St. Petersburg

 Almost 2 weeks ago we traveled by train to St. Petersburg, the "Venice of the North".  St. Petersburg is the center of art and cultural while Moscow would be known to be the center of business.  We debated about going because it is expensive to take the overnight train, pay to stay over night a few nights, and spend money on museums and all the tourist things.  After a few weeks of debating it, we decided to just go for it!  We took both girls and our intern, Katie, came along too for the cultural experience.  We all had a lot of fun!  The night train was an experience, not too bad of one at that.  We got lost at least once...and we were lost for awhile, so that made up for all the times we could have gotten lost in small increments.

We all stayed in a small hostel in walking distance of the main tourist street and attractions.  We enjoyed walking over 10 miles the first day...well, we were enjoying at the time, but the next day our legs felt like lead!

Here are some exciting things we were able to experience.  Sorry I couldn't capture all the Russian we spoke while there!

 The Hermitage and Palace Square

 A building that looked important.  I mean there was a monument about it...

 We ate snacks...

 Took a few stroller naps...

 Saw some magnificent fountains and palaces

Took some boat rides...and worked on strengthening our muscles...

Thank you for your support, prayers, and love.  We are still in the midst of praying and seeking the Lord for direction in our future.  Please be praying for employment opportunities in ministry in the States as our time in Russia draws to a close in a few months.  

Blessings,

Philip, Kara, Adalynn, and Gwen

Lunch at a Hotel

2 weeks ago I was able to spend a wonderful lunch with Anya and Marina.  Both of these ladies own the language club that Philip helps out with each week.  I have been to the park with both ladies quite a few times.  They speak great English, but of course I try to practice my Russian with them.  This last time they told me that it was fun to speak Russian with me!  Are you wondering why my shoes are in the picture?  Well, Russian ladies are ALWAYS wearing heels and fancy shoes...I rarely wear these because I am not a fan of walking around with kids and heels.  To me that is just too much work!  But on this day I decided to put on my "Russian" heels!

For lunch we went to this hotel that overlooked a river.  It was absolutely beautiful.  We sat on the veranda for lunch with a wonderful view.  I didn't even feel like I was in Vladimir, let alone Russia!  We had some tasty food along with some really great conversation.  They both began to ask me about marriage and how to keep it a marriage these days.  I was able to share with them about how the God we serve really helps us in this area.  It was just a small window, but I feel like through talking about marriage I was able to point to the Lord in many areas.  I praise God for this because before I even went to this lunch, I prayed that the Lord would give me opportunity to point to Him sometime during our time together!  

Toward the end of our meal, they asked to read the book "The Five Love Languages" together.  They are really interested in how to learn more about marriage.  I thought this was a good book to start with, but I hope and pray to begin to share with them the truths that Scripture tells us about marriage.

Thank you for your prayers!

Blessings,

Philip, Kara, Adalynn, and Gwen

Suzdal, Russia

 We took Mom and Dad Gormong to the famous town of Suzdal last weekend.  Suzdal is famous for its  old cathedrals and beautiful Orthodox churches. 

Our field directors went with us...they were wonderful tour guides!  It was good to hear the history!

Thanks to Faith Wesleyan Church for the gift of sending Mom and Dad Gormong over for 2 1/2 weeks!  We have thoroughly enjoyed them!  We are sad to say our goodbyes tomorrow morning.

Blessings,

Philip, Kara, Adalynn, and Gwen

Gormong Parents

 Mom and Dad Gormong arrived safely on Tuesday morning!  (top picture...fresh off the airplane!)  On Wednesday, they were able to participate in our final small group before our friend Vika leaves for America.  

The girls are in love all over again with their grandparents!

 On Saturday we went to Bogolyubovo, a town outside of Vladimir.  We went to see this beautiful church, which is in the middle of a big open field.  We went earlier in this spring, but most of the area was still flooded from the rain and melting snow.  This time around, we were able to walk right up to the church and even go in!

(picture above)

This is a monastery we were able to go in and walk around the grounds.  

Pictures above

The beautiful church, Gwen's new best friend---Grandpa, Mom and Dad, Mom and Adalynn taking a rest!

We are having a wonderful time with them!  We head to Moscow on Tuesday---Philip and I as tour guides.  Let's hope we all don't ride the metro all day...and return back to Vladimir:)!

Blessings,

Philip, Kara, Adalynn, and Gwen

Dandelions and Hope

On Tuesday we went outside despite the cooler weather that rolled in with the rain earlier this week.  (It is actually hot and sunny today!)   I decided to try to get some pictures of the girls in the grass.  Well, Gwen was not impressed.  She made this face the whole time...with a little whiny cry to go along with it.  She clung to her little bunny and whimpered.  Gwen wanted nothing to do with grass, flowers, or picture taking!

When I was little I, my mom would put my sister and I on a blanket outside while she hung up the laundry.   We hated the grass, so we never moved from the blanket.  Daughter like mother I suppose!

While we were outside we met a dad and his daughter.  The little girl followed Adalynn around.  They played a little and I made small (what I could) talk with the dad.  The little girl was 1 and 2 months.  Her name was Nastya.  We have a friend who watches the missionary girls on Fridays.  Her name is Nastya too.  When I told Adalynn this little girl's name was Nastya, Adalynn looked at me really funny and said, "No it's not.  It is not Nastya!"  Hahha!

Picking "Russian flowers" as Adalynn calls them.  I am sure Adalynn will be delighted to know that dandelions grow all over the world! 

 

Dr. Jim Lo is here in Vladimir teaching a class at the Bible College.  Dr. Lo was one of Philip and I's professors from Indiana Wesleyan University back in the day.  I was able to go to class last night with the girl Vika from our small group!  It was a great class!  She really enjoyed it!  She has class the next two nights so she won't be able to go again.  She was disappointed about this, but again said how much she enjoyed the lecture.  Dr.  Lo had a great lecture and even shared the way to salvation which was so neat since Vika was there.  Dr. Lo even mentioned some stories from John, which is the book we had been studying together.  Throughout the lecture Vika would say to me, "I remember, we talked about this!"  Please continue to pray for her as she leaves in just a little over a week for the United States for 3 months.

Blessings,

Philip, Kara, Adalynn, and Gwen

Picnic

May 9th is Victory Day here in Russia!  It is a big celebration!  The holiday is from Sunday, May 6th through Wednesday, May 9th. (Russians worked on Saturday to make up for a working day so they can have a longer holiday weekend---more details on this interesting fact later)

Our friend A and her family invited us on a picnic today.  We were not sure what a picnic really involved.  I mean, when you think picnic you probably think a checkered table cloth, sandwiches, and a Frisbee, right?  Well, there were about 15 people at our picnic.  Friends of friends of friends.  It was a lot of fun!  Our friend, A, and her family picked us up and we all drove out to the forest (it was a woodsy area with empty places where you can have fires and camp).  Once we arrived, we waited for the rest of the people to join us. 

Gwen chilled in the baby carrier and the stroller.

 

The girls enjoyed the bubbles...

 

No, they are not playing American football and no, Adalynn is not getting ready to tackle little K!

 

 

When the rest of our group arrived, the barbeque began!  They grilled some sausage things, and we all ate them wrapped in this bread, like tortillas.  You could add some fresh dill, parsley, and green onions if you wanted.  Then there was some volleyball and soccer playing, and some more grilling of pork.  It was delicious!  My friend, A, and I basically watched our girls.  We also went on a walk and played on a blanket and talked.  Another lady there joined us as well because she is going to be a mom this fall.  Adalynn really liked her!  A is really interested in the church so we are excited to have her and her family join us for a service here soon.  

About 3 hours into our picnic, it began to rain and the girls all gathered in the car while it passed.  Then when it stopped, we all got out and ate some more!  Soon we started to hear thunder so we all quickly packed up and headed back to Vladimir. 

It was a good day!  The weather was perfect (besides the rain toward the end!), the girls were super, and Adalynn even went to the bathroom outside for the first time---like a real Russian kid!  We really enjoyed our time today!

 

Can you tell these girls had a good day?  This is a picture of them on the way home!

Blessings,

Philip, Kara, Adalynn, and Gwen

Poor MKs!

Have you ever felt more sorry for a little missionary kid than this?! hahah!!  I knew there was a small hole in her pjs, but I had no idea her toe was sticking out the whole night!  Poor little thing!

 

Blessings,

Philip, Kara, Adalynn, and Gwen

*Disclaimer: We are able to dress our children in decent clothes!

Contacts...Not the Ones You Put in Your Eyes...

Well, the sun is out and spring has arrived in Vladimir!  The last few days we have been outside with light jackets and no winter boats!  The smell of the fresh air is amazing and such a welcoming scent.  I might start hanging my cloths outside on the balcony to dry!

This past week, I was able to go on a walk with a friend!  Philip helps out at an English club once a week on Thursdays.  This lady and her friend started this English club.  I met "A" last fall, but recently have been able to spend some time with her!  Her and her family came to our Easter celebration a few weeks ago.  It was great to meet her family!  She was interested in knowing more about our church!  We met in the park by our house and walked and talked for over an hour.  Then on Friday, she invited me to go shopping with her and her friend.  We went and ate lunch at a restaurant I have never been to before.  I had some traditional Russian salad and a soup made from pickles.  It was actually quite tasty!  Then we hit the mall and bought a few things for our kids...and maybe ourselves!  It was a lot of fun!  On Saturday night, she invited Philip and I to do something with her and her husband.  We quick found a babysitter and ended up enjoying dinner together at a local pizza place.  We all had a very enjoyable time.

Vika is still coming to our small group each week.  It has been nice to be in a regular rhythm of studying the Bible together.  She always asks questions.  She has recently mentioned that her parents are not very thrilled with her coming to read the Bible.  They think it is some kind of sect, which is what probably many older people may think.  But we assured her we are not, and even told her that the Bible we read together (the one she owns) is approved by the Orthodox church...this should put her parents to ease a little.  Anyway, keep praying for her.  She will leave at the end of the month to do a study program in the States.  Pray for Vika as she goes to live on her own in a foreign country.  Pray for her to meet some believers in her area so that she may continue in learning, seeing, and hearing about the Lord.

Tomorrow I will be going with our language tutor to get a free massage!  What?!  I know, right?  I must have the best tutor in the world...oh and the best husband in the world since he will be watching the girls...again:)  I'll let you know how it goes!

Thanks for your prayers for us.  We are continually seeking the Lord as He uses us for his purposes here in Vladimir!

Blessings,

Philip, Kara, Adalynn, and Gwen

p.s.  I mentioned so long ago (back in the fall)  that I met a mom on the playground named Yulia.  I happened to see her yesterday for the first time since returning in January!  I was happy to see her!  We briefly talked about the weather and how nice it was to be outside again.  I have seen her on the playground since, so I am excited to talk more with her.  Please pray for opportunities and boldness.

Warmer

Welcome Spring!  Finally, Vladimir is starting to see some warmer weather!  It was in the mid 60s yesterday and it was oh, so glorious!  The girls and I went with Philip to pay our bills---to the post office.  We weaved in and out of puddles, but mostly just enjoyed the beautiful weather!!!

 

This is what most cars look like these days...dirty.  All the mud, puddles, and rain just give people an excuse to not wash their cars.

This picture was taken outside the post office while we were waiting for Philip.  I thought it was a neat symmetrical picture, though I am not sure what it says, so hopefully it isn't something bad!

Gwen is living it up with no winter snowsuit, a light hat, lounging in the stroller, and a snack.  What a hard life of a 10 month old!

Peek-a-Boo!  In Russian people say, "Coo Coo"

Sister loving!  Adalynn was singing this song, "My best friend, Gwen is my best friend.  My best friend is my sisterrrrrrrrrrr!!!  Gwenie!!!!!!"  It was pretty cute!

Blessings,

Philip, Kara, Adalynn, and Gwen

Grace of Christ's Easter Celebration

We had a great turn out for our Easter outreach with Grace of Christ Church yesterday!  It was a great time of fellowship, food, and sharing of the Word!  We had almost 50 people attend, which was great!  We had many friends join us for this special celebration.  

We enjoyed some Russian food...

Brian shared a short message about the meaning of Easer...

Lena, one of the team leaders on our leadership team, read a poem about Easter.  We also shared in some meaningful worship songs.

The children played a game and did a version of Resurrection Eggs.  Gwen enjoyed the game as you can see!

 

 

Of course the babies were passed around and the children found adults to entertain them!

We had Anya and her family join us, which was really fun!  Anya is the woman who's English Club Philip helps out with each Thursday.  Hopefully this week Anya and I can get together with the kids!  It was great to meet her husband and daughter!

Thanks for your prayers and continual interest and investment in our lives and the ministry here in Russia!

Blessings,

Philip, Kara, Adalynn, and Gwen

Пасxa

Did you know that we have not celebrated Easter here in Russia yet? Actually we did celebrate with our family last weekend, but Russian Easter is this coming week (tomorrow). Easter is the biggest religious holiday here in Russia. Since Russia follows the Julian calendar, Easter falls on a different day than in America.  

Easter is a big and fun celebration for many Russians, both Protestant and Orthodox. They do color eggs here, but the tradition is to use onion skins.  They boil the onion skins and turn the eggs a brownish color.  (see picture of eggs on the plate below)  We opted to use food coloring because I wasn't up to boiling onion skins...this year--maybe next year!  They also sell these cakes that are pretty popular.  Usually they aren't very sweet, but more like bread.  Sometimes there are raisins in them...yuck, um no thank you.  I decided to buy some to try to make...of course I decided to buy the sweet kind!  

They turned out pretty good.  I even read the directions in Russian...but of course double checked everything to make sure I was reading correctly. Basically you just mixed in 2 eggs and 100grams of butter and put them in the oven.  I made some for some friends we will be seeing tomorrow as we celebrate Easter (Пасха).  Of course I tasted it, just to make sure it was worthy of giving as a gift.  No worries, it was!

Our neighbor, who likes to occasionally pound on our door and come right in our house, brought us an Easter cake this afternoon!  We were thrilled to receive the kind gesture.  We chatted in our kitchen for a few minutes.  Adalynn was eating chips (which was actually a treat at the end of her lunch) and our neighbor was telling us how unhealthy they are for kids.  Great, she is probably thinking, "Those fat Americans!"  Hahah!  

As you can see Gwen was all about the hard boiled eggs.  And no, the cake did not fall off the plate despite what the picture may look like!

Христос Воскрес!  Воистину Воскрес! 

(Christ is Risen!  He is risen indeed!)

Above is the greetings you exchange on Easter!  I think I like it better than Happy Easter!

Blessings,

Philip, Kara, Adalynn, and Gwen

Please pray for our outreach tomorrow afternoon!  Our church is having a dinner/tea!  We have invited many people!  Our friend, Anya and her family are coming, so we are really excited to share this special day with them!