!

Blessings,
Philip, Kara, Adalynn, and Gwen

Moving Forward

2011-06-29T16:53:00.000-07:00

As our August departure draws closer here are a few things we are looking forward to as well as a few things we will miss!

Things we are looking forward to

*Joining our Russian team!

*Seeing friends again
*Our own apartment
*Russian food
*Globus
*Coffee Bean
*Not driving!

Things we are going to miss
*Family
*Indiana sweet corn

*Air conditioning
*Starbucks coffee
*Target
*Our pillows
*Talking to friends and family on the phone whenever we want

Thanks for your support!

Blessings,
Philip, Kara, Adalynn, and Gwen

Russia...Here We Come!

2011-06-27T17:13:00.000-07:00

TICKETS ARE PURCHASED!

We have purchased our return flights to Russia! We are leaving August 24th and are so excited to have a date to look forward to! We are hoping life will have settled down more with a newborn (who will be 3 months when we leave).
We think about our friends and teammates in Russia often. Can't wait to rejoin them in just 2 months!

Please pray for our Letters of Invitations and Visa to come through quickly.

Blessings,
Philip, Kara, Adalynn, and Gwen

Report

2011-06-07T16:55:00.000-07:00

This is a report of our church plant in Russia, Grace of Christ Church:

We praise the Lord for His continued guidance as we launch our new church plant, Grace of Christ Church. We held our first larger worship gathering on June 5 and are in the process of forming a third home group this month. Through the witness of one of our church plant team members, a university student became a follower of Jesus at the end of May! We praise the Lord for His grace and unfailing love towards us.

-from our field directors

Thank you for your faithful prayers for this church plant as we are stateside. We are anxiously awaiting our return to Russia.

Blessings,
Philip, Kara, Adalynn, and Gwen

LIFE

2011-06-05T11:43:00.000-07:00

Are you wondering how we have been? Well, we are surviving...barely! I think I briefly forgot what life was like with a newborn...but I was quickly reminded! Gwen isn't the best sleeper..yet, but we are working on it. For the most part Gwen is pretty content. Adalynn likes to say, "little sister" and "Gwenie bear". Other than those two phrases, I don't think she is much of a fan of her little sister yet. She tolerates her. The funniest thing is when Adalynn will say "little sister, waha waha..."--imitating her crying.

We are getting back into the swing of things. Hopefully our Russian tutoring will start up again here soon. We have enjoyed getting to know Sofya and hope to interact with her more in the coming weeks.
In July we will be visiting Hulman Wesleyan Church here in Terre Haute as well as Mt. Zion Wesleyan in New Castle, Indiana. On July 31st Philip will be ordained in the Wesleyan church at Orleans Wesleyan Church in Orleans, Indiana. We have a busy July ahead of us, but we are looking forward to connecting with supporters and friends! If you are around in July we would love to see you at these churches!

Thanks for your prayers!

Blessings,
Philip, Kara, Adalynn, and Gwen

Welcome!

2011-05-27T17:22:00.000-07:00

Welcome Gwenyvere Priscilla

Big Sister Adalynn!

We are all in love with the newest addition to our family!

Gwenyvere Priscilla arrived on Tuesday morning at 12:14am. She as 7 lb 5oz and 20 inches long. We are so grateful to the Lord for being with us through the labor and delivery! We were able to have a successful VBAC (vaginal birth after c-section)! We, along with many other people, had been praying that we could do this and not end up with a c-section. Even after our doctor only gave us less than a 50% chance of success, the Lord provided a way!

We are all doing well...tired of course. Pray for us in the coming days.

Now that Gwen has been born we are waiting on her ss card and birth certificate. Once we have these items we will submit the paperwork for her passport. Pray that her birth certificate comes quickly!

Thanks for your thoughts and prayers this week!

Blessings,

Philip, Kara, Adalynn, and Gwen

Updates

2011-05-22T11:31:00.000-07:00

No, baby yet. We'll let you know when she arrives! We are trying to wait patiently!

June 6-12th is busy on the Russian field. A team from Indiana Wesleyan University will be coming to help teach an English camp. Also, the Bible College will be hosting Professor Vardaman as he teaches an intensive class on Christian Ethics (He was actually a former missionary to the Russian field!). Please be in prayer with us as these events take place over the next few weeks.

Our church planting team is doing well. They continue to meet each week. They are in the mist of launching 2 home groups. The church's name is Grace of Christ Church. It is exciting that we have a name! Pray for growth, boldness, and effectiveness as the team continues to reach out to the community.

We are still pushing away at language learning here in the States. I guess there isn't anything better to do as we wait for Gwen to arrive! She was due on Friday, so we'll see what this coming week brings! Pray for us!

Blessings,
Philip, Kara, Adalynn, and baby Gwen

Our Friends

2011-05-13T18:43:00.000-07:00

Our dear friends from seminary will be leaving on Sunday, May 15th for Uganda!! They are missionaries through World Gospel Missions. We had a chance to see them briefly a few weeks ago as they passed through Indiana on their way home to New Jersey. Scott has been packing this week as Meg and the boys were saying their goodbyes to family in New Hampshire. We have known Scott and Meg before they became a family of 4. They are so dear to our hearts. They have made this "missionary" journey along side as. Please pray for them as they fly out on Sunday. Check out their blog: ON THE ROAD WITH THE RAMBOS. They have promised to keep it up once they are in Uganda:!
We love you Scott and Meg!

Blessings,
Philip, Kara, Adalynn, and baby Gwen

We are Still Here!

2011-05-13T18:27:00.000-07:00

No baby...yet. Maybe she will come tonight, since I keep saying she isn't here yet:)! We have much to praise the Lord about this week!
We have continued to meet with our language tutor. I met with Sofya on Wednesday and Philip met with her on Thursday. Basically we just had a general conversation in Russian for about 45 minutes, and the we did some work in a book. It is good to get Russian out of our mouths...and have it corrected when needed of course! I was sharing with some people the other night that for some reason I just feel nervous about meeting with Sofya each week. She is a great girl and she doesn't in any way make me feel nervous. It is the whole getting Russian out of my mouth...I think it intimidates me or something. I have been praying that the Lord would help me, and Praise the Lord, He has! This past week went smoothly, and I felt like the conversation went well!
Our church planting team in Russia (consisting of 5 Russians, ourselves, and our field directors) have continued to meet each week. Last week our field directors and another couple from Russia had the opportunity to go to a leadership conference held in Croatia. Many leaders from around the European area came to this conference. The report said that they learned a lot and had a great time. We wish we could have been there with them! We Praise the Lord for His continual work in the church plant!
We are excited to be a part of Mt. Zion Wesleyan's mission team. They decided earlier this year to take us on as supporting missionaries! What a blessing! We will be going in July to reconnect with this church. They recently emailed us and want to provide a luncheon for us as well as a baby shower! How excited and what a blessing to us as second babies don't always get a baby shower! We Praise the Lord for faithful churches who have hearts for the world!
Over the last few months we have had a handful of people who have been supporting us for 2 years...their Faith Promise Commitments were coming to a close. We asked them to pray about continuing partnering with us as we return to Russia in August for the rest of our term. Many if not all of them have renewed their Faith Promises for our TERM or the next year! We Praise the Lord for a faithful believing team! Thank you, Cam and Elisa, Brian and Lisa, Jessica, Ruth, Nathan and Maria, Ron and Karen, Josh and Cassie, Bob and Vivian, and Dan and Cindy!!!
Have you praised the Lord today? Have you taken time to look back through your week and make sure you are giving our awesome God thanks for His grace and goodness? If not, see what He has done for us, and then take time and see what He has/is doing for you!

Blessings,
Philip, Kara, Adalynn, and baby Gwen

(We'll let you know ASAP when Gwen arrives...)

Office Space

2011-05-06T09:09:00.000-07:00

Praise the Lord!

Our Global Partner team found an office space! After months of looking, being disappointed, and coming within days of having an office only to be turned down...we have officially signed for some office space! Our field directors and the others on the field are thrilled to have a place to settle down and make into their "office". Working from home doing financial and administrative things was not ideal, but the Lord did provide!

We want to thank those of you who were faithful in praying for this office space. We are excited to see it when we get back to Russia. We wish we could help move stuff to the new office! We'll make sure we post pictures once we get a chance to see it!

Thanks again, and praise to the LORD for his provision once again!

Blessings,

Philip, Kara, Adalynn, and baby Gwen (who is still not here yet....)

ХРИСТОС ВОСКРЕС!!!

2011-04-26T10:16:00.000-07:00

Did you know that in Russia they celebrate Easter too?! Of course you knew this...in fact someone reminded me last week that all over the world Jesus' name would be proclaimed in some way...what a celebration! We were unable to be in Russia this year to celebrate our Risen Savior with the Russians, but our hearts were united with them just the same!
Easter is the biggest religious holiday celebrated in Russia. There are traditional Easter cakes and other things that go on during this time of year. I do not know all of them, but next year I will be able to share with you from experience what goes on during Easter!

This year we did our own thinking of Russia as we reside here in the States (waiting for baby #2 to arrive). Our fellow missionaries, Jeff and Gelya, gave us some egg decorating wrappers from Russia right before we left! We decided to try them out! It was a lot of fun and the eggs turned out beautifully. I did my best at trying to read the directions in Russian...I think I managed to read the words "cold" and "egg". After that I decided to use the pictures to help me figure out what to do...then after that didn't work, it was trial and error. (I guess you need HOT water to the wrapping to shrink around the egg...I figured that out...eventually!) Anyway, I hope you enjoy the beautiful eggs!

Blessings,

Philip, Kara, Adalynn, and baby Gwen

The different kinds of wrappers we received! Thanks, Jeff and Gelya!

The paper is placed over the egg...like putting the egg in a sleeve

This is how Philip did his eggs...smart...then the wrapping went on straight.

Dip it in the HOT water...I used a spoon to help push the egg into the water

My little dolls were not exactly centered, but oh, well!

My lovely egg...this is a popular, traditional Russian pattern

"He has Risen!"

New Partners!

2011-04-24T11:40:00.000-07:00

We want to take time to thank Mt. Zion Wesleyan for their recent commitment in joining our team! We are encouraged and thankful for their recent Faith Promise! We are so excited to partner with this church and see how the Lord ministers to this congregation through the work in Russia! Last spring we were able to visit this church and share our vision during their missions week. I had a chance to share with their children about Russia...we are so excited for their investment in our lives!

Thank you, Mt. Zion Wesleyan!

Blessings,
Philip, Kara, Adalynn, and baby Gwen

LIFE

2011-04-19T05:32:00.000-07:00

Sunday evening we had a wonderful time sharing about Russia with Faith Wesleyan Church! It was fun to be able to answer questions and share about life in Russia. We had some great helpers who helped act out a Russian folk tale (The Turnip)! I wish I had pictures to share with you, but I didn't get a chance to take any!

Thank you, Faith Wesleyan, for allowing us to share our hearts for Russia!

We feel like life is already picking up after being in the States for a little over 2 1/2 weeks! Last week we returned from visiting family in Ohio. This week begins by catching up with life! We have been to the doctor for the baby twice already.

We are currently working on:

Reading some books to keep up on the Russian culture as well as beginning our Russian tutoring sessions here in Terre Haute. We will be meeting with a Russian student from Indiana State University twice a week. We are looking forward to keeping our language learning going.
We will also be taking time to study on our own each week.
Philip is getting ready to take a class for ordination, so he has a lot of "before" class work (reading and paper writing...yuck!) to get done before the first week of May.
We are keeping up with our supporters---YOU!!!! We hope we can encourage you as we are home for this period of time! We have been able to get together with a few supporters so far and share more of what life is like in Russia!

Thank you for your prayers! Please continue to pray for us as we get ready to transition into life with 2 little ones!

Blessings,
Philip, Kara, Adalynn, and baby Gwen

Travels

2011-04-12T14:36:00.000-07:00

Since arriving in the States we have had our share of "American" food. As you can see from the picture above, Adalynn is thoroughly enjoying the yummy ice cream from Columbus, Ohio! We have been traveling visiting friends and family. Right now we are currently in Ohio visiting with my (Kara's) family. We have been to the zoo, out to eat, the coffee shop where both of my brothers work, out to eat, and we have been playing lots of games! It has been fun! We are headed back to "home" on Thursday.

On Sunday we will be sharing with our home church Faith Wesleyan in Terre Haute, IN about Russia. We are excited to share about our experiences and our growing love for Russia. If you are able to come please join us on
Sunday, April 17th at 6:30pm at Faith Wesleyan Church!
We would love to have you come!

Blessings,
Philip, Kara, Adalynn, and baby Gwen

We Made It!

2011-04-07T17:08:00.000-07:00

We made it! We have been "home" for a little over a week now. Our flights were uneventful and we made it to Indianapolis without any trouble...we even got all of our bags! Praise the Lord! Thanks for your prayers! Adalynn did a great job during the flights. She even got a chance to play with a little Russian girl who shared her toys with Adalynn. As you can see Adalynn was catching up on her Russian reading while on the plane!

Oh, did I mention we got our Starbucks fix a few days ago?!

Blessings,
Philip, Kara, Adalynn, and baby Gwen

Saying Goodbye

2011-03-29T03:15:00.000-07:00

(Adalynn is ready to go...she was walking around the apartment with her hat and my purse saying bye bye)

Today we said our final goodbyes as we prepare to fly out tomorrow morning. We spent the morning with our field directors debriefing from our first phase here in Russia. We enjoyed lunch with them afterward! We are going to miss them!!!!! Adalynn will miss her friend Sophia! Philip went over to the old apartment/Ministry center to help Brian move some things and also to move the rest of our stuff into storage. Tonight we plan on doing the last minute rearranging of bags and hopefully getting to bed early!
We we fly into Washington DC tomorrow (our late Wednesday night) we have to get our bags, go through passport control, recheck our bags, and then go through security again. We don't have a ton of time between flights, so pray for things to go smoothly for us!

We are excited to see many of you this coming weekend! Thank you so much for your prayers and investment in our lives as we transition back "home" for a period of time!

Blessings,
Philip, Kara, Adalynn, and baby Gwen

Russian on Hold

2011-03-24T12:33:00.000-07:00

Today was our last Russian lesson...for now. We met with our Russian tutor twice this week. We had mixed feelings about it being our last lesson for awhile...well, our last lesson here in Russia for awhile. We are sad to have to stop the learning process here, but are kind of glad to not have the pressure in these last few days. We are praying and hoping for a language tutor once we are in the States. We are still waiting to make some contact with some people. If you know of anyone in the Terre Haute area (seriously, not just some Russian you know) please let us know! Here is a picture of our tutor with Philip at the end of my lesson today.

Blessings,
Philip, Kara, Adalynn, and baby Gwen

Russian Blini

2011-03-21T02:11:00.001-07:00

Two nights ago, I tackled making Russian Blini for the first time...by myself. We had this yummy dish at the Whitney's for the first time when we first arrived. Now Geyla is a pretty good cook--and she is Russian, so I wasn't expecting my blini to compare to hers in any way! Geyla had given me her recipe, so I had something to go by.

(Swirling the batter so it is thin and covers the pan)

The blini is like a crepe that you make on the blini pan. After making all the crepes, I took the meat (ground beef browned with onion and seasoning) and put about a tablespoon in each crepe. Then I folded the blini up and browned it in a pan until it was nice and brown and little crispy...yum! It was delicious!

It wasn't too bad for the first go around! I hope some of you are ready to taste it when we return!

Blessings,
Philip, Kara, Adalynn, and baby Gwen

Class

2011-03-19T01:50:00.000-07:00

(Team meeting on Friday with lunch afterward with Blair!)

Over the last week, we have had the privilege of taking a church planting course at the Bible School. Blair is a pastor of a Wesleyan church in Texas. He flew here last Saturday, (when Philip went into Moscow with Brian) and the classes began on Monday evening. Philip had one church planting class during seminary, but I have never taken a class about church planting. The classes ran from 6pm-9pm each night. Philip and I took turns going to class while the other person put Adalynn down for bed. Philip went Monday evening and then got sick, so I went Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evening. (Philip finished out the class by going on Friday and Saturday) I had a great time learning more about vision and the workings of what goes on during a church plant. I also began to feel more of a sense of how important church planting is...everywhere...both here in Russia and in the United States. I learned a lot and really felt the excitement of being on a team that is starting a new church here.
Blair flies home on Monday morning. He is going to be meeting with our new church plant team on Sunday evening. This Sunday is our first Sunday as a "new church". We haven't launched the church yet. We are still in the strategic planning stages, creating a vision for the church as well as bathing the community in prayer.

Thanks for your continual interest in our lives. We have just a little over a week until we are flying back to Indiana for the birth of baby #2! We are packing our things in the midst of classes, meetings, and language tutoring. Funny how your things seem to "grow" once they get out of your suitcase...things never fit back in your suitcase the same way! (don't worry, Mom and Dad G. we aren't bringing back as many suitcases as we brought:)!)

Blessings,
Philip, Kara, Adalynn, and baby Gwen

Baby Gwen

2011-03-16T04:14:00.000-07:00

Are you wondering what this is? I'll give you 3 guesses...have you made your guesses? Well, I am sure you guessed wrong! This picture is of an instrument used to hear a baby's heartbeat. Wow. Let me give you some background to this picture. This morning I went to the "doctor's" for a simple check up to make sure Gwen is good to fly home in a few weeks. I went with an interpreter because I obviously needed someone along to interpret for me!
Many things are about connections around here and about who you know. We connected with someone in our church and she made a call to a doctor friend of hers. So off we went this morning (it was just Tanya and me). We took the bus to where this woman's clinic was located. We (Tanya) asked a few women along the way if we were headed in the right direction. We arrived, checked our coats, got some plastic (they look like shower caps) to put over our shoes, and then sat and waited. We were able to "cut" in line since the doctor was expecting us. The room was her office and then off of the office was the "examining" room. I walked in and I felt like I was at COSI (a science museum for kids in Columbus, OH) looking at a display of doctor's things from years ago! The doctor listened to the heartbeat and felt the baby. She said the baby was little, but everything was good. She also took my blood pressure. That was about it! We were done. It makes me thankful for the resources and doctors we have in the States. I don't think I'll complain about waiting in the waiting room at the doctor's office anymore:)!

Blessings,
Philip, Kara, Adalynn, and a small baby Gwen

Philip's Trip to Moscow

2011-03-14T04:33:00.000-07:00

Saturday morning Philip and Brian left Vladimir at 5:15am for Moscow. They were headed to pick up Blair Ritchey from the airport. He is teaching a church planting class at the Bible school this week. Before picking up Blair, Philip and Brian headed to a supermarket and Starbucks! (Philip did bring me home a bag of Starbuck's Decaf coffee!!! Yum!) After picking up Blair at the airport and eating a quick lunch, they headed to an open market place where they could buy souvenirs. They arrived home around 7pm that evening.
Adalynn and I spent the day helping out at the Yarmarka. Well, helping as much as we could! The sale went well and we got rid of a lot of things. There is still a handful of stuff to find homes for in the next 2 weeks.

Here is an ice skating rink inside the mall!

Philip got some yummy treats at Awah (Ashon). We are enjoying peanut butter, flour tortillas, popcorn, Tabasco sauce, and taco seasoning!

A Russian dish called shashlic.

A look from the mall window of part of the market place

The entrance to the market place.

Shopping

A happy wife and daughter--double cheese burger, fries, and chicken nuggets! I know, I know who gets excited about McDonalds?---someone who hasn't had something like that for awhile!

See you all in 2 weeks!
Blessings,
Philip, Kara, Adalynn, and baby Gwen

Yarmarka

2011-03-11T23:58:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, Friday, our team spent the morning and early afternoon setting up for the yarmarka (yard sale). Kerry has been organizing and heading the sale up. She has done a great job! Today is actually the day of the sale. We have sold a lot of the furniture already! We are hoping to sell a good portion of stuff today. There are kitchen things, bedding, books, videos, DVDs, carpets...you name it! A lot of the items are things from Global Partner past missionaries as well as things that have just collected over the years. If you aren't too busy, you should stop by:)!

Look at my nice organized sheet/bedding section:)

On another note, Philip went to Moscow this morning bright and early! Adalynn woke up this morning and asked for "Daddy". Philip and Brian went to pick up Blair from the airport. Monday will start his classes on Church Planting at the Bible School. Philip and I will be taking turns going in the evening!

Blessings,
Philip, Kara, Adalynn, and baby Gwen

Events

2011-03-09T03:26:00.001-08:00

Another family picture!

Upcoming Events:

*The Tokareva Wesleyan Church is in the process of financially taking over the current building which has been used for years by the Bible College, Church, and Global Partner's offices. Therefore by the end of this month, Global Partners will be finding a new location for their offices. We are fervently praying for new office space. It has been a hard task trying to find somewhere to rent. Please pray for our field director, Brian, as he searches for new space in the next 2 weeks. We are trusting in the Lord to provide the right place! It is hard not to stress out about it as the month of March seems to be flying by! We will be moving out of the current building by April 1st.

*Because of the transition out of the current building, we are having a yamarka (garage sale) on Saturday! We are selling a lot of things including furniture, books, linens...you name it. On Friday, our team will be taking things from the garage and storage rooms and organizing it for the sale on Saturday. We have already sold a handful of items, so that is something to be thankful for!

*Also on Saturday Philip will be joining our field director, Brian for a trip into Moscow. They will be picking up Blair Richey from the airport. Blair will be teaching a week long intensive course on Church Planting at the Bible School. Though Philip has to get up and be ready to leave by 5:15am, I by no means feel sorry for him since I hear there will be a STARBUCKS stop once in Moscow! (Adalynn and Philip are discussing his Starbucks trip on Saturday...Adalynn tends to agree with me...we are jealous)

*In three weeks, yes just THREE, we will be on our way back to the good old state of Indiana in the States. We cannot believe how fast the last 10 weeks have gone. We will be flying "home" for the birth of our 2nd daughter. Gwen is due May 20th, so we will be home in good time to prepare for another life change...1 child to 2! Pray for us as we begin to prepare for yet another transition.

Blessings,
Philip, Kara, Adalynn, and baby Gwen

Church Planting Team

2011-03-07T21:51:00.000-08:00

(Meesha, Andrey and Lena, Natasha, Lena and Volodya, Brian and Cara, and us)

This picture of our new church planting team looks it was taken a century ago, but I promise it was just taken a few nights ago!

We had our second church planting strategic meeting Monday evening. It was and evening filled with good discussion, yummy treats with tea, and a time of prayer. This team of 10 (including us) will be planting another church here in the Vladimir region. Our field directors will be leading the group as we focus toward creating a vision and direction for this new church. There is so much that goes into planting a new church! The evil one is well aware of what a new church will bring. Please be praying for our team members as spiritual warfare is evident. We need unity, strength, humbleness, and boldness as we face the future together. We will continue to meet together each week.

Blessings,
Philip, Kara, Adalynn, and baby Gwen

p.s. Another one of our faithful supporters has renewed their Faith Promise!!!!!! Praise the Lord!

Happy Woman's Day!

2011-03-07T21:43:00.000-08:00

Though she doesn't look thrilled, Adalynn wants to wish you a Happy Woman's Day! It is the second biggest holiday in Russia! It is a day to celebrate women with gifts, flowers, and candy. Sounds pretty good, doesn't it?! We got our Russian tutors gifts and they were both thrilled to receive them! The Russians worked this past Saturday so they could have Monday and Tuesday off to celebrate this holiday with family and friends. Many people will go out to eat, go to a coffee shop, go shopping, or spend time with their families. We are going to Brian and Cara's house for lunch today to "celebrate"! Adalynn and Sophia like to play together as well, so it will be a fun time for all!

Blessings,
Philip, Kara, Adalynn, and baby Gwen

2011-03-07T21:38:00.000-08:00

On Thursday Philip spoke to the youth group at the church. He did a Bible study on Psalm 32. Thank you for your prayers because it went well! Afterward he spent some time with the small groups. After small group time, they had tea...of course! There was an unbeliever who came and Philip and a few other guys were able to spend some time answering some questions he had about the Lord!
Again, thanks for your prayers!

Blessings,
Philip, Kara, Adalynn, and baby Gwen

Prayers

2011-03-02T10:43:00.000-08:00

See this handsome man? Yes, it is my husband who needs your prayers today. Philip is speaking to the youth group tomorrow night (Thursday, March 3rd). He is speaking using an interpreter, so that also throws a new dynamic into things. Will you remember to pray for him? I know that speaking to a crowd can get anyone a little nervous, especially when you are wanting to share what the Lord has put on your heart. I'll let you know how things go! Thanks again for your prayers.

Enjoy some more pictures of Vladimir!

This Vladimir's White House...yes, it is actually called the White House. It is a government building.

You guessed it...yellow snow.

The street...you can kind of see the downtown area if you look really close.

Adalynn enjoying the "warm" sunshine...ok so it really isn't warm enough for Adalynn to go around without gloves, but she kept pulling them off. Stinker.

Church

2011-03-01T05:59:00.000-08:00

Have you been wondering what church services are like here? We are attending the Wesleyan Church here in Vladimir--Tokareva Evangelical Wesleyan Church. There are about 60-70 people who attend. Lucky for us, the church is just across the hall from our apartment, so we don't even have to get bundled up to go to church! (Believe me, this is a good thing!)
Church begins at 10:30am. It begins with the pastor reading a portion of Scripture. Then he prays and invites everyone into a time of fellowship and greeting others. Many people say "Peace and Grace" as they greet people.
Once the greeting time is over we enter into a time of worship in song. Adalynn loves this part. They have drums and guitars, so it is pretty lively. Adalynn likes to bounce around while we are singing...though sometimes the bouncing turns into squirming. We sing about 5 or 6 songs. Of course they are all in Russian, so Philip and I follow along from a song book...trying to read the words in Russian. Surprisingly some of the songs I recognize from "our" worship music from the States. My voice isn't getting better, but I'm thinking reading the words while singing along is going better each week. We feel a part of the worship service for sure.

(The song books have numbers, so we can follow along---they aren't hymns, more contemporary songs)

At the end of worship there is a prayer and the offering is taken. After the offering the pastor says a prayer for the children and then off the children go to classes and the nursery.
Adalynn goes to the nursery. Four of the kids in the nursery are missionary kids, so sometimes one of us stays behind to help if there aren't enough helpers.

(The nursery!)

The message is given at this time. Brian, our field director, has been translating the message for us so we can feel a part of the service. It has been helpful! Recently we have been sitting with some other people who need a translator...so we are kind of sharing the same girl who has been translating!
When the message is over, the pastor and anyone else who has announcements will give them at the close of the service.

Enjoy some of the pictures of the sanctuary and children's nursery.

This is kind of like the foyer. It is where you enter before you go into the sanctuary.

Sanctuary

More nursery...Adalynn LOVES to climb these stairs!

Blessings,
Philip, Kara, Adalynn, and baby Gwen

Lucky Ticket

2011-02-28T10:30:00.001-08:00

Apparently there are some super superstitions that people like to believe here in Vladimir. One of them has to do with bus tickets. Whenever we take a bus or trolley we pay...buses are 12 rubles and trolleys are 11 rubles. Well, when you pay, you get a ticket. I have never really looked at my bus tickets...I just make sure I get one! I remember reading on Kerry's blog (another GP missionary here) about the lucky tickets...well apparently I got one today! I was with Kerry this morning and we were riding the lovely number 8 trolley (which got stuck in the snow for a few minutes). Kerry handed me my ticket and said I had a lucky one. (I think she was being kind by giving me the lucky ticket...maybe she knew I needed something to blog about!) How is this ticket lucky, you ask? Well, if you want to try to figure it out go to Kerry's blog and ready her game about figuring it out. (Scroll down on her page until you see the entry about BUS TICKETS)

(DO NOT read anything under this next picture because I am going to tell you how it is lucky---but please come back and read the rest of the post when you are done being smart!)

You can see that my ticket is lucky because it is blue. Haha, ok just kidding it is not that easy! You have to add the first 3 numbers together (0+7+9=16) and their answer (16) has to match the addition of the last 3 numbers (5+2+9=16)! Lucky, lucky, lucky me!

So, what must I do now that I have a lucky ticket? I have to eat the ticket, yes, eat the ticket and make a wish. Of course my wish is going to to come true! I'll let you know how many tickets I have eaten by the time I return back to the States!

Blessings,
Philip, Lucky Lou Kara, Adalynn, and baby Gwen

More Pictures of Vladimir

2011-02-26T22:03:00.000-08:00

So, it's not the best picture of our family, that's for sure, but we didn't have anyone to take our picture! This is our first family picture in Russia...too bad it isn't better:)! Oh well!

Assumption Cathedral

This cathedral is a very old and was once the main church of Vladimir principality. It has changed a lot in appearance over the years because of various things that have happened such as fires and invasions. When we were there, we saw a couple who had just gotten married. She was in a wedding gown, which was totally dirty by the way since it was dragging on the dirty ground! It looked like it was just family attending, but neat to see anyway! We had fun taking pictures and seeing some more sights of Vladimir. It was pretty chilly, so we didn't stay too long. We headed to the mall and ate some lunch and had some coffee. Then we headed home. It was a fun Friday!

Philip and Adalynn

Russian Culture Video

2011-02-24T03:24:00.001-08:00

Russian Culture

2011-02-24T01:32:00.000-08:00

Philip and I had a great opportunity to experience some of the Russian culture last night! We went with our field directors to a Russian Folk Concert! It was amazing! The people are so talented! It was neat to see the culture/heritage of the Russian people. We dropped Adalynn off at our field director's house where there was a babysitter who watched Adalynn and our field directors' daughter. It was kind of like a double date! We took the bus two stops and went to the theater. After we checked our coats in we headed to the balcony, where our seats were. Great view! The concert was full of singing, dancing, and music by the instrumentalist. We thoroughly enjoyed the evening! I hope you enjoy some of the pictures and short videos (in post above)!

Holiday in Russia

2011-02-23T03:07:00.000-08:00

Today is Defender of the Fatherland Day, or better known as International Men's Day. This holiday is a national holiday, so many people got this day off from work. International Men's Day celebrates people who are serving or were serving in the Russian Armed Forces. Now it is a celebration of men as a whole acting as a counterpart to the national holiday, Woman's Day, which is March 8th.
Well, Adalynn and I celebrated Philip today as the man in our lives! We bought him this cool touristy looking Russian shirt! hahah!!! I knew it was kind of cheesy, but I kind of liked it. It would have been cooler if it had said Russia in actual Russian!

Blessings,
Philip (the man of the day), Kara, Adalynn, and baby Gwen

A Day Out in the Cold

2011-02-19T08:59:00.000-08:00

This building is now a glass blowing museum. I hope we can go one day!

We took this Saturday to be tourist in the city. Ok, not full blown out tourist, but we took some pictures and bought a few souvenirs! It was a fun day though a bit cold. Adalynn fell asleep right away in her stroller, so she was quite good while we were shopping...not a peep! Then we went to the coffee shop and warmed up with a cup a coffee!

The Golden Gate

Philip and Adalynn in front of the Golden Gate. This used to be the gate into the city when Vladimir was the capital.

One of the bus stops...last week we got on a 5 trolley bus instead of the 5 bus. Bad mistake. We were actually coming home from our field directors' house (we had dinner with them that night) so it was about 8:30pm. Well the 5 trolley bus took us to the train station instead of where we thought we were going. We ended up standing in the cold (like -20F or something terrible like that) for a little bit while we waited for a taxi. Philip, my awesome husband, told the driver, in Russian, our address and off we went. Thank goodness for a taxi! I will avoid all number 5 trolley buses.

Adalynn on the trolley on the way home.

Blessings,
Philip, Kara, Adalynn, and baby Gwen

Thank You

2011-02-16T10:49:00.000-08:00

I wanted to take a few minutes to update you on a recent prayer request! Thank you for all of you who have been praying for my leg related to pregnancy issues. It has been feeling A LOT better as of about 3 days ago! I know that the Lord has answered your prayers! I have been doing some research and talking with some nurse friends (thanks Sarah and Danika!) about it and decided that it may be sciatic nerve pain due to little Gwen growing. The pain also I am sure has to do with the more walking I am doing here in Russia as well as with the new shoes I wear. I have been doing some stretches to help. I notice it the most when I get up in the morning because I am a little stiff, but other than that it has been 90% better! Just wanted you to know that our God is still answering our prayers! Thank you for thinking of me and helping me even here in Russia!

Blessings,
Kara
p.s. Sorry no picture included. I didn't think you would want a picture of my leg in association with the post:)!

Valentine's Day

2011-02-16T04:29:00.000-08:00

Brrr! -25 degrees Celsius is -13 Fahrenheit...yikes! It was so cold the other day! We went out with Adalynn and then quickly decided to make our way back inside because it was just too cold! I think everything in my nose froze when I inhaled when we stepped outside!
On a "warmer" note, we enjoyed a Valentine's Day dinner with the young marrieds' group we have been attending. Jeff and Geyla hosted it at their house! It was fun and so enjoyable. We played a "newlywed" game that Jeff and Geyla put together! Philip and I didn't win, but we came in 3rd! Our kids were all at our apartment under the supervision of Geyla's parents---which I might add, made the evening more enjoyable. I think I actually had time to see what I was eating! Thanks, Jeff and Geyla for hosting this dinner! The group just ended the Fireproof Series. They will start meeting again in April (I think). We are sad we won't be able to join them as we head back to the States in April.

Thank your for keeping up with us through the blog! Let us know if you have some questions or things you would like us to write about on the blog! We are always up for some suggestions to keep you all informed!

Blessings,
Philip, Kara, Adalynn, and baby Gwen

A Valentine Day Surprise

2011-02-15T07:30:00.001-08:00

Today we got our first package in the mail! There was a slip of paper that Jeff brought up from the office saying we had a package at the local post office. Philip and Jeff made their way over to the post office in the -20 degrees Celsius weather. We waited until Adalynn woke up from her nap and then we let her open the package. The package is from some of our friends and supporters from Terre Haute! Adalynn was bouncing around...she couldn't wait for me to open the box. Once it was open she dove right in pulling things out one at a time. She loved the cards! She kept holding the purple card from her friend Wesley! Adalynn also got 2 books (which we needed because I am tired of reading the same 5 books over and over!) a stuffed kitty (loves it...she calls it a meow, meow) and a purse! Thanks Joyce, Joy, Ian, Wesley, and Vivian!!!! Gwen and Adalynn LOVED their Valentine treats!

What a blessing from friends back home. Seriously, it was a little bit of home coming to us, and it was a blessing! Thank you!

Sporting the new purse, which she LOVES!

Reading, reading, reading!

An awesome snowflake to hang up!

Cards!

Still carrying around her new purse and kitty!

Blessings,
Philip, Kara, Adalynn, and baby Gwen

p.s.
Did you know we are over 100% funded?! Praise the Lord! Pray as many people in the coming months will be praying about renewing their Faith Promises! If you are one of these people, know we are praying for you and that we need you to continue to invest in our lives!

Happenings

2011-02-09T23:58:00.000-08:00

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

2011-02-07T00:42:00.000-08:00

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...

Lately

2011-02-04T06:27:00.001-08:00

Look at my sweet family! Philip is such a trooper and so is Adalynn! I am so blessed to be here with them by my side. Adalynn brings us joy each day, and Philip is my steady right hand. He has broken out of his comfort zone many times: exchanging money, buying shoes, ordering food...the list goes on.

This is our 3rd full week here. Time has flown! Here are a few ways you can be praying for us!

--Language learning! We had our 3rd session this past week and suddenly I felt a little overwhelmed. Not because I didn't know what was going on, but because it is hard to communicate with our teacher. She is good, but it is just a little bit of an adjustment for us. We are trying to learn new vocabulary each week, kind of on our own.
--Using the language! It is kind of scary to actually talk to Russians in Russian! We need boldness to use what we know because that is the only way we will become comfortable. But let me tell you honestly, it is HARD!
--Patience. Especially with Adalynn these days because she has gotten clingy. Obviously a lot of it has to do with our big transition. We are her security and she just doesn't want us out of her sight. It is hard at times to deal with the whining...I think all you mothers out there know what I mean!
--I have been having a pain up my left leg/thigh lately. It hurts and I am sure it is due to being pregnant and all that lovely stuff, but pray that it goes away.

Thanks for your prayers, support, love, and encouragement. You all are the best team out there!

Blessings,
Philip, Kara, Adalynn, and baby Gwen

We had a chance to enjoy a mocha at a coffee shop in the mall. Funny how they serve the mocha, isn't it? You would think it would come in a big fat mug with whipped cream on top...but instead it is in a glass cup with a straw! The chocolate is delicious...soooo creamy. (Better than Starbucks' chocolate, I have to say!) I am looking forward to a nice hot caramel white chocolate in a big fat mug when we return to the States...but this will due for now!

All our snow! The little pink shed looking thing is the garage. This picture is part of the Ministry Center.

Dinner

2011-02-01T11:07:00.001-08:00

Tonight, after our Russian lesson, we had a lady from church, Natasha, come over and help us cook a Russian meal. We made a Russian salad (grated cheese, chopped tomatoes, and mayo), a beef stroganoff with mushrooms, and mashed potatoes. Of course we ended the evening with tea and sweets!

The Russian salad--the salads here are pretty tasty. A lot of them are coated in mayo or a vinaigrette dressing---with chopped vegetables.

(If you click on the picture you can see that Adalynn is waving at the camera. As you can see she helped out a lot with cooking dinner!)

Philip getting ready to taste a popular Russian drink...(most of the missionaries who have come have NOT liked it)

...and it's not bad!

It actually tasted a little like flat pop, but with bready flavor (it is made with bread flour or bread or something like that!)

Check It Out

2011-01-31T03:10:00.000-08:00

If you want to check out more happenings with our family check our family blog out at

The Gormong Life

Lesson Number 1

2011-01-27T23:02:00.001-08:00

We had our first Russian lesson yesterday afternoon. I would say it went well. Thank you for praying for us as we were a little nervous. Our teacher speaks very little to NO English, so you are just trying to understand what she is telling you. I am soooo thankful for our time in South Carolina with RLM. I would have been 100% lost if we had not had that foundation learning. We will be meeting 2x a week for an hour each--Tuesday and Thursdays from 4-6 (I go and then Philip goes). Thanks again for your prayers!

Blessings,
Philip, Kara, Adalynn, and baby Gwen

A COLD Walk Around the Block

2011-01-26T00:21:00.000-08:00

Brrr!!!

This morning we decided to venture out and take a walk around where we live. It was quite cold out! It was sunny, which was nice, but it also meant it would be really cold. And it was. Adalynn enjoyed her sled and we enjoyed pushing her and not holding her!!

Adalynn and I ready for a walk

Lenin Square...no, not John Lennon...

Spar, where we buy some groceries...just a few minutes from our apartment

Going Home
(the sled handle moves so you can push it either way...it also has a string you can pull it if you want)

Blessings,
Philip, Kara, Adalynn, and baby Gwen

The Good Old Days

2011-01-25T04:28:00.000-08:00

Well, I did our first load of laundry the other day. The washing machine is all in Russian, so Gelya (a team member) showed me how to use it. This machine reminds me of my parents' washing machine...the door locks and you can't put anything else in it once it is shut and started...learned that lesson yesterday. It is pretty simple to use. They use "conditioner", or we would say, fabric softener, because they don't have driers. They line dry everything here. It actually reminds me of my childhood because my mom used to (and still does) hang everything to dry. I was in heaven when I went to college and had my towels put in the drier. They were so soft! Well, back to the hard, scratchy air dried towels! Next time you take a shower and dry off on your soft towels remember us here with hard ones:)!

"Conditioner"

Our lovely towels and clothes hanging to dry

Blessings,
Philip, Kara, Adalynn, and baby Gwen