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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

Changes

I have always loved fall.  It is my absolute favorite time of the year!  Even when I was a teacher and fall meant back to school, I still loved it.  The cool, crisp air, the beautiful leaves, pumpkin spice lattes, apple pies, sweatshirts and layered outfits...fall singled that change was coming.

Fall is definitely here in Russia, but more so the meaning of fall as I have always known it, is present in our lives.  In December, we will be finishing our Internship with Global Partners here in Russia.  Over the past few months we have prayed fervently for direction as we had to decided whether to come back to Russia for another 3 years or end our time after the completion of the internship.  After much intentional prayer and conversations with significant people in our lives, we have decided to officially return to the United States in mid-December.

Ever since we began our journey with Global Partners in overseas missions, we have always been open to the Lord's leading and guidance as he opened doors and remained ever so faithful.  In the 4 years we have been with GP, our family has grown from 2 to 4!  We have flown 6 times internationally with infants, dealt with jet lag to the max, lived in 2 different apartments in Russia, and gone through a summer of intensive language study, yet through all the transition and changes that have taken place in our family, we have always felt the Lord's peace at where we were.  We believe with all our hearts that the Lord called us to Russia for a season, with a great purpose, that we might not even be aware of.  God's leading never leads us down a path of purposelessness...He always has a plan.  

As we transition back to the States in December, we feel a bit overwhelmed with what lies ahead.  We are still wanting to be involved in full-time ministry, wherever that may be.  Right now, we have no idea what that means, where we will be, or how it will work out.  But we do know that the God we serve has shown himself faithful over and over, and we don't doubt a bit that He will guide us and provide for us.  

My prayer as we head back to "American" living, is to never forget the need for Jesus Christ not only in Russia, but all over the world. I don't want to forget the worldview I have gained over the last 2 years of living overseas.  I want to always remember that our western view of everything isn't always the right or best way to do "church" or share the gospel in different parts of the world...culture, history, people...it is all different, the world and people out here do not always think the same way, we as Americans, think.  Yet, all these people were created in the image of God---and the Lord desires for them to know Him personally. 

As we journey through the next 3 months preparing to leave, please pray for us to focus and finish strong. Also pray for us as Philip seeks to find employment in ministry....you can keep your ears open for us!  We are excited for this new season in our lives.  We truly believe it will be a season of fruitfulness and encouragement!

 

Blessings,

Philip, Kara, Adalynn, and Gwen

School!

Our friend, Kerry, bought these for Adalynn today in celebration of her first day of Russian school tomorrow!  Tomorrow evening from 5pm-6, Adalynn will attend a Christian school preschool.  She is only going 1 day a week basically to interact with Russian children and learn Russian!  Her teacher is the lady who babysits often for us, Nastya!  We just love Nastya and Adalynn feels the same!  Nastya has such a gift with children.  She is wonderful and we are so excited to have her as Adalynn's teacher!  It brings so much peace in my heart.  

Say a prayer for little Adalynn tomorrow if you think about it!

Blessings,

Philip, Kara, Adalynn, and Gwen

Istanbul

 We had a great time in Istanbul with our fellow workers from our organization.  This conference is annually, though it was our first time since last year we had just had Gwenyvere in the States.

It was a wonderful time!  We came away refreshed for sure though a little more tired since we had to deal with sleepy, grumpy, children most of the week!  Gwen and Adalynn both were able to get shots from the doctor who came to conference.  Maybe I can blame their grumpies, sudden clinginess, and sleepiness on the shots????  I am not sure how to even describe my feelings the first night as we sang songs in English with a group from our organization.   It was like I knew I was longing for this kind of fellowship and filling, but I didn't realize how badly I needed it until I received it.  I am not sure if that makes sense, but it was pretty powerful for me.  I am so grateful for a week of encouragement!

We stayed in a resort (probably not like what you are imagining, like the ones you may go to in Mexico and such, but it was still really nice...we even had air conditioning...and boy did we need it!).

 

We had an opportunity to go into the city one day and tour the touristy/historical parts of Istanbul!

 Blue Mosque

 Hagia Sophia

 

 Adalynn and Gwen both loved these lion statues that were everywhere in the hotel.  We had to stop and pet them every time we passed them...which was all the time!

We left Saturday morning bright and early.  Gwen threw up from motion sickness on Philip on the way to the airport, Gwen's two lovies were thrown up on, Adalynn lost her blankie, and we got stuck in traffic coming out of Moscow on the way home....so it took extra long to get back to Vladimir from the airport...like 5 hours long.

Thanks for your prayers!  We appreciate you!  

Blessings,

Philip, Kara, Adalynn, and Gwen

Pictures

I updated our village post with pictures!  Go check it out!

VILLAGE POST

Updates

Prayer Requests and Praises have been updated!  So sorry for my lack of posting and keeping you updated!  You can see them by clicking on the tab at the top of the page under the title picture!

Blessings,

the gormongs