Another great day with the kids. Gave them their gift bags from their sponsors and friends, took them swimming, and played with them. Team is doing great!

It's been a positive day even tho some of our team have been down with stomach problems. Pray for their healing. More children r opening up to us every day.

URGENT PRAYER REQUEST! 4 team members and 1 translator r down with stomach problems. Pray for healing!

Urgent prayer needs from the mission field: David & Beccy F. are having sinus problems. HopeChest staff are also under the weather: Nick, Boris & Masha. PRAY.

WOW! What an amazing day today. A day of many surprises. I was asked to say a prayer before the concert today. Never before. Kids are listening and responding.

In Sharya--finally. The team is well and eager to see the children tomorrow. Have a full day planned. 3 of 4 translators are new to us. Please pray for them!

We have finally made it to Kostroma! Tired and travel weary but glad for a bed to finally sleep in. DST starts in Russia tomorrow and we lose an hour of sleep.

We've landed in Moscow. Good flight and now we look forward to a long bus ride to Kostroma.

A Schedule That is Subject to Change

Let me share just a quick and short itinerary of our trip so you can be praying for us while we are gone. Keep in mind that we will be 9 hours AHEAD of you.
Saturday, March 27 -- 1:00 pm, Arrive in Moscow and travel by bus to Kostroma for first night.
Sunday, March 28 -- Travel to Sharya by bus.
Monday, March 29 - Thursday, April 1 -- At Sharya orphanage. Each day will be filled with a multitude of activities, events, teaching and relationship building. There are many young children this year so please pray that their little hearts will be touched.
Friday, April 2 -- From Sharya to Kostroma to Moscow by bus. Arrive in Moscow late Friday night.
Saturday, April 3 -- Souvenir shopping, sight-seeing in Moscow. This is a day of decompression for the team. A very necessary day after traveling and being in the orphanage.
Sunday, April 4 -- Up early to catch a plane to return home. Arrive in Houston at 2:00 PM.

The Night Before the Big Day

Can you remember what it was like the night before a really big event in your life? Do you remember the butterflies in your stomach? Do you remember the anxiety, hoping you didn't forget something really important? Do you remember the sleeplessness because of the excitement, anxiety, and every other emotion flooding your psyche?
Now you understand where I'm at right now. Even though this will make my 8th trip to Russia, the night before we leave never fails to give me a panic attack. In fact, I probably will not totally relax until we are on the plane and in the air towards Moscow. For at least the 11 hours we are in flight I don't have any concerns or worries. At least that's the plan.
This team is a veteran team. Everyone has been to the Sharya orphanage at least once before. Suzanne M. has been multiple times. Last year was the first year in many years that she had not been able to go, and she is looking forward to seeing the children again. Kanessa F., Suzette M., Becky C. and Beccy F. have also been multiple times. Sandy F., Michaela F., and David T. have been once before, in 2007.
Thanks for praying for all of our team members.

Be sure to check this blog site for a daily update from the Russia Mission Team during our trip to Sharya orphanage March 26-April 4.