Victory Day!

Today is May 9th, Victory Day here in Russia.  Today is a day to celebrate all the veterans from WWII.  It is a fun celebrated holiday.  There is a parade (not like you may think like in the States---it is more just cars driving with officials and the people in the services), balloons, flowers, and lots of people.  

 

 

At the end of the speeches given at the Eternal Flame, people come and put flowers by the eternal flame (a flame that is always burning) in memory of those who died.  Or people will find a veteran and give them flowers in honor of their service. 

 

People are lined out along the street ready to sell flowers.

 

Adalynn got a balloon.  Her first balloon from Russia.  I think she is in love.

 

Gwen just chilled and finally fell asleep as we approached home 3 1/2 hours later!

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!

Concert

On Thursday night we were able to go to a Russian folk concert with our fellow missionary, Kerry!  It was a lot of fun and of course the concert was great!   A girl from the other Wesleyan church danced in this concert, so it was fun to see her perform.  

Sorry my pictures aren't the greatest...believe me, my pictures don't do the concert justice!

Blessings,

Philip, Kara, Adalynn, and Gwen

Moscow Trip

I went into Moscow on Wednesday to get Gwen's 6 month immunizations done at the American Medical Clinic.  She did great!  Cara B. went with me.  After the shots in the morning, we had the rest of the afternoon to walk around Moscow, shop, and drink Starbucks before catching the train back to Vladimir at 6pm.  The weather was beautiful!  I even got hot!

 

This is what Gwen did a few times throughout the day, which I was very thankful for!

Around the Kremlin, they were planting flowers galore!  There were rows of white, blue, and red...all for the holiday coming up on the 9th of May!  Here is a picture of the city (all women!) workers who were busy planting the flowers.  

Blessings,

Philip, Kara, Adalynn, and Gwen

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