Please be praying!

We could really use your prayers!  Camp begins this Friday and we are in desperate need of some dry weather and sunshine.  It has rained for most of the month of June (I think the high temperature was 72 degrees) and according to the weather forecast it is supposed to rain for the next 10 days ~ not good!  Please be praying for a miraculous turn in the weather.. for clear skies and SUNshine.   Pray for new youth that have never come to camp to attend.

Thank you so much for your love and prayers for our family.  This is such a huge part of our ministry here ~ such a great way to invest in young people's lives.. please be praying!

Happy Father's Day!

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY to my own wonderful Daddy!  Wish you were here to snuggle your grandyoungins and give us a break! :)  

And a very happy Father's Day to this most wonderful Daddy!  The kids had so much fun all week making secret gifts, cards and plans for the day.  As soon as they got up they made James go outside while we made a huge pancake, strawberries & whipped cream breakfast.  Then they blindfolded James, led him inside and surprised him with a crown and a breakfast fit for our King.   You are an amazing Father and we love you Daddy!!

Church was so good today ~ the first part of Ephesians 4.  It was Lena's (below) 21st birthday.  We had so much fun eating cake and celebrating her life.  I couldn't help but think back to exactly 4 years ago.. James met Lena on the street corner passing out invitations to our first summer camp (we had just moved to Nara-Faminsk).  Lena ended up coming to camp ~ the first night she snuck out to go drinking and James almost sent her home.  They talked all afternoon... 9 more days of camp, Lena was a trouble-maker, obnoxious, mean and caused James no end of headaches.  The last night of camp she went forward crying and said she wanted to repent.  The change in her life was so drastic ~ truly a new creature.  Lena had attended a Satanic group, had cuttings all over her body, and by her own admission was one of the 'meanest people alive.'  Now she is 21, recently married to a Christian man, attending the Christian University in Moscow and is actively holding Bible studies in her own apartment during the week.  What pure JOY it is to be involved in people's lives.  To see the changes that come from the Holy Spirit alone.  

May your day be filled with the wonder and enjoyment of your Heavenly Daddy's love for you.

Update time...

We've had quite the busy week.  Out internet server went down for 9 days.. it was a happy day when they finally got that working again.  Two weekends ago there was a terrible car crash ~ seven youth in a tiny Russian car.  Three of the passengers had attended our summer camp last year.  One 16 year old young man was killed and a 17 year old Olga was seriously injured.  Olga broke two vertebras in her spine, broke both arms, one leg and lots of cuts, bruises and blood loss.   She's been told that she will be paralyzed from the waist down.  James has gone to see her several times, the whole situation is just so very tragic.  The young man that was driving is looking at a possible 5 year jail sentence because he did not have a license.  Pray as James is trying to go visit with him in prison.   Also pray for Olga's Mother as James had had several good conversations with her when he goes to visit.

We have started handing out invitations for summer camp.. please be praying.  The weeks of preparation alway seem difficult.  Pray for workers.. especially someone to oversea the cooking (so James doesn't have to do it :).  

It's been unusually cool, but we finally got most of the garden planted... thanks to such great helpers!

David has been reading to Johanna every afternoon before naptime.  I just love watching them interact together ~ they have such similar personalities.  And yes JoJo is *still* very, very attached to her fingers...

Getting back in the swing of things..

Thought I'd update with some pictures.  We worked in the yard/garden all day today and the only muscles that aren't killing me right now are in my fingertips, so at least I can type.  Last week was very cold (38 one morning brrrr), and rained every day, windy, no sun.  We ended up staying in and getting lots of schoolwork done and organizing.  James got back in his routine ~ he has evening Bible studies at either the youth center or somewhere in the city Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and then the Sunday afternoon Bible study at the youth center. 

Our big excitement today was the sun was shining and we took off the training wheels on Caleb's bike!  Talk about a fast learner.. I was so impressed.  There are few things in this world sweeter to watch than a 4 year old riding a *real* bike for the first time! :)

Although I'd have to say a little towhead girl running up to you with a dandelion bouquet yelling 'pick flowers a Mommy!!' is also pretty sweet. :)  I would rather have dandelions from the roadside than roses from a store any day.

Yesterday we took our first walk to the woods ~ the kids loved it and had their special hidden *places* they had to re-visit.  Since coming back Johanna has dragged her stuffed stick horse ev.ery.where.  it's actually about to drive me nuts... but it was hilarious to watch her running through the trees yelling 'gid YUP BACK BOOOTY' 

All the wildflowers were blooming.. just beautiful. 

I just read something that made me laugh.. 'I used to have many theories about raising children, and no children.  Now I have many children and no theories.'  heh!  I can soooo relate.   Anyway, random notes from our lives.  Love to all...

We're back home! :)

Thanks for your prayers!  We had a great trip back.  The kids traveled well, Johanna even slept 6 hours straight.  I should have taken a picture of her, she looked so cute sprawled out on the floor.  Here's a picture of them watching planes in San Antonio.

We arrived Saturday morning to a cool but beautiful day.  Our back yard was carpeted with dandelions and the lilacs were blooming out front ~ Rachel went wild and happily picked huge bouquets.. and then took her beloved dog for a long walk.  Everyone seemed happy to be back home.

Here's a picture from the Sunday afternoon Bible study, when the weather is nice we have it in our backyard.  It was great to see everyone again and hear all the news.  

Update on Grandpa Jack

This picture means the world to me.. doesn't Johanna look the picture of happiness and security?  James' wonderful Dad *Grandpa Jack* was diagnosed 6 years ago with spinocerebellar ataxia.   In laymen's vocabulary part of his brain is shrinking causing him to lose motor and speech abilities. 

It's been very difficult to watch this tall, strong, independent man become confined to a wheelchair and unable to talk.  As I've watched how Grandpa Jack has dealt with and confronted this crippling disease I am always reminded of Habakkuk 3:17 - 19 "Even though the fig tree shall not blossom, or the fruit be in the vines;  the labor of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall  yield no meat;  the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls:  Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation.  The Lord God is my strength, and HE will make my feet like hinds' feet, and HE will make me to walk upon mine high places."  No matter the sadness and disappointments that life has given Grandpa Jack he has faced every.single.battle with a smile on his face, acceptance in his soul and the knowledge that his loving heavenly Father still loves him even though he is suffering.  There is no pity-party going on, just loving acceptance that God will get me through this.  What an example to us all of how to *finish well* the race of life;  to bless God's name no matter what our personal difficulties.   We may be hugging Grandpa Jack's neck for the last time on this earth tomorrow morning.. so please pray for grace and peace in our hearts.  We so wish we could stay and live here for the next year and help out and make life easier for Nana..  but at the same time clearly know that is not God's plan right now for our family ~ our hearts are breaking to be quite honest.

Well we're packed and ready to go.. and about to pack up the computer so I better end.  Pray as we fly out of San Antonio tomorrow morning.  And pray for all those passengers and flight attendants on Flight 46 non-stop from Atlanta to Moscow tomorrow.. :0  they will be the ones needing grace - heh! :)

Thank you for your prayers and love for our family... we can never re-pay the kindness we have been shown by so many the last 3 months.. May God richly repay you.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAVID!

Seven years ago yesterday at a few minutes before midnight a beautiful 8lb little boy was born. The fact that he was a boy was a huge surprise to his parents as the Dr. told them at the ultrasound to expect a little girl... well lo and behold *Hannah Grace* turned out a bit different than planned.   We love to look at his first baby pictures wrapped in an adorable pink outfit and wrapped in a pink blanket.  We didn't even have a name picked out... but the only thought and prayer running through our heart at the moment was "God we beg you, make this baby boy grow up to be a man after God's own heart".. so we decided to name him David.   I can not imagine our lives without this amazing, incredible gift & blessing.  He is the kind, loving, quiet peacemaker of the family.  So loving to his little sister;  and is constantly making me think with all the questions of how something works or why, why why is it that way and not this way. Thank you Father in Heaven for the gift of David's life.  

David's current favori

te activities have been shooting a bow and arrow and exploring every water crossings/creek he can find.

For his birthday we went for lunch to a Mexican restaurant where he got to wear this sombrero and watch Daniel Boone pop out and play Happy Birthday on the violin.. I think he felt special!  Oh and please note his battered shirt.. I almost asked him to change because I knew I'd be taking pictures, but didn't because he LOVES his *soldier shirt*   I think he would happily wear it every single day.

I love these pictures.. for his birthday he received two cap gun pistols with a holster!!  Talk about joy unspeakable! :)   He is quite the 7 year old cowboy.

We love you with all of our hearts David and think you're the greatest thing ever!!!!

Your adoring fan club!

Travel Update.. *sigh*

Well I wrote the update below immediately upon receiving our visas.. I was in a hurry to share the happy news.  When I then called Delta to change the tickets I found out that to fly out anytime the 9th - 15th would cost $4800 more :0   plus we would have to split up as there weren't 6 seats available.   So we have tickets bought and we will be flying out Friday the 16th.  As much as we are enjoying this visit we are very much wanting to be back home.  Thanks for your love and prayers for our family.. 9.more.days.  :)  I guess we just needed to learn a little bit more about being flexible...

HOORAY!! Visas came today!

*BIG SMILE*

Our visas arrived safe & sound... only 5 months after we started the process ~ that's gotta be a record or something! :)  Anyway, we now have a work permit and if everything works according to plan we will be able to stay a whole year without leaving the country.. that's if no new visa laws are passed.  

We are planning to fly out Friday arriving in Russia Saturday the 10th.  I was sorta hoping to be there for the big May 9th celebration; after New Year's Eve this is THE big holiday of the year.   When James called Andrei about getting a van to pick us up at the airport Andrei suggested we wait to arrive the 10th because all the drivers would be drunk on the 9th... sounded like a good plan to us! :)

Thank you for your prayers and now you can rejoice with us!  Also pray as we pack up, clean, and say good-bye.  

Visa Update

Thanks to all who have been praying for us regarding our current visa situation!   God's answer has been to *wait* a bit longer... :)  We've been told the paperwork will leave Moscow on Monday and then it will take a few days to be processed at the Russian Embassy in Houston.  We will have to change our plane tickets, most likely to May 7th.  We are hoping to get back home before the big May 9th holiday weekend.

As disappointed as we were about the cost of changing tickets, we did have some WONDERFUL news yesterday - the sale of the Youth Center is completed!!!  We now are the happy owners and have the right to fix up, change and use the facility however we see fit.  The paperwork has been a looonnggg two years in the making (I should mention that everything takes longer over there!) so we are very happy that God worked out every single detail.  Andrei said the youth are so happy and have been working all week removing trash from the grounds, cleaning, planting flowers, fixing the fence - he said we won't recognize the place when we return.  May God use this little wooden house as a testimony of His character and love... and may many people come to study the Bible.

I ran across an interesting 7 minute video in today's edition of the New York Times titled A crackdown on Russian Protestants.   The video can viewed at www.nytimes.com     and then scroll down to the left hand bottom corner.  (sorry I had a problem with the link.. one day I'll figure out how to do that pretty)

I thought this video did an excellent job of showing how people of Protestant faith are treated like the dreaded *sects* and lumped together with Moonies, Jehovah-Witnesses, Scientology and anyone who is not Orthodox.  Also how they explained that many Russians believe that American Protestants are trying to influence Russians and change them from their Russian Orthodox roots and therefore weaken Russia as a nation.   We need so much wisdom in talking with people and sharing with them why we live and believe what we do and why we have chosen to live in Russia.  And we hope one day people will stop calling James 'James Bond' and believing he works for the CIA. :)  Anyway, if you have 7 minutes it is very informative.

Thanks again for your continued love & prayers!   

Please be praying!

Well we're in need of a miracle!  I know it's always a good thing to be completely dependent on Almighty God to lead, guide, direct and miraculously provide when humanly speaking things just *aren't gonna happen*.   We find ourselves yet again in such a position...

We have plane tickets to return to Moscow next Tuesday the 30th - but we have no visas.  Every day last week James talked with the man getting our work permit.. 'the paperwork will be here tomorrow.'  Well many *tomorrows* came and went and we're still waiting.  This Wednesday is the deadline and if we haven't received it by then we'll have to change our tickets and fly out whenever ?? an extra week, two weeks, months ?? (did I fail to mention I don't like unknows?)  So we wait and pray.  If you think of it we'd appreciate some prayer warriors alongside us :)

In other news... Andrei back in Russia has amazing news reports every time we talk with him.  Andrei was invited (amazing string of events) to teach twice a month in the local public school about "Religion and how to know God".   Some youth that were saved at camp but do not live in Nara-Faminsk have started their own Bible study in their apartments.  Andrei talks with them every week to give them ideas, encouragement etc.  So as much as we are aching to be back home we realize that God will continue to work in people's lives even when we're on this side of the ocean.  Thanks again for your prayers and loving, faithful support for our family.   We are so humbled by all people have done for us in the past 3 months.

What Pastors do when they retire...

YEEEHAAAA!!  After over 40 years of preaching Pap finally gets to take a break and spend a whole week loving on his Grandyoungins... twas bliss!

Caleb even managed to get Gran in on the action

What an incredibly special week.. and what wonderful Grandparents we've been blessed with!

No we did not fall off the face of the earth..

We are alive and well and presently abiding in a wonderful missionary house in Kerrville, Texas (near San Antonio).  We had a good plane ride from Russia and the kids actually traveled fantastic!  (complete miracle so thank you for praying!).    We adjusted to jet lag and settled in and then James' dear Grandfather Virgil Gorden passed away.  We were very thankful we could hold his hand and sing to him that morning before he went to be with Jesus.  Such a precious memory we will hold in our heart;  God was merciful to let us be there and not on the other side of the world.  

After the funeral we began a new family adventure.. called.. the FLU.  You know how you get sick in the winter and think to yourself, 'oh I must have the flu.'   I used to think that.. and then I got the real honest to goodness Texas version of the flu - I have never been so sick in my life!   Made me very, very thankful I rarely get sick! :)

The last few weeks have been quite blissful..  we have accomplished so much in the schooling department - HOORAH!  And have just been loving the sunshine, outdoors, playing in the creeks and warm weather.  I think I have read my Bible more in the past two weeks than all of last year.  (actually I guess that's a confession)  It's seriously been just unreal and exactly what we needed.  Time to think, pray about what God has for our future and the ministry in Nara-Faminsk.  James has often said that the most helpful preparation for the ministry in Russia was the years he worked on the Texas panhandle farm - time to be alone, think, meditate on scripture.   We're just beyond grateful for the past few weeks and the refreshment and encouragement we've received.

In touristy news... we got to visit the Alamo and take a boat ride through downtown San Antonio with dear friends.  Rachel has been riding almost every week with James' cousin's family - wonderful place, better than a petting zoo.  (if you want to see some cute pictures of the kids, go to www.four-mile-farm.blogspot.com and scroll down to February 2nd)  And of course best of all lots of loving on by the Grandparents.  The kids have enjoyed taking their turn to spend the night at Nana & Grandpa's all by themselves.  I cracked up when Caleb returned from his big adventure and the first thing David asked him was .. 'how much sugary stuff did Nana give you????!'   Oh the joys of staying with Grandparents! :)

We have been overjoyed at the reports we're receiving from Andrei back in Nara-Faminsk.  The local school invited him to have a class twice a month!!  Lena & Vitaley (got saved at the first camp we held three years ago) continue to have Bible studies in their apartment.   It's so rewarding to see how people have become more active and taken on more responsibility in our absence.  (hmmm we should leave more often! :)   

Thank you again for your prayers for our family!  Blessings to each of you!  And yes pictures will follow hopefully soon :)

Visa Update

I almost titled this update 'Death by Documentation'. I have decided that the new visa laws have been passed to drive all expats working here on humanitarian visas to the brink of insanity! :0 Seriously you would not believe the amount of documents, apostilles, standing in line to get information we have faced the past two months. In the end when we talked with the man who has done our visas for the past 8 years and told him 'we HAVE to be in Russia this summer for the camps.. how can we do that for sure!!???' He replied 'get out of Russia and come back the end of April.' So that's what we're doing. We'll be leaving January 18th and returning the end of April. We have been very sad about leaving as it almost feels like a self-imposed exile. But at the same time we are very thankful we can help out with James' Dad who needs constant care; and of course can't wait to spend time with Grandparents and other extended family. Please pray as we have a busy week ahead wrapping up lots of loose ends and details (and more paperwork :) Pray for our children to happily adjust to all the changes. There have been lots of tears shed lately about 'who will take care of Snowflake (Rachel's beloved dog) , to 'I don't like living in America.. the milk tastes funny and the keifer tastes strange, and there's no snow!' I had to crack up as I overheard David trying to *encourage* Rachel.. he told her 'but remember the churches in America give you doughnuts and you can wear your shoes INSIDE the houses there..' Quite extraordinary indeed! :) So pray as our family travels that we will know God's peace and presence and be still and know HE is in control of each and every circumstance...

Outreach Update

We were amazed to see how God worked this year! In the past we've been given the names/addresses of about 120 families to give presents/food baskets. The Director of the Social Services has always been cordial to James but not exactly friendly. This year however she repeatedly thanked James and asked him if next year we could do this for all 1,000 families in the entire region. (!!WOW!!) It took most of a week to visit all 160 family. James was especially glad to get to talk and visit with the social worker that went along each day. I could write a small book about all the many adventures James, Rachel, Micah & Megan had... everything from near death by a pack of dogs (James was thankfully alone for this one..) to watching head lice jump around to walking down pitch black staircases and stumbling over passed out drunk people lying on the steps. What they will never forget are the precious, precious children; many with alcoholic parents and all living in poverty. Pray that the Bible verses, booklets and gifts given will soften their hearts to seek after God.

The kids thought it great fun to pack up the gifts - we had an assembly line going for the school supplies, toothpaste, soap etc. David piped up, 'WOW we're working like a factory!!'

Micah thinking 'shwoooo, we're only halfway there!! And next year they want us to do 1,000!!' Thank you Father for giving us this opportunity... may you be glorified.

Merry Russian Christmas!

Well it's Merry Christmas here in Russia today.. no matter how many times I try to explain to David that America uses one calendar and Russia a different one, I don't think it's sunk in.. he keeps asking why Jesus gets two birthdays and everyone else just gets one birthday celebration. :)

We had a beautiful sunny but cold day to celebrate, and our favorite tradition of taking cookies to all our neighbors. Here's Rachel, David & Caleb packing up the boxes of cookies and candy

And here we are walking down our street..

The one downside to this has been that I sometimes wonder if our kids are really learning the truth of 'it's better to give than to receive'. By the time we went up & down our street we had our sled filled with chocolate bars, pickles, and oranges... we have such wonderful neighbors! And had so so much fun getting to visit them - the kids all said this was their favorite part of the holiday celebrations.
Johanna especially loved getting to push the sled.. and her assortment of puppy dogs, horses and lamb.

Saturday night our doorbell rang.. at the door was this precious elderly man Nicolai Igorivich. He is our adopted *Grandfather* and the most amazing 79 year old Russian man I've ever met. The stories he can tell of being a young cook in WWII are just unbelievable. Anyway, he showed up at our doorstep telling the kids that "Ded Moroz" (Father Frost) had come to visit them. He had presents for them and a jar of jelly for us. I wanted to cry as I pictured this dear man standing in live for the bus and traveling well over an hour and then walking the sheet of ice path to our house from the bus stop... all to give us a jar of homemade jelly. Truly the one giving the gift is infinitely more precious than the actual gift. When I scolded him that there was no way he should be traipsing about on such a cold night, he answered, 'but Susanitchka, you are so far away from your parents so I had to take their place tonight. I wanted to make sure you knew you were loved.' Such a priceless memory.. and jelly.. :) We are so blessed...

May you rejoice today and every day as you remember the miracle of God with us.. may all of our lives bring Him glory. And as our tradition we always read this story with the children by Leo Tolstoy - you can read it here http://www.holytrinitynewrochelle.org/tolstoychristmas.html
What a reminder that where love is.. God is..

Wonderful Orphanage program!

Yesterday was the long anticipated program at the area orphanage. (where James teaches a weekly English lesson) I think James, Micah, Megan, Rachel & David and the other 7 youth that performed had as much fun as the children! There has been a young man Anatolli coming to the Bible studies for over a year. He had grown up in this orphanage and told James how special it was to be a part of giving gifts to the children. They did a very funny skit about the *elves* getting ready.. complete with shaving, brushing teeth, styling their hair etc. James said the teachers were laughing harder than the children and really seemed to enjoy the entire program.

Then James and Alona came out dressed as the traditional Father Christmas and Winter Princess. James said he had never done a program before where he sensed God really speaking to hearts as he spoke - He was able to share the entire Gospel from Adam and Eve to redemption through Jesus Christ. Pray for these precious children to personally know Jesus Christ.

Handing out the presents

Micah said she was ready to take this little girl home with her. I so love this picture - the orphanage director had told the children not to open their presents until they got back to their rooms.. but as you can see this little sweetie just couldn't help peeking.

to your left stands Rachel, David, Micah & Megan with a group of boys that wanted their picture taken for Christmas.


Please be praying for James, Andrei, Micah & Megan as we have a very, very busy week ahead. We have the names & addresses of over 100 families given to us by the city Administration. They'll be personally visiting each family and giving them a food basket, Bible and other gifts. Pray that Christ will be glorified here in Nara-Faminsk. And in case I don't get on here again.. Have a WONDERFUL celebration of our Savior's Birth!! Much love to all...

The new teachers in town!

The last two days Micah and Megan have been teaching English classes at the local school. What a fantastic opportunity!! All the classes from 11th grade down to 4th grade. Last night a group of students invited them to the local pizza place.. Micah said two of the youth asked questions for 45 minutes about the Bible, Jesus Christ and what they believed. Tonight one new girl Katya came to the Bible study after Micah & Megan taught in her class. And already most of the classes have said 'we heard about the English camp you did last summer.. we're coming next summer!' Please keep praying as the Christmas/New Year's Holidays are a wonderful time to share with people.

Micah in the center, Megan far right

The FL girls are coming!

****IMPORTANT NOTICE****
Please note the box at the right-hand corner -------->

Instead of having to visit our blog on the internet you can now simply type in your e-mail address and every update will be sent automatically to your e-mail account. How's that for convenient! So PLEASE make sure and type in your e-mail address. (and many thanks to my computer brilliant friend Phyllis for her help!)

Please pray for our dear friends Micah & Megan as they board a plane in just a few hours to fly over and help out with the busy Christmas/New Year's ministries. Pray they have no *adventures* and stay healthy. They are such a huge help & blessings!!

We have very talented children...:)

And since life is all about learning something new.. I was quite amazed this morning to learn that it is possible for a two year old to eat an entire bowl of cream of wheat with a pair of chopsticks. And since I would not have believed it had I not seen with my own two eyes.. here is the pictorial proof...Please note the *stick and lick* technique.
We are studying China right now in school so James stopped at a Chinese restaurant and brought chop sticks home for everyone. If you really want to add entertainment to your evening meal pick up some free chop sticks... it's downright hilarious to watch a 4 year old eat peas with chop sticks... or as he calls them "chop-chops" :)